Patent Publication Number: US-2023147723-A1

Title: Loading apparatus for deposition mask

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     This application claims priority to and benefits of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0154322 under 35 U.S.C. § 119, filed on Nov. 10, 2021, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO), the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Technical Field 
     Implementations of the disclosure relate generally to a loading apparatus for a deposition mask. Specifically, implementations of the disclosure relate a loading apparatus a deposition mask used in a manufacture of an organic light emitting display device. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     A deposition mask may include a frame and a mask. The mask may define a pattern area. A deposition material may pass through the pattern area to form a component of a display device. A loading apparatus for the deposition mask may load the mask onto the frame. In case that the mask is not loaded flatly on the frame, a defect may occur in the display device, such as the components are not formed at preset positions. 
     SUMMARY 
     Embodiments provide a loading apparatus for a deposition mask with improved reliability. 
     A loading apparatus for a deposition mask may include a clamper that clamps a mask extending in a first direction, and a picker including a first adsorption part, a second adsorption part, and a connection part connected to the first adsorption part and the second adsorption part, and transferring the mask to the clamper. In case that the picker transfers the mask, the first adsorption part may adsorb ends of the mask and the second adsorption part may adsorb a portion between the ends of the mask. The clamper may clamp the mask between the first adsorption part and the second adsorption part. 
     In an embodiment, the clamper may include a lower clamper, and an upper clamper disposed on the lower clamper and including a first groove. 
     In an embodiment, the first groove may be in a lower surface of the upper clamper. 
     In an embodiment, a depth of the first groove may be greater than a height of the first adsorption part. 
     In an embodiment, a width of the first groove may be greater than a width of the first adsorption part. 
     In an embodiment, the picker may transfer the mask between the lower clamper and the upper clamper. 
     In an embodiment, the first adsorption part may be positioned in the first groove. 
     In an embodiment, the second adsorption part may be positioned outside the first groove. 
     In an embodiment, the picker may move in a vertical direction after the picker is separated from the mask. 
     In an embodiment, the first adsorption part may be spaced apart from the upper clamper. 
     In an embodiment, the lower clamper may include a second groove corresponding to the first groove. 
     In an embodiment, the second groove may be in an upper surface of the lower clamper. 
     In an embodiment, the lower clamper may have a shape symmetrical to a shape of the upper clamper. 
     In an embodiment, the first adsorption part and the second adsorption part may adsorb an upper surface of the mask. 
     In an embodiment, the first adsorption part may adsorb the mask using vacuum. 
     In an embodiment, the second adsorption part may adsorb the mask using vacuum or magnetic force. 
     In an embodiment, the first adsorption part may prevent the ends of the mask from sagging. 
     In an embodiment, the second adsorption part may support the mask. 
     In an embodiment, the first adsorption part and the second adsorption part may extend in a second direction intersecting the first direction. 
     Therefore, a loading apparatus for a deposition mask may include a picker and a clamper. The picker may include a first adsorption unit for adsorbing both ends of the mask. Accordingly, the picker may transfer and load the mask in a flat state to the clamper. The clamper may include an upper clamper and a lower clamper. The upper clamper may include a first groove providing a space in which the first adsorption unit is disposed. The lower clamper may have a shape symmetrical to the upper clamper. Accordingly, the clamper may clamp the mask while maintaining a flat state. Because of this, the mask can be welded to the frame in a flat state. Thus, the reliability of the deposition mask loading apparatus may be improved. 
     It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are examples and are intended to provide further explanation of the disclosure. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the disclosure together with the description. 
         FIG.  1    is a schematic plan view illustrating a mask. 
         FIG.  2    is a schematic plan view illustrating a deposition mask including the mask of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  3    is a schematic plan view illustrating a loading apparatus for a deposition mask according to an embodiment. 
         FIG.  4    is a schematic plan view illustrating that a picker included in the loading apparatus of  FIG.  3    has adsorbs a mask. 
         FIGS.  5  and  6    are schematic plan views illustrating that the picker of  FIG.  4    transfers a mask. 
         FIG.  7    is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line I-I′ of  FIG.  4   . 
         FIGS.  8  to  10    are schematic cross-sectional views taken along line II-II′ of  FIG.  5   . 
         FIG.  11    is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line of  FIG.  6   . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
     Illustrative, non-limiting embodiments will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
     When an element, such as a layer, is referred to as being “on,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, connected to, or coupled to the other element or layer or intervening elements or layers may be present. When, however, an element or layer is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers present. To this end, the term “connected” may refer to physical, electrical, and/or fluid connection, with or without intervening elements. 
     Unless otherwise defined or implied herein, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and the disclosure, and should not be interpreted in an ideal or excessively formal sense unless clearly so defined herein. 
       FIG.  1    is a schematic plan view illustrating a mask.  FIG.  2    is a schematic plan view illustrating a deposition mask including the mask of  FIG.  1   . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  1  and  2   , a deposition mask DM may include a frame FR and a mask SM. 
     The frame FR may be disposed on a plane defined by a first direction DR 1  and a second direction DR 2  intersecting the first direction DR 1 . The second direction DR 2  may be perpendicular to the first direction DR 1 . The frame FR may have a rectangular shape. The frame FR may include an opening OP in a center. The frame FR may include a metal. The frame FR may have a thickness (e.g., a predetermined or selected thickness). 
     The mask SM may be disposed on the frame FR. The mask SM may extend in the first direction DR 1 . The mask SM may include a metal. The mask SM may have a relatively thin thickness. For example, the thickness of the mask SM may be smaller than the thickness of the frame FR. The mask SM may include a pattern area PA, a first area A 1 , and a second area A 2 . 
     The pattern area PA may be located in a central portion of the mask SM. The pattern area PA may overlap the opening OP of the frame FR (e.g., in a plan view). The pattern area PA may include patterns P. A deposition material may pass through the patterns P in the pattern area PA. 
     The first area A 1  may be spaced apart from the pattern area PA. The first area A 1  may be located on the side of the mask SM. An end EP of the mask SM may be positioned in the first area A 1 . 
     The second area A 2  may be positioned between the pattern area PA and the first area A 1 . The second area A 2  may overlap the frame FR (e.g., in a plan view). The mask SM may be welded to the frame FR in a welding area H of the second area A 2 . 
     A clamper  300  may be disposed adjacent to the frame FR. The clamper  300  may include a first clamper  310 , a second clamper  320 , a third clamper  330 , and a fourth clamper  340 . Each of the first clamper  310 , the second clamper  320 , the third clamper  330 , and the fourth clamper  340  may clamp (or fasten) the end EP of the mask SM. 
     In case that the clamper  300  clamps the mask SM, the mask SM needs to be flat. In case that the mask SM is not flat, the patterns P may not be arranged at preset positions. Accordingly, a defect may occur in a display device manufactured using the deposition mask DM. For example, the end EP of the mask SM may droop because of gravity. Therefore, while the mask SM is loaded by the clamper  300 , the mask SM needs to be flat. 
     A tensioner  500  may be connected to the clamper  300 . The tensioner  500  may include a first tensioner  510 , a second tensioner  520 , a third tensioner  530 , and a fourth tensioner  540 . The first tensioner  510 , the second tensioner  520 , the third tensioner  530 , and the fourth tensioner  540  may apply a tensile force F to the first clamper  310 , the second clamper  320 , the third clamper  330 , and the fourth clamper  340 , respectively. In case that the clamper  300  clamps the mask SM, the tensioner  500  may apply the tension force F to the clamper  300 , so that the tensioner  500  may tension the mask SM. For example, the first tensioner  510  connected to the first clamper  310  and the third tensioner  530  connected to the third clamper  330  may apply the tension force F in a direction opposite to the first direction DR 1 , and the second tensioner  520  connected to the second clamper  320  and the fourth tensioner  540  connected to the fourth clamper  340  may apply the tension force F in the first direction DR 1 . 
     After the tensioner  500  tensions the mask SM, the mask SM may be attached and may be fixed to the frame FR. For example, the mask SM may be welded to the frame FR. Accordingly, the deposition mask DM may be manufactured. 
       FIG.  3    is a schematic plan view illustrating a loading apparatus for a deposition mask according to an embodiment.  FIG.  4    is a schematic plan view illustrating that a picker included in the loading apparatus of  FIG.  3    has adsorbs a mask.  FIGS.  5  and  6    are schematic plan views illustrating that the picker of  FIG.  4    transfers a mask. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  3  to  6   , a loading apparatus  1000  for the deposition mask according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include a picker  100  and a clamper  300 . 
     The picker  100  may transfer and may load the mask SM to the clamper  300  in a flat state. The clamper  300  may clamp the mask SM in a flat state. This will be described below. 
     The picker  100  may include a first adsorption unit (or first adsorption part)  110 , a second adsorption unit (or second adsorption part)  120 , and a connection unit (or connection part)  130 . 
     The first adsorption unit  110  may be disposed at a position corresponding to the first area A 1  of the mask SM. The first adsorption unit  110  may be disposed at a position corresponding to the end EP of the mask SM. The first adsorption unit  110  may extend in the second direction DR 2 . The first adsorption unit  110  may be provided as a pair. 
     The second adsorption unit  120  may be disposed at a position corresponding to the second area A 2  of the mask SM. The second adsorption unit  120  may be disposed between the pair of first adsorption units  110 . The second adsorption unit  120  may extend in the second direction DR 2 . The second adsorption unit  120  may be provided as a pair. 
     The connection unit  130  may be connected to the first adsorption unit  110  and the second adsorption unit  120 . The connection unit  130  may be provided integrally with (or may be integral with) the first adsorption unit  110  and the second adsorption unit  120 . The connection unit  130  may extend in the first direction DR 1 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  3  and  4   , the first adsorption unit  110  and the second adsorption unit  120  may adsorb the mask SM. The first adsorption unit  110  may adsorb the both ends EP of the mask SM. The second adsorption unit  120  may adsorb between the both ends EP of the mask SM. 
     In an embodiment, the first adsorption unit  110  may adsorb the both ends EP of the mask SM using vacuum (or vacuumization). The first adsorption unit  110  may serve to prevent the both ends EP of the mask SM from sagging. 
     In an embodiment, the second adsorption unit  120  may adsorb the mask SM using vacuum or magnetic force. The second adsorption unit  120  may serve to support the mask SM. 
     An adsorption power of the second adsorption unit  120  may be greater than or equal to an adsorption power of the first adsorption unit  110 . However, the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the adsorption force of the first adsorption unit  110  and the adsorption force of the second adsorption unit  120  may be adjusted to maintain the mask SM in a flat state. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  4  and  5   , the picker  100  may transfer and load the mask SM to the clamper  300 . For example, after the first adsorption unit  110  and the second adsorption unit  120  adsorb the mask SM, the picker  100  may transfer the mask SM. 
     After the mask SM is transferred and loaded to the clamper  300 , the clamper  300  may clamp the mask SM. 
     After the clamper  300  clamps the mask SM, the first adsorption unit  110  and the second adsorption unit  120  may separate and may desorb the mask SM. 
     In case that the first adsorption unit  110  and the second adsorption unit  120  separate and desorb the mask SM, the picker  100  may move in a third direction DR 3  intersecting the plane. The third direction DR 3  may be perpendicular to the plane. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  5  and  6   , the picker  100  may move in a direction parallel to the plane. For example, the picker  100  may move in the second direction DR 2 . 
       FIG.  7    is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line I-I′ of  FIG.  4   . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  4  and  7   , the clamper  300  may include lower clampers  313  and  323  and upper clampers  311  and  321 . 
     The first clamper  310  may include a first lower clamper  313  and a first upper clamper  311  disposed on the first lower clamper  313 . The second clamper  320  may include a second lower clamper  323  and a second upper clamper  321  disposed on the second lower clamper  323 . 
     The first upper clamper  311  may include a first groove  315 . The first groove  315  may be positioned in a central portion of the first upper clamper  311 . The first groove  315  may be formed on a lower surface of the first upper clamper  311 . Although the first groove  315  is shown to have a substantially rectangular shape in cross-section, a cross-sectional shape of the first groove  315  is not limited thereto. The cross-sectional shape of the first groove  315  may be a polygon, a polygon with rounded corners, a circle, a semicircle, etc. 
     The first lower clamper  313  may include a second groove  317 . The second groove  317  may be positioned in a central portion of the first lower clamper  313 . The second groove  317  may be formed on an upper surface of the first lower clamper  313 . The second groove  317  of the first lower clamper  313  may correspond to the first groove  315  of the first upper clamper  311 . For example, a size of the first groove  315  and a size of the second groove  317  may be substantially the same. The first lower clamper  313  may have a shape symmetrical to the first upper clamper  311 . 
     Since the second clamper  320  and the first clamper  310  may have substantially the same structure, a description of the second clamper  320  will be omitted. 
       FIGS.  8  to  10    are schematic cross-sectional views taken along line II-IF of  FIG.  5   . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  5  and  8   , the first adsorption unit  110  and the second adsorption unit  120  may adsorb an upper surface SMU of the mask SM. The first adsorption unit  110  may adsorb the ends (e.g., the both ends) EP of the mask SM. As the first adsorption unit  110  adsorbs the both ends EP of the mask SM, the first adsorption unit  110  may serve to prevent the both ends EP of the mask SM from sagging. Accordingly, the mask SM may be transferred to the clamper  300  in a flat state. Although the first adsorption unit  110  and the second adsorption unit  120  are shown to have a substantially rectangular shape in cross section, the cross-sectional shape of each of the first adsorption unit  110  and the second adsorption unit  120  is not limited thereto. The cross-sectional shape of each of the first adsorption unit  110  and the second adsorption unit  120  may be a polygon, a polygon with rounded corners, a circle, a semicircle, or the like. 
     After the first adsorption unit  110  and the second adsorption unit  120  adsorb the mask SM, the picker  100  may transfer and may load the mask SM to the clamper  300 . The picker  100  may move in a direction parallel to the plane, and the mask SM may be transferred and loaded between the upper clampers  311  and  321  and the lower clampers  313  and  323 . 
     In case that the picker  100  transports and loads the mask SM, the first adsorption unit  110  may overlap the clampers  310  and  320 , and the second adsorption unit  120  may not overlap the clampers  310  and  320 . The first adsorption unit  110  may be positioned in the first groove  315 . The second adsorption unit  120  may be positioned outside the first groove  315 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  5  and  9   , as the upper clampers  311  and  321  and the lower clampers  313  and  323  are closed, the clampers  310  and  320  may clamp the mask SM. The clampers  310  and  320  may clamp the mask SM between the first adsorption unit  110  and the second adsorption unit  120 . The clampers  310  and  320  may contact the mask SM between the first adsorption unit  110  and the second adsorption unit  120 . 
     A depth d of the first grooves  315  and  325  may be greater than a height t of the first adsorption unit  110 . A width w 2  of the first grooves  315  and  325  may be greater than a width w 1  of the first adsorption unit  110 . The first grooves  315  and  325  may provide a space in which the first adsorption unit  110  is disposed. Even in case that the clampers  310  and  320  clamp the mask SM, the first grooves  315  and  325  may provide a space so that the clampers  310  and  320  and the first adsorption unit  110  do not contact each other. 
     Since the upper clampers  311  and  321  include the first grooves  315  and  325 , the upper clampers  311  and  321  may not contact the both ends EP of the mask SM. The upper clampers  311  and  321  may contact the mask SM between the first adsorption unit  110  and the second adsorption unit  120 . 
     The lower clampers  313  and  323  may include second grooves  317  and  327  corresponding to the first grooves  315  and  325 . The second grooves  317  and  327  may be formed on an upper surface of the lower clampers  313  and  323 . The second grooves  317  and  327  may be symmetrical to the first grooves  315  and  325 . The lower clampers  313  and  323  may have a symmetrical shape to the upper clampers  311  and  321 . 
     The lower clampers  313  and  323  have a shape substantially symmetrical to the upper clampers  311  and  321 , so that the lower clampers  313  and  323  may not contact the both ends EP of the mask SM. The lower clampers  313  and  323  may contact the mask SM between the first adsorption unit  110  and the second adsorption unit  120 . Even if the picker  100  transfers and loads the mask SM to the clamper  300  in a flat state, in case that any one of the upper clampers  311  and  321  and the lower clampers  313  and  323  contact the mask SM, the clamper  300  may clamp the mask SM in a non-planar state. The lower clampers  313  and  323  have a substantially symmetrical shape to the upper clampers  311  and  321 , so that the clamper  300  may clamp the mask SM in a flat state. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  5  and  10   , after the picker  100  is separated from and desorbed from the mask SM, the picker  100  may move in a vertical direction (e.g., the third direction DR 3 ). Even in case that the picker  100  separates and desorbs the mask SM, the first adsorption unit  110  may not contact the clampers  310  and  320 . For example, the first adsorption unit  110  may be spaced apart from the upper clampers  311  and  321 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  6  and  11   , in case that the first adsorption unit  110  and the second adsorption unit  120  desorb and separate the mask SM, the picker  100  may move in a direction parallel to the plane. (e.g., in the second direction DR 2 ). The tensioner  500  may tension the mask SM in both directions (e.g., the first direction DR 1  and a direction opposite to the first direction DR 1 ). 
     As the picker  100  transfers and loads the mask SM in a flat state, and the clamper  310  and  320  clamps the mask SM in a flat state, the mask SM may be tensioned and welded in a flat state. Accordingly, the reliability of the deposition mask loading apparatus  1000  may be improved. 
     The above description is an example of technical features of the disclosure, and those skilled in the art to which the disclosure pertains will be able to make various modifications and variations. Therefore, the embodiments of the disclosure described above may be implemented separately or in combination with each other. 
     Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in the disclosure are not intended to limit the technical spirit of the disclosure, but to describe the technical spirit of the disclosure, and the scope of the technical spirit of the disclosure is not limited by these embodiments. The protection scope of the disclosure should be interpreted by the following claims, and it should be interpreted that all technical spirits within the equivalent scope are included in the scope of the disclosure.