A novel probe station and PCB testing method

Abstract

The present invention discloses a novel probe station and a PCB testing method, wherein the novel probe station comprises: a probe fixture for installing a probe; a PCB fixture that can replace and install PCBs of different sizes; an actuating mechanism for driving the probe fixture to perform linear reciprocating motion along three different directions, wherein the three directions are a first direction along a board surface perpendicular to the PCB, and a second direction and a third direction parallel to the board surface of the PCB, wherein the second direction is set at an angle to the third direction; and one or more actuating mechanisms are set corresponding to one board surface of the PCB. The present invention enables the probe station to detect PCBs of different sizes, saves enterprise costs, has diversified products, and is low in cost, and meets the needs of different customers.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of probe stations, and in particular to a novel probe station and a PCB testing method. Background Art

[0002] With the rapid development of science and technology, the interval between upgrades in the field of communications is becoming shorter and shorter, resulting in some existing probe stations being limited in use and only being able to test PCBs of a certain size or type. They are not suitable for the increasingly multi-sized PCB products, resulting in the need for companies producing communications products to purchase multiple types of probe stations to meet the increasingly diverse testing needs of their products. At the same time, as a result of the rapid replacement of products, previously used probe stations have to be scrapped, and repeated purchases and idle probe stations have resulted in a high testing cost for the company, and the probe stations occupy storage space, further increasing the company's costs. Therefore, those skilled in the art are in urgent need of providing a new type of probe station suitable for a variety of sizes, so as to achieve the repeated use rate of the probe station, reduce the idle rate of the probe station, meet the use of PCBs of different sizes, and thus reduce the company's testing costs. Summary of the invention

[0003] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a novel probe station and PCB testing method, which enables the probe station to detect PCBs of different sizes, saves enterprise costs, diversifies products, and has low costs, meeting the needs of different customers.

[0004] The technical solution provided by the present invention is as follows:

[0005] A novel probe station, comprising:

[0006] A probe fixture for mounting the probe;

[0007] PCB fixtures that can be replaced to install PCBs of different sizes;

[0008] An actuating mechanism for driving the probe fixture to perform linear reciprocating motion along three different directions, wherein the three directions are a first direction perpendicular to the board surface of the PCB, and a second direction and a third direction parallel to the board surface of the PCB, wherein the second direction is set at an angle to the third direction;

[0009] One or more actuating mechanisms are correspondingly arranged on one board surface of the PCB.

[0010] In the present technical scheme, a PCB fixture can replace and install multiple PCBs of different sizes, thereby realizing the detection of PCBs of different sizes (at least one of the length, width and height dimensions is different); one unit of the present invention can be applicable to different types of PCBs, and enterprises do not need to spend a lot of money to purchase existing probe stations corresponding to PCBs of different sizes, thus avoiding the idleness of the machine and greatly improving the utilization rate of the present invention. At the same time, since one unit of the present invention can be applied to different types of PCBs, the space occupied by the machine is greatly reduced compared with the existing ones; more preferably, the present invention can be applicable to PCBs that need to be detected on one side, and also to PCBs that need to be detected on both sides; more preferably, since more than one actuating mechanism is correspondingly arranged on each board surface of the PCB, one (when there are few detection points) or more (more than two) actuating mechanisms are arranged for PCBs with different numbers of detection points, thereby realizing the optimized efficiency of the present invention (each actuating mechanism can drive the probe fixture arranged thereon to operate independently) while saving the cost of the present invention; thus meeting the needs of different customers.

[0011] Further preferably, the PCB fixture includes two holders respectively arranged on two side walls of the PCB opposite to each other, the two holders including a first holder and a second holder; and a support frame for installing the holders; the distance between the first holder and the second holder is adjustable, so that PCBs of different sizes can be installed interchangeably between the first holder and the second holder.

[0012] In the technical solution, two relatively arranged clamping seats realize the clamping of two relatively arranged side walls of the PCB, thereby realizing the fixation of the PCB, thereby facilitating the detection of the detection points by the probe.

[0013] Further preferably, the first card seat and the second card seat are connected by an elastic member.

[0014] In the present technical solution, the deformation performance of the elastic member not only realizes the tightening of the PCB by the card holder, but also makes the contact between the card holder and the PCB form a flexible contact, thereby avoiding the PCB and the card holder from being easily damaged due to hard contact. It is worth mentioning that the present invention of fixing the PCB by means of an elastic member is suitable for PCBs with strong shear resistance (such as multi-layer PCB boards).

[0015] Further preferably, a concave-convex matching structure extending in a direction perpendicular to the side wall is provided between the first card seat and the second card seat.

[0016] In this technical solution, the concave-convex matching structure ensures the linearity of the mutual movement between the holders during the PCB installation process, ensures the uniformity and balance of the force on the PCB, thereby avoiding the PCB from breaking or bending due to uneven force, and protecting the PCB.

[0017] Further preferably, at least one of the holders can reciprocate along the support frame in a direction perpendicular to the side wall; and the holder is detachably connected to the support member.

[0018] In the technical solution, the replaceable installation of the PCB is achieved by disassembling and assembling the holder between the supporting members, and the implementation methods are diversified, thereby improving the diversity of products.

[0019] Further preferably, each of the card seats is provided with a card slot corresponding to the PCB, and two side walls of the PCB arranged opposite to each other are respectively accommodated in the card slot of the first card seat and the card slot of the second card seat.

[0020] In the technical solution, the accommodating effect of the card slot on the PCB improves the stability of the PCB fixation, and facilitates the positioning and limiting of the PCB, ensuring the linearity and stability of the installation of the two relatively arranged side walls of the PCB, and further ensuring the correspondence of the two relatively arranged side walls in structure.

[0021] Further preferably, one or more side walls of the slot are provided with fastening holes, and fasteners are received in the fastening holes to abut against the board surface of the PCB.

[0022] In the technical solution, by pressing the PCB surface with fasteners, at least one pair of oppositely disposed side walls of the PCB are further fixed to the surface in a direction perpendicular to the side walls, thereby improving the stability and firmness of the PCB fixation.

[0023] Further preferably, a flexible pad is provided at the end of the fastener close to the PCB side; or, the fastener is an elastic member; or, the fastener is a rigid member; or, a flexible pad is provided on the inner side wall of the slot.

[0024] In the present technical solution, the fastener may be a rigid part or a flexible part. The rigid part is preferably used for PCBs with high rigidity (thick plates); the flexible part is preferably used for PCBs with low rigidity (thin plates); more preferably, a flexible pad is provided on the inner wall of the card slot to protect the PCB, so as to achieve flexible contact between the PCB and the card holder, thereby avoiding undesirable phenomena such as breakage of the PCB during the detection process.

[0025] Further preferably, the probe fixture comprises a mounting plate and a mounting seat for connecting to the actuating mechanism; the mounting plate is provided with two or more studs for mounting the probe.

[0026] In the technical solution, the probe is installed by means of a stud, and the installation is simple and easy to implement.

[0027] Further preferably, the three studs arranged adjacent to each other in sequence are not on the same straight line at their installation positions on the mounting plate; and / or, the three studs arranged adjacent to each other in sequence are a first stud, a second stud and a third stud, and the second stud is arranged between the first stud and the third stud; the spacing between the first stud and the second stud is a first spacing value; the spacing between the second stud and the third stud is a second spacing value; the first spacing value and the second spacing value are not equal; and / or, the probe fixture is detachably connected to the actuator mechanism.

[0028] In the technical solution, the angled mounting positions can realize the installation of the probe at different positions, thereby adapting to different angles of the detection points; and the different spacings between the studs can realize the detection of different spacings between the detection points, which improves the applicability of the present invention to PCBs with different detection requirements and greatly improves the scope of application and applicability of the present invention.

[0029] Further preferably, the actuating mechanism includes a first sub-actuating mechanism for driving the probe to move closer to or away from the PCB along a first direction, a second sub-actuating mechanism for driving the probe to reciprocate along a second direction, and a third sub-actuating mechanism for driving the probe to reciprocate along a third direction; the first sub-actuating mechanism, the second sub-actuating mechanism or the third sub-actuating mechanism installs the probe fixture.

[0030] In the present technical solution, the first sub-actuating mechanism, the second sub-actuating mechanism and the third sub-actuating mechanism can move independently in different directions, thereby improving the flexibility and independence of the present invention in driving the probe independently in a certain direction, thereby achieving precise positioning of the probe on the detection point.

[0031] Further preferably, the first sub-actuating mechanism, the second sub-actuating mechanism and the third sub-actuating mechanism are all screw pairs; the second sub-actuating mechanism is installed on the screw of the first sub-actuating mechanism; the third sub-actuating mechanism is installed on the screw of the second sub-actuating mechanism; a concave-convex matching structure is provided between the first sub-actuating mechanism and the second sub-actuating mechanism; a concave-convex matching structure is provided between the second sub-actuating mechanism and the third sub-actuating mechanism; the first sub-actuating mechanism, the second sub-actuating mechanism and the third sub-actuating mechanism are all provided with a rotating handwheel connected to the screw.

[0032] In this technical solution, the linearity of the movement of each sub-actuating mechanism (the first sub-actuating mechanism, the second sub-actuating mechanism or the third sub-actuating mechanism) is ensured by the concave-convex matching structure. More preferably, the manual implementation of the present invention can be achieved by rotating the hand wheel, which is low-cost and suitable for PCBs with less inspection, such as PCB inspection at the design stage, thereby greatly reducing the customer's use cost. And manual positioning of the inspection point is more accurate; since the actuating mechanism of the present invention can be set in multiple, multiple people can manually actuate the actuating mechanism respectively, thereby improving the PCB inspection efficiency, shortening the inspection time, and having a simple structure and being easy to implement.

[0033] The present invention also provides a PCB testing method applicable to any one of the novel probe stations described above, comprising the steps of:

[0034] Adjust the PCB fixture to fix the PCB;

[0035] Install the probe on the probe fixture according to the test requirements;

[0036] Actuate any one of the actuating mechanisms to drive the probe to make one or more of the three reciprocating motions, namely, linear reciprocating motion along a first direction approaching or moving away from the PCB, linear reciprocating motion along a second direction parallel to the board surface of the PCB, and linear reciprocating motion along a third direction parallel to the board surface of the PCB, so as to realize the test of the PCB.

[0037] In the technical scheme, the present invention can install and detect PCBs of different sizes by adjusting the PCB fixture. The present invention is applicable to different types of PCBs, and there is no need for enterprises to spend a lot of money to purchase existing probe stations corresponding to PCBs of different sizes, which avoids the vacancy of the machine and greatly improves the utilization rate of the present invention. At the same time, since one unit of the present invention can be applied to different types of PCBs, the space occupied by the machine is reduced compared with the existing ones; more preferably, the present invention is applicable to both PCBs that need to be detected on one side and PCBs that need to be detected on both sides; more preferably, since more than one actuating mechanism is arranged corresponding to each board surface of the PCB, one (when there are few detection points) or more (more than two) actuating mechanisms are arranged for PCBs with different numbers of detection points, thereby achieving the optimized efficiency of the present invention (each actuating mechanism can drive the probe fixture arranged thereon to operate independently) while saving the cost of the present invention; thereby meeting the needs of different customers.

[0038] Further preferably, the step of adjusting the PCB fixture according to the test requirements to achieve the fixation of the PCB specifically comprises the following steps:

[0039] The two side walls of the PCB which are arranged opposite to each other are respectively accommodated in the card slots of the two card seats;

[0040] One or more clamping seats are adjusted to fix two side walls of the PCB that are arranged opposite to each other.

[0041] In the technical solution, the adjustability of the card seat makes the present invention applicable to PCBs of different lengths or widths, and the accommodating effect of the card slot on the PCB improves the stability of the PCB fixation, and facilitates the positioning and limiting of the PCB, ensuring the linearity and stability of the installation of the two side walls of the PCB that are relatively arranged, thereby structurally ensuring the correspondence of the two side walls that are relatively arranged.

[0042] Further preferably, the step of adjusting the PCB fixture according to the test requirements to achieve the fixation of the PCB specifically further includes the step of: fixing the board surface of the PCB board by fasteners.

[0043] In the technical solution, by pressing the PCB surface with fasteners, at least one pair of oppositely disposed side walls of the PCB are further fixed to the surface in a direction perpendicular to the side walls, thereby improving the stability and firmness of the PCB fixation.

[0044] Further preferably, the probe is mounted on a stud, wherein the studs on which the probes on at least two of the probe fixtures are mounted are at different positions relative to the mounting plate.

[0045] In the technical solution, the present invention can also perform detection according to detection points at different intervals and different positions, which greatly improves the applicability and scope of application of the present invention.

[0046] A novel probe station and PCB testing method provided by the present invention can bring at least one of the following beneficial effects:

[0047] 1. In the present invention, a PCB fixture can replace and install multiple PCBs of different sizes, thereby realizing the detection of PCBs of different sizes (at least one of the length, width and height dimensions is different); one unit of the present invention can be applicable to different types of PCBs, and enterprises do not need to spend a lot of money to purchase existing probe stations corresponding to PCBs of different sizes, thus avoiding the idleness of the machine and greatly improving the utilization rate of the present invention. At the same time, since one unit of the present invention can be applied to different types of PCBs; more preferably, the present invention can be applicable to PCBs that need to be detected on one side, and also to PCBs that need to be detected on both sides; more preferably, since more than one actuating mechanism is correspondingly arranged on each board surface of the PCB, one (when there are few detection points) or more (more than two) actuating mechanisms are arranged on PCBs with different numbers of detection points, thereby realizing the optimized efficiency of the present invention (each actuating mechanism can drive the probe fixture arranged thereon to operate independently) while saving the cost of the present invention; thereby meeting the needs of different customers.

[0048] 2. In the present invention, the fixation of the PCB can be achieved by two holders connected by elastic parts, or by a detachable connection between the holder and the support frame; the implementation methods are various, which improves the product diversification of the present invention and meets the needs of different customers; more preferably, the present invention can realize the linear reciprocating motion of the probe by rotating the lead screw by rotating the hand wheel, with precise action and simple structure, easy implementation and low cost, and further improves the product variety of the present invention (the present invention is also suitable for automation, such as driving the lead screw by a motor to achieve linear reciprocating motion).

[0049] 3. In the present invention, the flexible contact or rigid contact between the PCB and the slot, and the flexible contact or rigid contact between the PCB and the fastener make the present invention applicable to PCBs with high rigidity and PCBs with poor shear resistance; of course, the PCB with high rigidity can also be in flexible contact with the slot and the fastener. The flexible contact protects the PCB, avoids the PCB from bending, cracking, breaking and other undesirable phenomena during the test, and ensures the smoothness, scientificity and accuracy of the test results (because the failure of the test may be caused by the above-mentioned undesirable phenomena (bending, cracking, breaking, etc.) causing the test results to not conform to the actual situation). BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0050] The preferred implementation scheme will be described below in a clear and understandable manner in conjunction with the accompanying drawings to further illustrate the above-mentioned characteristics, technical features, advantages and implementation methods of the new probe station and PCB testing method.

[0051] Figure 1 It is a schematic structural diagram of an embodiment of the novel probe station of the present invention;

[0052] Figure 2 It is a schematic structural diagram of an embodiment of a PCB fixture of the present invention;

[0053] Figure 3 It is a partial cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of the PCB fixture of the present invention;

[0054] Figure 4 It is a schematic structural diagram of an embodiment of the actuating mechanism of the present invention;

[0055] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A front view structural schematic diagram of a;

[0056] Figure 6 It is a schematic structural diagram of an embodiment of a probe fixture of the present invention.

[0057] Description of Figure Numbers:

[0058] 1. Probe fixture, 11. Mounting base, 12. Mounting plate, 13. Stud, 14. Reinforcement rib, 2. PCB fixture, 21. Card base, 211. Card slot, 212. Fastening hole, 213. Fastener, 22. Support frame, 221. Support rod, 222. Connecting rod, 223. Bottom plate, 224. Reinforcement rod, 3. Actuating mechanism, 31. First sub-actuating mechanism, 32. Second sub-actuating mechanism, 33. Third sub-actuating mechanism, 34. Lead screw, 35. Mounting block, 36. Guide rail, 37. Rotating handwheel, 4. Rack, 41. Counter, 42. Caster, 5. PCB. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0059] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the specific implementation methods of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings and other implementation methods can be obtained based on these drawings without creative work.

[0060] In order to simplify the drawings, only the parts related to the present invention are schematically shown in each figure, and they do not represent the actual structure of the product. In addition, in order to simplify the drawings and facilitate understanding, in some figures, only one of the parts with the same structure or function is schematically drawn or marked. In this article, "one" not only means "only one", but also means "more than one".

[0061] In this document, it should be noted that, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "connected", and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection, or it can be indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, or it can be the internal communication of two components. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0062] In the first embodiment, Figure 1-6As shown, a novel probe station includes: a probe fixture 1 for installing probes; a PCB fixture 2 that can replace and install PCBs of different sizes; an actuating mechanism 3 for driving the probe fixture 1 to perform linear reciprocating motion along three different directions, the three directions being a first direction perpendicular to the board surface of the PCB, and a second direction and a third direction parallel to the board surface of the PCB, the second direction being set at an angle to the third direction; one or more actuating mechanisms 3 are set corresponding to one board surface of the PCB. In actual applications, when one board surface of the PCB needs to be tested, one or more actuating mechanisms 3 can be set on the side of the board surface; when two board surfaces of the PCB need to be tested, one or more actuating mechanisms 3 can be respectively set on the sides of the two board surfaces, and one or more actuating mechanisms 3 can be set on the side of one board surface. The PCB can be placed horizontally or vertically.

[0063] In the second embodiment, Figure 2 and 3 As shown, based on the first embodiment, the PCB fixture 2 includes two holders 21 respectively arranged on two side walls of the PCB opposite to each other, the two holders 21 include a first holder and a second holder; and a support frame 22 for mounting the holders 21; the spacing between the first holder and the second holder is adjustable, so that PCBs of different sizes can be installed between the first holder and the second holder. In practical applications, the first holder and the second holder can be respectively arranged on both sides of the PCB in the length direction and / or the width direction, so that the present invention is applicable to PCBs of different widths and / or lengths. Preferably, when there are four card holders 21, a pair of card holders 21 respectively surrounds a pair of oppositely arranged side walls of the PCB. In order to avoid interference between two adjacently arranged card holders 21 (i.e., a card holder 21 corresponding to the width direction of the PCB and a card holder 21 corresponding to the length direction of the PCB), a certain vertical spacing can be reserved between the two card holders 21, so that the relative movement of the two oppositely arranged card holders 21 will not cause interference. Of course, a concave-convex matching structure can also be provided at the contact point of the two adjacently arranged card holders 21 (i.e., a card holder 21 corresponding to the width direction of the PCB and a card holder 21 corresponding to the length direction of the PCB), so that a pair of oppositely arranged card holders 21 can slide on another pair of oppositely arranged card holders 21. It is worth noting that the movable card holder 21 of the two oppositely arranged card holders 21 can be one or two, which is specifically set according to needs.

[0064] In the third embodiment, Figure 2 and 3As shown, on the basis of the second embodiment, the first card seat and the second card seat 21 are connected by an elastic member. In practical applications, the elastic member can be an elastic member with elastic properties such as a spring, a rubber band, etc., so as to ensure that the PCB is clamped between the two card seats 21 (or four card seats 21) through the elastic properties of the elastic member. Preferably, a concave-convex matching structure extending in a direction perpendicular to the side wall is provided between the first card seat and the second card seat. The concave-convex matching structure can be a guide column that sequentially penetrates a pair of two relatively arranged card seats 21, and the guide column is connected to the support frame 22, so that the card seat 21 can only perform linear reciprocating motion along the guide column. The concave-convex matching structure can also include a protrusion (or groove) provided on the card seat 21 and a groove (or protrusion) provided on the support frame 22, and the protrusion is adapted to the groove, and the extension direction of the protrusion and the groove is the same as the reciprocating motion direction caused, so that the card seat 21 performs linear reciprocating motion, ensuring the linearity of the elastic member when installing the PCB, so as to ensure that the board surface of the PCB is horizontally set or vertically set.

[0065] When the PCB is vertically arranged on the PCB fixture 2, the lower one of the two holders 21 arranged in sequence along the height direction can slide along the height direction on the support frame 22, while the upper one can be fixed to the support frame 22; of course, the upper one can also slide along the height direction, and the lower one can be fixed to the support frame 22; when both holders 21 can slide along the height direction, any one or both holders 21 can be fixed to the support frame 22 through a connecting component after sliding, that is, the holder 21 can be detachably connected to the support frame 22. Specifically, it can be connected by magnetic attraction, adhesion, etc., or detachably connected by a connecting component.

[0066] When the PCB is arranged horizontally, the support frame 22 can be a plate-like structure padded under the card seat 21 (single-sided test of PCB can be realized) or a pair of two support seats padded under two card seats 21, with space between the two support seats (double-sided test of PCB can be realized). Similarly, one of the two card seats 21 arranged horizontally can be fixed, while the other can slide; when both card seats 21 can slide, the two card seats 21 can only be supported on the top of the support frame 22, or any one or two card seats 21 can be fixed to the support frame 22 through a connecting component after sliding, that is, the card seat 21 and the support frame 22 can be detachably connected. Specifically, it can be connected by magnetic attraction, adhesion, etc., or detachably connected by a connecting component.

[0067] In the fourth embodiment, Figure 2 and 3As shown, on the basis of the second or third embodiment, one or more holders 21 can reciprocate along the support frame 22 in a direction perpendicular to the side wall; the holder 21 is detachably connected to the support. Corresponding to PCBs of different lengths and / or different widths, one holder 21 or two holders 21 of the two holders 21 arranged relatively to each other can be detached from the support frame 22, so that the holder 21 can adjust the spacing between the two holders 21 arranged relatively to each other for PCBs of different sizes. Specifically, when the width of the PCB to be tested is larger than that of the PCB that has been tested before, one or two holders 21 arranged on both sides of the PCB along the width direction of the PCB can be detached from the support frame 22, and then, after adjusting the distance between the two holders 21 and fixing the PCB, the detached holder 21 can be installed on the support frame 22. In practical applications, the detachable connection between the holder 21 and the support frame 22 can be connected by magnetic attraction, adhesion, etc., or detachably connected by a connecting component. Specifically, the magnetic attraction method is that the holder 21 and the support frame 22 are respectively provided with two magnetic parts with opposite magnetism, and the magnetic parts can be magnets and iron blocks, or battery iron and iron blocks. The magnetic parts can be the holder 21 or the support frame 22 itself or another component arranged thereon. The adhesion method can be reusable adhesive or disposable adhesive, or adhesive tape. The detachable connection through the connecting component can be that the support member is provided with a long hole or a plurality of adjustment holes arranged at intervals along the reciprocating motion direction of the holder 21, and the holder 21 is provided with a mounting hole. The connecting member can pass through the long hole (or mounting hole) at one time to realize the detachable connection between the holder 21 and the support frame 22 and the installation of PCBs of different sizes.

[0068] In the fifth embodiment, Figure 2 and 3 As shown, on the basis of the second, third or fourth embodiment, each card seat 21 is provided with a card slot 211 corresponding to the PCB, and the two side walls of the PCB are respectively arranged in the card slot 211 of the first card seat and the card slot 211 of the second card seat. Preferably, the inner side wall of the card slot 211 is provided with a flexible cushion layer. Preferably, one or more side walls of the card slot 211 are provided with a fastening hole 212, and the fastener 213 is accommodated in the fastening hole 212 to abut against the board surface of the PCB. In practical applications, the fastener 213 can be an elastic member such as a spring or rubber, one end of the elastic member is fixed to the fastening hole 212, and the other end of the elastic member is arranged toward the inside of the card slot 211; of course, the fastener 213 can also be a rigid member, such as a flat head screw, the screw is screwed with the fastening hole 212 so that the flat end of the flat head screw abuts against the PCB. Whether the fastener 213 is a rigid member or a flexible member, a flexible cushion layer can be further provided at the end of the fastener 213 close to the PCB. The flexible cushion layer can be sponge, rubber layer or plastic. The number of the fastening hole 212 may be more than one.

[0069] In Example 6, Figure 1-3 As shown, on the basis of the second, third, fourth or fifth embodiment, the support frame 22 includes a support rod 221, a connecting rod 222 and a bottom plate 223; wherein, the two support rods 221 are relatively arranged on the upper surface of the bottom plate 223, and the extension direction of the support rod 221 is the height direction, the connecting rod 222 realizes the connection of the two support rods 221 above the bottom plate 223, and the two ends of the connecting rod 222 are respectively connected to the top ends of the two support rods 221, and the two holders 21 are sequentially arranged below the connecting rod 222 along the height direction, and the two ends of more than one holder 21 are respectively detachably connected to the two support rods 221, so as to realize the vertical arrangement of the PCB. Preferably, it also includes a reinforcing rod 224, one end of which is connected to the support rod 221 and the other end is connected to the bottom plate 223. The arrangement of the reinforcing rod 224 improves the stability and firmness of the support rod 221. Preferably, the two reinforcing rods 224 are disposed on both sides of the support rod 221 so that the two reinforcing rods 224 and the bottom plate 223 together form a triangular support for the support rod 221 .

[0070] In embodiment seven, Figure 6 As shown, on the basis of any of the above embodiments, the probe fixture 1 includes a mounting plate 12 and a mounting seat 11 for connecting to the actuating mechanism 3; the mounting plate 12 is provided with more than two studs 13 for mounting the probe. The setting of multiple studs 13 can realize the mounting of probes that meet different test types or the installation of probes that meet test points of different test angles, improve the PCB that the present invention is applicable to more types of test points, and improve the diversity and scope of application of the present invention. Preferably, the mounting positions of the three studs 13 arranged adjacent to each other in sequence on the mounting plate 12 are not on the same straight line. Specifically, two adjacent studs 13 can realize the installation of probes for one type of test point, and then the present invention can at least meet the test of more than two test points at different angles, so as to meet the same or different types of PCBs whose connecting lines of the test points are horizontal, vertical or oblique lines. In practical applications, the same or different types of PCBs for test points set horizontally, vertically or obliquely can be achieved by simply disassembling or installing the probe on the stud 13. Of course, multiple probes can also be installed to meet the test of test points set in different directions.

[0071] Preferably, the three studs 13 arranged adjacent to each other in sequence are the first stud, the second stud and the third stud, the second stud is arranged between the first stud and the third stud; the spacing between the first stud and the second stud is the first spacing value; the spacing between the second stud and the third stud is the second spacing value; the first spacing value and the second spacing value are not equal. In this case, the present invention is applicable to PCBs with test points of different spacings. Preferably, in practical applications, the same or different types of PCBs with test points of different spacings can be realized by simply disassembling or installing the probe on the stud 13. Of course, multiple probes can also be installed to meet the test of test points of different spacings.

[0072] Preferably, the probe fixture 1 is detachably connected to the actuating mechanism 3. In practical applications, different probe fixtures 1 can be replaced to achieve the installation of probes of different test types. One of the two or more probe fixtures 1 that can be replaced on the actuating mechanism 3 should be able to install at least a probe type that the other probe fixture 1 cannot install (such as different spacing, different angles, different test purposes, etc.); more preferably, the probe fixture 1 that cannot be used can be replaced by replacing the same type of probe fixture 1, thereby extending the service life of the present invention and reducing the use cost and maintenance cost of the present invention. Preferably, the mounting plate is provided with reinforcing ribs 14.

[0073] In the eighth embodiment, Figure 4 and 5As shown, on the basis of any of the above embodiments, the actuating mechanism 3 includes a first sub-actuating mechanism 31 that drives the probe to approach or away from the PCB along the first direction, a second sub-actuating mechanism 32 that drives the probe to reciprocate along the second direction, and a third sub-actuating mechanism 33 that drives the probe to reciprocate along the third direction; the first sub-actuating mechanism 31, the second sub-actuating mechanism 32 or the third sub-actuating mechanism 33 are installed with a probe fixture 1. The first sub-actuating mechanism 31 drives the second sub-actuating mechanism 32 and the third sub-actuating mechanism 33 to approach or move away from the PCB, and then drives the probe away from the PCB or close to the PCB, so as to facilitate the installation and removal of the PCB. When installing the PCB, the probe is driven away from the PCB by the first sub-actuating mechanism 31, so as to provide an operating space for the user to install the PCB; when the PCB needs to be tested, the probe is driven close to the PCB by the first sub-actuating mechanism 31 for testing. The three sub-actuating mechanisms (the first sub-actuating mechanism 31, the second sub-actuating mechanism 32 and the third sub-actuating mechanism 33) can perform linear reciprocating motions independently in three directions, so that the probe can perform coordinate motion on the PCB, thereby facilitating the movement of the probe according to the design coordinates of the test points of the PCB to achieve the test of the corresponding test points, greatly saving the positioning requirements of the probe on the test points and improving the accuracy of the probe capturing the test points. Preferably, the first sub-actuating mechanism 31, the second sub-actuating mechanism 32 and the third sub-actuating mechanism 33 are all lead screw pairs; the second sub-actuating mechanism 32 is installed on the lead screw 34 of the first sub-actuating mechanism 31; the third sub-actuating mechanism 33 is installed on the lead screw 34 of the second sub-actuating mechanism 32; a concave-convex matching structure is provided between the first sub-actuating mechanism 31 and the second sub-actuating mechanism 32; a concave-convex matching structure is provided between the second sub-actuating mechanism 32 and the third sub-actuating mechanism 33; the first sub-actuating mechanism 31, the second sub-actuating mechanism 32 and the third sub-actuating mechanism 33 are all provided with a rotating handwheel 37 connected to the lead screw 34. Preferably, the second sub-actuating mechanism 32 is connected to the lead screw 34 of the first sub-actuating mechanism 31 through the mounting block 35, and a guide rail 36 is provided between the mounting block 35 and the base for mounting the lead screw 34, and a concave-convex matching structure is provided at the contact between the guide rail 36 and the mounting block 35; the third sub-actuating mechanism 33 is connected to the lead screw 34 of the second sub-actuating mechanism 32 through the mounting block 35, and a guide rail 36 is provided between the mounting block 35 and the base for mounting the lead screw 34, and a concave-convex matching structure is provided at the contact between the guide rail 36 and the mounting block 35. Preferably, the second sub-actuating mechanism 32 drives the probe to move in the horizontal direction, and the third sub-actuating mechanism 33 drives the probe to move in the height direction, and the probe fixture is preferably arranged on the third sub-actuating mechanism 33.

[0074] In the ninth embodiment, Figure 1As shown, on the basis of any of the above embodiments, a frame 4 is further included, and the PCB fixture 2 and the actuating mechanism 3 are both installed above the frame 4; the frame 4 includes a counter 41 for placing the test equipment, and casters 42 arranged under the counter to facilitate the free movement of the present invention. Preferably, the casters 42 are self-locking casters, so as to avoid the movement of the frame 4 during the test, which is not conducive to the test. It is worth noting that the actuating mechanism 3 can also be a linear motor, a worm gear mechanism, a spiral linear mechanism, etc.

[0075] In the tenth embodiment, a PCB testing method applicable to any one of the novel probe stations described above comprises the steps of:

[0076] Adjust the PCB fixture to fix the PCB;

[0077] Install the probe on the probe fixture according to the test requirements;

[0078] Actuate any one of the actuating mechanisms to drive the probe to make one or more of the three reciprocating motions, namely, linear reciprocating motion along a first direction approaching or moving away from the PCB, linear reciprocating motion along a second direction parallel to the board surface of the PCB, and linear reciprocating motion along a third direction parallel to the board surface of the PCB, so as to realize the test of the PCB.

[0079] In this embodiment, the order of the step "adjusting the PCB fixture to achieve the fixation of the PCB" and the step "installing the probe on the probe fixture according to the test requirements" is adjustable, and the probe can be installed on the probe fixture initially or later, and the position of the probe on the probe fixture can remain unchanged or need to be adjusted. Specifically, when the two holders are connected by an elastic member, it is only necessary to stretch the elastic member (which can be achieved by pulling more than one holder) to increase the spacing between the two relatively arranged holders, place the PCB between the two relatively arranged holders, and then release the holder to reset the elastic member, so that the elastic force of the elastic member can be used to fix the PCB. The elastic member is suitable for PCBs with small size changes, and is suitable for PCBs with a size along the length direction of the elastic member that is larger than the size of the elastic member when it is not deformed. Of course, when the holder and the support frame are detachably connected to achieve the installation of different PCBs, the present invention is suitable for all products with large or small size changes.

[0080] In the eleventh embodiment, a PCB testing method applicable to any one of the novel probe stations described above comprises the steps of:

[0081] The two side walls of the PCB which are arranged opposite to each other are respectively accommodated in the card slots of the two card seats;

[0082] Adjusting one or more clamping seats to fix two side walls of the PCB that are arranged opposite to each other;

[0083] Install the probe on the probe fixture according to the test requirements;

[0084] Actuate any one of the actuating mechanisms to drive the probe to make one or more of the three reciprocating motions, namely, linear reciprocating motion along a first direction approaching or moving away from the PCB, linear reciprocating motion along a second direction parallel to the board surface of the PCB, and linear reciprocating motion along a third direction parallel to the board surface of the PCB, so as to realize the test of the PCB.

[0085] In this embodiment, the PCB is positioned and limited by the card slot, which improves the convenience of PCB installation and simplifies the complexity of PCB installation. Preferably, the inner wall of the card slot is provided with a flexible cushion layer, and the setting of the flexible cushion layer can be suitable for PCBs with smaller thickness differences, and the flexible cushion layer can be a sponge or rubber layer.

[0086] In the eleventh embodiment, a PCB testing method applicable to any one of the novel probe stations described above comprises the steps of:

[0087] The two side walls of the PCB which are arranged opposite to each other are respectively accommodated in the card slots of the two card seats;

[0088] Adjusting one or more clamping seats to fix two side walls of the PCB that are arranged opposite to each other;

[0089] Fixing the surface of the PCB board by fasteners;

[0090] Install the probe on the probe fixture according to the test requirements;

[0091] Actuate any one of the actuating mechanisms to drive the probe to make one or more of the three reciprocating motions, namely, linear reciprocating motion along a first direction approaching or moving away from the PCB, linear reciprocating motion along a second direction parallel to the board surface of the PCB, and linear reciprocating motion along a third direction parallel to the board surface of the PCB, so as to realize the test of the PCB.

[0092] In this embodiment, by pressing the board surface of the PCB with the fastener, at least one pair of oppositely arranged side walls of the PCB are further fixed along the direction perpendicular to the side walls, thereby improving the stability and firmness of the PCB fixation. By fixing the board surface of the PCB with the fastener, the present invention is applicable to both PCBs with small thickness difference and PCBs with large thickness difference. Preferably, the fastener is an elastic member, such as a spring, a plastic column or a rubber column, etc., which has a smaller rigidity than the card holder or the PCB. Of course, the fastener can also be a flexible member, such as a plastic column or a rubber column, etc., which has a smaller rigidity than the card holder or the PCB. The fastener is also a rigid member, and the end face of the rigid member close to the PCB side is preferably a planar structure. The end face of the rigid member close to the PCB side is preferably provided with a flexible cushion layer.

[0093] In the twelfth embodiment, a PCB testing method applicable to any one of the novel probe stations described above comprises the steps of:

[0094] Adjust the PCB fixture to fix the PCB;

[0095] Mounting the probe on a stud, wherein the studs on which the probes on at least two of the probe fixtures are mounted are located at different positions relative to the mounting plate;

[0096] Actuate any one of the actuating mechanisms to drive the probe to make one or more of the three reciprocating motions, namely, linear reciprocating motion along a first direction approaching or moving away from the PCB, linear reciprocating motion along a second direction parallel to the board surface of the PCB, and linear reciprocating motion along a third direction parallel to the board surface of the PCB, so as to realize the test of the PCB.

[0097] In this embodiment, the probe can be installed according to the position of the test point. The installation of the probe can occur before or after the PCB is fixed, and the position of the probe can be continuously adjusted during the test process to meet different test requirements (test points with different spacings, horizontally set test points, test points set along the height direction, diagonally set test points, etc.).

[0098] In the thirteenth embodiment, a PCB testing method applicable to any one of the novel probe stations described above comprises the steps of:

[0099] Adjust the PCB fixture to fix the PCB;

[0100] Mounting the probe on a stud, wherein the studs on which the probes on at least two of the probe fixtures are mounted are located at different positions relative to the mounting plate;

[0101] Taking the test point of the first test as the origin, calculate the coordinate data of other test points relative to the origin;

[0102] The actuating mechanism corresponding to the coordinate system is driven based on the coordinate data to implement sequential testing of each test point of the PCB.

[0103] In this embodiment, the positions of the various test points of the PCB are arranged by design at the beginning of the design, so the positional relationship of the various test points is known at the beginning of the design, so the test points covered by each actuating mechanism can use the test point of the first test of the actuating mechanism as the origin to calculate the coordinates of other test points based on the test point of the first test as the origin, and the actuating mechanism can be moved according to the coordinates of each test point to sequentially implement the test of each test point. Specifically, the moving path of the actuating mechanism can also be optimized according to the coordinate data, thereby improving the test speed and the test efficiency of the present invention.

[0104] It should be noted that the above embodiments can be freely combined as needed. The above is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It should be pointed out that for ordinary technicians in this technical field, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the principle of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered as the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A novel probe station, characterized in that: include: A probe fixture for mounting the probe; PCB fixtures that can be replaced to install PCBs of different sizes; An actuating mechanism for driving the probe fixture to perform linear reciprocating motion along three different directions, wherein the three directions are a first direction perpendicular to the board surface of the PCB, and a second direction and a third direction parallel to the board surface of the PCB, wherein the second direction is set at an angle to the third direction; One or more actuating mechanisms are correspondingly arranged on one surface of the PCB; The PCB fixture comprises two holders respectively arranged on two opposite side walls of the PCB, the two holders comprising a first holder and a second holder; and a support frame for mounting the holders; The distance between the first card holder and the second card holder is adjustable, so that PCBs of different sizes can be installed interchangeably between the first card holder and the second card holder; The actuating mechanism comprises a first sub-actuating mechanism driving the probe to move closer to or away from the PCB in a first direction, a second sub-actuating mechanism driving the probe to reciprocate in a second direction, and a third sub-actuating mechanism driving the probe to reciprocate in a third direction; The first sub-actuating mechanism, the second sub-actuating mechanism or the third sub-actuating mechanism is equipped with a probe fixture; The first sub-actuating mechanism, the second sub-actuating mechanism and the third sub-actuating mechanism are all lead screw pairs; The second sub-actuating mechanism is mounted on the lead screw of the first sub-actuating mechanism; The third sub-actuating mechanism is mounted on the lead screw of the second sub-actuating mechanism; A concave-convex matching structure is provided between the first sub-actuating mechanism and the second sub-actuating mechanism; A concave-convex matching structure is provided between the second sub-actuating mechanism and the third sub-actuating mechanism; The first sub-actuating mechanism, the second sub-actuating mechanism and the third sub-actuating mechanism are all provided with a rotating hand wheel connected to the lead screw.

2. The novel probe station according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first card seat and the second card seat are connected by an elastic member.

3. The novel probe station according to claim 1, characterized in that: A concave-convex matching structure extending in a direction perpendicular to the side wall is provided between the first card seat and the second card seat.

4. The novel probe station according to claim 1, characterized in that: One or more of the holders can reciprocate along the support frame in a direction perpendicular to the side wall; The card holder is detachably connected to the support frame.

5. The novel probe station according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that: Each of the card seats is provided with a card slot corresponding to the PCB, and two side walls of the PCB arranged opposite to each other are respectively accommodated in the card slot of the first card seat and the card slot of the second card seat.

6. The novel probe station according to claim 5, characterized in that: More than one side wall of the slot is provided with a fastening hole, and a fastener is received in the fastening hole to abut against the board surface of the PCB.

7. The novel probe station according to claim 6, characterized in that: A flexible cushion layer is provided at an end of the fastener close to the PCB; or, The fastener is an elastic member; or, The fastener is a rigid member; or, The inner side wall of the card slot is provided with a flexible cushion layer.

8. The novel probe station according to any one of claims 1-4 or 6 or 7, characterized in that: The probe fixture comprises a mounting plate and a mounting seat for connecting with the actuating mechanism; The mounting plate is provided with more than two studs for mounting the probe.

9. The novel probe station according to claim 8, characterized in that: The installation positions of the three studs arranged adjacent to each other in sequence on the installation plate are not in the same straight line; and / or, The three stud positions arranged adjacent to each other in sequence are a first stud, a second stud and a third stud, the second stud is arranged between the first stud and the third stud; the spacing between the first stud and the second stud is a first spacing value; The spacing between the second stud and the third stud is a second spacing value; the first spacing value and the second spacing value are not equal; And / or, the probe fixture is detachably connected to the actuating mechanism.

10. A PCB testing method applicable to the novel probe station described in any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: Includes steps: Adjust the PCB fixture to fix the PCB; Install the probe on the probe fixture according to the test requirements; Actuating any one of the actuating mechanisms to drive the probe to perform one or more of the three reciprocating motions of linear reciprocating motion in a first direction approaching or moving away from the PCB, linear reciprocating motion in a second direction parallel to the board surface of the PCB, and linear reciprocating motion in a third direction parallel to the board surface of the PCB, so as to implement the test of the PCB; The step of adjusting the PCB fixture to fix the PCB specifically includes the following steps: The two side walls of the PCB which are arranged opposite to each other are respectively accommodated in the card slots of the two card seats; Adjusting one or more clamping seats to fix two side walls of the PCB that are arranged opposite to each other; The actuating mechanism comprises a first sub-actuating mechanism driving the probe to move closer to or away from the PCB in a first direction, a second sub-actuating mechanism driving the probe to reciprocate in a second direction, and a third sub-actuating mechanism driving the probe to reciprocate in a third direction; The first sub-actuating mechanism, the second sub-actuating mechanism or the third sub-actuating mechanism is equipped with a probe fixture; The first sub-actuating mechanism, the second sub-actuating mechanism and the third sub-actuating mechanism are all lead screw pairs; The second sub-actuating mechanism is mounted on the lead screw of the first sub-actuating mechanism; The third sub-actuating mechanism is mounted on the lead screw of the second sub-actuating mechanism; A concave-convex matching structure is provided between the first sub-actuating mechanism and the second sub-actuating mechanism; A concave-convex matching structure is provided between the second sub-actuating mechanism and the third sub-actuating mechanism; The first sub-actuating mechanism, the second sub-actuating mechanism and the third sub-actuating mechanism are all provided with a rotating hand wheel connected to the lead screw.

11. The PCB testing method according to claim 10, characterized in that: The step of adjusting the PCB fixture to fix the PCB specifically includes the following steps: The board surface of the PCB board is fixed by fasteners.

12. The PCB testing method according to claim 10, characterized in that: The steps of installing the probe on the probe fixture according to the test requirements specifically include: The probe is mounted on a stud, wherein the studs on which the probes on at least two probe fixtures are mounted are at different positions relative to the mounting plate.

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