JP2004347344A - Lighting inspection device for display panel - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To realize a productive lighting inspection device for a display panel by reducing a working time required for switching a kind of the display panel. <P>SOLUTION: This lighting inspection device for the display panel 10 arranged with a plurality of electrode terminal blocks having a plurality of extraction electrodes is constituted of an on-panel mounted lighting unit constituted by arranging contacts contacting with the extraction electrodes on the display panel 10 to correspond to the electrode terminal blocks on the display panel 10, connection units for pressing the contacts onto the electrode terminal blocks on the display panel 10, and sliding units 16 for holding the connection units movably along an arranging direction of the electrode terminal blocks on the display panel 10 and a direction orthogonal to the arranging direction, and a standing-by part 18 is provided to make the unused connection unit stand by out of the plurality of connection units. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a lighting inspection apparatus for a display panel that inputs and displays a lighting signal on a display panel before assembling a driving circuit to a display panel such as a liquid crystal display or a plasma display and performs image quality inspection.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Generally, a display panel such as a liquid crystal display or a plasma display is commercialized with a driving circuit mounted on the panel. In the manufacturing process, in order to prevent a defective panel from leaking to the mounting process, a lighting signal is input before a driving circuit is mounted, and a lighting test is performed.
[0003]
FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a conventional lighting inspection device for a display panel. The display panel lighting inspection device includes a panel inspection unit 3 including a panel holding unit 1 and a driving circuit 2 for lighting the display panel set in the panel holding unit 1, and a power supply for supplying power to the driving circuit 2. 4, a signal generator 5 for supplying a signal to the drive circuit 2, and a controller 6 such as a personal computer for controlling the power supply 4 and the signal generator 5.
[0004]
As a lighting inspection device for a display panel of this type, a device using an inspection probe pin is known (see Patent Literature 1). However, instead of the inspection probe pin, a lighting inspection device is formed on a flexible printed circuit (FPC). It is also considered to use the electrode as a probe for lighting inspection.
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
[Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent No. 2953039
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In general, a display panel has a plurality of electrodes in a display area, and an electrode terminal having a plurality of extraction electrodes at an end outside the display area by extending the electrodes and reducing the interval. Multiple blocks are arranged. The electrode pitch of the extraction electrodes of the display panel is, for example, about 300 μm between the electrodes in the case of an address electrode of a 42-inch plasma display panel.
[0007]
In the inspection method using the FPC as a lighting inspection probe, an extraction electrode of a lighting inspection probe made of an FPC is brought into contact with such an extraction electrode of the display panel, and electricity is supplied to the display panel through the probe. Lighting inspection is performed by turning on the lamp.
[0008]
However, in the case of such an inspection method using the FPC, when the type of a display panel to be inspected is switched, for example, when an attempt is made to inspect a display panel of a different type as a display panel, the pitch of the extraction electrodes And the number of electrodes are different, it is necessary to change the pitch and the number of the extraction electrodes of the FPC probe in accordance with the extraction electrode.
[0009]
At this time, since it is necessary to position dozens of probes with high accuracy, it takes about 3 to 4 hours for the type change and the adjustment work. When the type change frequency increases, the operation rate of the lighting inspection device decreases. However, there has been a problem that productivity is deteriorated.
[0010]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and has as its object to reduce the work time required for switching display panel types and to realize a highly productive display panel lighting inspection device.
[0011]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the present invention provides a display panel lighting inspection device including a plurality of electrode terminal blocks having a plurality of extraction electrodes, wherein a plurality of extraction terminals electrically contacting the respective extraction electrodes of the display panel. A panel mounting and lighting unit comprising a plurality of contacts having electrodes corresponding to the electrode terminal blocks of the display panel, wherein the panel mounting and lighting unit is a display to be inspected in advance. By preparing a plurality of types according to the type of panel and exchanging the panel mounting and lighting unit itself at the time of type change, it is possible to reduce the work time required for the type change and adjustment work.
[0012]
A connection control block that presses the contact against an electrode terminal block of the display panel to contact an extraction electrode of the contact with an extraction electrode of the display panel; and the connection control block includes a connection control block of the display panel. A plurality of connection units for pressing against the electrode terminal blocks, and a slide unit for holding the connection units movably in an arrangement direction of the electrode terminal blocks of the display panel and in a direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction, and the plurality of connection units. A standby unit that waits for an unused connection unit that is not used for pressing the contacts among the units is provided, and is used by moving the connection unit in a lighting inspection of a plurality of display panels having different numbers of electrode terminal blocks. By adjusting the number of connection units , It is possible to cope with the inspection apparatus of one.
[0013]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
That is, the invention according to claim 1 of the present invention provides a display panel lighting inspection device including a plurality of electrode terminal blocks each having a plurality of extraction electrodes, wherein a main body base on which the display panel is mounted is provided. A panel mounting and lighting unit configured by arranging a plurality of contacts having a plurality of extraction electrodes in electrical contact with the respective extraction electrodes of the display panel on the main body base in correspondence with the electrode terminal blocks of the display panel; A connection control block movably disposed on the main body base and pressing the contact against an electrode terminal block of the display panel to contact an extraction electrode of the contact with an extraction electrode of the display panel; and The block presses the contact against an electrode terminal block of a display panel. A plurality of connection units, and a slide unit for holding the connection units movably in an arrangement direction of the electrode terminal blocks of the display panel and in a direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction, and the contact unit of the plurality of connection units A standby unit for waiting an unused connection unit that is not used for pressing a child is provided.
[0014]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the panel mounting and lighting unit is configured to arrange the plurality of contacts in correspondence with the electrode terminal blocks of the display panel and to light and display the display panel. And a display panel is mounted on the panel mounting and lighting unit.
[0015]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the slide unit is provided on the main body base and is movable in a direction in which the electrode terminal blocks of the display panel are arranged or in a direction orthogonal to the direction of arrangement. A first slide unit and a second slide unit mounted on the first slide unit and movable in a direction orthogonal to the direction of movement of the first slide unit, and on which a connection unit is mounted. It is characterized by.
[0016]
Hereinafter, a lighting inspection device for a display panel according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings of FIGS.
[0017]
FIG. 1 shows the overall configuration of a lighting inspection apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. In the drawing, reference numeral 10 denotes a display panel such as a plasma display panel, and an electrode having a plurality of extraction electrodes 102 formed by extending the electrode 101 at a peripheral end of the display panel 10 as shown in FIG. A plurality of terminal blocks 103 are arranged.
[0018]
Reference numeral 11 denotes a panel mounting and lighting unit on which the display panel 10 is arranged when performing a lighting inspection of the display panel 10. The panel mounting and lighting unit 11 is provided on a main body base 12 of the lighting inspection apparatus. It is placed in a state where it is positioned and held. A panel holding means 14 for adjusting a holding position of the display panel 10 is provided on the main body base 12 so that the display panel 10 is arranged at a predetermined position of the panel mounting and lighting unit 11. Have been. Further, on the main body base 12, a connection control block 15 movable in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 1 is provided. FIG. 1 shows an example in which the connection control blocks 15 are arranged at two positions corresponding to both sides around one corner of the display panel 10. It is appropriately changed depending on which side the block 103 is provided. Further, in the example shown in FIG. 1, the electrode terminal blocks 103 are provided with the front and back sides reversed on the long side and the short side of the display panel 10. In FIG. 1, the electrode terminal blocks 103 on the long side are provided. Are located on the upper side, and the electrode terminal block 103 on the shorter side is located on the lower side.
[0019]
As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the panel mounting and lighting unit 11 includes a plurality of contacts 112 corresponding to the electrode terminal blocks 103 on a fixed plate 111 on which the display panel 10 is disposed. It is constituted by arranging. As shown in FIG. 2, the contact 112 has a plurality of extraction electrodes 113 that are in electrical contact with each of the extraction electrodes 102 of the display panel 10, and has a conductive material such as a copper foil between insulating films. It is constituted by a flexible printed wiring board on which a characteristic pattern is formed.
[0020]
Reference numeral 114 denotes a plurality of holding blocks for holding and arranging each of the plurality of contacts 112 on the fixed plate 111 at predetermined adjustable intervals. It is mounted so that it can move in the arrangement direction. The panel mounting and lighting unit 11 is provided with lighting signal generating means 115 for lighting and displaying the display panel 10, and the lighting signal generating means 115 and the contact 112 are connected via wiring means 116. Connected. Reference numeral 117 denotes a positioning means for positioning a connection unit 17 of the connection control block 15 described later at a predetermined position corresponding to each contact 112.
[0021]
As shown in FIG. 4, the connection control block 15 includes a slide unit 16 disposed on the main body base 12 so as to be movable in the direction of an arrow, and a slide unit 16 mounted on the slide unit 16. It comprises a plurality of connection units 17 which press the contacts 112 against the electrode terminal blocks 103 of the display panel 10 arranged and bring the extraction electrodes 113 of the contacts 112 into contact with the extraction electrodes 102 of the display panel 10. The connection unit 17 includes a holding unit 172 and a receiving unit 173 that are supported by a shaft 171 so that the distal end can be opened and closed, and a movable mechanism 174 that rotates the holding unit 172 about the shaft 171. The connection unit 17 is mounted on the slide unit 16 so as to be movable by a shaft 175.
[0022]
The slide unit 16 holds the connection unit 17 so as to be movable in a direction in which the electrode terminal blocks 103 of the display panel 10 are arranged and in a direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction. The slide unit 16 is disposed on the main body base 12. A first slide unit 161 which is provided and is movable in a direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction of the electrode terminal blocks 103 of the display panel 10; and a first slide unit 161 mounted on the first slide unit 161 and moved by the first slide unit 161. The direction perpendicular to the direction, that is, the direction in which the electrode terminal blocks 103 of the display panel 10 are arranged, the plurality of first terminals provided corresponding to the plurality of connection units 17 and having the plurality of connection units 17 mounted thereon, respectively. And two slide units 162.
[0023]
The first slide unit 161 includes a slide plate 161a and a slide guide 161b movably holding the slide plate 161a and disposed on the main body base 12, and the second slide unit 162 includes: The first slide guide 161 includes a slide plate 162a on which the connection unit 17 is mounted, and a slide guide 162b which movably holds the slide plate 162a and is disposed on the slide plate 161a of the first slide guide 161.
[0024]
FIGS. 5A and 5B are plan views of the connection control block 15 viewed from above, in which the connection unit 17 is omitted and only the slide unit 16 is shown. FIG. 5A is a diagram showing a state in which a display panel 10 in which seven electrode terminal blocks 103 are arranged on the long side and six electrode terminal blocks 103 are arranged on the short side is inspected. FIG. 5B is a diagram illustrating a state in which the display panel 10 in which five electrode terminal blocks 103 are arranged on the long side and four electrode terminal blocks 103 are arranged on the short side is inspected.
[0025]
That is, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the connection control block 15 corresponding to the long side of the display panel 10 is used to press the contact 114 of the plurality of connection units 17. In the case of FIG. 5B, the two connection units 17 move the second slide unit 162 to make the standby unit 18 wait. Have been.
[0026]
In addition, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, a standby unit 18 for waiting an unused connection unit 17 is provided on the side of the connection control block 15 corresponding to the short side of the display panel 10. Not. Instead, as shown in FIG. 6, the holding plate 172a at the tip of the holding unit 172 of the connection unit 17 is made to have a detachable structure, and as shown in FIG. In the case of the display panel 10 having the block 103, the pressing plate 172 a at the tip is replaced with a wide pressing plate 172 a, and one (two in the case of FIG. 5) electrode terminal blocks 103 are connected by one connection unit 17. It is configured to press the contact 112 that comes into contact. In this case, the pressing plate 172a at the tip needs to have a total length capable of holding the two contacts 112, and when holding the two contacts 112 at the same time, the holding force per one is one contact. When the holding force is insufficient, it is desirable to increase the holding force of the connection unit 17 to perform the holding when the holding force is insufficient.
[0027]
Next, the operation of the lighting inspection device having the above configuration will be described.
[0028]
In FIG. 1, when the display panel 10 to be inspected is mounted on the panel holding means 14 and the lighting inspection is performed, the connection control block 15 firstly connects the connection unit 17 and the display panel 10 as shown in FIG. In order to avoid interference, the slide unit 16 provided with the connection unit 17 moves in a direction that does not interfere. At this time, since the contact 112 and the lighting signal generating means 115 are installed in the panel mounting and lighting unit 11 separated from the slide unit 16, they do not move integrally with the slide unit 16.
[0029]
After the display panel 10 is mounted, the slide unit 16 on which the connection unit 17 is disposed integrally moves in a direction opposite to the previous direction, and after this movement, as shown in FIG. The holding unit 172 of 17 rotates and the contact 112 of the display panel 10 and the panel mounting and lighting unit 11 is sandwiched between the receiving unit 173 and the extraction electrode 102 and the contact 112 of the display panel 10 are taken out. The electrodes 113 make electrical contact. At this time, the extraction electrode 113 of the contact 112 of the panel mounting and lighting unit 11 and the extraction electrode 102 of the display panel 10 are in the same position without the lighting signal generating means 115, the contact 112 and the holding block 114 moving. For this reason, the display panel 10 comes into contact with the installed display panel 10 with high precision and in a fixed position.
[0030]
After the above operation, a lighting signal is supplied from the lighting signal generating means 115 to the display panel 10 via the contactor 112 of the panel-mounted lighting unit 11, and lighting display is performed. After the inspection is completed, the operation opposite to the above operation is performed. First, the holding state between the display panel 10 and the panel mounting and lighting unit 11 by the connection unit 17 of the connection control block 15 is released, and then the display panel 10 and the connection unit 17 are released. 7A, the slide unit 16 is moved away from the panel mounting and lighting unit 11 as shown in FIG. 7A, and the display panel 10 is removed as shown in FIG. 7B. Is performed. Thereafter, the next display panel 10 to be inspected is mounted, and the inspection is repeated.
[0031]
By the way, when the type of the display panel 10 to be inspected is switched, for example, the pitch and the number of the electrode terminal blocks 103 are different between the display panels 10 of different types. It is necessary to change the pitch and the number of the extraction electrodes 113 formed on the contacts 112 of the placement lighting unit 11. Therefore, when the type is changed, it is necessary to replace the contact 112 of the panel mounting and lighting unit 11 according to the shape of the electrode terminal portion of the display panel 10 to be inspected.
[0032]
In the lighting inspection device of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 8, for example, as shown in FIG. 8, different from the one shown in FIG. 3 according to the number of electrodes and the electrode pitch of the electrode terminal block 103 of each type of display panel 10, The panel mounting and lighting unit 11 in which the contact 112 and the lighting signal generating means 115 are arranged at predetermined positions is prepared, and the holding block is set so that the mounting position of the contact 112 of the panel mounting and lighting unit 11 is at a predetermined position. If the position of 114 is adjusted in advance, when switching the type, the panel mounting lighting unit 11 adjusted for each type may be mounted on the lighting unit base 13, which is necessary for the type switching and adjustment work. Work time can be reduced.
[0033]
As shown in FIG. 7A, the procedure for changing the type of the display panel 10 is as follows. First, the slide unit 16 is retracted so that the connection control block 15 does not interfere with the panel mounting and lighting unit 11. Then, the panel-mounted lighting unit 11 is taken out upward and removed from the lighting unit base 13.
[0034]
Next, a panel mounting and lighting unit 11 of a type adapted to the display panel 10 to be newly inspected is prepared and positioned and arranged on the lighting unit table 13. Then, the first slide unit 161 is moved back and forth according to the size of the type to be replaced, and is positioned at a predetermined position. Next, in order to match the connection unit 17 with the pitch of the contacts 112 of the panel mounting and lighting unit 11, the second slide guide 162 is moved right and left, and the connection unit 17 is positioned by the positioning means 117 of the panel mounting and lighting unit 11. It is positioned at a predetermined position. The first and second slide units 161 and 162 may be moved from outside via a cylinder or the like (not shown) or may be moved manually.
[0035]
Here, among the plurality of connection units 17 of the connection control block 15, a standby unit 18 is provided for waiting an unused connection unit 17 not used for pressing the contact 112, and a plurality of electrode terminal blocks 103 having different numbers are provided. In the lighting inspection of the display panel 10 described above, the number of the connection units 17 to be used by moving the connection units 17 can be adjusted by one inspection apparatus.
[0036]
That is, on the connection control block 15 side corresponding to the long side of the display panel 10, a standby unit 18 that waits for an unused connection unit 17 that is not used for pressing the contact 114 among the plurality of connection units 17 is provided. From the case where the panel mounting and lighting unit 11 having the size shown in FIG. 3 is used to the case where the panel mounting and lighting unit 11 shown in FIG. 8 is used, as shown in FIG. The connection unit 17 may be moved to the standby unit 18 to be on standby, and in the opposite case, the connection unit 17 may be pulled out from the standby unit 18 and positioned and arranged at a predetermined position.
[0037]
According to these procedures, the positioning of the connection unit 17 is completed in accordance with the position of the contact 112 of the panel mounting and lighting unit 11 of a predetermined type, and the type switching is completed.
[0038]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, the contact 112 having the plurality of extraction electrodes 113 electrically contacting the respective extraction electrodes 102 of the display panel 10 corresponds to the electrode terminal block 103 of the display panel 10. A plurality of panel mounting and lighting units 11 are provided in accordance with the type of the display panel 10 to be inspected. By replacing the panel mounting and lighting unit 11 itself at the time of switching the type, it is possible to reduce the work time required for the type switching and adjustment work.
[0039]
Further, a standby unit 18 is provided for waiting an unused connection unit 17 that is not used for pressing the contact 112 among the plurality of connection units 17, so that a plurality of display panels 10 having different numbers of electrode terminal blocks 103 are turned on. In the inspection, one inspection apparatus can be used by moving the connection unit 17 and adjusting the number of connection units 17 to be used.
[0040]
Note that, in the present embodiment, an example has been described in which the contacts 112 corresponding to each of the short side and the long side of the display panel 10 are used, but the present embodiment is applicable to the electrode terminal blocks 103 on all sides. The contact 112 may be arranged at the bottom. Further, in the present embodiment, the panel holding means 14 is arranged on the main body base 12 so as to hold the vicinity of the center of the display panel 10 as long as it does not interfere with the panel mounting and lighting unit 11 and other structures. Alternatively, the display panel 10 may be arranged to hold the four corners. Further, the panel mounting and lighting unit 11 is also supported with the four corners being regulated by the lighting unit base 13, but each side of the panel mounting and lighting unit 11 may be regulated and supported.
[0041]
Further, in the present embodiment, a flexible printed wiring board is used for the contact 112, but a rigid printed board or the like is used for a portion where the extraction electrode 113 to be brought into contact with the extraction electrode 102 of the display panel 10 is used. The configuration may be such that the substrate and the extraction electrode 102 of the display panel 10 are in contact with each other. Further, the panel mounting and lighting unit 11 is configured by attaching a plurality of contacts 112 and a holding block 114 to the same fixed plate 111. However, if necessary, a plurality of fixed plates 111 may be attached to one lighting inspection device. The panel mounting and lighting unit 11 may be configured by disposing the contact 112 and the holding block 114 separately on each of the fixed plates 111.
[0042]
Further, in the above embodiment, the first slide unit 161 is movable in a direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction of the electrode terminal blocks 103 of the display panel 10. It may be movable in the direction in which the electrode terminal blocks 103 are arranged, and a plurality of electrode terminals may be arranged corresponding to the connection units 17 in the same manner as the second slide unit 162.
[0043]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, in the lighting inspection of the display panel, a plurality of types of panel mounting lighting units are prepared in advance according to the type of the display panel to be inspected, and the panel mounting lighting unit is prepared when the type is switched. By replacing itself, the position adjustment work can be simplified, and the type change time can be greatly reduced. In addition, the position adjustment work of the connection unit disposed on the slide unit can be easily performed in accordance with the individual contacts of the panel mounting and lighting unit, and the work time for changing the type can be further reduced.
[0044]
In particular, in the present invention, when it is necessary to frequently switch types such as high-mix low-volume production, the type switching time can be greatly reduced, thereby improving the operation rate of the device, and improving the lighting efficiency of the display panel. Productivity can be improved.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an entire configuration of a lighting inspection device for a display panel according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a main configuration of the device. FIG. 4 is a plan view and a side view showing a configuration of a panel mounting and lighting unit of the device. FIG. 4 is a side view showing a configuration of a connection control block of the device. FIG. 6 is a side view showing a configuration of a connection control block of the apparatus. FIGS. 7A and 7B are side views showing a state where the panel mounting and lighting unit of the apparatus is replaced. FIG. 8 is a plan view showing another example of a panel mounting lighting unit. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a display panel lighting inspection device.
Reference Signs List 10 display panel 11 panel mounting and lighting unit 12 main body base 15 connection control block 16 slide unit 17 connection unit 18 standby unit 102 extraction electrode 103 electrode terminal block 111 fixing plate 112 contact 113 extraction electrode 115 lighting signal generating means 161 first Slide unit 162 Second slide unit

Claims (3)

In a lighting inspection device for a display panel, in which a plurality of electrode terminal blocks each having a plurality of extraction electrodes are arranged, a main body base on which the display panel is mounted and an extraction electrode of the display panel on the main body base are electrically connected. A panel mounting and lighting unit configured by arranging a plurality of contacts having a plurality of contacting electrodes corresponding to the electrode terminal blocks of the display panel, and the display movably disposed on the main body base; A connection control block that presses the contact against an electrode terminal block of the panel to contact an extraction electrode of the contact with an extraction electrode of the display panel, wherein the connection control block includes the contact as an electrode terminal block of the display panel. Pressing multiple connection units and this connection unit An unused connection which is constituted by an arrangement direction of the electrode terminal blocks of the display panel and a slide unit which is movably held in a direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction, and which is not used for pressing the contacts among the plurality of connection units. A lighting inspection device for a display panel, comprising a standby unit for waiting a unit. The panel mounting lighting unit is configured by arranging a plurality of contacts corresponding to the electrode terminal blocks of the display panel and arranging lighting signal generating means for illuminating and displaying the display panel. The lighting inspection device for a display panel according to claim 1, wherein the display panel is mounted on the lighting unit. The slide unit is disposed on the main body base and is movable in a direction in which the electrode terminal blocks of the display panel are arranged or in a direction orthogonal to the direction of arrangement. The first slide unit is mounted on the first slide unit. The lighting inspection apparatus for a display panel according to claim 1, further comprising a second slide unit that is movable in a direction orthogonal to the direction of movement of the first slide unit and has a connection unit mounted thereon.

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