Flexible FPC test platform with automatic conduction side pressure function and side pressure mechanism thereof

Abstract

The application discloses a flexible FPC testing platform with automatic conduction side pressing function and a side pressing mechanism thereof, which comprises an FPC support, a groove assembly, an adsorption assembly and a side pressing mechanism, the flexible FPC comprises an FPC belt body and a gold finger, the FPC belt body is a flexible belt structure, the gold finger is connected to one end of the FPC belt body, at least one detection probe is inserted into the gold finger, the FPC support is a strip seat body structure, the FPC support is horizontally arranged, and an air channel is arranged in the FPC support, the groove assembly is arranged on the FPC support, the groove assembly comprises a first groove body and a second groove body, the adsorption assembly is arranged in the first groove body and the second groove body, and the side pressing mechanism is arranged in the second groove body and is used for synchronously completing side pressing positioning of the gold finger when the flexible FPC is taken and placed. The side pressing mechanism is used for continuously pressing and positioning the gold finger placed in the second groove body, the position precision is effectively ensured, the second groove body is opened when the flexible FPC is taken and placed, the taking and placing efficiency is effectively improved, and the positioning cost is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of flexible printed circuit board (FPC) manufacturing equipment, and in particular to a flexible FPC testing platform and its side pressure mechanism with automatic conduction side pressure function. Background Technology

[0002] Flexible printed circuit boards (FPCs), also known as flexible printed circuit boards, are printed circuit boards made of flexible insulating substrates. FPCs offer excellent electrical performance, meeting the needs of smaller and higher-density installation designs, and also help reduce assembly steps and enhance reliability. FPCs can be freely bent, rolled, and folded, and can withstand millions of dynamic bends without damaging the conductors. They can be arranged arbitrarily according to spatial layout requirements and can move and stretch freely in three-dimensional space, thus achieving integration of component assembly and wiring connections. Furthermore, they can significantly reduce the size and weight of electronic products, meeting the needs of electronic products developing towards high density, miniaturization, and high reliability.

[0003] The flexible FPC has gold fingers at its ends for connecting with other circuit components. The manufacturing process of flexible FPC involves a testing step. After being electrically connected to a test circuit, the test circuit simulates and tests various electrical performance indicators of the flexible FPC. Specifically, the testing process typically requires multiple probes to independently contact the multiple conductive contacts of the gold fingers to connect the flexible FPC to the test circuit. Based on this testing process requirement, the automated testing of flexible FPCs first requires designing a test platform to support the flexible FPC. Furthermore, while supporting the flexible FPC, it is also necessary to ensure the alignment of the conductive contacts on the gold fingers with the sockets at the insertion points, so that the test probes can accurately contact the conductive contacts of the gold fingers after passing through the sockets during subsequent testing. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to address the shortcomings of the prior art by providing a flexible FPC testing platform and its side pressure mechanism that utilizes a side pressure mechanism to achieve continuous side pressure positioning of the gold fingers placed in the second groove, effectively ensuring their positional accuracy. Simultaneously, the protruding transmission drive block of the side pressure mechanism serves as the driving structure. During the handling of the flexible FPC, the protruding transmission drive block is first contacted before approaching the FPC support, and then the transmission drive block is pressed down. The vertical pressure is converted into a horizontal thrust through the driving inclined surface, driving the side pressure block to open the second groove. This achieves simultaneous handling of the flexible FPC and opening of the second groove, effectively improving handling efficiency and reducing positioning costs.

[0005] The technical solution adopted in this invention is as follows: A flexible FPC testing platform with automatic conduction side pressure function is installed inside a flexible FPC testing machine for supporting and clamping flexible FPCs during testing. It includes an FPC support, a tank assembly, an adsorption assembly, and a side pressure mechanism. The flexible FPC includes an FPC strip and gold fingers. The FPC strip is a flexible strip structure. The gold fingers are connected to one end of the FPC strip, and at least one detection probe is inserted into the gold fingers for electrical connection to an external detection circuit. The FPC support is a strip-shaped support structure, horizontally positioned, and internally equipped with air passages. The groove assembly is disposed on the FPC support and recessed inward from the surface of the FPC support. The groove assembly includes a first groove and a second groove. The first groove is a strip-shaped groove extending in a straight line and is used to support and place the FPC strip. The second groove is disposed at one end of the FPC support and communicates with the first groove, and is used to support and place the gold fingers. The adsorption assembly is disposed in the first groove and the second groove, so as to generate a downward vacuum negative pressure to adsorb and fix the FPC strip and the gold fingers. The side pressure mechanism is disposed in the second groove and is used to simultaneously complete the side pressure positioning of the gold fingers when picking up and placing the flexible FPC.

[0006] Preferably, the adsorption assembly includes air nozzles and suction nozzles. The air nozzles include at least two air nozzles, which are spaced apart on the side of the FPC support. One end of each air nozzle is connected to an air passage inside the FPC support, and the other end is connected to a vacuum generator. The suction nozzles include at least two air nozzles, which are disposed at the bottom of the first and second tanks and are connected to an air passage inside the FPC support to generate a vacuum negative pressure in the first and second tanks to adsorb and fix the flexible FPC.

[0007] Preferably, the bottom of the second groove is provided with an insertion hole; the insertion hole is provided with at least two through holes for at least one detection probe to pass through.

[0008] Preferably, a positioning reference block is provided on one side of the second groove, and the positioning reference block is fixedly installed in the second groove, with the side wall of the second groove being the positioning reference surface.

[0009] Preferably, the side pressing mechanism is located on the other side of the second groove. In its natural state, the side pressing mechanism tends to move toward the positioning reference block to maintain the pressure on the gold fingers. When the side pressing mechanism is subjected to a downward pressing force, it converts the vertical force into a horizontal force and moves away from the positioning reference block to pick up and put away the gold fingers.

[0010] Preferably, the side pressure mechanism includes a side pressure support, a side pressure assembly, and a transmission assembly. The side pressure support is fixedly mounted on the FPC support and located within the second groove. A mounting groove is formed at the bottom of the side pressure support, extending to the bottom surface of the side pressure support and the side wall away from the positioning reference block, forming an open surface. A vertically penetrating transmission groove is formed at the upper part of the side pressure support, penetrating both the upper and lower surfaces of the side pressure support and communicating with the mounting groove. The side pressure assembly is movably inserted into the mounting groove. The transmission assembly is movably inserted into the transmission groove.

[0011] Preferably, the side pressure assembly includes a side pressure block; the side pressure block has a T-shaped cross-section along the horizontal plane, with one side being an insertion block portion and the other side being a side pressure portion provided with a vertical insertion hole portion; the insertion block portion is inserted into the mounting slide groove, and its end face is provided with an inclined driving slope.

[0012] Preferably, the side pressure support is further provided with at least two mounting holes, which are horizontally arranged and extend through both sides of the side pressure support; the side pressure block is provided with corresponding locking holes; the side pressure block is connected to the side pressure support through an elastic column.

[0013] Preferably, the elastic column is inserted into the mounting hole from the outside of the side pressure support and moves freely within the mounting hole. One end of the elastic column is inserted into the locking hole of the side pressure block and is threadedly connected to the locking hole to fix it to the side pressure block. A spring is sleeved on the outside of the elastic column, with one end of the spring abutting against the other end of the side pressure block and the other end of the elastic column. In its natural state, the spring force drives the side pressure block to move towards the positioning reference block to maintain the pressing state of the side pressure block on the gold finger.

[0014] Preferably, the conductive assembly includes a conductive drive block and a guide rod. The conductive drive block is vertically inserted into the conductive groove and moves freely within it. The top of the conductive drive block protrudes above the side pressure support, and the bottom surface of the conductive drive block has a driving inclined surface. The driving inclined surfaces of the conductive drive block and the side pressure block fit together. When picking up or placing the flexible FPC, the bottom surface of the picking mechanism first contacts the top surface of the conductive drive block and continues to press down on the conductive drive block during descent. The conductive drive block converts the vertical force into a horizontal force through the driving inclined surface and drives the side pressure block to overcome the spring force and move away from the positioning reference block, so as to release the gold fingers or reserve space for gold fingers. A guide groove is provided on the conductive drive block, which extends vertically. The guide rod is horizontally inserted into the side pressure support and passes through the guide groove, so as to guide and limit the conductive drive block when it moves vertically.

[0015] A side-pressure mechanism for a flexible FPC testing platform with automatic side-pressure conduction function includes a side-pressure support, a side-pressure component, and a conduction component. The side-pressure support is fixedly mounted on an FPC support and located within a second groove. A mounting groove is formed at the bottom of the side-pressure support, extending to the bottom surface of the side-pressure support and the side wall away from the positioning reference block, forming an open surface. A vertically penetrating conduction groove is formed at the top of the side-pressure support, penetrating both the upper and lower surfaces and communicating with the mounting groove. The side-pressure component is movably inserted into the mounting groove to press the gold fingers. The conduction component is movably inserted into a transmission groove and connected to the side-pressure component via a driving inclined surface. When the conduction component is subjected to vertical pressure, it drives the side-pressure component to release the gold fingers via the driving inclined surface.

[0016] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

[0017] This invention addresses the shortcomings and deficiencies of existing technologies by independently developing and designing a side-pressure mechanism to continuously press and position the gold fingers placed in the second groove, effectively ensuring their positional accuracy. Simultaneously, it employs a convex transmission drive block as the driving structure. During the handling of the flexible FPC, the convex transmission drive block is first contacted before approaching the FPC support, and then the transmission drive block is pressed down. The vertical pressure is converted into a horizontal thrust through the driving inclined surface, driving the side-pressure block to open the second groove. This achieves simultaneous handling of the flexible FPC and opening of the second groove, effectively improving handling efficiency and reducing positioning costs. This invention provides a flexible FPC testing platform and its side-pressure mechanism with automatic transmission side-pressure function.

[0018] This invention pertains to the core of a flexible FPC electrical testing machine, primarily achieving automatic support of the flexible FPC and continuous clamping and positioning of the gold fingers during electrical testing. Specifically, considering the characteristics of flexible FPC products, this invention uses a plate-like FPC support as the support structure. A first and second recessed groove on the FPC support serve as the support spaces for the FPC strip and the gold fingers, respectively. Multiple suction nozzles are located at the bottom of the first and second grooves, communicating with the air passages inside the FPC support. These nozzles are connected to an external vacuum generator via air inlets on the sidewalls of the FPC support, creating a negative vacuum inside the first and second grooves to adsorb and fix the FPC strip and gold fingers.The unique feature is that, since the gold fingers need to be connected to the test circuit during testing, a socket section is provided at the bottom of the second slot. Multiple through-holes are formed at the socket section corresponding to the conductive contacts of the gold fingers. During testing, the detection probe passes through the sockets and contacts the conductive contacts of the gold fingers to connect them to the test circuit. Due to the inherent flexibility of the flexible FPC and the requirements for handling the flexible FPC during material changes, the widths of the first and second slots are greater than the widths of the FPC strip and the gold fingers, respectively. Therefore, after the gold fingers are placed in the second slot, it cannot be guaranteed that their conductive contacts are aligned with the sockets one by one. Based on this situation, the present invention incorporates a socket section in the second slot... A side-pressing mechanism is designed to achieve side-pressing positioning of the gold fingers within the second groove, thereby controlling the conductive contacts of the gold fingers to be aligned with each socket. Furthermore, based on the process requirements of continuous side-pressing to maintain the stability of the gold fingers during testing and the need to release the gold fingers before and after testing for material handling, the side-pressing mechanism of this invention uses a side-pressing block that can move freely within the second groove as the side-pressing execution structure. The side-pressing block has a T-shaped cross-section, with one side being an insertion part for insertion into the mounting groove at the bottom of the side-pressing support, and the other side parallel to the side of the gold fingers, serving as the side-pressing part. The side-pressing block and the side-pressing support are connected by an elastic... The column connection allows for movable positioning of the elastic column and the side pressure support. In its natural state, the elastic force within the column tends to drive the side pressure block towards the positioning reference block, ensuring continuous lateral pressure on the gold finger positioned between the positioning reference block and the side pressure block, thus guaranteeing the stability of the gold finger's position during testing. When the gold finger needs to be picked up or placed, a transmission drive block inserted into the side pressure support serves as the transmission structure. Simultaneously, taking advantage of the fact that the picking / pick-up arm inevitably moves downwards towards the FPC support during the gold finger picking / pick-up process, the picking / pick-up arm pre-contacts the upper protruding transmission drive block and continues to press down. The drive block moves downwards, transmitting downward pressure through its bottom drive ramp to the top drive ramp of the side pressure block's insertion part. The drive ramp converts the vertical downward pressure into a horizontal thrust, causing the side pressure block to overcome the elastic force of the elastic column and move outwards away from the positioning reference block until the second slot is fully opened. At this time, the flexible FPC is simultaneously picked up and placed. Through the above structure of the side pressure mechanism, while ensuring precise and continuous side pressure positioning of the gold fingers during the test, the opening and closing of the second slot is completed simultaneously with the picking up and placing of the gold fingers. There is no need to set up a separate opening and closing mechanism, which reduces manufacturing costs and improves the efficiency of gold finger picking and placing. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is one of the three-dimensional structural schematic diagrams of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Enlarged structural diagram at point I.

[0021] Figure 3 This is the second three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the flexible FPC of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 5 This is one of the three-dimensional structural schematic diagrams of the side pressure mechanism of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 6 This is the second three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the side-pressure mechanism of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 7 This is the third three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the side-pressure mechanism of the present invention.

[0026] In the picture:

[0027] 0. Flexible FPC; 01. FPC tape; 02. Gold fingers; 03. Detection probe;

[0028] 1. FPC support; 2. Air nozzle; 3. Suction nozzle; 4. Positioning reference block; 5. Side pressure mechanism; A. First groove; B. Second groove; C. Insertion hole;

[0029] 51. Side pressure support; 52. Side pressure block; 53. Elastic column; 54. Conducting drive block; 55. Guide rod; D. Conducting groove; E. Guide groove; F. Driving inclined surface. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0031] It should be noted that all directional indications in the embodiments of the present invention, such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc., are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a specific posture. If the specific posture changes, the directional indication will also change accordingly.

[0032] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connection," "fixed," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can be the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances. Example 1

[0033] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, this invention proposes a flexible FPC testing platform with automatic conduction side pressure function, installed inside a flexible FPC testing machine, used to support and clamp the flexible FPC 0 during testing. It includes an FPC support 1, a tank assembly, an adsorption assembly, and a side pressure mechanism 5. The flexible FPC 0 includes an FPC strip 01 and gold fingers 02. The FPC strip 01 is a flexible strip structure; the gold fingers 02 are connected to one end of the FPC strip 01, and at least one detection probe 03 is inserted into the gold fingers 02 for electrical connection to an external detection circuit; the FPC support 1 is a strip-shaped support structure, horizontally arranged, and has an internal air passage; the tank... The body assembly is mounted on the FPC support 1 and recessed inward from the surface of the FPC support 1. The groove assembly includes a first groove A and a second groove B. The first groove A is a strip-shaped groove that extends in a straight line and is used to support and place the FPC strip 01. The second groove B is located at one end of the FPC support 1 and communicates with the first groove A, and is used to support and place the gold finger 02. The adsorption assembly is located in the first groove A and the second groove B, so that a downward vacuum negative pressure is generated inside to adsorb and fix the FPC strip 01 and the gold finger 02. The side pressure mechanism 5 is located in the second groove B and is used to simultaneously complete the side pressure positioning of the gold finger 02 when picking up and putting down the flexible FPC 0.

[0034] The adsorption assembly includes air nozzles 2 and suction nozzles 3. The air nozzles 2 include at least two, which are spaced apart on the side of the FPC support 1. One end of each air nozzle 2 is connected to the air passage inside the FPC support 1, and the other end is connected to a vacuum generator. The suction nozzles 3 include at least two, which are located at the bottom of the first tank A and the second tank B and are connected to the air passage inside the FPC support 1 to generate a vacuum negative pressure in the first tank A and the second tank B to adsorb and fix the flexible FPC 0.

[0035] The bottom of the second groove B is provided with a socket C; at least two through-holes are provided at the socket C for at least one detection probe 03 to pass through.

[0036] A positioning reference block 4 is provided on one side of the second tank B. The positioning reference block 4 is fixedly installed inside the second tank B, and its side wall near the second tank B is the positioning reference surface.

[0037] The side pressing mechanism 5 is located on the other side of the second groove B. In its natural state, the side pressing mechanism 5 tends to move toward the positioning reference block 4 to maintain the pressing of the gold finger 02. When the side pressing mechanism 5 is subjected to a downward pressing force, it converts the vertical force into a horizontal force and moves away from the positioning reference block 4 to pick up and put away the gold finger 02.

[0038] The side pressure mechanism 5 includes a side pressure support 51, a side pressure assembly, and a transmission assembly. The side pressure support 51 is fixedly mounted on the FPC support 1 and located within the second groove B. The bottom of the side pressure support 51 has an installation groove that extends to the bottom surface of the side pressure support 51 and the side wall away from the positioning reference block 4, forming an open surface. The upper part of the side pressure support 51 has a vertically penetrating transmission groove D that penetrates both the upper and lower surfaces of the side pressure support 51 and communicates with the installation groove. The side pressure assembly is movably inserted into the installation groove. The transmission assembly is movably inserted into the transmission groove D.

[0039] The side pressure assembly includes a side pressure block 52; the side pressure block 52 has a T-shaped cross-section along the horizontal plane, with one side being an insertion block and the other side being a side pressure part with a vertical insertion hole; the insertion block is inserted into the mounting groove, and its end face is provided with an inclined driving slope F.

[0040] The side pressure support 51 is also provided with at least two mounting holes, which are horizontally arranged and extend through both sides of the side pressure support 51; the side pressure block 52 is provided with corresponding locking holes; the side pressure block 52 is connected to the side pressure support 51 through the elastic column 53.

[0041] The elastic post 53 is inserted into the mounting hole from the outside of the side pressure support 51 and moves freely in the mounting hole. One end of the elastic post 53 is inserted into the locking hole of the side pressure block 52 and is threadedly connected to the locking hole to fix it to the side pressure block 52. A spring is sleeved on the outside of the elastic post 53. One end of the spring abuts against the side pressure block 52 and the other end abuts against the other end of the elastic post 53. In the natural state, the elastic force of the spring drives the side pressure block 52 to move towards the positioning reference block 4 so as to maintain the pressing state of the side pressure block 52 on the gold finger 02.

[0042] The transmission assembly includes a transmission drive block 54 and a guide rod 55. The transmission drive block 54 is vertically inserted into the transmission groove D and moves freely within the groove D. The top of the transmission drive block 54 protrudes above the side pressure support 51, and the bottom surface of the transmission drive block 54 is provided with a driving inclined surface F. The driving inclined surfaces F of the transmission drive block 54 and the side pressure block 52 are in contact with each other. When picking up and placing the flexible FPC0, the bottom surface of the picking mechanism first contacts the top surface of the transmission drive block 54 and continues to press down during the descent. The drive block 54 converts the vertical force into a horizontal force through the drive ramp, and drives the side pressure block 52 to overcome the spring force and move away from the positioning reference block 4, so as to release the gold finger 02 or reserve space for the gold finger 02; the drive block 54 is provided with a guide groove E, which extends vertically; the guide rod 55 is horizontally inserted on the side pressure support 51 and passes through the guide groove E, so as to guide and limit the drive block 54 when it moves vertically. Example 2

[0043] like Figures 5 to 7 As shown in the figure, as an embodiment of the present invention, this embodiment discloses a side pressure mechanism of a flexible FPC test platform with automatic transmission side pressure function, including a side pressure support 51, a side pressure component, and a transmission component. The side pressure support 51 is fixedly mounted on the FPC support 1 and located in the second groove B. The bottom of the side pressure support 51 has an installation groove that extends to the bottom surface of the side pressure support 51 and the side wall away from the positioning reference block 4, forming an open surface. The upper part of the side pressure support 51 has a vertically penetrating transmission groove D that penetrates the upper and lower surfaces of the side pressure support 51 and communicates with the installation groove. The side pressure component is movably inserted into the installation groove to press the gold finger 02. The transmission component is movably inserted into the transmission groove D and connected to the side pressure component through a driving inclined surface F. When the transmission component is subjected to vertical pressure, it drives the side pressure component to release the gold finger 02 through the driving inclined surface F.

[0044] The side pressure assembly includes a side pressure block 52; the side pressure block 52 has a T-shaped cross-section along the horizontal plane, with one side being an insertion block and the other side being a side pressure part with a vertical insertion hole; the insertion block is inserted into the mounting groove, and its end face is provided with an inclined driving slope F.

[0045] The side pressure support 51 is also provided with at least two mounting holes, which are horizontally arranged and extend through both sides of the side pressure support 51; the side pressure block 52 is provided with corresponding locking holes; the side pressure block 52 is connected to the side pressure support 51 through the elastic column 53.

[0046] The elastic post 53 is inserted into the mounting hole from the outside of the side pressure support 51 and moves freely in the mounting hole. One end of the elastic post 53 is inserted into the locking hole of the side pressure block 52 and is threadedly connected to the locking hole to fix it to the side pressure block 52. A spring is sleeved on the outside of the elastic post 53. One end of the spring abuts against the side pressure block 52 and the other end abuts against the other end of the elastic post 53. In the natural state, the elastic force of the spring drives the side pressure block 52 to move towards the positioning reference block 4 so as to maintain the pressing state of the side pressure block 52 on the gold finger 02.

[0047] The transmission assembly includes a transmission drive block 54 and a guide rod 55. The transmission drive block 54 is vertically inserted into the transmission groove D and moves freely within the groove D. The top of the transmission drive block 54 protrudes above the side pressure support 51, and the bottom surface of the transmission drive block 54 is provided with a driving inclined surface F. The driving inclined surfaces F of the transmission drive block 54 and the side pressure block 52 are in contact with each other. When picking up and placing the flexible FPC0, the bottom surface of the picking mechanism first contacts the top surface of the transmission drive block 54 and continues to press down during the descent. The drive block 54 converts the vertical force into a horizontal force through the drive ramp, and drives the side pressure block 52 to overcome the spring force and move away from the positioning reference block 4, so as to release the gold finger 02 or reserve space for the gold finger 02; the drive block 54 is provided with a guide groove E, which extends vertically; the guide rod 55 is horizontally inserted on the side pressure support 51 and passes through the guide groove E, so as to guide and limit the drive block 54 when it moves vertically.

[0048] Furthermore, this invention designs a side-pressure mechanism to continuously press and position the gold fingers placed in the second slot, effectively ensuring their positional accuracy. Simultaneously, it employs a convex transmission drive block on the side-pressure mechanism as the driving structure. During the handling of the flexible FPC, the convex transmission drive block is first contacted before approaching the FPC support, pressing down on the transmission drive block. The vertical pressure is converted into a horizontal thrust through the driving inclined surface, driving the side-pressure block to open the second slot. This achieves simultaneous handling of the flexible FPC and opening of the second slot, effectively improving handling efficiency and reducing positioning costs. This invention constitutes the core of a flexible FPC electrical testing machine, primarily realizing automatic bearing of the flexible FPC and continuous clamping and positioning of the gold fingers during electrical testing. Specifically, considering the characteristics of flexible FPC products, this invention uses a plate-shaped FPC support as the load-bearing structure. The first and second recessed grooves on the FPC support serve as the load-bearing spaces for the FPC strip and the gold fingers, respectively. The bottom of the first and second grooves is provided with multiple suction nozzles, which are connected to the air passage inside the FPC support and connected to an external vacuum generator through air inlets provided on the side wall of the FPC support. This creates a vacuum negative pressure inside the first and second grooves to adsorb and fix the FPC strip and the gold fingers.The unique feature is that, since the gold fingers need to be connected to the test circuit during testing, a socket section is provided at the bottom of the second slot. Multiple through-holes are formed at the socket section corresponding to the conductive contacts of the gold fingers. During testing, the detection probe passes through the sockets and contacts the conductive contacts of the gold fingers to connect them to the test circuit. Due to the inherent flexibility of the flexible FPC and the requirements for handling the flexible FPC during material changes, the widths of the first and second slots are greater than the widths of the FPC strip and the gold fingers, respectively. Therefore, after the gold fingers are placed in the second slot, it cannot be guaranteed that their conductive contacts are aligned with the sockets one by one. Based on this situation, the present invention incorporates a socket section in the second slot... A side-pressing mechanism is designed to achieve side-pressing positioning of the gold fingers within the second groove, thereby controlling the conductive contacts of the gold fingers to be aligned with each socket. Furthermore, based on the process requirements of continuous side-pressing to maintain the stability of the gold fingers during testing and the need to release the gold fingers before and after testing for material handling, the side-pressing mechanism of this invention uses a side-pressing block that can move freely within the second groove as the side-pressing execution structure. The side-pressing block has a T-shaped cross-section, with one side being an insertion part for insertion into the mounting groove at the bottom of the side-pressing support, and the other side parallel to the side of the gold fingers, serving as the side-pressing part. The side-pressing block and the side-pressing support are connected by an elastic... The column connection allows for movable positioning of the elastic column and the side pressure support. In its natural state, the elastic force within the column tends to drive the side pressure block towards the positioning reference block, ensuring continuous lateral pressure on the gold finger positioned between the positioning reference block and the side pressure block, thus guaranteeing the stability of the gold finger's position during testing. When the gold finger needs to be picked up or placed, a transmission drive block inserted into the side pressure support serves as the transmission structure. Simultaneously, taking advantage of the fact that the picking / pick-up arm inevitably moves downwards towards the FPC support during the gold finger picking / pick-up process, the picking / pick-up arm pre-contacts the upper protruding transmission drive block and continues to press down. The drive block moves downwards, transmitting downward pressure through its bottom drive ramp to the top drive ramp of the side pressure block's insertion part. The drive ramp converts the vertical downward pressure into a horizontal thrust, causing the side pressure block to overcome the elastic force of the elastic column and move outwards away from the positioning reference block until the second slot is fully opened. At this time, the flexible FPC is simultaneously picked up and placed. Through the above structure of the side pressure mechanism, while ensuring precise and continuous side pressure positioning of the gold fingers during the test, the opening and closing of the second slot is completed simultaneously with the picking up and placing of the gold fingers. There is no need to set up a separate opening and closing mechanism, which reduces manufacturing costs and improves the efficiency of gold finger picking and placing.

[0049] The embodiments of this invention are merely illustrative of specific implementation methods and are not intended to limit the scope of protection. Those skilled in the art can make modifications based on these embodiments; therefore, all equivalent changes or modifications made in accordance with the scope of this invention's patent claims fall within the scope of this invention's patent claims.

Claims

1. A flexible FPC testing platform with automatic lateral pressure conduction function, installed inside a flexible FPC testing machine, used to support and clamp the flexible FPC (0) during testing, characterized in that: Includes FPC support (1), tank assembly, adsorption assembly and side pressure mechanism (5), wherein, The flexible FPC (0) includes an FPC strip (01) and a gold finger (02). The FPC strip (01) is a flexible strip structure. The gold finger (02) is connected to one end of the FPC strip (01), and at least one detection probe (03) is inserted into the gold finger (02) for electrical connection to an external detection circuit. The FPC support (1) is a strip-shaped support structure. The FPC support (1) is horizontally arranged and has an air passage inside. The groove assembly is disposed on the FPC support (1) and recessed inward from the surface of the FPC support (1). The groove assembly includes a first groove (A) and a second groove (B). The first groove (A) is a strip-shaped groove that extends in a straight line and is used to support and place the FPC strip (01). The second groove (B) is disposed at one end of the FPC support (1) and communicates with the first groove (A) and is used to support and place the gold finger (02). The adsorption assembly is disposed in the first tank (A) and the second tank (B) to generate a downward vacuum negative pressure for adsorbing and fixing the FPC tape (01) and the gold finger (02). The side pressure mechanism (5) is set in the second groove (B) and is used to simultaneously complete the side pressure positioning of the gold finger (02) when picking up and putting in the flexible FPC (0); A positioning reference block (4) is provided on one side of the second tank (B). The positioning reference block (4) is fixedly installed inside the second tank (B), and its side wall near the second tank (B) is the positioning reference surface.

2. The flexible FPC testing platform with automatic lateral pressure transmission function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The adsorption assembly includes an air nozzle (2) and a suction nozzle (3). The air nozzle (2) includes at least two air nozzles, which are spaced apart on the side of the FPC support (1). One end of each air nozzle (2) is connected to the air passage inside the FPC support (1), and the other end is connected to a vacuum generator. The suction nozzle (3) includes at least two air nozzles, which are located at the bottom of the first tank (A) and the second tank (B) and are connected to the air passage inside the FPC support (1) so as to generate a vacuum negative pressure in the first tank (A) and the second tank (B) to adsorb and fix the flexible FPC (0).

3. The flexible FPC testing platform with automatic lateral pressure transmission function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom of the second groove (B) is provided with a socket section (C); at least two through-holes are provided at the socket section (C) for passing through at least one detection probe (03).

4. The flexible FPC testing platform with automatic lateral pressure transmission function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The side pressing mechanism (5) is located on the other side of the second groove (B). In its natural state, the side pressing mechanism (5) tends to move toward the positioning reference block (4) to maintain the pressing of the gold finger (02). When the side pressing mechanism (5) is subjected to a downward pressing force, it converts the vertical force into a horizontal force and moves away from the positioning reference block (4) to pick up and put away the gold finger (02).

5. A flexible FPC testing platform with automatic lateral pressure transmission function according to claim 4, characterized in that: The side pressure mechanism (5) includes a side pressure support (51), a side pressure component, and a transmission component. The side pressure support (51) is fixedly mounted on the FPC support (1) and located in the second groove (B). The bottom of the side pressure support (51) is provided with an installation groove, which extends to the bottom surface of the side pressure support (51) and the side wall away from the positioning reference block (4) to form an open surface. The upper part of the side pressure support (51) is provided with a vertically penetrating transmission groove (D), which penetrates the upper and lower surfaces of the side pressure support (51) and communicates with the installation groove. The side pressure component is movably inserted into the installation groove. The transmission component is movably inserted into the transmission groove (D).

6. A flexible FPC testing platform with automatic lateral pressure conduction function according to claim 5, characterized in that: The side pressure assembly includes a side pressure block (52); the side pressure block (52) has a T-shaped cross-section along the horizontal plane, with one side being an insertion block and the other side being a side pressure part with a vertical insertion hole; the insertion block is inserted into the mounting groove, and its end face is provided with an inclined driving slope (F).

7. A flexible FPC testing platform with automatic lateral pressure conduction function according to claim 6, characterized in that: The side pressure support (51) is provided with at least two mounting holes, which are horizontally arranged and pass through both sides of the side pressure support (51); the side pressure block (52) is provided with corresponding locking holes; the side pressure block (52) is connected to the side pressure support (51) through an elastic column (53).

8. A flexible FPC testing platform with automatic lateral pressure conduction function according to claim 7, characterized in that: The elastic column (53) is inserted into the mounting hole from the outside of the side pressure support (51) and moves freely in the mounting hole. One end of the elastic column (53) is inserted into the locking hole of the side pressure block (52) and is threadedly connected to the locking hole so as to fix it with the side pressure block (52). A spring is sleeved on the outside of the elastic column (53). One end of the spring abuts against the side pressure block (52) and the other end abuts against the other end of the elastic column (53). In the natural state, the elastic force of the spring drives the side pressure block (52) to move towards the positioning reference block (4) so ​​as to maintain the pressing state of the side pressure block (52) on the gold finger (02).

9. A flexible FPC testing platform with automatic lateral pressure transmission function according to claim 8, characterized in that: The conductive assembly includes a conductive drive block (54) and a guide rod (55). The conductive drive block (54) is vertically inserted into the conductive groove (D) and moves freely within the conductive groove (D). The top of the conductive drive block (54) protrudes above the side pressure support (51). The bottom surface of the conductive drive block (54) is provided with a driving inclined surface (F). The driving inclined surfaces (F) of the conductive drive block (54) and the side pressure block (52) fit together. When picking up and placing the flexible FPC (0), the bottom surface of the picking mechanism first contacts the top surface of the conductive drive block (54) and continues to press down during the descent. The transmission drive block (54) converts the vertical force into the horizontal force through the driving inclined plane and drives the side pressure block (52) to overcome the spring force and move away from the positioning reference block (4) so ​​as to release the gold finger (02) or reserve space for the gold finger (02); the transmission drive block (54) is provided with a guide groove (E) which extends in the vertical direction; the guide rod (55) is horizontally inserted on the side pressure support (51) and passes through the guide groove (E) so as to guide and limit the transmission drive block (54) when it moves vertically.

10. A lateral pressure mechanism for a flexible FPC testing platform with automatic lateral pressure transmission function as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, Includes a lateral pressure bearing (51), a lateral pressure assembly, and a transmission assembly, wherein, The side pressure support (51) is fixedly installed on the FPC support (1) and located in the second groove (B). The bottom of the side pressure support (51) is provided with an installation groove, which extends to the bottom surface of the side pressure support (51) and the side wall away from the positioning reference block (4) to form an open surface. The upper part of the side pressure support (51) is provided with a vertically penetrating conductive groove (D), which penetrates the upper and lower surfaces of the side pressure support (51) and is connected to the mounting groove. The side pressure component is movably inserted into the mounting groove to press the gold finger (02). The conductive component is movably inserted into the conductive groove (D) and connected to the side pressure component through the driving inclined surface (F). After the conductive component is subjected to vertical pressure, it drives the side pressure component to release the gold finger (02) through the driving inclined surface (F).

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