JP3354385B2 - Contact device for display panel inspection - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a display panel inspection apparatus for inspecting display quality and the like before connecting a driving module such as a tab IC to a color display panel.
More specifically, the present invention relates to a display panel inspection contact device capable of bringing a contact formed on a flexible film into contact with a signal line terminal of a color display panel with a required pressing force to light up and display a color display panel for each color.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An example of a color display panel will be described. An active matrix type liquid crystal display panel generally has one pixel arranged at the intersection of signal lines arranged in a grid pattern. Is composed of a switching element composed of a thin film transistor, a transparent pixel electrode connected to one electrode (drain electrode) thereof, and a transparent common electrode disposed opposite to the transparent pixel electrode via a liquid crystal. In a color liquid crystal display panel, a color filter in which three color dots of red (R), green (G), and blue (B) are arranged in a matrix is used, and a dot corresponding to each color is used. The above-mentioned transparent pixel electrode is arranged. Further, in this type of liquid crystal display panel, the electrodes (source electrodes, source electrodes,
The terminal of the signal line for the pixel electrode connected to the (gate electrode), the terminal of the signal line for the common electrode connected to the transparent common electrode, and the like are divided into blocks for each drive module and formed and arranged.
Conventionally, in order to inspect the display quality and the like of this type of liquid crystal display panel before connecting and fixing a peripheral circuit such as a drive module, the signal line terminal of the liquid crystal display panel is provided with a flexible film generally called a contact film. A liquid crystal display panel inspection device that turns on a liquid crystal display panel by bringing a contact formed of a conductor into contact with one side of a conductive film with a required pressing force is used (for example, see Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2-78969).

In a conventional inspection apparatus for a color liquid crystal display panel, one liquid crystal drive signal is supplied to a signal line terminal for a pixel electrode of each color of the color liquid crystal display panel via a contact formed on a flexible film. Are supplied at the same time, the pixels of three colors are simultaneously turned on, and the color liquid crystal display panel is turned on in white. Therefore, the contact on the flexible film in the conventional inspection apparatus for a color liquid crystal display panel, so as to simultaneously contact the signal line terminal for a pixel electrode for each color of the color liquid crystal display panel, for the pixel electrode for each color. Generally, the pattern is formed in a direction crossing the signal line terminal. Therefore, the signal supply wiring pattern connected to the contact to be brought into contact with the pixel electrode signal line terminal may be a simple and simple pattern, together with the wiring pattern connected to the contact to be brought into contact with the common electrode signal line terminal. It can be easily formed on one side of the flexible film.

[0004]

In recent years, there has been an increasing demand for strictly performing lighting inspection of a color display panel for each color.
In that case, it is necessary to arrange the contacts on the flexible film at the same pitch with respect to the signal line terminals for pixel electrodes for each color in the color display panel, and to correspond to the signal line terminal groups for pixel electrodes for each color. It is necessary to individually supply signals to the three contact groups. Therefore, when an attempt is made to form a signal wiring for individually supplying a signal to these three contact groups on one side of the flexible film as an independent pattern for each contact together with the contacts, the signal wiring of the signal wiring At the input end, it is necessary to secure a much larger pitch than the pitch of the contactors, so the width dimension of the flexible film increases,
Since the size of a flexible printed wiring board, a connector, and the like for connection with the signal wiring on the flexible film is also increased, the display panel inspection device cannot be a portable and compact socket type.

On the other hand, if the signal wiring connected to each contact group on the flexible film has a pattern shape terminated on the signal input end side, the above-mentioned problem can be solved. Since the electrodes are alternately formed for each of the three colors, the flexible film can be formed without short-circuiting the signal wires connected to the three contact groups corresponding to the pixel electrode signal line terminal groups for each color. It is not possible to form on one side of Also, one of the signal wirings is divided at a branch wiring portion near the contact, a wiring portion on the signal input end side is formed on the back surface of the flexible film, and a wiring portion on the signal input end side is formed. A method of forming a three-dimensional circuit by connecting the wiring portion on the contact side with through holes is also conceivable, but an extremely large number of through holes as many as the contacts are required. In addition, since the location of the branch wiring portion near the contact has a fine pitch, high precision is required for forming a through hole, and high alignment accuracy is also required for forming both wiring portions on both surfaces of the flexible film. Is required, which causes a significant increase in manufacturing cost.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to enable the pixels of the color display panel to be lit for each color, and to secure electrical reliability at a low manufacturing cost.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a small display panel inspection contact device.

[0007]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the invention according to the first aspect of the present invention is directed to a color display panel in which three-color electrodes are formed in order and parallel to each other on a substrate of a color display panel. in contrast, a display panel inspection contact device for contacting the contact film to provide a signal for testing, such as display quality on the display panel in different colors, the contact film is a film substrate having flexibility ,
One side of the film substrate corresponding to each of the electrodes
A plurality of contacts different color which are arranged parallel to one another, the full
Comprising a Irumu Color signal input part formed on a substrate, and a plurality of wiring patterns for connecting the color different contacts and the Color of the signal input portion, wherein the contact is a tip end
Part overlaps with the electrode on the substrate of the color display panel.
The contact for one color of the three colors is provided at the base end side of the contact for one color.
Child are connected to each other via a corresponding wiring pattern, the contact for the other two colors are formed is separated from the wiring patterns corresponding to the respective independently, the other
The wiring pattern corresponding to the two-color contact
It has an end located on an extension of the arrangement direction of the child,
On the film substrate, a tip side portion of each of the contacts
And a part of the other two-color contact on the base end side and the other
Display a part of the wiring pattern corresponding to the contact for two colors
The contacts along the arrangement direction of the contacts
And an insulating film extending over the wiring pattern is formed by lamination.
It is, on the insulating film, in the arrangement direction of the contactor
Contacts of the other contact for two-color and the other for a secondary color extends
The present invention provides a contact device for display panel inspection, in which two conductor patterns for connecting a wiring pattern corresponding to each of the above are separately formed .

According to the above configuration, the base of the color display panel is provided.
The three colors are arranged on the board in order and parallel to each other.
Contact on the contact film for the electrode of each color
Display on the display panel by overlapping and touching
Display panel inspection that supplies signals for quality inspection etc. by color
A contact device for use can be provided. Moreover, the three-color contact and the signal input unit are provided on one side of the film substrate without the need for double-sided printing or through-hole processing on the film substrate, and without the need for a plurality of film substrates. Since a contact film connected for each color can be easily obtained, a contact device for inspecting a display panel corresponding to a narrow pitch of electrodes can be provided at low cost. Further, since the one-color contact directly connected to the wiring pattern can be connected to the wiring pattern on the base end side, it is not necessary to dispose the wiring pattern on the tip end side of the contact. Therefore, the contact for each color on the contact film can be brought close to the base of the electrode on the substrate of the display panel, and as a result, the contact section by overlapping the contact with the electrode can be maximized. , The contact reliability is increased.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the contact device for inspecting a display panel according to the first aspect, the base ends of the other two-color contacts are staggered for each color along the arrangement direction of the contacts. And the other two on an extension of the arrangement direction.
The end of the wiring pattern corresponding to the contact for color is located.

According to the above configuration, the insulating film may be formed in a substantially band shape along the staggered arrangement direction of the base end portions of the two types of contacts for two colors. Since two conductor patterns for connecting the contact and the wiring pattern for each color can also be formed linearly in parallel, the process of forming the insulating film and the conductor pattern is simplified.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, a contact film is brought into contact with electrodes of three colors arranged in order on a substrate of a color display panel in order of three colors to supply a signal for inspection of display quality or the like for each color. The contact film is a flexible film substrate, and a plurality of color-specific contacts arranged on one surface of the film substrate corresponding to each of the electrodes. With the child,
A plurality of wiring patterns for connecting the color-specific contacts and the color-specific signal input portions formed on the film substrate are provided, and two types of contacts for two of three colors are provided. Each color is connected to each other via the corresponding wiring pattern, the other one color contact is separately formed from the corresponding wiring pattern and is formed independently, and is separated from the wiring pattern on the film substrate. An insulating film is formed so as to expose the one-color contact and the part of the wiring pattern, and each one-color contact formed separately from the corresponding wiring pattern and the wiring A contact device for a display panel inspection is provided, wherein the pattern and the pattern are connected by a conductor pattern formed on the insulating film.

[0012] According to the above construction, the three-color contact on one side of the film substrate is not required without the need for double-sided printing or through-hole processing on the film substrate, and without requiring a plurality of film substrates. Since a contact film in which the terminal and the signal input portion are connected in different colors can be easily obtained, a contact device for display panel inspection corresponding to the narrow pitch of the electrodes can be provided at low cost. Also,
The connection points between the contacts and the wiring patterns by the conductor patterns can be minimized.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the contact device for inspecting a display panel according to the third aspect, wherein one of two types of two-color contacts connected to each other by a color via a corresponding wiring pattern. Are connected to the corresponding wiring pattern on the base end side, and the other contact is connected to the corresponding wiring pattern on the front end side.

According to the above configuration, the wiring pattern directly connected to the contact can be formed in a simple pattern shape.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the contact device for inspecting a display panel according to the third or fourth aspect, the base of the one-color contact formed separately from the corresponding wiring pattern is formed of the contact. It is arranged in a line along the arrangement direction, and the wiring pattern separated from the contact for one color is arranged along the arrangement direction of the base end of the contact with another wiring pattern interposed therebetween. Features.

According to the above configuration, the insulating film may be formed in a substantially strip shape along the one-row arrangement direction of the base end of the one-color contact separated from the wiring pattern. Since the conductor pattern for connecting the contact and the wiring pattern can also be formed linearly, the process of forming the insulating film and the conductor pattern is simplified. Further, since it is not necessary to provide a connection portion by the conductor pattern outside the arrangement section of the contacts, the influence on the arrangement pitch of the contacts can be minimized.

[0017]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

Embodiment 1

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a color liquid crystal display panel, and FIG. 2 is a side sectional view of a contact device for inspecting the liquid crystal display panel. Liquid crystal display panel 1 shown in FIG.
In FIG. 2, a plurality of source-side individual electrodes 2 (4 in the illustrated example) are provided on a substrate 1a on a long side of the liquid crystal display panel 1.
The common electrodes 4 are respectively arranged near both ends of the arrangement section of the individual electrodes 2 in each block. On the other hand, on the substrate 1a on the short side of the liquid crystal display panel 1, a plurality of gate-side individual electrodes 3 are arranged and formed in a plurality of (two in the illustrated example) blocks. The common electrodes 5 are arranged near both ends of the array section. The contact device 10 described below is used for each individual electrode 2 and the common electrode 4 on the source side, and the contact device 10 individually contacts the individual electrode 2 and the common electrode 4. It has a contact film to be brought into contact. On the other hand, although not shown, the individual electrode 3 on the gate side and the common electrode 5 may be connected to the contact film having the same configuration as the contact film on the source side, or may be connected to the individual electrode 3 if necessary. A contact film provided with contacts arranged so as to be connected to each other and contacts connected to the common electrode 5 can be used.

Referring to FIG. 2, contact film 1
1 is a mounting plate 1 with the individual electrode wiring pattern 12 and the like facing upward.
3, the mounting plate 13 is held in a concave groove 14a formed on the upper surface of the base plate 14 of the contact device 10. An elastic support member 16 for supporting the back side of the individual electrode pattern of the contact film 11 is attached to the base plate 14. The liquid crystal display panel 1 is placed on the contact film 11 with the electrodes 2 to 5 facing downward. The upper surface of the liquid crystal display panel 1 is pressed from above by a pressing member 17 via a protective film 18 as necessary, so that the individual electrodes 2 and the common electrode 4 on the source side of the liquid crystal display panel 1 and the contact film 11 The individual electrode linear pattern and the common electrode linear pattern can be brought into contact with each other at a required contact pressure.

The contact film 11, which is pressed and connected as described above, is formed on a single surface of a flexible and insulating base film 11a made of, for example, polyimide or the like, by a plurality of individual electrodes 2 for each color in a block of the liquid crystal display panel 1. The contact for making contact with is formed.

Hereinafter, referring to a plan view showing a wiring pattern of the contact film in FIG. 3 and a cross-sectional view taken along a line BB in FIG. 3 of FIG. The structure will be described.

In the figure, first to third color contacts R,
G and B are arranged alternately and in parallel to each other so as to be in contact with each of the individual electrodes 2 on the liquid crystal display panel 1 side. Further, the contact R for the first color extends to the rearmost position from the other two types of contacts G and B, and is connected at all rear ends by conductor patterns Ra extending left and right. It is connected via Ra to a signal input section Rb located at the rear thereof.

The second color contact G, which is formed adjacent to the first color contact R and shorter than the first color contact R, has the rear ends thereof in the same line on the left and right. The conductor pattern, which is arranged side by side and extends from the rear end of the contact G for the second color disposed at the rightmost end, is connected to the signal input unit Rb for the first color for the second color. Further, the end of the conductor pattern Gc extending to the left from the signal input Gb is connected to the straight left end where the rear end of the second color contactor G is arranged. They are arranged to match.

Further, adjacent to the contact G for the second color,
In addition, the third color contactors B formed shorter than the second color contactors G are arranged such that their rear ends are aligned in the same line on the left and right, and the third color arranged at the rightmost end. The conductor pattern extended from the rear end of the contact B is connected to the signal input portion Bb for the third color adjacent to the signal input portion Gb for the second color, and further from the signal input portion Bb. The end of the conductor pattern Bc extended to the left is arranged so as to coincide with the straight left end on which the rear end of the third color contactor B is arranged.

An insulating film 19 is formed on the wiring pattern arranged as described above. The insulating film 19 is formed in a rectangular shape that is long to the left and right so as to continuously cover the area on the rear end side including the rear end of each of the second color contactor G and the third color contactor B. The insulating film 1
Reference numeral 9 denotes a rear end of each of the second color contactor G and the third color contactor B, and a conductor pattern G extended to the left.
The portions corresponding to the ends of c and Bc are cut off, respectively.
A connection window 19a from which the conductor portion is exposed is formed.

Then, on the insulating film 19, a second
Conductor pattern Ga for color and conductor pattern Ba for third color
Are printed in a stacked state. That is, the second color conductor pattern Ga is connected to the tip of the second color conductor pattern Gc exposed from the connection window 19a of the insulating film 19 and all the second color conductor patterns Gc.
It is printed so as to connect the rear end of the color contact G in a straight line on the left and right, and is configured to transmit an electric signal from the signal input portion Gb to each contact G.

Further, the third color conductor pattern Ba also has the same connection structure as the second color conductor pattern Ga. The third color conductor pattern Ba is formed of the insulating film 19.
Third color conductor pattern Bc exposed from the connection window 19a of FIG.
Are printed so as to linearly connect the front end and the rear ends of all the third color contacts B, and are configured to transmit an electric signal from the signal input section Bb to each contact B.

Referring to FIG. 4, the relationship between the contacts R, G, B, the insulating film 19 and the second color conductor pattern Ga will be described. G, B, the connection window 19 is provided at the contact G for the second color.
a is formed, and the second color conductor pattern Ga is printed on the insulating film 19, and corresponds to one of the three colors of the contacts R, G, and B while having a structure of only one side printing. The conductor pattern Ga is selectively connected only to the contact G that is to be connected.

The contacts R, G,
The arrangement of B is not particularly limited, and the arrangement described as the first color contactor R in the embodiment is as follows.
It is also possible to perform mutual replacement such as replacement with the third color contactor B. Further, the same circuit can be formed even if the wiring pattern has a structure in which the left and right are reversed. Furthermore, the conductor patterns Bc and Gc extended to the left in FIG. 3 can be extended as contacts.

[0030]

Embodiment 2 The present invention will be described below with reference to plan views showing steps of forming a wiring pattern on a contact film shown in FIGS. 5 to 7 and a sectional view of a portion indicated by A in FIG. 8 in FIG. Example 2 will be described.

The wiring pattern shown in the figure is formed on one side of the contact film 11 already described in the first embodiment. First, the configuration of the wiring patterns corresponding to the three colors shown in FIG. 5 will be described. The contact R for the first color is extended from the center connection land Rb,
A plurality of conductors are branched in a substantially vertical front with respect to the conductor pattern Ra extending left and right, and a plurality of the conductors are arranged in parallel. Further, the contact B for the third color is close to the connection land Rb for the first color. A conductor pattern Ba is formed so as to extend on the left side of the similar connection land Bb provided on the left side and extend in the left-right direction at the foremost end, and to branch substantially vertically rearward from the conductor pattern Ba. The books are arranged and formed in parallel, and the first color contactors R and the third color contactors B are arranged so that the combs facing each other mesh with each other.

The second color contact G is extended from the second color connection land Gb provided adjacent to the other connection lands Rb and Bb, and is connected to the first color connection land Rb.
The wiring pattern Gc detoured right and left around
It extends right and left along the first color conductor pattern Ra, and extends along the first color contact R located at the right end so as to form one second color contact G.

Further, in FIG. 5, the second color contact G is placed between the first color contact R and the third color contact B in a state completely independent of other wiring patterns. The contacts R, G, and B are arranged regularly, and are arranged in order.

An insulating film 19 as shown in FIG. 6 is applied to the wiring pattern configured as described above. The insulating film 1
Numeral 9 is configured to cover the third color conductor pattern Ba to ensure insulation when the third color conductor pattern Ba contacts the liquid crystal display panel. And the third color contacts R and B are formed so as to cover the base ends thereof. In this state, the base end of the second color contactor G is exposed without being covered with the insulating film 19.

As shown in FIG. 7, on the insulating film 19 provided on the wiring pattern as described above, as shown in FIG.
Second color conductor pattern G formed by conductor pattern
a is printed in a stacked state. The second color conductor pattern Ga and the second color contact pattern Gc that have been separated from each other by the second color conductor pattern Ga are separated from each other.
Is connected.

Referring to FIG. 8, the first color wiring pattern Rc is provided with an insulating film 19, and the left and right second color wiring patterns Gc disposed with the insulating film 19 interposed therebetween. The second color conductive pattern Ga is provided on the upper portion and extends over the laminated state. As a result, the second color wiring pattern Gc can be connected to the first color wiring pattern Rc while securing an insulated state, and the liquid crystal display can be performed only by printing the wiring on one side of the contact film 11. It is possible to provide a display panel inspection contact device that can correspond to the three-color individual electrodes 2 of the panel 1.

[0037]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, the pixels of the color display panel can be lit for each color, and electrical reliability can be ensured at a low manufacturing cost. In addition, it is possible to provide a small display panel inspection contact device.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a color liquid crystal display panel.

FIG. 2 is a side sectional view showing a main part of the inspection contact device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a plan view showing wiring of a contact film of Example 1.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a line BB in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a wiring pattern of a contact film of the display panel inspection contact device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of a contact film showing a state in which an insulating film has been applied to the wiring pattern of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a plan view of a contact film showing a state where a conductor pattern is printed on the insulating film of FIG. 6;

8 is a cross-sectional view of a portion indicated by an arrow A in FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 liquid crystal display panel 1a substrate 2 individual electrode 4 common electrode 10 contact device 11 contact film 12 wiring pattern for individual electrode 13 mounting plate 14 base plate 14a concave groove 16 elastic support member 17 pressing member 18 protective film R contact for first color Child Ra First color conductor pattern Rb First color signal input section G Second color contactor Ga Second color conductor pattern Gb Second color signal input section Gc Conductor pattern B Third color contact Ba Conductor pattern for third color Bb Signal input portion for third color Bc Conductor pattern 19 Insulating film 19a Connection window

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (58) Fields surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G01R 31/00 G01R 1/073 G02F 1/13 G09F 9/00 G01M 11/00

Claims (5)

(57) [Claims] An electrode for each color, which is formed on a substrate of a color display panel sequentially and in parallel with each other for three colors , is formed .
And, a display panel inspection contact device for contacting the contact film to provide a signal for testing, such as display quality on the display panel in different colors, the contact film is a film substrate having flexibility, One of the electrodes
One one the corresponding the film plurality of contacts for each color in parallel to <br/> arranged together on one side of the substrate and the film substrate
A signal input portion for each color formed in the
And a plurality of wiring patterns for connecting the Color of the signal input portion, wherein the contact has a tip end portion said mosquito
Contact with the electrode on the substrate of the color display panel
Are formed such, contacts for one color of the three colors are connected to each other through a wiring pattern corresponding to the contacts for the color at its base end, the other for two colors Of the other two colors are separated from the corresponding wiring patterns and are formed independently of each other.
The wiring pattern corresponding to the contact is in the arrangement direction of the contact.
The film substrate has an end portion which is located on an extension line of the contact portion.
Part of the base end side of the color contact and the other two-color contact
Before exposing a part of the wiring pattern corresponding to
The contact and the wiring pattern are arranged along the arrangement direction of the contact.
An insulating film extending over the turn is laminated and formed,
On the membrane, 2 for connecting the wiring patterns corresponding to the contacts for the contact and the other two colors of the other <br/> for dichroic extends along the arrangement direction of the contact for each color Two conductor patterns are stacked
A contact device for display panel inspection, wherein the contact device is formed. Wherein the proximal end portion of the contact for the other two color are arranged in a staggered manner for each color along the arrangement direction of the contacts, the contact for said other two colors on the extension of the arrangement direction The display panel inspection contact device according to claim 1, wherein an end of the wiring pattern corresponding to the element is located. 3. A display panel inspection in which a contact film is brought into contact with color-specific electrodes arranged in order of three colors on a substrate of a color display panel to supply a signal for inspection such as display quality for each color. The contact film comprises: a flexible film substrate; a plurality of contacts arranged by color on one side of the film substrate corresponding to each of the electrodes; And a wiring pattern for connecting a signal input portion for each color formed on the film substrate, and two types of contacts for two of the three colors correspond to the corresponding wiring patterns, respectively. Are connected to each other by color, and the contacts for the other one color are formed separately from the corresponding wiring patterns, and are formed separately from each other, and are formed separately from the corresponding wiring patterns on the film substrate. Sa An insulating film is formed so as to expose the contact for one color and a part of the wiring pattern, and each contact for one color and the wiring pattern formed separately from the corresponding wiring pattern are formed. A contact device for inspecting a display panel, wherein the contact device is connected by a conductor pattern formed on the insulating film. 4. A contact for one of the contacts connected to each other by color via a corresponding wiring pattern is connected to the corresponding wiring pattern on the base end side, and 4. The contact device for inspecting a display panel according to claim 3, wherein the contact for color is connected to a corresponding wiring pattern on a tip side thereof. 5. The base ends of the one-color contacts formed separately from the corresponding wiring patterns are arranged in a line along the arrangement direction of the contacts, and are separated from the one-color contacts. 5. The contact device for inspecting a display panel according to claim 3, wherein the wiring pattern is arranged along the arrangement direction of the base end of the contact with another wiring pattern interposed therebetween.