JP6114615B2 - Connector fitting device and electronic device inspection method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for facilitating connection work of connectors provided on two substrates.

  The operation inspection is performed in the manufacturing process of the electronic device. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2004-228561 discloses a method for inspecting the operation of a liquid crystal display device. This document proposes a method in which an inspection terminal is formed in advance on a circuit board connected to a transparent substrate, and an inspection signal is input to the liquid crystal display device through the inspection terminal.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-015100

  As an inspection method, there is a method in which a probe connector is connected to a connector provided in an electronic device to be inspected by a fitting device. In general, a connector is formed with a guide for guiding a connector to be fitted to the connector. Therefore, even when there is a shift between the position of the connector of the electronic device and the position of the probe connector, the position shift can be eliminated by the guide. However, in order to eliminate the positional shift between the two connectors, the probe connector needs to be allowed to be displaced. Further, the displacement of the connector for eliminating the positional deviation is also required in the manufacturing process of the electronic device in which the two connectors used in the electronic device are fitted.

  One of the objects of the present invention is to provide a connector fitting device that allows connector displacement with a simple structure, and an electronic device inspection method that can easily allow connector displacement.

  The connector fitting device according to the present invention includes a first support member for supporting at least a portion of the inspection target device provided with the connector, a mechanism for positioning the connector of the inspection target device, and the first A probe connector for being fitted to a connector of the device to be inspected, arranged away from the one support member in the first direction; an intermediate member formed of an elastically deformable material; and the probe connector A second support member that supports the probe connector via an intermediate member so that the probe connector can be displaced in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, and the first support member and the second support member. And an actuator for approaching in the direction.

  According to the present invention, since the support member supports the probe connector through the intermediate member formed of an elastically deformable material, displacement of the probe connector can be allowed with a simple structure. Note that the mechanism for positioning the connector of the device to be inspected may not necessarily be in direct contact with the connector. That is, this mechanism may indirectly position the connector. Indirect positioning means, for example, a structure in which a positioning mechanism is in contact with a circuit board (including an FPC) on which a connector is mounted.

  In one form of this invention, the mechanism which positions the connector of the said test object apparatus may contact the outer surface of the connector of the said test object apparatus, and may position the said connector. By doing so, it is possible to suppress the tolerance of the circuit board or the like from affecting the position of the connector, so that the positional accuracy of the connector can be improved. As a result, even when the probe connector is fitted to a small connector, the fitting process can be performed smoothly.

  The mechanism for positioning the connector of the inspection target device may include a member for sandwiching the connector of the inspection target device with the first support member when positioning the connector of the inspection target device. By doing so, it is possible to reliably apply a jig to the connector even when positioning a connector having a low height.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, the material of the intermediate member may be an elastomer. According to this, the intermediate member can be formed at low cost.

  When the probe connector is mounted on a substrate, the intermediate member may have an adhesive surface that is directly or indirectly bonded to the substrate. The intermediate member may have an adhesive surface that is bonded to the second support member. According to this, the structure of the fitting device can be further simplified.

  In addition, the inspection method according to the present invention is a method for fitting a probe connector in the first direction to a connector of an electronic device. In the inspection method, the probe connector is supported by a support member via an intermediate member formed of an elastically deformable material so that the probe connector can be displaced in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. A step of placing at least a portion of the electronic device on which the connector is mounted on a support base, a step of positioning a connector of the electronic device, and bringing the support member and the support base closer to each other, Fitting a connector of the device and the probe connector.

  According to the present invention, since the support member supports the probe connector through the intermediate member formed of an elastically deformable material, the displacement of the probe connector can be easily allowed. In the connector positioning step, the connector does not necessarily have to be positioned directly. That is, the connector may be indirectly positioned by positioning the circuit board (including the FPC) on which the connector is mounted.

  Further, in the step of positioning the connector of the electronic device, a jig that contacts the outer surface of the connector may be used. By doing so, it is possible to suppress the tolerance of the circuit board or the like on which the connector is mounted from affecting the position of the connector, so that the positional accuracy of the connector can be improved.

  A connector fitting device according to the present invention is a device for fitting a second connector to a first connector mounted on a circuit board. The connector fitting device includes a first support member for supporting at least a portion of the circuit board provided with the first connector, and a mechanism for positioning the first connector of the circuit board. And an intermediate member formed of an elastically deformable material, and a second direction that is disposed away from the first support member in the first direction, and wherein the second connector is orthogonal to the first direction. A second support member for supporting the second connector via the intermediate member so that the second support member and the first support member can be moved closer to each other in the first direction. And comprising.

  According to the present invention, since the second support member supports the second connector through the intermediate member formed of an elastically deformable material, the displacement of the second connector can be allowed with a simple structure. Note that the mechanism for positioning the first connector does not necessarily have to be in direct contact with the first connector. That is, this mechanism may indirectly position the first connector. Indirect positioning means a structure in which the positioning mechanism is in contact with a circuit board (including FPC) on which the first connector is mounted, for example.

It is a perspective view which shows the connector fitting apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view of the board | substrate support assembly with which a connector fitting apparatus is provided. It is a front view of a board | substrate support assembly. It is a perspective view of the positioning mechanism with which a connector fitting apparatus is provided. It is a side view which shows the outline of a board | substrate support assembly and a floating prevention assembly. It is a figure which shows the motion of a floating prevention assembly. It is a figure which shows the motion of a board | substrate support assembly. It is a top view which shows the outline of a positioning mechanism. It is a figure which shows the motion of a 1st jig assembly. It is a figure which shows the motion of a 2nd jig assembly. It is a figure which shows the motion of a 3rd jig assembly.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a connector fitting device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the board support assembly 20 provided in the connector fitting device 10. FIG. 3 is a front view of the support members 26A, 26B and the like provided in the lower part of the substrate support assembly 20. As shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the positioning mechanism 50 provided in the connector fitting device 10. FIG. 5 is a side view showing the outline of the substrate support assembly 20 and a floating prevention assembly 51 described later. FIG. 6 is a view showing the movement of the floating prevention assembly 51. FIG. 7 is a view showing the movement of the substrate support assembly 20. FIG. 8 is a plan view showing an outline of the positioning mechanism 50. FIG. 9 is a view showing the movement of the first jig assembly 52. FIG. 10 is a view showing the movement of the second jig assembly 53. FIG. 11 is a view showing the movement of the third jig assembly 54.

  In the following description, the directions indicated by X1 and X2 shown in FIG. 1 are the right direction and the left direction, respectively. Further, the directions indicated by Y1 and Y2 are assumed to be the front and rear, respectively. Further, the directions indicated by Z1 and Z2 are defined as upward and downward, respectively.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the connector fitting device 10 has a support base 11. The inspection system 1 is a system for inspecting an electronic device 90 installed on the support base 11. The electronic device 90 has a first connector 93A and a second connector 93B (see FIG. 4). The connectors 93A and 93B are substantially rectangular in plan view. The connector fitting device 10 includes a positioning mechanism 50 for positioning the connectors 93A and 39B, and a board support assembly 20 that supports the circuit boards 22A and 22B on which the probe connectors 21A and 21B are mounted. (See FIG. 3). The probe connectors 21A and 21B are connected to an inspection apparatus 2 included in the inspection system 1 through electric wires (in this example, FPCs 24A and 24B (see FIG. 2)). The inspection apparatus 2 inputs an inspection signal to the electronic device 90 through the FPCs 24A and 24B and the probe connectors 21A and 21B.

  The electronic device 90 of the example shown in FIG. 1 is a display device, and includes a transparent substrate 91 on which grid-like wiring is formed, and FPCs (Flexible Printed Circuits) 92A and 92B connected to the substrate 91. . The connectors 93A and 93B described above are mounted on the FPCs 92A and 92B, respectively (see FIG. 4). The electronic device 90 is not limited to a display device, and may be a device or a circuit board different from the display device. Further, the number of FPCs connected to the substrate 91 may be one. Further, the electronic device 90 does not necessarily have to include the FPCs 92A and 92B. In this case, the connectors 93 </ b> A and 93 </ b> B may be directly mounted on the circuit board that is the electronic device 90. The number of connectors provided in the electronic device 90 may be one.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the support base 11 in this example has an FPC base 11 a (first support member in claims) that protrudes rearward. The FPCs 92A and 92B (see FIG. 4) of the electronic device 90 are arranged on the FPC base 11a. An air port for adsorbing the FPCs 92A and 92B is formed on the upper surface of the FPC base 11a. The initial position of the support base 11 is away from the substrate support assembly 20 and the positioning mechanism 50 forward. The support base 11 is provided so as to be movable back and forth, and moves backward from the initial position by the action of an actuator during inspection. And the FPC stand 11a is arrange | positioned in the position (henceforth inspection position) enclosed by the positioning mechanism 50 (refer FIG. 4). 5 to 11, the FPC board 11a is arranged at the inspection position.

  The probe connectors 21A and 21B of the substrate support assembly 20 are arranged away from the FPC table 11a at the inspection position. The probe connectors 21A and 21B are mounted on the lower surface of the circuit board. The board support assembly 20 shown in FIG. 2 includes two circuit boards 22A and 22B arranged in the left-right direction, and the probe connectors 21A and 21B are mounted on the circuit boards 22A and 22B, respectively. Connectors 23A and 23B are mounted on the upper surfaces of the circuit boards 22A and 22B. The connectors 21A and 21B are connected to the connectors 23A and 23B through electric wires formed on the circuit boards 22A and 22B, respectively. The FPCs 24A and 24B described above are connected to the connectors 23A and 23B, respectively.

  As described above, at the time of inspection, the support base 11 moves rearward so that the FPC base 11a is arranged at the inspection position. The substrate support assembly 20 and the FPC base 11a are brought close to each other in the vertical direction under the action of the actuator. As a result, the connectors 93A and 93B of the electronic device 90 and the probe connectors 21A and 21B of the board support assembly 20 are fitted.

  In FIG. 7, the movement of the substrate support assembly 20 is shown. The initial positions of the probe connectors 21A and 21B (the positions of the connectors 21A and 21B indicated by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 7) are separated upward and rearward from the inspection position. At the time of inspection, the substrate support assembly 20 moves forward and then moves downward toward the inspection position. As a result, the connectors 93A and 93B and the probe connectors 21A and 21B are fitted. One of the probe connector 21A and the connector 93A is provided with a convex portion, and the other connector is provided with a concave portion. The convex portion of one connector fits into the concave portion of the other connector, and as a result, an electrical connection between the connectors is established. Similarly, one of the probe connector 21B and the connector 93B has a convex portion, and the other connector has a concave portion.

  The movement of the substrate support assembly 20 in the front-rear direction is realized by an actuator 82 (see FIG. 1) disposed on the rear side of the substrate support assembly 20. The vertical movement of the substrate support assembly 20 is realized by an actuator 81 (see FIG. 1). The actuators 81 and 82 are, for example, a pneumatic actuator, a hydraulic actuator, a motor, or the like. Instead of the substrate support assembly 20 moving downward, the support base 11 may move upward under the action of the actuator.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the board support assembly 20 is an intermediate member disposed between the circuit boards 22A and 22B and the support members 26A and 26B (second support member in claims) supporting the circuit boards 22A and 22B. 25A and 25B. The intermediate members 25A and 25B are made of an elastically deformable material. The support members 26A and 26B support the circuit boards 22A and 22B through the intermediate members 25A and 25B. In other words, the circuit boards 22A and 22B are attached to the support members 26A and 26B through the intermediate members 25A and 25B. The circuit boards 22A and 22B can be displaced relative to the support members 26A and 26B in a direction orthogonal to the vertical direction (specifically, the front-rear direction and the left-right direction). When the positions of the probe connectors 21A and 21B and the connectors 93A and 93B are shifted, the other connector hits the guide formed on one connector. At this time, when the intermediate members 25A and 25B are deformed, the positional deviation is eliminated, and the probe connectors 21A and 21B are fitted to the connectors 93A and 93B.

  The material of the intermediate member 25A is an elastic material of resin such as elastomer (including synthetic rubber such as silicone rubber and natural rubber). The material of the intermediate member 25A may be sponge-like resin or foamed plastic. Further, the intermediate member 25A may be a laminated cloth-like member or a cotton-like member made of natural fiber or synthetic fiber, for example. According to such a material, the impact generated between the probe connectors 21A, 21B and the connectors 93A, 39B can be buffered by the intermediate members 25A, 25B. The circuit boards 22A and 22B are not only allowed to move in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction, but also allowed to rotate. Therefore, even when the positional deviation between the probe connectors 21A and 21B and the connectors 93A and 39B occurs in the rotation direction, the positional deviation can be eliminated. The support members 26A and 26B are made of, for example, metal.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the support members 26A and 26B in this example are arranged on the upper side of the circuit boards 22A and 22B, that is, on the opposite side of the probe connectors 21A and 21B with the circuit boards 22A and 22B interposed therebetween. ing. The intermediate members 25A and 25B are sandwiched between the circuit boards 22A and 22B and the support members 26A and 26B in the vertical direction. The upper surfaces of the intermediate members 25A and 25B (surfaces in contact with the support members 26A and 26B) and the lower surfaces of the intermediate members 25A and 25B (surfaces in contact with the circuit boards 22A and 22B) can be relatively displaced in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction. It has become. In other words, the material of the intermediate members 25A and 25B is a material that allows such relative displacement. The intermediate members 25A and 25B in this example are sheet-like, and are arranged so that the thickness direction is parallel to the vertical direction. The thickness of the intermediate members 25A and 25B is appropriately set according to the displacement required for the circuit boards 22A and 22B and the material of the intermediate members 25A and 25B. The material of the intermediate members 25A and 25B may be paper having a thickness that allows elastic relative displacement of the upper and lower surfaces thereof.

  The intermediate members 25A and 25B have bonding surfaces that are bonded to the circuit boards 22A and 22B, respectively. Further, the intermediate members 25A and 25B have bonding surfaces that are bonded to the supporting members 26A and 26B. The adhesion surface is obtained, for example, by applying an adhesive to the surfaces of the intermediate members 25A and 25B. Moreover, the adhesive sheet by which the adhesive agent was apply | coated on both surfaces may be affixed on the surface of intermediate member 25A, 25B, and this sheet | seat may function as an adhesive surface. In the example described here, the lower surfaces of the intermediate members 25A and 25B are bonded to the circuit boards 22A and 22B, and the upper surfaces of the intermediate members 25A and 25B are bonded to the lower surfaces of the support members 26A and 26B. The lower surfaces of the intermediate members 25A and 25B may not be directly bonded to the circuit boards 22A and 22B. For example, when another member is fixed to the circuit boards 22A and 22B, the intermediate members 25A and 25B may be bonded to the members. Further, when the material of the intermediate members 25A and 25B is paper as described above, the intermediate members 25A and 25B may be so-called double-sided adhesive paper in which adhesive surfaces are provided on the upper surface and the lower surface. Further, when the material of the intermediate members 25A and 25B is a resin elastic material, double-sided adhesive paper may be attached to each of the upper surface and the lower surface.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the support members 26A and 26B in this example have a smaller size than the circuit boards 22A and 22B. Specifically, although the width in the front-rear direction of the support members 26A, 26B is substantially equal to the width of the circuit boards 22A, 22B, the width in the left-right direction of the support members 26A, 26B is smaller than the width of the circuit boards 22A, 22B. . The support members 26A and 26B are located on the opposite side of the portion where the probe connectors 21A and 21B are arranged.

  The intermediate members 25A and 25B have a size corresponding to the support members 26A and 26B. That is, the width in the left-right direction and the width in the front-rear direction of the intermediate members 25A, 25B correspond to the width in the left-right direction and the width in the front-rear direction of the support members 26A, 26B, respectively. Therefore, the circuit boards 22A and 22B can be stably supported by the support members 26A and 26B. The sizes of the intermediate members 25A and 25B are not limited to those described above. For example, the size of the intermediate members 25A and 25B may be smaller than the lower surfaces of the support members 26A and 26B. In this case, a plurality of intermediate members 25A may be attached to the lower surface of the support member 26A. Similarly, a plurality of intermediate members 25B may be attached to the lower surface of the support member 26A.

  In the example shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, support members 26A and 26B are disposed on the upper side of the circuit boards 22A and 22B. However, the layout of the circuit boards 22A and 22B and the support members 26A and 26B is not limited to this. For example, the support members 26A and 26B may support the outer peripheral edges of the circuit boards 22A and 22B. In this case, the intermediate members 25A and 25B are also disposed between the outer peripheral edges of the circuit boards 22A and 22B and the support members 26A and 26B.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the substrate support assembly 20 includes a base 39 connected to the actuators 81 and 82, and an adjustment mechanism 30 formed between the base 39 and the support members 26A and 26B. Yes. The adjustment mechanism 30 is a mechanism that allows the operator to adjust the positions of the support members 26A and 26B. Specifically, the adjustment mechanism 30 can adjust the positions of the support members 26A and 26B in the up-down direction, the left-right direction, and the front-rear direction. Note that the adjusting mechanism 30 is not necessarily provided.

  The adjustment mechanism 30 includes first adjustment members 31A and 31B, second adjustment members 32A and 32B, and third adjustment members 33A and 33B. The adjustment members 31A, 32A, and 33A are connected to the circuit board 22A. The adjustment members 31B, 32B, and 33b are connected to the circuit board 22B. The circuit board 22A and the circuit board 22B can be adjusted in position separately. In addition, the arrow shown to each adjustment member in FIG. 2 represents those movable directions.

  The first adjustment members 31 </ b> A and 31 </ b> B are attached to the base 39 so as to be movable relative to the base 39 in the vertical direction. A fixing member 34 is attached to the base 39. The relative movement of the fixing member 34 with respect to the base 39 is not allowed. The fixing member 34 is provided with a stopper screw 34a that is located above the first adjustment members 31A and 31B and defines the vertical position of the first adjustment members 31A and 31B. The position of the stopper screw 34a in the vertical direction is fixed by a nut 35.

  The second adjustment members 32A and 32B are attached to the first adjustment members 31A and 31B so that they can move relative to the first adjustment members 31A and 31B in the left-right direction. The fixing member 34 is provided with two stopper screws 34b positioned on the right and left sides of the second adjustment members 32A and 32B, respectively. The left stopper screw 34b defines the left-right position of the left second adjustment member 32A, and the right stopper screw 34b defines the left-right position of the right second adjustment member 32B. The position of the stopper screw 34b in the left-right direction is fixed by a nut 35.

  The second adjustment members 32A and 32B in this example are L-shaped, rear portions thereof are attached to the first adjustment members 31A and 31B, and front portions thereof extend forward. The third adjustment members 33A and 33B are attached to the lower side of the front portions of the second adjustment members 32A and 32B. In addition, the third adjustment members 33A and 33B can move relative to the second adjustment members 32A and 32B in the front-rear direction. The third adjustment members 33A and 33B are provided with arms 33a. The arm 33a is provided with a stopper screw 33b for defining the positions of the third adjustment members 33A and 33B in the front-rear direction with respect to the second adjustment members 32A and 32B. The position of the stopper screw 33b in the front-rear direction is fixed by a nut 35.

  The support members 26A and 26B described above are attached to the lower side of the third adjustment members 33A and 33B, respectively. As a result, the positions of the support members 26A and 26B and the circuit boards 22A and 22B can be adjusted in the front-rear direction, the left-right direction, and the up-down direction.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the positioning mechanism 50 includes a floating prevention assembly 51. The float prevention assembly 51 includes an arm (a float prevention member) 51a. The arm 51a is disposed on the connectors 93A and 93B of the electronic device 90, and sandwiches the connectors 93A and 93B with the FPC base 11a (see FIG. 6B). Thereby, the floating of the FPCs 92A and 92B from the FPC base 11a, that is, the floating of the connectors 93A and 93B can be prevented. The arm 51a has a shape corresponding to the arrangement of the connectors 93A and 93B so that both of the two connectors 93A and 93B can be pressed. The connectors 93A and 93B in the example described here are arranged in an L shape. Therefore, the end portion of the arm 51a is bent in accordance with the arrangement of the connectors 93A and 93B.

  The float prevention assembly 51 is arranged rearward from the inspection position. The positioning mechanism 50 is provided with an actuator 83 that moves the anti-floating assembly 51 in the front-rear direction (see FIG. 5). The positioning mechanism 50 is provided with a cam mechanism. The cam mechanism causes the arm 51a to move in the vertical direction from the forward movement of the arm 51a. Specifically, the movement in the vertical direction is a movement approaching the FPC table 11a from the upper side of the FPC table 11a.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the arm 51a of the example described here is provided with a convex portion 51b that protrudes sideward (specifically, in the right direction). A plate 55 is disposed in front of the convex portion 51b. The convex portion 51b and the upper surface (guide surface) of the plate 55 constitute a cam mechanism. The arm 51a is provided with a support shaft 51d located behind the convex portion 51b. The arm 51a is supported by the base 51c through the support shaft 51d so that the front portion (part on the inspection position side) can move up and down. The base 51 c is attached to the actuator 83.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the upper surface of the plate 55 has inclined surfaces 55a and 55b at the foremost part and the rearmost part, respectively. Further, the upper surface of the plate 55 has a flat surface 55c between the frontmost slope 55a and the rearmost slope 55b. As shown in FIG. 6A, when the floating prevention assembly 51 moves forward and the convex portion 51b rides on the inclined surface 55b of the plate 55, the front portion of the arm 51a is lifted around the support shaft 51d. While the convex portion 51b moves forward on the flat surface 55c, the arm 51a maintains the posture in which the front portion is lifted. When the front part of the arm 51a reaches a position above the FPC table 11a at the inspection position, the convex part 51b reaches the foremost slope 55a. As a result, as shown in FIG. 6B, the front portion of the arm 51a moves downward toward the FPC base 11a and is disposed on the connectors 93A and 93B of the electronic device 90. In addition, the convex part 51b may be attached to the arm 51a so that it can rotate so that the upper surface of the plate 55 can be moved smoothly.

  The cam mechanism of the arm 51a is not limited to the one described above, and various changes can be made. For example, a guide surface in which unevenness is formed on the arm 51a may be formed, and a convex portion that hits the guide surface may be disposed in front of the arm 51a.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the positioning mechanism 50 includes a first jig assembly 52, a second jig assembly 53, and a third jig assembly 54. The three jig assemblies 52, 53, 54 are arranged so as to surround the inspection position. The positioning of the connectors 93A, 93B of the electronic device 90 is performed by the jig assemblies 52, 53, 54. In this example, the jigs 52A, 53A, 53B, 54A, 54B provided on the jig assemblies 52, 53, 54 hit the outer surfaces (front surface, back surface, and side surfaces) of the connectors 93A, 93B and position them. Accordingly, the positional accuracy of the connectors 93A and 93B can be improved as compared with a structure in which the jig hits the FPCs 92A and 92B, for example, compared to a structure in which the connectors 93A and 93B are indirectly positioned.

  The positioning of the connectors 93A, 93B by the jigs 52A, 53A, 53B, 54A, 54B is executed in a state where the arm 51a of the above-described floating prevention assembly 51 is disposed on the connectors 93A, 93B. Thus, even when the connectors 93A and 93B having a low height are positioned, the jigs 52A, 53A, 53B, 54A and 54B can be reliably applied to the connectors 93A and 93B. The tips of the jigs 52A, 53A, 53B, 54A, 54B, that is, the portions corresponding to the connectors 93A, 93B have a thickness corresponding to the height of the connectors 93A, 93B or a thickness smaller than the height of the connectors 93A, 93B. ing. Thereby, interference with the arm 51a of the anti-floating assembly 51 and the jigs 52A, 53A, 53B, 54A, 54B can be prevented.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 8, the initial position of the first jig assembly 52 is spaced rearward from the inspection position (FPC base 11 a), like the floating prevention assembly 51. The first jig assembly 52 is provided with a jig 52A. The front end of the jig 52 </ b> A corresponds to the back surface of the second connector 93 </ b> B provided in the electronic device 90.

  In the positioning process of the connectors 93A, 93B, the first jig assembly 52 of the three jig assemblies 52, 53, 54 first moves forward (see FIG. 9). The first jig assembly 52 of the example described here moves forward in two stages. In the first stage, the front end of the jig 52A does not hit the second connector 93B. The second stage is when a third jig assembly 54 described later moves toward the inspection position. The third jig assembly 54 moves the first jig assembly 52 forward during the movement (see FIG. 11). Thereby, the front end of the jig 52A corresponds to the back surface of the second connector 93B.

  The actuator that moves the first jig assembly 52 forward is preferably the same as the actuator 83 that moves the anti-floating assembly 51 described above. By doing so, the number of actuators can be reduced. In this case, as shown in FIG. 6, when the anti-floating assembly 51 moves forward, the first jig assembly 52 performs the above-mentioned first stage forward movement. Note that the first jig assembly 52 may be moved forward by an actuator different from the actuator 83.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the second jig assembly 53 includes a second jig 53A, a third jig 53B, and a base 53C that supports them. As described above, the first connector 93A and the second connector 93B of the electronic device 90 are arranged in a substantially L shape. The plane including the side surface of the first connector 93A and the plane including the front surface of the second connector 93B are orthogonal to each other. As shown in FIG. 10B, the end (specifically, the left edge 53e) of the second jig 53A defines the position of the side surface of the first connector 93A of the electronic device 90. The end of the third jig 53B (specifically, the leftmost rear edge 53f) defines the position of the front surface of the second connector 93B. An edge 53g that defines the position of the right side surface of the second connector 93B is formed at the end of the third jig 53B.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the initial position of the second jig assembly 53 is away from the inspection position in the right direction. Under the action of the actuator 84 (see FIG. 1), the base 53C moves leftward toward the inspection position (see FIG. 10A). The second jig 53A is attached to the base 53C so as to move integrally with the base 53C. The second jig 53A moves to the left by a predetermined distance together with the base 53C. The position of the left edge 53e of the second jig 53A at that time is the position of the side surface of the first connector 93A. 1 is provided with a stopper nut 84a that defines the moving distance between the second jig 53A and the base 53C.

  When the second jig assembly 53 is in the initial position, the end (the leftmost rear edge 53f) of the third jig 53B is positioned away from the front surface of the second connector 93B in the right direction and is shifted forward. . The second jig assembly 53 is provided with a guide mechanism that causes the third jig 53B to be displaced backward when the second jig assembly 53 is moving leftward. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 10, the example guide mechanism described here has a stopper 56. The stopper 56 is positioned in the traveling direction (left direction) of the third jig 53B, and restricts the movement of the third jig 53B in the left direction. A guide groove 53d is formed in the base 53C. The guide groove 53d extends obliquely rightward and rearward. The third jig 53B has a guided portion 53h arranged in the guide groove 53d. The guide groove 53d is provided with a spring 53i that returns the guided portion 53h to the initial position, that is, biases it to the left.

  If the third jig 53B hits the stopper 56 in the process of moving the base 53C in the left direction, the further movement of the third jig 53B in the left direction is restricted. As a result, as shown in FIG. 10B, the third jig 53B moves to the right relative to the base 53C, and moves rearward by the guide groove 53d and the guided portion 53h. Then, the position of the rear edge 53f of the leftmost part of the third jig 53B after the movement becomes the position of the front surface of the second connector 93B. By using such a guide mechanism, the number of actuators required for positioning the connectors 93A and 93B can be reduced.

  The guide mechanism is not limited to that described above. For example, a guide extending leftward and rearward may be formed without providing the stopper 56. According to such a guide, the third jig 53B is displaced backward while moving in the left direction.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 8, the third jig assembly 54 includes a fourth jig 54A, a fifth jig 54B, and a base 54C that supports the jigs 54A and 54B. The initial position of the third jig assembly 54 is leftward from the inspection position. The positioning mechanism 50 is provided with an actuator 85 (see FIG. 1) that moves the third jig assembly 54 in the right direction.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the fourth jig 54 </ b> A has two extending portions 54 a and 54 b extending at the end thereof in the right direction toward the inspection position and separated from each other in the front-rear direction. The distance between the extending portions 54a and 54b corresponds to the width in the front-rear direction of the first connector 93A. The extending portions 54a and 54b define the position of the first connector 93A in the front-rear direction. The third jig assembly 54 moves to the right by a predetermined distance under the action of the actuator 85. At this time, it corresponds to the width in the left-right direction of the second connector 93B between the edge (right edge) of the distal end of the extending portion 54a and the edge 53g (see FIG. 10B) of the third jig 53B described above. Spacing is formed. Therefore, the position of the second connector 93B in the left-right direction is defined by the tip of the extending portion 54a and the edge 53g of the third jig 53B. The actuator 85 in the example shown in FIG. 1 is provided with a stopper nut 85a that defines the moving distance of the third jig assembly 54.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the tip 54c of the fifth jig 54B is disposed between the extending portions 54a and 54b of the fourth jig 54A. The fourth jig 54A is attached to the base 54C so as to move integrally with the base 54C. On the other hand, the fifth jig 54B is provided such that it can move relative to the base 54C in the left-right direction. Specifically, a groove 54d extending in the left-right direction is formed in the base 54C, and the fifth jig 54B can move in the left-right direction inside the groove 54d. A spring 54e that biases the fifth jig 54B in the right direction is provided in the groove 54d. As shown in FIG. 11, when the third jig assembly 54 moves to the right, the tip 53c of the fifth jig 54B is pressed against the left side surface of the first connector 93A of the electronic device 90 by the elastic force of the spring 54e. As a result, the position of the first connector 93A in the left-right direction is defined by the fifth jig 54B and the second jig 53A described above. The rightward movement of the fifth jig 54B due to the elastic force of the spring 54e (relative movement with respect to the base 54C and the fourth jig 54A) is limited by a stopper (not shown) provided on the third jig assembly 54. Has been.

  As described above, the first jig assembly 52 moves forward in the second stage under the action of the third jig assembly 54. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the base 52 </ b> B of the first jig assembly 52 is provided with a cylindrical protrusion 52 b that protrudes upward. On the base 54C of the third jig assembly 54, an overhanging portion 54g located on the rear side of the jigs 54A and 54B is formed. A guide surface 54f is formed on the inner side of the projecting portion 54g. The guide surface 54f contacts the convex portion 52b as the third jig assembly 54 moves in the right direction (see FIG. 11; FIG. 11 shows the guide surface 54f). The top of the overhang 54g is missing). The guide surface 54f is formed obliquely so that a force pushing the convex portion 52b forward acts. Specifically, the guide surface 54f extends obliquely rightward and rearward. As the third jig assembly 54 moves rightward, the first jig assembly 52 moves forward. As a result, the tip of the first jig 52A is pressed against the back surface of the second connector 93B. Thereby, the position of the second connector 93B in the front-rear direction is defined by the first jig 52A and the above-described third jig 53B.

  An inspection procedure executed at the time of manufacturing the electronic device 90 will be described. First, an operator attaches circuit boards 22A and 22B on which probe connectors 21A and 21B are mounted to support members 26A and 26B via intermediate members 25A and 25B, respectively. Next, the worker installs the electronic device 90 on the support base 11. Thereafter, the operator drives the actuator through a control device (not shown) to move the support base 11 and the positioning mechanism 50. Specifically, the support base 11 is moved backward, and the FPC base 11a is installed at the inspection position. Next, as shown in FIG. 6, the anti-floating assembly 51 is moved forward, and the arm 51a is disposed on the connectors 93A and 93B. Thereafter, the connectors 93A, 93B are positioned by the jigs 52A, 53A, 53B, 54A, 54B.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, first, the first jig assembly 52 is moved forward (first stage forward movement). Next, as shown in FIG. 10, the second jig assembly 53 is moved leftward toward the inspection position, and the position of the right side surface of the first connector 93A is defined by the second jig 53A. Further, the positions of the front surface and the right side surface of the second connector 93B are defined by the third jig 53B. Next, as shown in FIG. 11, the third jig assembly 54 is moved rightward toward the inspection position. As a result, the position of the first connector 93A in the front-rear direction is defined by the extending portions 54a and 54b of the fourth jig 54A. The extending portion 54a is applied to the left side surface of the second connector 93B, and the fifth jig 54B is applied to the left side surface of the first connector 93A. Further, the first jig assembly 52 moves forward along the guide surface 54f (second stage forward movement), and the first jig 52A is applied to the back surface of the second connector 93B. Thus, the two connectors 93A and 93B are positioned in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction. Next, the floating prevention assembly 51 is retracted. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 7, the substrate support assembly 20 is moved forward and downward, and the probe connectors 21A and 21B are fitted into the connectors 93A and 93B, respectively. Finally, an inspection signal is input from the inspection device 2 to the electronic device 90 through the probe connectors 21A and 21B and the connectors 93A and 93B.

  After the inspection is completed, the following procedure is performed. That is, the board support assembly 20 is returned to the initial position, and the fitting between the probe connectors 21A and 21B and the connectors 93A and 93B is eliminated. Thereafter, the jig assemblies 52, 53, 54 are returned to their initial positions. Finally, the support base 11 is returned to the initial position. The jig assemblies 52, 53, and 54 may be configured to return to the initial position by the elastic force of a spring (not shown), for example, or may be configured to return to the initial position by driving the actuator in the reverse direction. May be.

  As described above, the connector fitting device 10 includes the probe connectors 21A and 21B arranged away from the FPC base 11a, the circuit boards 22A and 22B on which the probe connectors 21A and 21B are mounted, and elastically deformable. The circuit boards 22A and 22B are supported via the intermediate members 25A and 25B so that the intermediate members 25A and 25B formed of various materials and the circuit boards 22A and 22B can be displaced in a direction orthogonal to the vertical direction. Supporting members 26A and 26B. Therefore, the displacement of the probe connector can be allowed with a simple structure.

  Further, in the inspection method for the electronic device 90 described above, the substrates 22A and 22B on which the probe connectors 21A and 21B are mounted via the intermediate members 25A and 25B formed of an elastically deformable material are used as the support members 26A and 26B. A step of attaching the connectors 93A and 93B (FPCs 92A and 29B) of the electronic device 90 to the FPC base 11a, a step of positioning the connectors 93A and 93B of the electronic device 90, and a support A step of bringing the members 26A, 26B and the FPC base 11a close to each other and fitting the connectors 93A, 93B of the electronic device 90 with the probe connectors 21A, 21B. According to this method, the displacement of the probe connector can be easily allowed.

  The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications may be made within the scope of the gist of the present invention described in the claims. It can be changed.

  The connector fitting device 10 may be used, for example, in an electronic device manufacturing process. For example, when the electronic device 90 includes the board 91 and another circuit board (hereinafter referred to as a second board), the connector fitting device 10 fits the connectors 93A and 93B of the board 91 with the connectors of the second board. May be used. In this case, the connector fitting device 10 may include a member to which the second board can be attached and detached, and the intermediate members 25A and 25B may be disposed between this member and the above-described support members 26A and 26B.

  Further, the circuit board 22A, 22B may not necessarily be provided in the connector fitting device 10. In this case, the support members 26A and 26B are configured to support the probe connectors 21A and 21B via an intermediate member formed of an elastically deformable material.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 inspection system, 2 inspection apparatus, 10 connector fitting apparatus, 11 support stand, 11a FPC stand, 20 board support assembly, 21A, 21B probe connector, 22A, 22B circuit board, 23A, 23B connector, 25A, 25B intermediate member, 26A, 26B Support member, 30 Adjustment mechanism, 31A, 31B, 32A, 32B, 33A, 33B Adjustment member, 34 Fixing member, 50 Positioning mechanism, 51 Floating prevention assembly, 52 First jig assembly, 52A First jig, 53 First 2 jig assembly, 53A 2nd jig, 53B 3rd jig, 54 3rd jig assembly, 54A 4th jig, 54B 5th jig, 90 electronic equipment (inspection object), 93A, 93B connector.

Claims (13)

A first support member for supporting at least a portion thereof a connector is provided of the inspected device,
A positioning mechanism for positioning the connector of the inspection target device;
A probe connector arranged to be separated from the first support member in the first direction and fitted to the connector of the device to be inspected;
A circuit board on which the probe connector is mounted;
A second support member for supporting the circuit board;
A first surface disposed between the circuit board and the second support member in the first direction and directly or indirectly attached to the circuit board and the first surface in the first direction. A second surface positioned opposite to the first surface and attached to the second support member, and formed of an elastically deformable material, the first surface and the second surface An intermediate member that is relatively displaceable in two directions perpendicular to the first direction, and allows displacement of the probe connector in the two directions by the relative displacement ;
Connector fitting apparatus characterized by and an actuator for approximating the first support member and the second support member and said first direction. The connector fitting device according to claim 1,
The said positioning mechanism contacts the outer surface of the connector of the said test object apparatus, and positions the said connector. The connector fitting apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned. In the connector fitting device according to claim 2,
The positioning mechanism is in contact with the outer surface of the connector of the device to be inspected to define the position of the connector in two directions orthogonal to the first direction, and around a straight line along the first direction. Regulating rotation of the connector
  A connector fitting device. In the connector fitting device according to claim 2 or 3 ,
The positioning mechanism, the connector fitting device, characterized in that it comprises a member for sandwiching the connector of the inspection target device when positioning the connector of the inspection target device between the first support member. In the connector fitting device according to claim 4,
The member of the positioning mechanism restricts the connector of the inspection target device from separating from the first support member in the first direction.
A connector fitting device. In the connector fitting device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The intermediate member is a sheet formed of resin, or a laminated cloth or cotton formed of synthetic fiber or natural fiber, and the thickness direction is parallel to the first direction. Are arranged to be
A connector fitting device. In the connector fitting device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 ,
The material of the intermediate member is an elastomer.
A connector fitting device. In the connector fitting device according to any one of claims 1 to 7 ,
Connector fitting apparatus, wherein at least one of a bonding surface of the first surface and the second surface of the intermediate member. A method for inspecting an electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the probe connector is fitted in the connector of the electronic device in a first direction,
Preparing a support member for supporting the circuit board on which the probe connector connector is mounted;
A first surface and a second surface, which are made of an elastically deformable material, are positioned opposite to each other in the first direction and are relatively displaceable in two directions orthogonal to the first direction. An intermediate member having the first surface is disposed between the circuit board and the support member in the first direction, and the first surface is disposed on the circuit board so that displacement of the probe connector in the two directions is allowed. Directly or indirectly attached to the second surface to the support member;
At least the connector is mounted portion of the electronic device disposed in the support base,
And repositioning of the connector of the electronic device,
Said support member and said support base close together in the first direction, the inspection method of an electronic device, characterized in that fitting the said probe connector and the connector of the electronic device. In the inspection method of the electronic device according to claim 9 ,
When positioning the connector of the electronic device, the position of the connector in two directions orthogonal to the first direction is defined using a jig that contacts the outer surface of the electronic device connector , and in the first direction An inspection method for an electronic device, characterized in that the rotation of the connector around a straight line is regulated . In the inspection method of the electronic device according to claim 9 or 10,
  When positioning the connector of the electronic device, the connector of the electronic device is restricted from separating from the support base in the first direction, and then the jig is used to contact the outer surface of the connector of the electronic device. The position of the connector in two directions orthogonal to the direction of 1 is defined, and the rotation of the connector around a straight line along the first direction is restricted.
  A method for inspecting an electronic device.   In the inspection method of the electronic device in any one of Claims 9 thru | or 11,
  The intermediate member is a sheet formed of resin, or a laminated cloth or cotton formed of synthetic fiber or natural fiber, and the thickness direction thereof is parallel to the first direction. Are arranged to be
  A method for inspecting an electronic device. A connector fitting device for fitting a second connector mounted on a second circuit board to the first connector mounted on a first circuit board in a first direction,
A first support member for supporting at least a portion of the first circuit board provided with the first connector;
A positioning mechanism for positioning said first connector of said first circuit board,
A second support member for supporting the second circuit board;
A first surface disposed between the second circuit board and the second support member in the first direction and directly or indirectly attached to the second circuit board; to the first surface in a first direction and a second surface that is attached to and located opposite said second supporting member is formed of an elastically deformable material, said first An intermediate member that is relatively displaceable in two directions orthogonal to the first direction and the surface and the second surface allow displacement of the second connector in the two directions by the relative displacement ;
Connector fitting apparatus characterized by and an actuator for approximating in the first support member and the second support member in the first direction.

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