JP5690105B2 - Probe device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a probe device used for an electrical test of a flat test object such as a liquid crystal display panel.

  In general, a flat inspection object such as a liquid crystal display panel is inspected, that is, tested by an inspection apparatus using a probe device such as a probe unit or a probe block, that is, a test apparatus. One such probe device is described in Patent Document 1.

The probe device described in Patent Document 1, a plate-like probe base attached to the body frame of the test apparatus, which is suspended a coupling block attached to the probe base, to adjustably coupling block height position support The block includes a probe block (probe assembly) in which a plurality of probes are supported by a probe holder, and the probe block is assembled to the support block.

  The probe holder is attached to the connecting block by a pair of screw members in a state where a convex portion protruding upward from the probe holder is inserted into a concave portion formed in the slide block. Thereby, the probe block is maintained releasably with respect to the support block.

Each probe has a plate-like needle central region, a needle front region that extends integrally forward from the needle central region, a tip needle tip that extends downward from the needle front region, and a needle central region backward from the needle central region. has a needle tail region extending manner, a rear end needle tip extending upward direction from the needle back region. Such a probe is arranged and supported on the probe holder with the needle center region facing each other.

  In addition to the probe and the probe holder, the probe assembly extends through the needle center region in the thickness direction, and guide bars supported by the probe holder at both ends and the left-right direction to receive the needle front region. A front slit bar having a plurality of slits spaced apart and supported by the probe holder, and a plurality of slits spaced laterally to receive the needle rear region and supported by the probe holder A side slit bar.

  In the probe device described in Patent Document 1, the probe is supported by the probe holder by the guide bar, and the front end and the rear end needle tip are projected forward and backward from the slits of the corresponding slit bars, respectively. Yes. In such a probe device, when the tip of the tip and the tip of the rear end are pressed against the connection part of the wiring sheet such as the electrode and the tab of the object to be inspected, and the overdrive acts on each probe, The amount of displacement of the probe in the front-rear direction and the vertical direction varies depending on the size of the gap existing between each probe and the guide bar.

  The formation of the gap as described above between the probe and the guide bar cannot be avoided due to tolerances in design and processing. As a result, contact between the tip of the tip and the electrode of the object to be inspected and electrical contact between the tip of the tip of the tip and the connection portion of the wiring sheet become unstable, and a correct test cannot be performed.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, in the probe device described in Patent Document 2, the above-described guide bar is used as a positioning pin, and the U-shaped first and second recesses opened forward are provided. First and second convex portions provided respectively at the front end portion and the rear end portion of the needle center region of each probe, protruding rearward and fitted into the first and second concave portions, respectively, are provided on the front end side slit bar, and It is provided on a load receiving bar provided at the rear end of the block piece.

  In the probe device described in Patent Document 2, the guide bar is used as a positioning pin, the first concave portion and the first convex portion are fitted, and the second concave portion and the second convex portion. By fitting, the difference in the displacement amount of the probe with respect to the block piece when the overdrive acts on each probe is reduced.

  However, even in the above manner, the fitting portion between the pin member and the probe, the fitting portion between the first concave portion and the first convex portion, and the fitting between the second concave portion and the second convex portion. The gap of the part is permitted in design and processing, and it is difficult to make such a gap zero in processing and assembling work.

  As a result of the above, in the probe device described in Patent Document 2, the difference in the displacement amount of the probe with respect to the probe holder (particularly, the block piece) when the overdrive acts on each probe can only be reduced to some extent. Absent. For this reason, in the probe apparatus described in Patent Document 2, the contact between the tip of the tip and the electrode of the object to be inspected and the contact between the tip of the tip of the tip and the connection portion of the wiring sheet become unstable. I can't do the right test.

JP 2004-191064 A JP 2009-115585 A

  An object of the present invention is to enable a correct test by minimizing the difference in the amount of displacement of the probe with respect to the probe holder.

A probe apparatus according to the present invention includes a probe assembly including a plurality of probes having a needle center region, and probe holders that are spaced apart in the left-right direction so that the probe faces the needle center region. . Either one of the probe holder and each probe includes a downward first portion and a forward second portion. The other of the probe holder and each probe includes an upward third portion that can contact the first portion and a rearward fourth portion that can contact the second portion. Further, the one of the probe holder and each probe may further include a rearward fifth portion at a position spaced upward from the first portion. In addition, the other of the probe holder and each probe further includes a forward-facing sixth portion that can be in contact with the fifth portion at a position spaced upward from the third portion .

  The second and fourth portions may be vertically separated from the first and third portions, respectively.

The needle center region may have a plate shape extending in the up-down direction and the front-rear direction. Each probe further includes a needle front region extending forward from a front end portion of the needle central region, a tip needle tip extending downward from the front end portion of the needle front region, and a rear end portion of the needle central region. And a rear end needle tip extending upward from a rear end portion of the needle rear region.

  The first and second parts may be provided in the probe holder. The third and fourth portions may be provided at a front end portion of the needle center region of the probe. Furthermore, the probe may have the needle center region facing each other.

  The fifth part may be provided in the probe holder. The sixth portion may be provided at a front end portion of the needle central region of the probe.

Either one of the probe holder and each probe may further include a protrusion protruding forward or backward. In addition, the other of the probe holder and each probe may further include an abutting portion with which the convex portion abuts.

  The rear end needle tip of each probe may extend vertically upward from the needle rear region with respect to the extending direction of the needle rear region.

  The rear end needle tip adjacent in the left-right direction may face a portion on the needle rear region side, and may displace the needle tip on the rear side of the probe in the front-rear direction.

The probe holder is a plurality of first slits that open downward and rearward and extend in the front-rear direction at intervals in the left-right direction. a first slit, in a position spaced behind the first slits, a a plurality of second slits extending in the front-rear direction at an interval in the open and the left-right direction in the front and downward And a plurality of second slits in which at least a part of the needle rear region of the probe is received.

  The probe holder further includes a plurality of third slits opened rearward and extending in the vertical direction at intervals in the left-right direction, and a plurality of first slits receiving at least a part of the front end portion of the needle center region. It can have 3 slits.

  The probe holder is further a plurality of fourth slits at a position spaced rearward from the third slit, opened forward and spaced in the left-right direction and extending vertically. A plurality of fourth slits that receive at least a part of the rear end portion of the needle center region may be provided.

The probe assembly further includes at least one bar member extending through the needle central region of the probe and extending in the left-right direction, and removably assembled to each side portion in the left-right direction of the probe holder, A plate-like cover for supporting the member at the end thereof by the probe holder can be provided.

  The probe device further includes a support block, a coupling block disposed below the support block, the coupling block having the probe assembly assembled below, and the coupling block disposed below the support block. And an assembling device for assembling on the side. Further, the assembling apparatus includes a recess formed in one of the coupling block and the support block, a coupling member fitted in the recess, and the coupling member as the coupling block or the support block. A first screw member to be assembled and a second screw member that passes through the connecting member in the vertical direction and is screwed to the other of the coupling block and the support block can be provided.

A wiring sheet disposed below the coupling block and behind the probe assembly, the wiring sheet including a plurality of connecting portions spaced apart in the left-right direction on the lower surface. it can. In addition, the probe assembly may be assembled to the lower side of the coupling block in a state in which a probe tip on the rear side of the probe is in contact with the connection portion.

  The probe assembly is assembled to the lower side of the support means in a state where the rear end needle tip of each probe is pressed against the connection portion of the wiring sheet. For this reason, the rear end needle tip of each probe is reliably electrically connected to the corresponding connecting portion of the wiring sheet regardless of whether or not the overdrive is acting on each probe.

  Further, when the rear end needle tip of the probe is pressed against the connection portion of the wiring sheet, a force that rotates the probe with the contact portion between the rear end needle tip and the connection portion as a fulcrum acts on the probe. As a result, when the rear end needle tip and the connecting portion are kept pressed, the first and second parts of the probe holder and each probe are pressed by the third and fourth parts, respectively. Maintained in a state.

  As described above, in the probe device according to the present invention, each probe holder and each probe that are pressed against each other even if there is a gap due to design and processing tolerances between them. By maintaining the rear end needle tip pressed against the connection portion of the wiring sheet, the position of the probe with respect to the probe holder in the left-right direction, the front-rear direction, and the up-down direction is stabilized.

  As a result, according to the probe device of the present invention, the difference in the displacement of the probe with respect to the probe holder is remarkably reduced, and a correct test can be performed.

  When the probe holder has a plurality of third slits that open rearward and extend in the vertical direction at intervals in the left-right direction, and at least a part of the front end portion of the needle center region is received in the third slit, Even if a force is exerted on the probe to rotate the probe about an imaginary axis extending in the longitudinal direction (front-rear direction), such an angular rotation may cause a part of the front end portion of the needle center region to It is blocked by receiving in the slit.

  Similarly, the probe holder has a plurality of fourth slits opened forward and extending in the vertical direction at intervals in the left-right direction, and at least a part of the rear end portion of the needle center region is received in the fourth slit. In this case, even if the force that causes the probe to rotate angularly as described above is applied to the probe, the angular rotation associated therewith is that a part of the rear end of the needle center region is received in the fourth slit. Is blocked by.

It is a front view which shows one Example of the probe apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is a right view of the probe apparatus shown in FIG. It is a top view of the probe apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a portion A in FIG. 3. It is sectional drawing obtained along the 5-5 line in FIG. It is sectional drawing which decomposes | disassembles and shows the probe apparatus shown in FIG. It is the front view which removed the probe assembly and the connection block. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows one Example of the assembly apparatus which assembles | attaches a connection block to a support block. It is a front view which expands and shows a part of probe assembly. FIG. 10 is a right side view of the probe assembly shown in FIG. 9. It is sectional drawing obtained along the 11-11 line in FIG. It is a top view which expands and shows the needle front part area | region of a probe, and the slit bar which receives this. It is sectional drawing obtained along the 13-13 line in FIG. It is sectional drawing similar to FIG. 13 which shows one Example of the needle rear part area | region of a probe, and its vicinity. It is a top view which shows one Example of a guide. It is sectional drawing similar to FIG. 13 which shows the back end needle tip and other examples of the vicinity. It is a bottom view which shows the other Example of a guide. It is sectional drawing obtained along the 18-18 line in FIG. It is a figure which shows the other Example of a probe assembly, Comprising: It is sectional drawing similar to FIG. It is a figure which shows other Example of a probe assembly, Comprising: It is sectional drawing similar to FIG.

  [Terminology]

  In the present invention, in FIG. 1, the vertical direction is referred to as the vertical direction or the Z direction, the horizontal direction is referred to as the horizontal direction or the X direction, and the paper back direction is referred to as the front-back direction or the Y direction. However, these directions differ depending on the posture of the object to be inspected received by a panel receiver such as a work table.

  Therefore, in the probe device according to the present invention, the vertical direction (Z direction) according to the present invention is actually in any direction, such as a state in which the vertical direction is in the vertical direction, a state in which the vertical direction is reversed, or a state in which the vertical direction is inclined. It is attached to the test device and used.

  [Example]

  Referring to FIGS. 1 to 6, the probe device 10 uses a liquid crystal display panel partially shown in FIGS. 2, 4, 5 and 6 as an inspection object 12 and is used for lighting inspection of the inspection object 12. The inspected object 12 has a rectangular shape, and a plurality of electrodes 14 (see FIG. 10) are arranged at intervals in the longitudinal direction of at least two edges of the rectangle adjacent to each other. And formed at a predetermined pitch. Each electrode 14 has a belt-like shape extending in a direction (X direction or Y direction) orthogonal to the edge where the electrode 14 is disposed.

  1 to 6, the probe apparatus 10 includes a probe assembly 16, a support block 18 that supports the probe assembly 16, a connection block 20 to which the support block 18 is connected, and a lower part of the support block 18. A coupling block 22 supported on the side (one side in the Z direction), an assembling device 24 for assembling the coupling block 22 to the lower side of the support block 18, and a wiring sheet 26 supported on the lower side of the coupling block 22 And a connection block 28 disposed below the support block 18 and rearward of the probe assembly.

  The probe apparatus 10 is assembled as a part of the test apparatus by assembling the connection block 20 to a flat probe base 30 attached to a main body frame (not shown) of the test apparatus.

  Referring to FIGS. 9 to 11, the probe assembly 16 includes a pair of slit bars 36 in which a plurality of probes 32 made of a conductive material are assembled to the lower surface of the block piece 34 at intervals in the front-rear direction. The bar member 38 having a circular cross-sectional shape is inserted into the probe 32 so as to extend in the front-rear direction with an interval in the left-right direction, and each end of the bar member 38 is formed into the block piece 34 by the cover 40. It is assembled.

  As shown in FIGS. 11 to 14, each probe 32 includes a rectangular plate-shaped needle center region 32 a and a cantilever-shaped needle front region that integrally extends forward from the lower front end of the needle center region 32 a. 32b, a cantilevered needle rear region 32c integrally extending backward from the upper rear end of the needle center region 32a, a distal needle tip 32d extending downward from the distal end of the needle front region 32b, and a needle rear region 32c The rear end needle tip extending upward from the rear end is a blade type needle provided with 32e.

  In the illustrated example, the needle front region 32 and the needle rear region 32c each have a long plate shape extending forward and backward from the needle central region 32a. Further, the front end needle tip 32d and the rear end needle tip 32e extend downward and upward substantially perpendicularly to the extending directions of the front needle region 32b and the rear needle region 32c from the front needle region 32b and the rear needle region 32c, respectively. It extends.

  Each of the block piece 34 and each slit bar 36 has a prismatic shape that is long in the left-right direction by an electrically insulating ceramic, synthetic resin, or the like.

  Each slit bar 36 is attached to the front lower surface or the rear lower surface of the block piece 34 in a state extending in the left-right direction by an appropriate method such as bonding and screwing, and as shown in FIGS. 9 to 14, The lower surface has a plurality of slits 42 extending in the front-rear direction at regular intervals in the longitudinal direction (left-right direction). Each slit 42 is open downward, forward and backward.

  In the illustrated example, the bar member 38 has a circular cross-sectional shape, and is formed of a hard electrically insulating material such as ceramic. Each bar member 38 passes through the needle center region 32 a of the probe 32. However, the bar member 38 may be formed by coating a conductive material with an electrically insulating material, or may have another cross-sectional shape such as a rectangle such as a rectangle or a hexagon. Good.

Each probe 32, the state in the thickness direction of the needle center region 32a where the left-right direction Toshikatsu destination Tanhari destination 32d and rear needle tip 32e is protruded from the block piece 34 forward and backward, respectively, parallel to the slit bar 36 Further, the front needle region 32b and the rear needle region 32c are fitted into the slits 42 of the slit bar 36.

Needle front region 32b of each probe 32, when the overdrive is applied to the probe 32, so as to allow the needle front region 32b to flex slightly elastically deformed, downward from the bottom surface of the corresponding slit 42 Are spaced apart.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 9, each cover 40 is formed by a plate-like cover member 40a located on the inner side and a plate-like cover member 40b located on the outer side.

  As shown in FIGS. 2, 9, and 10, each cover 40 passes through the cover members 40 a and 40 b, and includes a plurality of screw members 44 that are screwed to end portions in the left-right direction of the block pieces 34. Is detachably attached to the side surface (end surface) in the left-right direction.

  Each cover 40 is three-dimensionally positioned with respect to the block piece 34 by a plurality of positioning pins 46. Each positioning pin 46 is attached to the end portion of the block piece 34 in the left-right direction so as to protrude from the end portion in the left-right direction, and is inserted into both cover members 40a, 40b.

  Each inner cover member 40a has a hole 48 (see FIG. 9) for receiving the end of the bar member 38. Thereby, the bar member 38 is attached to the block piece 34 and positioned by the screw member 44 and the positioning pin 46 together with the cover members 40a and 40b.

As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the front slit bar 36 has a downward surface 50a at the lower portion and a forward surface 50b at the upper portion. The front slit bar 36 has a part of the rear surface of the intermediate portion between the downward surface 50a and the forward surface 50b as a contact surface, that is, a rear surface 50c.

  In the illustrated example, the downward surface 50 a is one surface of a downward step formed on the lower surface of the front slit bar 36, and the forward surface 50 b is formed on a protrusion protruding rearward from the upper portion of the front slit bar 36. This is a forward-facing surface forming a U-shaped groove 50d that opens downward.

  Each probe 32 has an upward portion 52a opposed to the downward surface 50a so as to be in contact with the lower surface 50a at a lower portion on the front end side of the needle center region 32a, and a rearward portion 52b opposed to be able to contact the forward surface 50b. Further, a convex portion that faces the rearward face 50c so as to come into contact with the rearward face 50c, that is, a frontward part 52c, is provided at an intermediate part between the upward part 52a and the rearward part 52b.

  In the illustrated example, the upward portion 52a is the upper surface of the upward convex portion formed at the lower portion on the front end side of the needle central region 32a, and the rearward portion 52b opens upwardly formed at the upper end portion of the needle central region 32a. The U-shaped groove 52d is the rear surface of the groove 52d, and the forward portion 52c is the front surface of the forward convex portion formed at the intermediate portion between the upward portion 52a and the rear portion 52b.

Each needle center region 32a has a recess 52e between the upward portion 52a and the forward portion 52c for allowing a corner portion at the lower end of the rear end of the front slit bar 36 to escape. The corners, the lower-facing surface 50a, forward surface 50b, rearward facing surfaces 50c and the groove 50d extends continuously in the longitudinal direction of the slit bar 36.

Lower surface 50a, the forward surface 50b and rearward facing surface 50c formed on the needle central region 32a of each probe 32 may be formed on facing portions 52a, the rearward portion 52b and the forward portion 52c on the front side of the slit bar 36.

  The probe assembly 16 also includes a plurality of positioning pins 54 (see FIG. 1) spaced in the left-right direction. Each positioning pin 54 is attached to the block piece 34 and extends upward from the block piece 34. Each positioning pin 54 is further fitted into a positioning hole (not shown) provided in the coupling block 22 to position the probe assembly 16 with respect to the coupling block 22 together with the positioning hole.

  On the contrary, the positioning pin 54 may be provided in the coupling block 22 and the positioning hole may be provided in the block piece 34.

  Each probe 32 is arranged on both slit bars 36 in a state where the needle front region 32b and the needle rear region 32c are received by the slits 42 of the corresponding slit bar 36, and is blocked by the bar member 38 and the cover 40. It is assembled to the piece 34 and supported by the block piece 34. For this reason, in the illustrated example, the block piece 34 and both slit bars 36 act as a probe holder that holds the probe.

  In the illustrated example, as shown in FIGS. 11 to 13, the front slit bar 36 has a front end lower portion protruding forward over the entire left and right direction. Each slit 42 of the front slit bar 36 has a depth dimension from the lower end of the slit bar 36 to a position slightly above the height position of the protrusion at the lower front end.

For this reason, the wall part 36a which forms the slit 42 of the front side slit bar 36 protrudes ahead from the remaining part 36b where the slit 42 is not formed, and the front end part of the slit 42 is opened upward. The front end of the needle front region 32 b of each probe 32 is located at the tip of the slit 42.

  The rear end needle tip 32e of each probe 32 extends upward immediately after the rear end of the rear slit bar 36. As shown in FIG. 14, the rear end needle tip 32e of the probe 32 adjacent in the left-right direction opposes the portion on the side of the needle rear region 32c, and has an electric insulating film 32f in the opposite portion. Further, the rear end needle tip 32e is displaced in the front-rear direction.

  The coupling block 22 has a downward step 56 in which the probe assembly 16 is disposed, as shown in FIGS. The downward step portion 56 extends in the left-right direction at the front end portion of the lower portion of the coupling block 22.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 and 5 to 6, the probe assembly 16 passes through the through hole 57 of the coupling block 22 from the upper side to the lower side and is screwed into a female screw hole 58 provided in the block piece 34. By the screw member 60 with a head, the positioning pin 54 is maintained in the downward stepped portion 56 so as to be inserted into the positioning hole (not shown).

  In the drawing, adjacent probes 32 are shown to be spaced apart in the left-right direction, but the arrangement pitch of the probes 32 is actually small. The number, thickness dimension and arrangement pitch of the probes 32, and the number, arrangement pitch and width dimension of the slits 42 of the slit bar 36 differ depending on the type of the inspected object 12, particularly the arrangement pitch and width dimension of the electrodes. .

  The probe assembly 16 has both the slit bars 36 attached to the block piece 34 in the above-described state, and both ends of each probe 32 are inserted into the slits 42 of the slit bar 36 and the bar member 38 is covered with the probe 32 and the cover. The cover 40 can be assembled by being inserted into the member 40 a and then attaching each cover 40 to the block piece 34 with the screw member 44 and the positioning pin 46.

  One cover 40 may be attached to the block piece 34 after both slit bars 36 are attached to the block piece 34.

  The probe assembly 16 can be disassembled by performing the reverse operation. The replacement of the probe 32 can be performed by executing an operation similar to the above after performing the reverse operation to changing the original probe to a new probe.

  The assembly of the probe assembly 16 to the coupling block 22 is performed by inserting the screw member 60 into the through hole 57 of the coupling block 22 with the positioning pin 54 (see FIGS. 1 and 6) inserted into the positioning hole of the coupling block 22. Can be carried out by passing through the above from below and screwing it into the female screw hole of the block piece 34.

  Removal of the probe assembly 16 from the coupling block 22 can be performed by performing the reverse operation.

  In this embodiment, the block piece 34 and the slit bar 36 constitute a probe holder in which a plurality of probes 32 are arranged in parallel at intervals in the left-right direction.

  Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6, the support block 18 is manufactured to have an L-shaped cross section by two plate-like support portions 18a and 18b. The connecting block 20 has an inverted L-shape by a main body portion 20a attached to the probe base 30 and an extension portion 20b extending forward from the upper portion of the main body portion 20a.

  In the illustrated example, the support block 18 forms a support together with the coupling block 22, and the screw member 60 serves as an assembly for assembling the probe assembly 16 to the coupling block 22.

  The support block 18 has a pair of guide rails 62 extending in the vertical direction at intervals in the left-right direction, and a guide 64 extending in the vertical direction between the two guide rails 62, and is supported in the vertical direction on the front surface of the main portion 20 a of the connecting block 20. It is connected to the extension portion 20b of the connection block 20 by a bolt 66 so that the position in the vertical direction can be adjusted.

  Both guide rails 62 are attached to the rear end face of the support portion 18 a of the support block 18. On the other hand, the guide 64 is disposed between the two guide rails 62 in the left-right direction, and is guided by the two guide rails 62 so as to be movable in the vertical direction. It is attached to the surface.

  The bolt 66 penetrates the extended portion 20 b of the connection block 20 from the upper side to the lower side, and is screwed into a screw hole 68 formed in the support block 18. As shown in FIG. 1, the support block 18 is biased downward by a pair of compression coil springs 70 that are spaced apart in the left-right direction.

  Each compression coil spring 70 is connected between the support block 18 and a plate-shaped spring retainer 72 attached by a plurality of screw members 71 (see FIGS. 3 and 5) on the extension 20 b of the connection block 20. It arrange | positions in the state which penetrates the extension part 20b of the block 20 to an up-down direction. Thereby, the height position of the support block 18 and the probe assembly 16 can be adjusted by adjusting the screwing amount of the bolt 66 into the screw hole 68.

  The spring retainer 72 has a through hole 72a for adjusting the amount of rotation of the bolt 66 by inserting the tip of a tool such as a screwdriver from above. Thus, the height position of the support block 18 and thus the probe assembly 16 can be adjusted without removing the spring retainer 72 from the connecting block 20, so that such height position adjustment is facilitated.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the connecting block 20 is detachably attached to the probe base 30 by a plurality of bolts 76 that pass through the connecting block 20 downward from above and are screwed to the probe base. Each bolt 76 penetrates the main body portion 20 a of the connection block 20 from the upper side to the lower side, and is screwed into a screw hole 78 formed in the probe base 30.

  As shown in detail in FIGS. 5 to 8, the assembling device 24 includes a recess 80 (see FIGS. 6 and 8) formed in the coupling block 22, a connecting member 82 fitted in the recess 80, and a connecting member. A plurality of screw members 84 (see FIGS. 3 and 7) that are attached to the lower side of the support block 18 and supported by the support block 18, and through the through holes 85 of the connecting member 82 in the vertical direction, And a screw member 86 screwed into the screw hole 88.

  The recess 80 and the connecting member 82 have a circular cross-sectional shape. 3 and 7, the screw member 84 penetrates the support portion 18b of the support block 18 from above to below and is screwed into the female screw hole 83 (see FIGS. 7 and 8) of the connecting member 82. ing. Further, the lower end portion of the screw member 86 is screwed into a female screw hole 88 provided in the coupling block 22.

  In the illustrated example, the female screw hole 88 is a nut 22b that is non-displaceably assembled to the main portion 22a of the coupling block 22 as shown in FIG. 6, but is directly formed in the main portion 22a as shown in FIG. May be.

  In the assembling apparatus 24, the connecting member 82 is attached to the support block 18 by the screw member 84, and the screw member 86 penetrates the connecting member 82 in the vertical direction and is screwed into the female screw hole 88, whereby the connecting block 22. Is assembled to the lower side of the support portion 18 b of the support block 18.

  The assembly device 24 also maintains the coupling block 22 at a predetermined position in the XY plane formed in the left-right direction and the front-rear direction with respect to the support block 18 by fitting the recess 80 and the connecting member 82 together. doing.

  In the illustrated example, the assembling device 24 is further formed in the coupling block 22, extends in the XY plane, extends in the XY plane from the recess 90 connected to the recess 80, and extends in the XY plane. A pin member 92 received at the location 90, a pair of recesses 94 formed on the lower surface of the support portion 18b of the support block 18 and opened to the connection member 82 side, and extending above the connection member 82 to form a recess. A pair of pin members 96 received at the point 94.

  The recess 90 and the pin member 92 extend in one direction (X direction in the illustrated example) in front of the screw member 86 in the XY plane. On the other hand, the two recesses 94 and the two pin members 96 are separated from each other in a direction intersecting with the extending direction of the recesses 90 and the pin member 92, preferably in a direction orthogonal (Y direction in the illustrated example). Yes.

  The assembly device 24 maintains the coupling block 22 at a predetermined position in the left-right direction and the front-rear direction with respect to the support block 18 by the recesses 90, 94 and the pin members 92, 96, and extends in the up-down direction. A predetermined angular position around the axis is maintained.

  A recess 80 may be provided in the support block 18 and the connecting member 82 may be screwed to the coupling block 22. Moreover, you may provide the recesses 90 and 94 and the pin members 92 and 96 in the member opposite to the above.

Assembling of the coupling block 22 to the support block 18 is performed by attaching the connecting member 82 to the lower side of the support block 18 with the screw member 84 with the pin member 96 positioned in the corresponding recess 94, and then connecting the connecting member 82. This can be performed by fitting the screw member 86 into the female screw hole 88 of the coupling block 22 in a state where the pin member 92 is positioned in the corresponding recess 90 by fitting into the recess 80.

  Removal of the connecting block 22 from the support block 18 can be performed by performing the reverse operation.

  As shown in FIGS. 2, 5 and 6, the wiring sheet 26 is formed by a front region 26a formed by a flexible printed circuit (FPC) and a tab (TAB) following the rear end portion of the front region 26a. The composite circuit sheet includes an intermediate region 26b and a rear region 26c formed by a flexible printed circuit (FPC) following the rear end portion of the intermediate region 26b.

  As shown in FIGS. 2, 5, 6 and 8, the wiring sheet 26 is positioned below the coupling block 22 by the fixing plate 100, and the integrated circuit 102 for driving the device under test 12 is placed in the intermediate region 26b. It is arranged.

  The front region 26a of the wiring sheet 26 includes a plurality of wirings 106 (see FIG. 8) extending in parallel in the front-rear direction at intervals in the left-right direction on the lower surface. These wirings 106 are connected to the output side of the integrated circuit 102 through the front wiring (not shown) of the intermediate region 26b. The input side of the integrated circuit 102 is connected to the electrical circuit of the test apparatus via the rear wiring (not shown) of the intermediate region 26b and the wiring (not shown) of the rear region 26c.

  As shown in FIGS. 2, 5, and 6, the connection block 28 extends in the left-right direction below the support block 18, and is positioned between the rear end portion of the coupling block 22 and the support block 18. . The connection block 28 is separably attached to the lower side of the support block 18 by a plurality of screw members 110 spaced in the left-right direction and a plurality of positioning pins 112 spaced in the front-rear direction.

  Each screw member 110 penetrates the connection block 28 from below to above and is screwed to the support block 18. Each positioning pin 112 is fixed to one of the connection block 28 and the support block 18 so as to extend in the vertical direction, and is fitted into a positioning hole provided in the other of the connection block 28 and the support block 18.

  As shown in FIGS. 2, 5, and 6, the probe device 10 further includes a connection sheet 114 that is attached to the lower side of the connection block 28 at the distal end so as to extend rearward from the connection block 28, and the lower side of the connection block And an elastomer 116 attached to the.

  The connection sheet 114 has a plurality of wirings (not shown) extending in the front-rear direction at intervals in the left-right direction. At least the front end portion of each of the wirings is exposed on the lower surface of the connection sheet 114 and is in contact with the wiring folded back above the wiring sheet 26.

  The wiring of the connection sheet 114 is connected to the electric circuit of the test apparatus in a state where the probe apparatus 10 is assembled to the test apparatus. For this reason, each probe 32 is connected to the electric circuit of the test apparatus via the wiring of the wiring sheet 26, the integrated circuit 102, and the wiring of the connection sheet 114.

  The elastomer 116 is disposed below the connection block 28 and at a position corresponding to a contact portion between the wiring of the wiring sheet 26 and the wiring of the connection sheet 114. For this reason, the elastomer 116, the wiring of the wiring sheet 26, and the wiring of the connection sheet 114 are compressed and deformed in a state where the coupling block 22 and the connection block 28 are assembled to the support block 18. Thereby, the wiring of the wiring sheet 26 and the wiring of the connection sheet 114 are strongly pressed and come into reliable contact.

  The coupling block 22 is attached to the support block 18 by attaching the coupling member 82 to the support block 18 with the screw member 86 passed through the coupling member 82, attaching the probe assembly 16 to the coupling block 22, and supporting the connection block 28. After being attached to the block 18, the screw member 86 is screwed into the female screw hole 88 of the coupling block 22.

  Removal of the connecting block 22 from the support block 18 can be performed by releasing the screwing of the screw member 86 into the female screw hole 88.

For this reason, the probe assembly 16 and the wiring sheet 26 can be replaced with the coupling block 22 separated from the support block 18. Further, the probe 32 can be replaced in a state where the coupling block 22 is separated from the support block 18 and the probe assembly 16 is separated from the coupling block 22. Further, the connection sheet 114 can be exchanged with the coupling block 22 separated from the support block 18 and the connection block 28 separated from the support block 18.

  As a result of the above, according to the probe device 10, the shape and structure of the assembly device 24 are simplified and the replacement work of consumables including the probe 32 is facilitated as compared with the prior art.

  In a test apparatus for testing an object to be inspected, a plurality of probe units in which a plurality of probe apparatuses 10 having the shape structure as described above are arranged on a probe base 30 are used.

In the state assembled to the test apparatus, the probe apparatus 10 confirms from below the probe assembly 16 whether or not the rear end needle tip 32e of each probe 32 is correctly in contact with the connection portion of the wiring sheet 26. In the probe device 10, the rear end needle tip 32 e extends right above the rear slit bar 36 at a right angle to the extending direction of the needle rear region 32 c, so the rear end needle tip 32 e of the probe 32 and the wiring sheet It is possible to easily and surely check whether or not the 26 connecting portions are in proper contact.

When the coupling block 22 and the probe assembly 16 are assembled to the support block 18 as described above, the rear end needle tip 32e of each probe 32 is pressed against the front end portion (that is, the connection land) of the wiring in the front region 26a. The The pressing force of the rear end needle tip 32e to the connection land acts on each probe 32 as follows.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the upward portion 52a and the rearward portion 52b receive the rotational force in the clockwise direction so that the tip needle tip 32d is displaced upward, and the downward surface 50a of the front slit bar 36 respectively. And it is pressed by the front facing surface 50b.

Thus, even if there are gaps due to design and processing tolerances before pressing between those surfaces and parts pressed against each other and between the bar member 38 and each probe 32, the tip needle The height position of the tip 32d is maintained at a position where the surfaces are pressed. As a result, the difference in the displacement amount of the probe tip height position of the probe 32 with respect to the probe holder (particularly, the front slit bar 36) is remarkably reduced, and a correct test can be performed.

Further, when the probe 32 so that the tip probe tip 32 d of the probe 32 is displaced upward is rotationally displaced, the recess 52e acts as a relief space corners of the rear end lower portion of the front slit bar 36, moreover forward surface portion 52c is pressed rearward surface 50c of the front slit bar 36. As a result, the probe 32 is pressed by the slit bar 36 to prevent irregular displacement such as displacement in the left-right direction or displacement that falls down in the left-right direction.

During the electrical test of the device under test 12, the probe device 10 presses the tip of the tip needle tip 32 d of each probe 32 against the electrode of the device under test 12. At this time, since the needle front region 32b is positioned in the slit 42 of the front slit bar 36 is prevented by the wall portion 36a to the distal end tip 32 d from falling to the left and right directions.

Prior to the electrical test of the device under test 12, it is confirmed from above the probe assembly 16 whether or not the tip 32 d of each probe 32 is correctly in contact with the electrode of the device under test 12. According to the probe apparatus 10, the front end of the slit 42 of the front slit bar 36 is opened upward, and the probe 32 is positioned in the slit front end that is opened in such a manner. The positional relationship between the tip 32d and the electrode of the device under test 12 can be easily and accurately confirmed.

In the state in which the probe device 10 is assembled as shown in the drawing, in order to maintain the rear end needle tip 32e of each probe 32 correctly in contact with the electrode of the device under test 12, a film or plate that is long in the left-right direction The guide 120 (see FIGS. 10, 11, 14, and 15) is desirably disposed on the lower surface of the front end portion 26 a of the front region 26 a of the wiring sheet 26.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the guide 120 has a plurality of openings that are opened up and down and spaced in the front-rear direction to allow the rear end needle tip 32 e of the probe 32 to pass through and the tip of the guide 120 to contact the connecting portion. A guide hole 122 is provided.

  The plurality of guide holes 122 are arranged in a zigzag manner to form two hole groups spaced in the front-rear direction. The plurality of guide holes 122 belonging to each hole group are spaced apart in the left-right direction.

In the illustrated example, each guide hole 122 is a slot extending in the front-rear direction. The guide 120 may have a sheet shape made of a resin such as a polyimide resin, or may have a plate shape having a certain degree of strength such as a ceramic.

  The guide 120 can be a resin film such as a polyimide resin when it has a film-like shape. However, when the guide 120 has a plate shape, a large number of minute guide holes can be formed with high density and high accuracy by a dicer by making the guide 120 made of ceramic.

  The rear end needle tip 32e of the probe 32 adjacent in the left-right direction is opposed over the front range of the rear end needle tip 32e as shown in FIG. 16 without displacing the needle tip in the front-rear direction as shown in FIGS. You may let them. In this case, as a guide for stabilizing the position of the rear end needle tip 32e, as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, a guide having a plurality of guide holes 126 spaced in the left-right direction can be used. .

  The guide 124 shown in FIGS. 17 and 18 is made of ceramic, and the plurality of guide holes 126 includes a plurality of first grooves 126a that extend in the front-rear direction with intervals in the left-right direction and open downward. A central portion of the first groove 126a in the longitudinal direction extends in the left-right direction, and the second groove 126b opens the first groove 126a upward.

  The guide 124 as described above can be manufactured by forming each first groove 126a and second groove 126b on a ceramic thin plate using a dicer.

In the guide 120 shown in FIG. 15 as well, the guide hole 122 may be formed by forming the first groove and the second groove in the ceramic thin plate for each hole group by a dicer like the guide 124.

  [Second and third embodiments of probe assembly]

  Referring to FIG. 19, the probe assembly 130 further includes a plurality of third slits 132 that open rearward and extend in the vertical direction at intervals in the left-right direction. Each third slit 132 receives a part of the front end portion of the needle center region 32 a of the probe 32.

In the illustrated example, the slit 132 is formed in a third slit bar 134 attached in a state extending in the longitudinal direction of the front slit bar 36. However, the slit 132 may be formed directly in the front slit bar 36. The slit bar 134 is attached to a step portion that forms the downward surface 50a, and acts as a member that forms a probe holder.

Referring to FIG. 20, the probe assembly 140 further includes a plurality of fourth slits 142 that open to the front and extend in the up-down direction at intervals in the left-right direction. Each fourth slit 142 receives a part of the rear end of the needle center region 32 a of the probe 32. In the example shown, each slit 142 is formed in a rear end portion of the needle central region 32a has accepted the needle 0132 g protruding upward.

  In the illustrated example, the slit 142 is formed in a fourth slit bar 144 attached in a state extending in the longitudinal direction of the rear slit bar 36. However, the slit 142 may be directly formed in the rear slit bar 36. The slit bar 144 is attached to the front surface of the rear slit bar 36 and acts as a member that forms a probe holder.

In general, when the tip 32d of the tip is pressed against the object 12 to be inspected, a force that rotates the probe 32 angularly about a virtual axis extending in the longitudinal direction (front-rear direction) (that is, an inclination for tilting the probe 32). Force) may act on the probe. In this case, the tip tip 32d and rear needle tip 32e are respectively displaced relative to the wiring 106 of the electrode 14 and the wiring sheet 26 of the device under test 12, as a result, the tip needle tip for electrodes 14 and the wiring 106 32d and the rear end needle tip 32e become unstable.

  Such angular rotation is prevented by the probe assembly 130 by receiving a portion of the front end of the needle center region 32a of the probe 32 in the slit 132, and by the probe assembly 140, A part of the rear end portion of the needle center region 32 a of the probe 32 is blocked by being received in the slit 142. As a result, a more correct test can be performed.

  In the above embodiment, instead of the blade type probe, another probe such as a needle type probe made of a fine metal wire may be used.

  The present invention provides not only a probe device for a liquid crystal display panel, but also a probe device for other display substrates such as a glass substrate on which a thin film transistor is formed, and a probe for other flat plate-like objects to be inspected such as integrated circuits. It can also be applied to devices.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit described in the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Probe apparatus 12 Test object 14 Electrode of test object 16, 130, 140 Probe assembly 18 Support block 20 Connection block 22 Connection block 24 Assembly apparatus 26 Wiring sheet 28 Connection block 30 Probe base 32 Probe 32a Needle center area 32b Needle Front area 32c Needle rear area 32d Tip needle tip 32e Trail needle tip 32 g Needle convex part 34 Block piece 36, 134, 144 Slit bar 36a Slit bar wall part 36b Slit bar remaining part 38 Bar member 40 Cover 40a, 40b Cover member 42, 132, 142 Slit 50a Slit bar downward surface 50b Slit bar forward surface 50c Slit bar rear surface (contact surface)
52a Probe upward part 52b Probe backward part 52c Probe forward part (convex part)
80 recess 82 connecting member 84, 86 screw member 120, 124 guide 122, 126 guide hole 126a first groove 126b second groove

Claims (11)

A probe assembly comprising a plurality of probes having a needle center region, and probe holders that are spaced apart in the left-right direction so that the probes face the needle center region;
Either one of the probe holder and each probe includes a downward first portion and a forward second portion,
The other of the probe holder and each probe includes an upward third portion that can come into contact with the first portion, and a rearward fourth portion that can come into contact with the second portion,
The one of the probe holder and each probe further comprises a rearward fifth portion spaced apart from the first portion,
The other of the probe holder and each probe further includes a forward-facing sixth portion that can come into contact with the fifth portion at a location spaced upward from the third portion,
The needle center region has a shape of a plate extending in the up-down direction and the front-rear direction,
Each probe further includes a needle front region extending forward from the front end of the needle central region, a tip needle tip extending downward from the front end of the needle front region, and a rear from the rear end of the needle central region. A needle rear region extending to the rear and a rear end needle tip extending upward from the rear end of the needle rear region;
The first and second parts are provided in the probe holder, the third and fourth parts are provided in a front end portion of the needle central region of the probe, and the probe is in the needle central region. Are facing each other,
The probe apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned.   The probe device according to claim 1, wherein the fifth part is provided in the probe holder, and the sixth part is provided in a front end portion of the needle central region of the probe. Either one of the probe holder and each probe further includes a convex portion protruding forward or rearward, and the other of the probe holder and each probe further includes a contact portion with which the convex portion abuts. Item 3. The probe device according to any one of Items 1 to 2 . Rear tip of each probe from said needle rear area upward with respect to the extending direction of the needle rear area extending at a right angle, the probe device according to any one of claims 2 3. The rear end tip laterally adjacent directions, with which are opposed to portions of the side of the needle rear area, said that the rear side of the needle tip of the probe is displaced in the longitudinal direction, of claim 1 Probe device. The probe holder is a plurality of first slits that open downward and rearward and extend in the front-rear direction at intervals in the left-right direction, and a plurality of first slits in which at least a part of the needle front region is received A plurality of second slits that are spaced apart from the first slit and open forward and downward and extend in the front-rear direction with a spacing in the left-right direction, The probe device according to claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of second slits in which at least a part of the needle rear region is received. The probe holder further includes a plurality of third slits opened rearward and extending in the vertical direction at intervals in the left-right direction, and a plurality of first slits receiving at least a part of the front end portion of the needle center region. having three slits, a probe apparatus according to claim 1. The probe holder is further a plurality of fourth slits at a position spaced rearward from the third slit, opened forward and spaced in the left-right direction and extending vertically. The probe apparatus according to claim 7 , further comprising a plurality of fourth slits (142) that receive at least a part of a rear end portion of the needle center region. The probe assembly further includes at least one bar member extending through the needle central region of the probe and extending in the left-right direction, and removably assembled to each side portion in the left-right direction of the probe holder, The probe apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8 , further comprising a plate-like cover for supporting the member at the end portion thereof by the probe holder. Further, a support block, a coupling block disposed below the support block, the coupling block having the probe assembly assembled to the lower side, and an assembly for assembling the coupling block to the lower side of the support block Including the device,
The assembly device includes a recess formed in one of the coupling block and the support block, a connecting member fitted in the recess, and a first assembly for assembling the connecting member to the coupling block or the support block. The screw member of 1 and the 2nd screw member penetrated to the up-down direction through the said connection member, and was screwed together to the other of the said connection block and the said support block, The any one of Claim 1 to 9 provided. The probe device according to 1. A wiring sheet disposed below the coupling block and behind the probe assembly, the wiring sheet including a plurality of connecting portions spaced apart in the left-right direction on the lower surface;
The probe device according to claim 10 , wherein the probe assembly is assembled to the lower side of the coupling block in a state in which a probe tip on the rear side of the probe is in contact with the connection portion.

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