A multi-station testing mechanism and a flow line testing apparatus

Abstract

The utility model is suitable for FPC automation technical field provides a kind of multi-station testing mechanism and assembly line test equipment.The multi-station testing mechanism includes the first test component, film tearing station, second test component and third test component in turn according to the direction of assembly line, the multi-station testing mechanism further includes linear motion component, the linear motion component includes at least two linear modules, the linear module is not interfered with each other and is arranged on same linear guide, each the linear module is used to realize the workpiece handling of adjacent two components or station on assembly line.Three test stations and a station are horizontally arranged on same flow line, the width of entire assembly line test equipment can be reduced, and then the overall floor area is reduced;Using a linear motion component to complete the FPC workpiece test and film layer tearing of similar beat and process, synchronous processing of material taking or discharging work on straight line, the CT time of equipment is optimized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of FPC automation technology, and in particular relates to a multi-station testing mechanism and a production line testing device. Background Technology

[0002] Flexible printed circuit boards (FPCs) are printed circuit boards made using flexible substrates. Unlike traditional rigid printed circuit boards, FPCs are bendable, foldable, and wrappable, allowing them to be freely shaped in three-dimensional space. This makes them suitable for products with complex shapes or space constraints. FPCs are widely used in various electronic products, such as mobile phones, laptops, digital cameras, medical devices, and automotive electronic systems.

[0003] In FPC testing with microphones, in order to accommodate multi-station testing functions, the equipment is often a multi-connected production line, including a loading machine, a film peeling inspection machine, a film applying machine, a post-film applying inspection machine, and a unloading machine. This type of long production line testing equipment often requires setting up multiple types of test stations, such as radio frequency testing (RF testing), VPP testing (Minimum Operating Voltage), ICT testing (In-Circuit Test, circuit board online testing), and sound leakage testing, with a total length of more than 5 meters, which wastes a lot of space resources.

[0004] Therefore, for two or more adjacent test stations, how to optimize the spatial layout of the test stations, how to improve the structure, and how to reduce the cycle time (CT) of the equipment have become urgent problems to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this utility model embodiment is to provide a multi-station testing mechanism, which aims to solve the problems of large equipment space occupation, imperfect structure and excessive CT time.

[0006] This utility model embodiment is implemented as follows: a multi-station testing mechanism includes a first testing component, a film-tearing station, a second testing component, and a third testing component arranged sequentially according to the production line direction. The multi-station testing mechanism also includes a linear motion component, which includes at least two linear modules. The linear modules are arranged on the same linear guide rail without interfering with each other. Each linear module is used to realize the workpiece handling between two adjacent components or stations on the production line.

[0007] Furthermore, both the first test component and the second test component are dual-station turntable test components. The dual-station turntable test component includes a frame, a turntable, and a top plate assembly. The turntable is rotatably mounted on the frame and has a loading station and a testing station. The top plate assembly is mounted on the frame and located above the testing station for testing the workpiece within the testing station.

[0008] Furthermore, the first test component is used to perform RF testing.

[0009] Furthermore, the second test component is used to perform VPP sensitivity testing.

[0010] Furthermore, the third test component is used for visual inspection of the appearance of the microphone bore.

[0011] Furthermore, the number of linear modules is two, one of which has a travel distance from the first test component to the second test component, and the other has a travel distance from the second test component to the third test component.

[0012] Furthermore, the linear motion component is a linear motor handling module, and the linear module is a moving part module.

[0013] Another objective of this utility model embodiment is a production line testing device, which includes a production line loading section, a multi-station testing mechanism, a film application mechanism, a fourth testing component, and a production line unloading section arranged sequentially according to the production line sequence.

[0014] Furthermore, the material feeding section on the production line and the material feeding section on the production line are set in the same straight line direction, while the multi-station testing mechanism, the film application mechanism, and the fourth testing component are set in another straight line direction that are parallel to each other.

[0015] Furthermore, a production line buffer section is provided between the upper feeding section and the lower feeding section of the production line.

[0016] The multi-station testing mechanism provided in this embodiment of the utility model has the following advantages: three testing stations and one workstation are horizontally arranged on the same flow line. The first testing component, the film peeling station, the second testing component, and the third testing component are thus arranged compactly together in sequence, which can reduce the width of the entire production line testing equipment and thus reduce the overall floor space. Moreover, this embodiment uses a linear motion component to complete the testing of FPC workpieces and film peeling with similar cycle times and processes. The two linear modules do not interfere with each other and synchronously process the material picking or unloading work on the linear line, optimizing the CT time of the equipment. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1A top view of the multi-station testing mechanism provided in an embodiment of this utility model; Figure 2 A perspective view of the linear motion component provided in an embodiment of this utility model; Figure 3 A perspective view of the first test component provided in an embodiment of this utility model; Figure 4 A perspective view of the second test component provided in an embodiment of this utility model; Figure 5 A top view of the assembly line testing equipment provided in this embodiment of the utility model; 100. Multi-station testing mechanism; 110. First testing component; 111. Frame; 112. Turntable; 113. Top plate assembly; 114. Loading station; 115. Testing station; 120. Film peeling station; 130. Second testing component; 140. Third testing component; 150. Linear motion component; 151. Linear module; 200, On-line feeding section; 300, Film application mechanism; 400, Fourth testing component; 500, Off-line feeding section. Detailed Implementation

[0018] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain this utility model and are not intended to limit this utility model.

[0019] It is understood that the terms “first,” “second,” etc., used in this application may be used herein to describe various elements, but unless otherwise stated, these elements are not limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another.

[0020] In the first embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, a multi-station testing mechanism 100 is proposed. The multi-station testing mechanism 100 includes a first testing component 110, a film-tearing station 120, a second testing component 130, and a third testing component 140 arranged sequentially according to the production line direction. The multi-station testing mechanism 100 also includes a linear motion component 150, which includes at least two linear modules 151. The linear modules 151 are arranged on the same linear guide rail without interfering with each other. Each linear module 151 is used to realize the workpiece transportation between two adjacent components or stations on the production line.

[0021] In this embodiment, as Figure 1As shown, three test stations and one workstation are horizontally arranged on the same flow line. The first test component 110, the film peeling station 120, the second test component 130 and the third test component 140 are thus arranged compactly together in sequence, which can reduce the width of the entire production line test equipment and thus reduce the overall footprint. Moreover, in this embodiment, a linear motion component 150 is used to complete the FPC workpiece testing and film peeling with similar cycle time and process. The two linear modules 151 do not interfere with each other and synchronously process the material picking or unloading work on the linear line, optimizing the CT time of the equipment.

[0022] It is understandable that "production line direction" refers to the direction of FPC workpiece transport. The key is the placement of the workpiece in each test. The workpiece is set in the corresponding station, and the station is mostly positioned by a carrier plate. Therefore, both "production line direction" and "straight line direction" are relative to the position of the carrier plate and do not mean that all the test stations are set on the same straight line.

[0023] In this embodiment, there are no fewer than two linear modules 151. The actual number can be set according to the number of test stations, the cycle time of the stations, and the test CPK requirements. This embodiment does not limit a specific number.

[0024] As a better example, such as Figure 2 As shown, this embodiment provides two linear modules 151. One linear module 151 is the primary module, with its stroke from the first test component 110 to the second test component 130. It is responsible for transporting the workpiece from the first test component 110 to the film-tearing station 120, and after film tearing, transporting it to the second test component 130. The other linear module 151 is the secondary module, with its stroke from the second test component 130 to the third test component 140. It is responsible for transporting the workpiece from the second test component 130 to the third test component 140. The linear modules 151 are primary and secondary; the former is responsible for transporting and tearing the film, while the latter, to optimize the CT's auxiliary transport function, aims to keep the cycle time of the two linear modules 151 as consistent as possible, thereby improving space utilization and reducing the transport of CT between test stations.

[0025] In this embodiment, as Figure 2 As shown, the linear motion component 150 can be a linear slide rail structure or other common linear motion structures. The power component of the linear motion component 150 can be a motor module, an electric cylinder module, or a pneumatic cylinder module, etc. For precise control, this embodiment can use a linear motor handling module of the linear motion component 150. The linear module 151 is a mover module, which drives the manipulator at the end to move linearly. The gripping action of the manipulator can generally be achieved using a vacuum negative pressure component, which is a conventional structure and will not be described in detail here.

[0026] In this embodiment, the workpiece refers to an FPC workpiece with a microphone. Since microphone products initially have a relay film, which needs to be removed after testing before the shipping film is applied, a film-removal process is required before the second testing component 130. Specifically, the first testing component 110 performs RF testing, requiring the test system to pass the return loss test within the 0.5~8GHz frequency band to confirm that all circuit components of the product are working normally and there are no missing parts or poor soldering. NG (non-compliant) workpieces are placed in the NG tray, while workpieces that pass the test enter the film-removal station 120. In the film-removal station 120, the film layer of the FPC workpiece is removed, and then it is picked up and placed into the second testing component 130. The second testing component 130 performs VPP (Video Portability Parameter) sensitivity testing. After creating a closed environment around the microphone hole after film removal, sound is emitted through a sound guide tube towards the microphone hole, and the sensitivity of the microphone to actually receive the sound is tested. The third test component 140 is used to perform visual inspection of the microphone's inner hole. The camera below performs visual inspection of the microphone's inner hole to check for foreign objects and scratches.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment of this invention, such as Figure 3 and 4 As shown, the first test component 110 and the second test component 130 can be selected as a dual-station turntable test component. The dual-station turntable test component includes a frame 111, a turntable 112, and a top plate assembly 113. The turntable 112 is rotatably mounted on the frame 111, and has a loading station 114 and a testing station 115. The top plate assembly 113 is mounted on the frame 111, located above the testing station 115, and is used to test the workpiece within the testing station 115. In this embodiment, Figure 3 This is a 3D view of the first test component 110. Figure 4 This is a 3D view of the second test component 130. The two are structurally similar, differing mainly in the top plate component 113 and its test module, as well as some minor differences in specific mechanical structures. The loading station 114 and testing station 115 on the turntable 112 are symmetrically arranged. When one station is performing a test, the other station performs loading and unloading operations. After completion, the turntable 112 rotates to repeat the operation, ensuring the production line does not idle and stagnate, shortening CT time, and significantly improving production capacity compared to traditional layouts.

[0028] In the second embodiment, as Figure 1 and Figure 5As shown, a production line testing device is proposed. The production line testing device includes a feed section 200, a multi-station testing mechanism 100 as described in the first embodiment, a film-applying mechanism 300, a fourth testing component 400, and a feed section 500 arranged sequentially according to the production line sequence. The feed section 200 and the feed section 500 are arranged in the same straight line direction, while the multi-station testing mechanism 100, the film-applying mechanism 300, and the fourth testing component 400 are arranged in another parallel straight line direction.

[0029] In this embodiment, as Figure 5 As shown, the entire production line testing equipment is integrated into a single device measuring 3000mm x 1500mm. The production line testing equipment consists of two lines. One line is a material handling line, including an upper loading section 200 and an lower loading section 500. A buffer section can be installed between the upper loading section 200 and the lower loading section 500 to buffer materials. The other line is an FPC workpiece testing line, which sequentially includes a multi-station testing mechanism 100, a film-applying mechanism 300, and a fourth testing component 400. The upper loading section 200 feeds materials to the multi-station testing mechanism 100, and the lower loading section 500 receives materials from the fourth testing component 400. The overall structural design of this embodiment is reasonable, optimizing the layout of the equipment frame 111 and the testing stations, effectively reducing the space occupied by the equipment.

[0030] Working principle: The workpiece is fed into the loading section 200 of the production line. A multi-axis robot grabs the workpiece and places it in the loading station 114 of the first test component 110. The turntable 112 rotates, and the loading station 114 becomes the test station 115. After completing the RF test, the workpiece returns to the loading station 114. One of the linear modules 151 grabs the workpiece, places it in the film-removing station 120 and removes the film layer. Then it is grabbed and placed in the station of the second test component 130 for VPP sensitivity testing. After the test, another linear module 151 grabs the workpiece and places it in the station of the third test component 140 for visual inspection. After the inspection, the multi-axis robot grabs the qualified product and places it in the fourth test component 400. After completing the ICT test and the sound leakage test, it is placed into the loading section 500 of the production line.

[0031] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0032] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementations of this utility model, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of this utility model patent. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this utility model, and these all fall within the protection scope of this utility model. Therefore, the protection scope of this utility model patent should be determined by the appended claims.

[0033] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A multi-station testing mechanism, characterized in that, The multi-station testing mechanism includes a first testing component, a film-tearing station, a second testing component, and a third testing component arranged sequentially according to the production line direction. The multi-station testing mechanism also includes a linear motion component, which includes at least two linear modules. The linear modules are arranged on the same linear guide rail without interfering with each other. Each linear module is used to realize the workpiece handling between two adjacent components or stations on the production line.

2. The multi-station testing mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both the first test component and the second test component are dual-station turntable test components. The dual-station turntable test component includes a frame, a turntable, and a top plate assembly. The turntable is rotatably mounted on the frame and has a loading station and a testing station. The top plate assembly is mounted on the frame and located above the testing station for testing the workpiece in the testing station.

3. The multi-station testing mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first test component is used to perform RF testing.

4. The multi-station testing mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second test component is used to perform VPP sensitivity testing.

5. The multi-station testing mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that, The third test component is used for visual inspection of the microphone's inner hole.

6. The multi-station testing mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The number of linear modules is two, one of which has a travel distance from the first test component to the second test component, and the other has a travel distance from the second test component to the third test component.

7. The multi-station testing mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The linear motion component is a linear motor handling module, and the linear module is a moving part module.

8. A production line testing device, characterized in that, The assembly line testing equipment includes an onboard loading section arranged sequentially according to the assembly line sequence, a multi-station testing mechanism as described in any one of claims 1-7, a film application mechanism, a fourth testing component, and an offboard loading section.

9. The automated testing equipment according to claim 8, characterized in that, The feeding section on the production line and the unloading section on the production line are set in the same straight line direction, while the multi-station testing mechanism, the film application mechanism, and the fourth testing component are set in another straight line direction that are parallel to each other.

10. The automated testing equipment according to claim 9, characterized in that, A production line buffer section is also provided between the upper feeding section and the lower feeding section of the production line.

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