KR100684045B1 - Probe assembly for a tester of the liquid crystal display - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a probe assembly for a liquid crystal display inspector, and in more detail, the probe of the probe block is arranged in a two-layer structure in which a polygonal main body having an input and an output end in the horizontal and vertical directions of the front and rear ends thereof is formed to face each other. Of course, the probe block 3 is configured to replace only the damaged probe among the probes to form a fastening portion 82 to the front to fasten and fasten from the front to the back of the support block of the adjusting device by the fastener 85, The probe 50 is connected to the input terminal 52a in vertical contact with the TCP block 2 to provide a probe assembly which can be disassembled and assembled in order from the front, thereby making the probe pitch and position finer. Precise arrangement and fixation provide high density probe blocks to maximize inspection accuracy, and also direct the probe blocks to the front 'S to maximize workability and economic efficiency should only make it easier to disassemble, assemble, as well as the damaged probe in the probe can be easily replaced has its features.

LCD, Inspector, Probe, Blade, Insulation, Input, Output

Description

PROBE ASSEMBLY FOR A TESTER OF THE LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY}

1 is an exploded perspective view showing a conventional probe assembly.

2 is a side view of FIG. 1;

Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of contact of the conventional probe input and output terminals.

Figure 4 is an external perspective view showing a probe block of the present invention.

5A is an exploded perspective view showing a probe assembly disassembled a portion of the invention.

Figure 5b is an enlarged view of the main portion excerpt of Figure 5a

6 is a perspective view of a state in which the main part of the present invention is disassembled and combined.

7 is a cross-sectional view showing a probe block of the present invention.

8 is a block diagram showing a contact example having a horizontal and an arbitrary angle (vertical) of the probe input and output terminals of the present invention,

9 is an enlarged view illustrating an enlarged portion “G” of FIG. 7.

10 is an enlarged view illustrating an enlarged portion “H” of FIG. 7.

FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of a portion “I” of FIG. 7 enlarged; FIG.

12 is a side view showing a state of use of the present invention.

** Description of symbols for the main parts of the drawing **

3: probe block 50: probe

52: probe body 52a, 52b: input and output terminals

53: inner groove 55: pin hole

57: outer groove 63: insulating rod

65: insulation pin 67: support

68, 69: insulation slit 70: side plate

80: support body 85: fastener

The present invention relates to a probe assembly for a liquid crystal display inspector, and more particularly, to install a plurality of probe intervals to be set more finely, precisely and easily, as well as to replace only damaged probes during use, and thus, a high density panel. As well as inspection, the present invention relates to a probe assembly for a liquid crystal display inspector that maximizes inspection precision and maximizes workability and economy.

Recently, liquid crystal displays (LCDs) are mainly used as image display devices of home appliances such as TVs, computer monitors, and mobile phones.

The liquid crystal display panel is a structure in which two array substrates and a color substrate are bonded to each other with a liquid crystal interposed therebetween, and are displayed by using an electro-optical characteristic of the liquid crystal by a voltage applied from the outside.

Such a liquid crystal display panel is subjected to a fire inspection test that inspects for the presence of defects (eg, point defects, predecessors, stain defects, etc.) that may occur in the manufacturing process after completion of manufacture and before mounting to home appliances.

This is usually performed by the lighting test using the probe assembly and the visual inspection using the other microscope for disconnection inspection and color inspection of the liquid crystal display (LCD) panel line.

The probe assembly, which is essentially required in the inspection apparatus, receives a predetermined signal through a source / gate PCB from a signal generator that generates a predetermined signal for testing the LCD, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. An FPC 1, a TCP block 2 for transmitting the predetermined electrical signal to an input terminal of the probe, a probe block 3 which is a collection of probes which contacts an electrode of an LCD and applies an electrical signal for a test; And a regulator 4 for coupling the probe block 3 and the TCP block 2 and moving and fixing the probe block 3 up and down so that the probe of the probe block 3 contacts the electrodes of the LCD at a suitable physical pressure. do.

In the above, the probe block (3) is made to be fixedly arranged by arranging a plurality of probes each having an input and an output end in the width direction of the body to be insulated.

Probes used as described above are needle type, blade type, pogo type, and MEMS type using semiconductor MEMS process technology. It is blade type.

However, the above-described conventional probe assembly had the following problems.

First, recently, as the LCD has become higher in quality, the density of pixels has increased, so a high density probe assembly for inspecting the same has been required, but this has a limitation.

That is, the conventional probe block 3 arranges a plurality of probes in a row on the body, and furthermore, each probe has a structure in which the probes are integrally fixed with epoxy so that the pitch and position between the probes are fine and precise. There was a problem that is difficult to install arranged.

In particular, in the case of a blade-type probe, it is difficult to fix and install at a spacing of 45 µm or less in a single layer structure.

Secondly, since the probe has a structure to be fixed with epoxy on the body, it is difficult to replace only the damaged probe when the individual probe is damaged, so that the entire probe block has to be replaced.

Third, the probe block 3 was very inconvenient for its disassembly and assembly during inspection and maintenance of the device.

In other words, the probe blocks 3 are respectively coupled in the vertical direction at the bottom of the support block 5 coupled to the bottom of the adjusting device 4 together with the TCP block 2.

Therefore, in order to disassemble the probe block 3, it is necessary to disassemble the adjusting device and the support block, and then disassemble the probe block and the TCP block from the support block, and in particular, since the disassembled structure disassembles the fastening bolt in the vertical direction, It was very inconvenient for the worker to work.

In addition, the probe has a problem in that the input and output terminals are formed in a horizontal structure as shown in FIG.

The present invention has been researched and developed in order to fundamentally solve all the problems of the prior art, by providing a probe block of high density by precisely arranging probe pitch and position more precisely, providing a high-density probe block The purpose is to maximize.

In addition, the present invention has an object to maximize the workability and economical efficiency by allowing the operator to easily disassemble and assemble the probe block from the front as well as to easily replace only the damaged portion of the probe.

The object of the present invention is to arrange the probe block of the probe block in the horizontal and vertical direction of the front and rear ends, respectively, to form a polygonal body having a two-layer structure facing each other, it is configured to replace only the damaged probe of the probe Of course, the probe block is fastened to form a fastening portion to the front to the fastening fastening from the front to the rear of the support block of the adjusting device by the fastener, the probe is connected in contact with the vertical direction in the vertical direction with the TCP block, and in turn disassembled from the front, Assembly is accomplished by means of a probe assembly.

Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment for achieving the above object of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The probe assembly applied to the inspector of the liquid crystal display (LCD) panel of the present invention, as shown in Figures 4 to 12,
FPC (1) installed in the lower portion of the adjusting device (4) to receive a predetermined signal through the Source / Gate PCB from a signal generator for generating a predetermined electrical signal for testing a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, and the predetermined A TCP block (2) connected to the FPC (1) and coupled between the lower portion of the support block (5) and the rear upper portion of the probe block (3) to transmit an electrical signal of the probe to the input end of the probe;
A probe block 3 which is a collection of probes contacting the electrodes of the LCD and applying an electrical signal for a test and installed under the support block 5;
The probe block 3 and the TCP block 2 are coupled to the lower portion of the support block 5, and the probe block 3 is moved up and down so that the probe of the probe block 3 contacts the electrodes of the LCD panel at an appropriate physical pressure. Includes an adjusting device (4) for moving and fixing,
The probe block (3) is a probe assembly for a liquid crystal display tester in which a plurality of probes having an input and an output end are fixedly installed in a lower portion of the support body before and after,
Each probe 50 of the probe block 3 has a polygonal main body having an acute to obtuse input terminal 52a with respect to the horizontal output terminal 52b at the front and rear ends thereof, respectively, so that the respective input and output terminals are arranged. 52b and 52a are arranged in a two-layer structure.
Here, the meaning of having the input terminal 52a of acute or obtuse angle with respect to the horizontal output terminal 52b of the front and rear stages is that as shown in FIG. 8, the input terminal 52a is TCP with respect to the horizontal output terminal 52b. It means the contact angle θ of the block 2 and the probe 50. When the contact angle of the TCP block 2 and the probe 50 is vertically contacted, it is " a " When the contact angle of the probe 50 contacts at an acute angle, it is represented by "b", and when the contact angle of the TCP block 2 and the probe 50 contacts at an obtuse angle, it is represented by "c". Even if the contact angle between the TCP block 2 and the probe 50 is perpendicular (a), acute (b), or obtuse (c), the interference with other members is eliminated when the probe block is disassembled from the front to the front. Can be removed and fastened simply and easily.

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At this time, both ends of the opposingly installed probe 50 is preferably formed in a triangular shape as shown in the figure.

In addition, the main body 52 of each of the probes 50 is formed to face each other in a two-layer structure, the input and output ends (52a, 52b) of the upper body to the front, the input and output ends (52a, 52b) of the lower body to the rear It may be arranged back and forth to locate (see FIGS. 9 and 10). In addition, the input and output terminals 52a and 52b of the upper and lower bodies may be arranged side by side to be spaced apart from each other. That is, the probes of the input and output terminals 52a and 52b of the lower body may be alternately disposed between the probe intervals of the input and output terminals 52a and 52b of the upper body.

When the probe 50 is arranged side to side, fixed installation is possible at a fine interval of 25 μm or less.

In addition, the structure in which the probe 50 is installed to be mutually insulated on the probe block 3 has an inner groove 53 inside the main body 52 of the probe, a pin hole 55 in the center and an outer groove outside the center ( 57 is formed to face the insulating rod 63, the insulating pin 65, the upper and lower supporters 67, respectively, and the support body 80 by the side plates 70 and 70 on the left and right sides thereof. It is fixed to fasten on.

In addition, the probe 50 is a side having a slot groove (68 ', 69') is inserted and positioned between the outer groove 57 of the outside of the probe body 52 and the support (67) inserted therein and This is achieved by inserting the central insulating slits 69 and 68.

In addition, the support body 80 of the probe block (3) forms a fastening portion 82 to the front to fasten and fix the fastening from the front to the rear of the support block of the adjusting device by the fastener 85, the probe 50 The input terminal 52a is connected to the TCP block 2 so as to be vertically contacted, so that the input terminal 52a can be easily separated and fastened in order from the front.

At this time, the fastener 85 is bolted to the female nut inserted in the support block of the adjusting device 4, and is fastened and fixed to the support body 80 by a nut fastened thereto.

In the assembly of the probe block 3 of the present invention, the inner groove 53 of the probe, the pin hole 55 in the center, and the main body 52 of the probe 50 are disposed to face each other in a two-layer structure. The insulating bar 63, the insulating pin 65, and the upper and lower support members 67 are respectively assembled into the outer grooves 57 in the inserted state.

At this time, the probe 50 is arranged in front and rear so that the input and output terminals 52a and 52b of the upper body 52 are located at the rear and the input and output terminals of the lower main body at the front, or the upper and lower bodies 52 have the upper and lower ends. The output terminals 52a and 52b may be arranged side by side by spaced apart from side to side.

In particular, when the spacing of the probes 50 is to be more finely arranged, the probes are positioned between the upper and lower probes so that the input and output terminals 52a and 52b of the upper and lower bodies 52 are positioned between the probes. The probes 50 can be arranged to be staggered with each other as much as possible.

In addition, the probe 50 inserts and installs side and center insulating slits 68 and 69 between the outer recess 57 outside the main body 52 and the support 67 inserted therein.

Furthermore, since the insulating slits 68 and 69 respectively form slot grooves 68 'and 69' into which the probe 50 is inserted, it is possible to reliably not only position the probe but also insulate the probes from each other. will be.

In the assembled state as described above, the probe block 3 is configured by fastening and fixing on the support body 80 by the left and right side plates 70 and 70 of the probe 50.

Assembling and disassembling of the probe block 3 of the present invention assembled as described above is performed by adjusting the fastening unit 82 formed in front of the support body 80 of the probe block 3 as shown in FIG. It is possible to separate and fasten the probe block 3 from the front side of the support block by fastening and fixing the support block in front of the back of 4).

8 to 10, the input terminal 52a and the output terminal 52b of each probe block 3 are directional to each other in contact between the TCP block 2 and the liquid crystal display panel. This is in contact with another state. That is, the contact direction between the input terminal 52a and the TCP block 2 is vertical (see FIG. 10), and the contact direction between the output terminal 52b and the liquid crystal display (LCD) panel is horizontal (see FIG. 9).

In other words, the input end 52a of the other side of the probe 50 with respect to the horizontal direction of the output end 52b of the side of the probe 50, which is the contact end of the liquid crystal display panel, has a contact direction of the TCP block 2. By constructing contact (see FIGS. 7 and 8) at an arbitrary angle θ (vertical in the practice of the present invention) that is an obtuse direction at an acute angle, the probe block 3 is different from the front side of the TCP block 2. It can be easily removed and fastened without interference with the block.

Therefore, the probe block 3 is fastened from the front to the rear of the support block of the adjusting device 4 by the fastener 85 to form a fastening portion 82 in front of the support body 80, the angle The probe 50 has its input end 52a connected to the TCP block 2 in an acute to obtuse angle, preferably in a vertical direction, so that the probe block 3 is not interfered with the TCP block 2 unlike the conventional art. Can be disassembled and assembled in order from the front.

Further, the probe block 3 of the present invention is very economical because it is possible to replace and use only the damaged probe when damage occurs to any one of the probes 50 in use.

In detail, the probes 50 of the probe group in which the plurality of probes 50 are arranged in order from one side in a state in which the left and right side plates 70 of the probe block 3 are separated in the reverse order of the above-described assembly will be described. It will be possible to remove and replace only the damaged ones and reassemble them.

In other words, in the case of the existing blade type (insulation type), the insulating rod has a structure arranged through a plurality of probes, even when the individual replacement work due to the failure and damage of some probes to the corresponding probe that needs to be replaced Although there is an inconvenient disadvantage of reinserting the insulating rod after separation, the present invention has a structure in which the probe 50 is coupled to the surface of the insulating rod 63, so that only the corresponding probe 50 to be replaced can be easily removed. It can be replaced.

In particular, the inner groove 53 formed in the inner side of the probe body 52 is a surface coupling structure disposed in opposition to the two sides in contact with the longitudinal edge of the rectangular rod-shaped insulated rod 53 so that each of the probe Easy positioning and electrical conduction between the respective probe bodies 52 by spacing the main bodies 52 of the probes 50 opposed to each other at regular intervals by the size (cross-sectional area) of the insulating rod 63. It will block (connection).

As a result, the present invention is not a blade type for fixing the probes by fixing a plurality of probes 50 with epoxy or penetrating the insulating rod as in the prior art, but simply arranging the positions of the slot grooves 69 'and 68' at the side and the center. And it is more convenient to replace the probe so as to be spaced apart from each other by the insulating rod (63) that is simply in contact with the inner groove (53) of the probe body 52, the correction and replacement of the required probe in place is very economical to be.

As described above, the present invention is arranged by forming a polygonal probe facing each other in a two-layer structure, so that the probe spacing (Pitch) and position is more finely and precisely arranged and fixedly installed unlike the conventional needle type or blade type probe. Providing a high density of probe blocks to maximize the precision of the liquid crystal display inspection, and easy disassembly and assembly of the probe block from the front without interference with other members of the rear, as well as easy failure and damage only the probe itself during the probe It can be used interchangeably to have the effect of maximizing workability and economics of assembly and disassembly of the probe.

Claims (5)

FPC installed at the bottom of the control unit to receive a predetermined signal through a source / gate PCB from a signal generator for generating a predetermined electrical signal for testing a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, and the predetermined electrical signal is A TCP block connected to this FPC for delivery to an input and coupled between a lower portion of the support block and a rear upper portion of the probe block; A probe block which is a collection of probes contacting the electrodes of the LCD and applying an electrical signal for a test, the probe block being installed under the support block; And a control unit for coupling the probe block and the TCP block to the bottom of the support block and moving and fixing the probe block up and down so that the probe of the probe block contacts the electrode of the LCD panel at an appropriate physical pressure. In the probe block is a probe assembly for a liquid crystal display inspector in which a plurality of probes having an input and an output end before and after the support body is arranged and fixed, Each probe of the probe block has a polygonal main body having an acute to obtuse input terminal with respect to a horizontal output terminal of the front and rear stages, respectively, facing each other, and the input and output terminals are arranged in a two-layer structure. Probe assembly for display inspector. The method of claim 1, The probe output end is arranged before and after the output end of the upper body in the horizontal position and the output end of the lower body in the rear, the input terminal of the other side is the output terminal of the upper body and the output end of the lower body in the vertical position To be positioned backwards and forwards, The fine array of each probe interval is probe assembly for the liquid crystal display inspector, characterized in that the upper and lower body, the input and output terminals are arranged alternately between the probes. The method according to claim 1 or 2, The main body of the probe is formed to face the inner groove and the pin hole and the outer groove in the center to insert the insulating rod, the insulating pin, the upper and lower supports respectively, and the left and right sides on the support body by the side plate The probes are assembled in a fastening manner, and each probe has two lengthwise sides of the insulating rod positioned on the surface of the inner groove of the main body so that the positioning of the probes and the spacing between the opposing probe main bodies can be separated separately. Probe assembly for a liquid crystal display inspector, characterized in that configured. The method of claim 3, The probe is configured by inserting and installing side insulation slots having a slot groove and an insulation slot in the center, respectively, so that the probe is inserted and positioned between the grooves on the outside of the probe body and the supports inserted therein. And each insulating slit is arranged on an extension line of horizontal and acute to obtuse angles. The method of claim 3, The support body of the probe block is fastened to form a fastening portion to the front to the fastening fastening from the front to the rear of the support block of the adjusting device, the probe of the probe block is connected to the front end of the probe block is contacted in front of the TCP block Probe assembly for a liquid crystal display inspector, characterized in that configured to enable disassembly, assembly in turn.

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