Pogo pin alignment apparatus and pogo pin alignment method

Abstract

To provide a pogo pin alignment device and an alignment method for solving the problem that it is difficult to align pogo pins by a conventional method.SOLUTION: The present invention relates to a pogo pin alignment device including a seating portion configured to support and seat a lower end portion of a pogo pin on an upper surface thereof, a lower magnet configured to provide a magnetic force at a lower side of the seating portion so that the pogo pin is maintained in an upright state on the seating portion, and a posture adjustment portion provided above the pogo pin and configured to adjust a posture of the pogo pin by the magnetic force. The pogo pin alignment apparatus according to the present invention can quickly and accurately align pogo pins in a non-contact manner.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an alignment device and an alignment method for pogo pins, more particularly to an alignment device and an alignment method that can be used in manufacturing pogo pins or inspecting the appearance of pogo pins, and further to an alignment device and an alignment method that can align the posture of pogo pins in a non-contact manner using a magnet.

[0002] This application discloses that it is the result of a scale-up technology commercialization program (development of Pogo Pin visual inspection equipment based on a reconfigurable production system and mass production verification for demand companies, project number: P0021129) that was carried out under the management of the Korea Institute for Industrial Technology Advancement with support from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. [Background technology]

[0003] The shift to a data economy, along with the development of technologies such as AI, IoT, and big data, is rapidly increasing demand for semiconductors in various industrial fields, including autonomous vehicles, robots, 5G, and mobile home appliances. Pogo pins are essential components for testing the performance and reliability of semiconductors in semiconductor processes. Korean Patent No. 1204273 has been disclosed in relation to such pogo pins.

[0004] Such pogo pins have a minimum diameter of about 0.15 mm and a minimum length of 1 mm, and are produced with various specifications. Until now, the appearance inspection of pogo pins has been performed by visual inspection using a microscope, and sorting work has also been done manually, resulting in low production efficiency.

[0005] In order to solve the conventional problems, a device for automatically inspecting the appearance of pogo pins is required, and an alignment device for aligning the positions of pogo pins is also essential.

[0006] The above-mentioned problem occurs not only in pogo pins but also in small electronic components. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] Patent Document 1: Korean Patent No. 1204273 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and method for aligning pogo pins that solves the problem of difficulty in aligning pogo pins in the conventional method. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] As a means for solving the above problem, a pogo pin alignment device can be provided, which includes a mounting part configured to support and mount the lower ends of the pogo pins on its upper surface, a lower magnet that provides magnetic force below the mounting part so that the pogo pins can be maintained in an upright position on the mounting part, and a posture adjustment part that is provided above the pogo pins and is configured to adjust the posture of the pogo pins using the magnetic force.

[0010] Meanwhile, an upper magnet may be provided below the attitude adjustment unit.

[0011] In addition, the lower end of the attitude adjusting part is spaced a predetermined distance from the upper surface of the fixing part, and the predetermined distance may be determined to be greater than the length of the pogo pin.

[0012] The attitude adjustment unit may also be configured to move the upper magnet in the horizontal direction.

[0013] Meanwhile, the attitude adjustment unit can include an upper magnet fixing unit configured to be able to fix the upper magnet, and at least one adjustment module configured to be able to move the upper magnet fixing unit.

[0014] The adjustment module may also be configured in multiple units and configured to be movable along a Cartesian coordinate system.

[0015] On the other hand, the adjustment module can be configured in multiple units and can be configured to move along a polar coordinate system.

[0016] The attitude adjustment unit may also be configured to allow the pogo pins to stand upright depending on the position of the upper magnet.

[0017] On the other hand, a coaxial alignment portion configured to allow the fixing portion to move on a horizontal plane may be provided.

[0018] Meanwhile, the attitude adjusting unit may be controlled to operate after the position of the fixing unit is aligned by the coaxial alignment unit.

[0019] Meanwhile, the attitude adjustment unit may be configured to be horizontally movable in accordance with the coaxial alignment unit.

[0020] In addition, the attitude adjustment unit may be configured to be horizontally movable independently of the coaxial alignment unit.

[0021] As a means for solving the above problem, there may be provided a method for aligning pogo pins, the method including: acquiring an image of the pogo pins; extracting information about the attitude and position of the pogo pins from the image; and adjusting the attitude of the pogo pins based on the information by changing the direction of a magnetic force applied to the pogo pins.

[0022] Meanwhile, the fixing unit may be configured to be rotatable, and the method may further include a coaxial alignment step of aligning the central axis of the pogo pin with the rotation center of the fixing unit based on the information.

[0023] Meanwhile, the step of acquiring the image of the pogo pin may be performed using a lighting unit and a camera provided on both sides of the pogo pin.

[0024] Also, the step of acquiring an image of the pogo pin can be performed using a silhouette image of the pogo pin.

[0025] Meanwhile, the method may further include an angle adjusting step of rotating the fixing unit by a predetermined angle so that the direction in which the pogo pin appears in the camera can be adjusted.

[0026] Also, the step of acquiring the image may be performed for each direction of the pogo pin.

[0027] Meanwhile, the image analyzing step, the attitude adjusting step, and the coaxial alignment step may be performed after acquiring images for a predetermined number of directions with respect to the pogo pins.

[0028] Furthermore, the image analysis step, the attitude adjustment step, and the coaxial alignment step may be performed after acquiring images of the pogo pins in each direction.

[0029] The step of adjusting the attitude of the pogo pins can be performed by moving the position of the magnet horizontally along a Cartesian coordinate system.

[0030] Meanwhile, the coaxial alignment step of the pogo pins can be performed by moving the fixture along a Cartesian coordinate system. [Effects of the Invention]

[0031] The pogo pin alignment device and method according to the present invention have the advantage of being able to align pogo pins quickly and accurately in a non-contact manner.

[0032] Furthermore, the pogo pin alignment device and method according to the present invention aligns the pogo pins in a non-contact manner, thereby preventing damage to the pogo pins.

[0033] Furthermore, the pogo pin alignment device and method according to the present invention can quickly and accurately change the upright posture of the pogo pins and align them coaxially with the rotation axis. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0034] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a pogo pin that is subject to inspection in the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pogo pin alignment device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a lower module in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of an upper module in the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a horizontally moving element of a coaxial alignment unit in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is an operational state diagram of the first embodiment. [Figure 7a] 5A and 5B are conceptual diagrams showing the influence of the upper magnet of the first embodiment on the attitude of the pogo pin fixed to the fixing portion. [Figure 7b] 5A and 5B are conceptual diagrams showing the influence of the upper magnet of the first embodiment on the attitude of the pogo pin fixed to the fixing portion. [Figure 8a] 4A to 4C are diagrams showing the attitudes of pogo pins depending on the position of an upper magnet in the first embodiment. [Figure 8b] 4A to 4C are diagrams showing the attitudes of pogo pins depending on the position of an upper magnet in the first embodiment. [Figure 9a] 4 is a diagram illustrating a state of use showing the concept of adjusting the attitude of the pogo pins and aligning them coaxially in the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 9b] 4 is a diagram illustrating a state of use showing the concept of adjusting the attitude of the pogo pins and aligning them coaxially in the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 9c] 4 is a diagram illustrating a state of use showing the concept of adjusting the attitude of the pogo pins and aligning them coaxially in the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 10] 10 is a diagram illustrating an operating state in which the rotational motion of the rotating part occurs when the postures of the pogo pins are aligned and coaxially aligned in the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 11] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing examples of modifications of the attitude adjustment unit according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a pogo pin alignment method according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a pogo pin alignment method according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a pogo pin alignment method according to a modified example of the second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a pogo pin alignment method according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a pogo pin alignment method according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 17] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating images acquired during the pogo pin posture alignment process in the present disclosure. [Figure 18] 1 shows an image of a coaxially aligned and upright pogo pin according to the present disclosure. [Figure 19] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pogo pin appearance inspection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 20] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a pogo pin appearance inspection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 21] 1 is a perspective view showing an attitude adjustment unit included in a pogo pin appearance inspection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 22a] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing magnets and magnetic field lines used in the posture adjustment step of the present disclosure. [Figure 22b] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing magnets and magnetic field lines used in the posture adjustment step of the present disclosure. [Figure 23a] 10A to 10C are conceptual diagrams illustrating the postures of the pogo pins according to a posture adjustment step of the pogo pins in the present disclosure. [Figure 23b] 10A to 10C are conceptual diagrams illustrating the postures of the pogo pins according to a posture adjustment step of the pogo pins in the present disclosure. [Figure 24a] 10A and 10B are cross-sectional views showing a state in which the attitude adjustment unit is used in an attitude adjustment step of the pogo pin of the present disclosure. [Figure 24b] 10A and 10B are cross-sectional views showing a state in which the attitude adjustment unit is used in an attitude adjustment step of the pogo pin of the present disclosure. [Figure 25a] 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the use of a coaxial alignment portion in a coaxial alignment step of a pogo pin according to the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 25b] 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the use of a coaxial alignment portion in a coaxial alignment step of a pogo pin according to the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 26] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the rotational movement of the pogo pins in the inspection image acquisition step of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0035] Hereinafter, a pogo pin alignment device and an alignment method according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description of the embodiments, the names of the components may be referred to by other names in the art. However, if there is functional similarity or identity between the components, a modified embodiment may be considered an equivalent configuration. Furthermore, reference numerals are used for convenience of description. However, the illustrations in the drawings in which these reference numerals are used do not limit the scope of the components within the drawings. Similarly, even if an embodiment is adopted in which the configuration in the drawings is partially modified, if there is functional similarity or identity between the components, the modified embodiment may be considered an equivalent configuration. Furthermore, if a component is recognized as a component that should be included in the present invention based on the level of ordinary skill in the art, a description of the component will be omitted.

[0036] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a pogo pin that is the subject of inspection in this disclosure.

[0037] The electronic component to be aligned in the present invention may be formed to a predetermined length and may be magnetic. As an example, as shown in FIG. 1, the electronic component in the present invention may be a pogo-pin. The pogo-pin 1000 is generally cylindrical, and inspection of the appearance of its curved side, top, and bottom surfaces is required. In particular, since the side is curved, a process of inspecting it while rotating it 360 degrees is required for visual inspection.

[0038] Meanwhile, a vision camera module is primarily used when performing visual inspection. In the case of a pogo pin 1000, if two conditions are met when rotating the pogo pin 1000 for side inspection, the accuracy of the visual inspection can be improved. First, the pogo pin 1000 must be upright in a vertical direction. Second, the central axis of the pogo pin 1000 must be coaxially aligned with the rotation axis that rotates the pogo pin 1000. To meet these conditions, a mechanical alignment means (e.g., a gripper) can be used to correct the posture of the pogo pin 1000 and align the pogo pin 1000 with the rotation axis. However, while the alignment means grips the pogo pin 1000, the outer surface of the pogo pin 1000 may be blocked by the alignment means. In particular, for a small inspection target such as a pogo pin 1000, a large proportion of the outer surface may be blocked by the alignment means. In this case, if the end portion of the alignment means is made smaller in order to minimize the area of ​​the pogo pins 1000 blocked by the alignment means, stress may be concentrated on the surface of the pogo pins 1000 during the process of gripping the pogo pins 1000, which may result in damage to the pogo pins 1000.

[0039] Hereinafter, a pogo pin alignment device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0040] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a pogo pin alignment device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a lower module in the first embodiment, FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of an upper module in the first embodiment, and FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a horizontal moving element of a coaxial alignment unit in the first embodiment.

[0041] 2 to 5, the pogo pin alignment device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure may be configured to include an upper module 10 and a lower module 20. Pogo pins 1000 may be transferred from the outside into the space between the upper module 10 and the lower module 20 or may be carried out to the outside.

[0042] The lower module 20 is configured so that the transferred pogo pins 1000 can be fixed thereto and the rotation axis of the rotation unit 400 (described later) can be aligned coaxially with the longitudinal center axis of the pogo pins 1000 .

[0043] The upper module 10 may be configured to operate independently of the lower module 20. The attitude adjustment unit 500 may be configured to adjust its position relative to the vertical frame 40 in the horizontal direction. In this case, the basic position of the attitude adjustment unit 500 may be aligned coaxially with the central axis of the rotation unit 400 of the lower module 20.

[0044] The lower module 20 may include a fixing unit 100, a lower magnet 200, a coaxial alignment unit 300, a rotation unit 400, and a coaxial adjustment unit 50.

[0045] The fixing unit 100 is configured to fix the pogo pins 1000 to its upper end. At least a portion of the upper surface of the fixing unit 100 is configured as a predetermined area and can be configured to support the longitudinal ends of the pogo pins 1000. A magnetic force from a lower magnet 200 (described later) acts on the fixing unit 100, allowing the pogo pins 1000 to be fixed to the fixing unit 100 in a generally upright position.

[0046] The upper surface of the fixing part 100 may be configured to prevent slippage when it comes into contact with the cross section of the pogo pin 1000. For example, the upper surface of the fixing part 100 may be surface-treated to increase frictional force.

[0047] A lower magnet 200 may be provided below the mounting part 100. The lower magnet 200 applies a magnetic force to the upper surface of the mounting part 1000, thereby maintaining the pogo pins 1000 mounted on the upper surface (mounting surface) of the mounting part 100 in an upright position. When each pogo pin 1000 is mounted on the mounting surface, the angle formed with the mounting part 100 may not be the same each time.

[0048] The lower magnet 200 may be provided below the fixing part 100 and configured to provide magnetic force to the pogo pins 1000 fixed to the fixing surface. The pogo pins 1000 fixed to the fixing part 100 can maintain their fixed position by the magnetic force of the lower magnet 200. The lower magnet 200 may be provided inside the fixing part 100 and supported by the lower magnet fixing part 210 so as not to come into direct contact with the pogo pins 1000. Also, a plurality of lower magnets 200 may be provided and configured to provide magnetic force to the pogo pins 1000 together.

[0049] The coaxial alignment unit 300 is provided to coaxially align the center of the pogo pin 1000 and the center of rotation when the pogo pin 1000 is in an upright position. The coaxial alignment unit 300 may be configured to include a driving element or the like along a Cartesian coordinate system. As an example, the coaxial alignment unit 300 may include a first alignment module 310 and a second alignment module 320.

[0050] The first alignment module 310 and the second alignment module 320 may be configured to be moved linearly horizontally. The second alignment module 320 may be coupled to a lower portion of the first alignment module 310. The first alignment module 310 may be configured to be adjusted horizontally in a first direction, e.g., the x-direction. The second alignment module 320 may be configured to be adjusted horizontally in a direction perpendicular to the first direction, e.g., the y-direction.

[0051] The first alignment module 310 may be configured to include a first upper part 311 and a first lower part 312. The first upper part 311 and the second lower part 322 may each be configured in a flat plate shape. The first upper part 311 and the first lower part 312 may be connected via a first guide 313 so that the movement direction may be restricted. A first driver 314 may be provided between the first upper part 311 and the second upper part 321 to adjust the relative position between the first upper part 311 and the first lower part 312.

[0052] The second alignment module 320 may include similar components to the first alignment module 310. For example, it may include a second upper part 321, a second lower part 322, a second guide 323, and a second drive part (not shown).

[0053] The second lower portion 322 of the second alignment module 320 may be coupled to the rotary table 410 and configured to be rotated together with the rotary table 410 in accordance with the rotation of the rotary table.

[0054] Meanwhile, in the present disclosure, the first drive unit 314 and the second drive unit (not shown) may be configured as linear motors, but are not limited thereto, and a drive element capable of linear movement such as a ball-screw mechanism may be applied.

[0055] By operating the coaxial alignment unit 300, the horizontal position of the central axis of the pogo pin 1000 can be adjusted within a predetermined range, that is, the central axis of the pogo pin 1000 can be aligned coaxially with the rotation center of the rotation unit 400.

[0056] The rotation unit 400 may be configured to adjust the angles of the coaxial alignment unit 300, the attitude adjustment unit 500, and the fixing unit 100. When the coaxial alignment unit 300 is rotated around the height axis by the rotation unit 400, the fixing unit 100 and the lower magnet 200 may both be rotated by the same angle.

[0057] The rotating unit 400 may include a rotating table 410 and a rotation driving unit 420 .

[0058] The rotary table 410 may be configured to be infinitely rotatable by the rotary drive unit 420. However, this is just one example, and it may be modified to operate within a fixed rotation angle by being equipped with a wire-type connector. However, even in this case, at least 360-degree rotation should be guaranteed.

[0059] The coaxial adjustment unit 50 is configured to precisely move the lower module 20 provided on the upper side in one direction, and is provided to adjust the position of the lower module 20 in accordance with different diameters of the pogo pins 1000.

[0060] The upper module 10 may be configured to include a posture adjustment unit 500, an upper magnet 610, and an upper magnet fixing unit 600.

[0061] The attitude adjusting unit 500 is configured to adjust the attitude of the pogo pin 1000 fixed to the fixing unit 100. The attitude adjusting unit 500 is configured to adjust the direction of the magnetic force that an upper magnet 610 provided on the upper side of the pogo pin 1000 applies to the pogo pin 1000. The direction of the magnetic force can be adjusted by adjusting the relative positions of the pogo pin 1000 and the upper magnet 610.

[0062] The attitude adjustment unit 500 may be configured to be movable along the horizontal direction above the fixing unit 100 relative to the fixing unit 100. The attitude adjustment unit 500 may include a first adjustment module 510 and a second adjustment module 520.

[0063] The upper magnet 610 is provided on the upper side of the fixing part 100 and configured to transmit magnetic force to the pogo pins 1000 fixed to the upper end of the fixing part 100. One or more upper magnets 610 may be provided. The upper magnet fixing part 600 may have at least one upper magnet 610 arranged vertically. The upper magnet fixing part 600 may be configured so that a gap can be formed between the lower end and the upper surface of the fixing part 100. The gap can be determined to be larger than the length of the pogo pins 1000 so that the pogo pins 1000 can be transported from the outside or removed to the outside.

[0064] The position of the upper magnet fixing part 600 can be adjusted depending on the position transformation of the first adjustment module 510 .

[0065] The first adjustment module 510 can be configured to move the position of the upper magnet 610 along a first horizontal direction, and the second adjustment module 520 can be configured to move in a second horizontal direction that is perpendicular to the movement direction of the first adjustment module 510.

[0066] The first adjustment module 510 and the second adjustment module 520 can be configured to include components along a Cartesian coordinate system, similar to the first alignment module 310 and the second alignment module 320 described with reference to FIG. 5.

[0067] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the operation state of the first embodiment.

[0068] 6, in the first embodiment of the present disclosure, the position of the fixing unit 100 can be moved horizontally by operating the coaxial alignment unit 300. In addition, the horizontal position of the upper module 10 can be adjusted in response to the horizontal movement of the coaxial alignment unit 300, and further, the attitude adjustment unit 500 can be moved horizontally to make the pogo pins 1000 stand upright.

[0069] By the operation of the attitude adjusting unit 500 and the coaxial adjusting unit 300, the attitude of the pogo pin 1000 can be adjusted or the horizontal position of the pogo pin 1000 can be moved.

[0070] 7a and 7b are conceptual diagrams showing the influence of the upper magnet on the attitude of the pogo pin fixed to the fixing portion.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 7a, in the first embodiment of the present disclosure, the upper magnet 610 may be formed of a disk, and the pogo pin 1000 may receive magnetic force in different directions depending on the relative position from the center of the upper magnet 610. At the center of the upper magnet 610, magnetic field lines may appear in a roughly vertical direction. The farther away from the center of the upper magnet 610, the greater the gradient θ1, θ2 of the magnetic field lines may become. Therefore, by adjusting the relative position of the center of the upper magnet 610 and the pogo pin 1000 to change the direction of the magnetic field lines acting on the pogo pin 1000, the attitude (angle or tilt) of the pogo pin 1000 can be adjusted in a non-contact manner.

[0072] 7b, in one embodiment of the present invention, the upper magnet 610 may be configured in a ring shape. When the upper magnet 610 is configured in a ring shape, magnetic field lines appear vertically at the hollow center formed in the central portion, increasing the magnetic flux and making it easier to adjust the attitude of the pogo pin 1000. However, this shape of the upper magnet 610 is merely an example, and the upper magnet 610 is not limited to this example.

[0073] That is, the upper magnet 610 according to the present disclosure includes various embodiments in which vertical magnetic field lines are generated at the center and the direction of the magnetic field lines changes as the magnet moves away from the center. Therefore, the upper magnet 610 can be changed into various shapes that can adjust the posture of the pogo pins 1000 fixed below by magnetic force. For example, the cross section of the upper magnet 610 can be configured as a polygon, and can be modified into a shape with holes in the vertical direction so that the magnetic force can be concentrated at the center. In addition, the upper magnet 610 can be applied in the form of a thin plate or a thick column.

[0074] 8a and 8b are diagrams showing the posture of the pogo pins depending on the position of the upper magnet in the first embodiment.

[0075] 8a, in the present disclosure, when the pogo pin 1000 is fixed to the upper surface (fixing surface) of the fixing unit 100, the position and posture may be fixed by the lower magnet 200. The posture of the pogo pin 1000 may be determined by the influence of the magnetic force of the lower magnet 200 and gravity when the lower end is supported by the fixing unit 100. In addition, the position may be determined by the combined force of the magnetic force of the upper magnet 610.

[0076] 8b, the closer the central axis of the upper magnet 610 and the point where the lower end of the pogo pin 1000 contacts the fixing part 100 on the fixing surface of the fixing part 100 are to each other, the more the pogo pin 1000 can be changed to an upright position. That is, the position of the pogo pin 1000 can be aligned in a non-contact manner by adjusting the horizontal position of the upper magnet 610 relative to the point where the lower end of the pogo pin 1000 is supported.

[0077] 9a, 9b, and 9c are usage state diagrams showing the concept of adjusting the attitude of the pogo pins and aligning them coaxially in the first embodiment.

[0078] 9a, the pogo pin 1000 can be transferred from the outside and fixed between the upper surface of the fixing part 100 and the upper magnet fixing part 600. At this time, the posture of the pogo pin can be fixed by the influence of the magnetic forces of the lower magnet 200 and the upper magnet 610.

[0079] 9b, when the upper magnet fixing unit 600 is moved horizontally, the direction of the magnetic force acting on the lower pogo pins 1000 changes, allowing the pogo pins 1000 to stand vertically. At this time, the horizontal movement amount of the attitude adjusting unit for moving the upper magnet 610 can vary depending on the position and inclination of the pogo pins 1000. In this state, the pogo pins 1000 can be positioned away from the rotation center axis X1 of the rotating unit in one direction.

[0080] 9c, when the pogo pin 1000 is upright, the coaxial alignment unit is activated to align the central axis X2 of the pogo pin 1000 and the central axis X1 of the rotation so that they are coaxial. Despite the movement of the coaxial alignment unit, the pogo pin 1000 after the final movement still maintains its upright posture, and the central axis X2 of the pogo pin 1000 can be positioned coaxially with the central axis X1 of the rotation unit. This can be achieved by the upper magnet 610 and the upper magnet fixing unit 600 maintaining their positions relative to the pogo pin 1000. For example, the posture adjustment unit moves the upper magnet 610 and the upper magnet fixing unit 600 in accordance with the movement of the coaxial alignment unit, thereby maintaining the relative position and distance of the pogo pin 1000 with respect to the upper magnet 610 and the upper magnet fixing unit 600. Therefore, in this embodiment, despite the operation of the coaxial alignment unit, the pogo pin 1000, which is initially erected in an upright position, can be moved to a position where the rotation central axis X1 and the central axis X2 are coaxial while maintaining a roughly upright position.

[0081] FIG. 10 is an operational state diagram showing a rotational movement of the rotating part when the postures of the pogo pins are aligned and coaxially aligned in the first embodiment.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 10, after the pogo pins 1000 are coaxially aligned, the posture of the pogo pins 1000 can be adjusted to be upright. Furthermore, after the posture of the pogo pins 1000 is adjusted to be upright, an operation for coaxial alignment can be performed again. This process can be repeated several times. In this case, the coaxial alignment unit can align with the central axis of the rotation unit based on the point where the lower end of the pogo pin 1000 contacts the upper surface of the mounting unit 100. To this end, the position and posture of the pogo pins 1000 can be detected using a sensor such as a camera, and the coaxial alignment unit and posture adjustment unit for alignment can be controlled.

[0083] As described above, the pogo pin alignment device according to the present disclosure can be used to inspect the appearance of the pogo pins while rotating them in a coaxially aligned state. In this case, the center of the fixing part can be different from the center of the rotating part, and the fixing part can rotate eccentrically due to the rotation of the rotating part.

[0084] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a modified attitude adjustment unit according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0085] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 11, the attitude of the lower pogo pin can be adjusted using the magnetic force of the attitude adjustment unit. In this case, other components other than the attitude adjustment unit can be configured in the same or similar manner as described above. Therefore, even when the attitude adjustment unit shown in Fig. 11 is provided, the attitude of the pogo pin can be adjusted and the coaxial alignment unit can function in an upright state. Furthermore, if the pogo pin tilts during the coaxial alignment process, the attitude adjustment unit can be operated again to raise the pogo pin to an upright position.

[0086] 11, the attitude adjustment unit 550 may include a drive element along a polar coordinate system to adjust the horizontal position of the upper magnet. As an example, the attitude adjustment unit may include an arm 552 whose length can be adjusted, and a rotary drive unit 551 that can rotate the arm. The upper magnet 610 may be fixed to the underside of the arm 552 via a fixing member 553.

[0087] In this modified example, the attitude adjustment unit 550 can adjust the position of the upper magnet 610 along an r-θ coordinate system (polar coordinate system). That is, the attitude adjustment unit 550 can adjust the position of the upper magnet 610 on a plane by adjusting the angle θ formed by the center of the upper magnet 610 with respect to the center of rotation and the distance r from the center of rotation to the center of the upper magnet 610.

[0088] However, this configuration of the attitude adjustment unit 550 is merely an example, and the attitude adjustment unit 550 can be modified into various configurations that can adjust the horizontal position of the upper magnet 610 along the polar coordinate system.

[0089] The pogo pin alignment device according to the present disclosure can adjust the posture of the pogo pins so that they are properly positioned vertically, and can rotate the pogo pins around their longitudinal axes using a rotation unit. The alignment device according to the present disclosure can align and rotate the pogo pins in a non-contact manner, and can be used in pogo pin assembly processes and appearance inspections.

[0090] Based on the above description, the pogo pin alignment method and pogo pin appearance inspection device according to the present disclosure will be described below with reference to Figures 12 to 26. To avoid repetition, descriptions of content that is the same as or similar to the above content will be omitted.

[0091] FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a pogo pin alignment method according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0092] As shown in FIG. 12, the pogo pin alignment method according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure is performed to make the pogo pins fixed to the fixing portions stand upright rather than lying down.

[0093] The pogo pin alignment method according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure may include a step of acquiring an image of the pogo pin (S100), a step of analyzing the image (S200), and a step of adjusting the attitude of the pogo pin (S300).

[0094] The step of acquiring an image of the pogo pin (S100) is performed to determine the current state of the pogo pin. This step can be performed using a camera and a lighting unit disposed on both sides of the pogo pin fixed in the fixing unit. The lighting unit functions as a backlight, and if an image is acquired with the camera while it is operating, a silhouette image of the pogo pin can be acquired. Although not shown, this step can be performed by acquiring an image with the camera while irradiating the pogo pin with light using a camera and a coaxial lighting unit.

[0095] The image analysis step (S200) is configured to check the angle and central axis of the fixed pogo pin. In this step, the tilt angle of the pogo pin can be checked through one image. In addition, the point where the bottom end of the pogo pin contacts the fixing part can be identified and extracted as the coordinate of the central axis when the pogo pin is upright. However, depending on the shape of the bottom end of the pogo pin, correction or calculation can be performed to extract the accurate central axis at the point where the bottom end of the pogo pin contacts the upper surface of the fixing part.

[0096] The step of adjusting the attitude of the pogo pins (S300) corresponds to a step of calculating a movement amount of the attitude adjustment unit to make the pogo pins stand upright based on the extracted information about the attitude and contact point of the pogo pins, and adjusting the attitude of the pogo pins accordingly. This step can be performed using a magnet that can transmit magnetic force to the pogo pins in a non-contact manner. For example, this step can be performed by fixing the pogo pins to the upper surface of a fixing unit, and then horizontally moving a magnet provided below the fixing unit to change the direction of the magnetic field, thereby adjusting the attitude of the pogo pins by changing the direction of the magnetic field applied to the pogo pins. In this case, the horizontal movement of the magnet can be realized in various configurations that can move the position horizontally, such as along a Cartesian coordinate system or a polar coordinate system.

[0097] FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a pogo pin alignment method according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0098] As shown in FIG. 13, the pogo pin alignment method according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a coaxial alignment step (S400) of the pogo pins after the attitude adjustment step (S300) of the pogo pins.

[0099] The coaxial alignment step (S400) of the pogo pins is configured to align the central axes of the pogo pins coaxially with the rotation center of the rotating unit that rotates the base unit when the pogo pins are upright based on the contact coordinates of the lower ends of the pogo pins acquired through the image analysis step (S200). The calculation unit can acquire the horizontal coordinates of the central axes when the pogo pins are upright, and calculate the horizontal movement amount so that the coordinates of the central axes of the pogo pins match the horizontal coordinates of the central axes of the rotating unit. The central axes of the pogo pins and the rotating unit can be aligned coaxially by moving the base unit horizontally, for example, along the x and y axes in a Cartesian coordinate system. In this way, the pogo pin alignment method according to the present disclosure can align the pogo pins upright and align the central axes coaxially with the rotation axis of the rotating unit.

[0100] FIG. 14 is a flowchart of a pogo pin alignment method according to a modified example of the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0101] 14, in the second embodiment of the present disclosure, the pogo pin attitude adjusting step S300 and the pogo pin coaxial aligning step S400 can be performed simultaneously using the coordinate information of the three-dimensional tilt angle and central axis of the pogo pin acquired in the image analyzing step S200. The pogo pin attitude adjusting step S300 and the pogo pin coaxial aligning step S400 can be performed independently through the operation of an attitude adjusting unit and a coaxial adjusting unit that are independently configured. This means that the angle adjustment of the pogo pin and the horizontal position adjustment of the pogo pin can be performed simultaneously. For this purpose, an attitude adjusting unit and a coaxial aligning unit that can be independently operated can be used.

[0102] FIG. 15 is a flowchart of a pogo pin alignment method according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0103] As shown in FIG. 15, the pogo pin alignment method according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure may include a step of changing the direction of the pogo pins (S10), a step of acquiring an image of the pogo pins (S100), an image analysis step (S200), a step of adjusting the posture of the pogo pins (S300), a step of aligning the pogo pins coaxially (S400), a step of determining whether the pins are upright / coaxial (S500), and a step of acquiring an inspection image (S600).

[0104] The step of changing the direction of the pogo pins (S10) corresponds to a step of driving the rotation unit while the pogo pins are fixed to the fixing unit. When the rotation unit is rotated by a predetermined angle, the direction of the pogo pins photographed by the camera can be changed. In this case, the angle can be predetermined, and for example, can be 90 degrees to correspond to a Cartesian coordinate system.

[0105] Thereafter, the step of acquiring an image of the pogo pin (S100), the step of analyzing the image (S200), the step of adjusting the posture of the pogo pin (S300), and the step of coaxially aligning the pogo pin (S400) may be performed as in the modified example of the second embodiment described above.

[0106] The upright / coaxial determination step (S500) corresponds to a step of determining whether the pogo pins are upright at a specific angle and whether the central axes of the rotating part and the pogo pins are aligned coaxially. If an image of the pogo pins is acquired at one angle and posture adjustment and coaxial alignment are performed, it is difficult for the pogo pins to be upright and perfectly aligned coaxially with the rotating part.

[0107] Therefore, this step determines whether the pogo pins are fully upright and coaxially aligned.

[0108] If the pogo pins are not upright or coaxial in this step, the pogo pins are rotated again to change the direction in which the camera sees them. Then, the steps of acquiring an image of the pogo pin (S100), analyzing the image (S200), adjusting the posture of the pogo pin (S300), and aligning the pogo pins coaxially (S400) are executed again. That is, the pogo pins are photographed in various directions to make them upright and align the rotating parts and central axes coaxially.

[0109] Meanwhile, if the pogo pins are vertically erected and the central axes of the pogo pins are aligned coaxially with the central axis of the rotating part in the vertical / coaxial determination step S500, the inspection image acquisition step S600 can be performed.

[0110] The inspection image acquisition step (S600) corresponds to a step of acquiring an image for inspecting the appearance of the pogo pin. This step can be performed while rotating the pogo pin around its longitudinal axis to acquire an image of the curved side of the pogo pin. This step can be performed until the entire area of ​​the side, i.e., the curved surface corresponding to 360 degrees, is photographed.

[0111] The acquired inspection image can be used to inspect the appearance of the pogo pin for defects via an image processing unit.

[0112] FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a method for aligning pogo pins according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0113] As shown in FIG. 16, the pogo pin alignment method according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure photographs the pogo pins in advance at various angles, and based on this, calculates the horizontal movement amount of the magnet and the horizontal movement amount of the anchoring part for upright posture for each photographed direction.

[0114] In this embodiment, after the step of changing the direction of the pogo pin (S10) and the step of acquiring an image of the pogo pin (S100), the step of determining whether one rotation is completed (S150) may be performed first.

[0115] The direction of the pogo pins may be changed multiple times during one rotation in the step S150 of determining whether one rotation is complete. For example, if the direction is changed at 90-degree intervals in the step S10 of changing the direction of the pogo pins, the step S10 of changing the direction of the pogo pins, the step S100 of acquiring an image of the pogo pins, and the step S150 of determining whether one rotation is complete may be repeated four times.

[0116] Thereafter, if it is determined that one rotation has been completed, an image analysis step (S200), a pogo pin posture adjustment step (S300), a pogo pin coaxial alignment step (S400), an upright / coaxial determination step (S500), and an inspection image acquisition step (S600) may be performed.

[0117] In this embodiment, if it is determined in the upright / coaxial determination step (S500) that the pogo pins are not yet upright or not aligned coaxially, the step of reversing the direction of the pogo pins (S10) and the step of acquiring an image of the pogo pins (S100) may be performed, followed by the step of determining whether one rotation has been completed (S150).

[0118] That is, the angle can be adjusted two or more times for upright and coaxial alignment of the pogo pins.

[0119] Thereafter, the pogo pins are photographed in various directions, and if it is determined in the upright / coaxiality determination step (S500) that the upright posture change and coaxial alignment have been completed, an inspection image acquisition step (S600) may be performed.

[0120] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an image acquired during the process of aligning the posture of the pogo pins in the present disclosure.

[0121] 17(a), in the image Is of the pogo pin 1000 acquired at the first angle (90 degrees), the pogo pin 1000 is not upright on the fixing part 200a and is not coaxially aligned. At this time, the angle θ3 of the pogo pin and the coordinate P at which the pogo pin comes into contact with the fixing part 200a can be identified.

[0122] As shown in Figures 17(b), 17(c), and 17(d), the step of changing the direction of the pogo pin (S10) and the step of acquiring an image of the pogo pin (S100) are repeated as the angle is changed, so that images of the pogo pin 1000 viewed in 180-degree, 270-degree, and 360-degree directions can be acquired.

[0123] Then, through the image analysis step (S200), the calculation unit extracts the tilted posture of the pogo pin 1000 and calculates the amount of change in the position of the magnet to make it stand upright. Based on this, the control unit operates the posture adjustment unit to move the magnet horizontally. As a result, the pogo pin 1000 can stand upright on the fixing unit 200a.

[0124] The calculation unit also calculates the horizontal movement value of the fixing unit 200a for coaxial alignment of the pogo pins 1000. At this time, when the fixing unit 200a is horizontally moved, the pogo pins 1000 are also horizontally moved. Therefore, even if only the horizontal movement amount of the coaxial alignment unit is calculated, the horizontal positions of the pogo pins 1000 can be aligned based on this.

[0125] The coaxial alignment step (S400) of the pogo pins corresponds to a step in which the control unit controls the coaxial alignment unit based on the calculated horizontal movement amount of the coaxial alignment unit. In this step, the control unit horizontally moves the coaxial alignment unit to coaxially align the rotation unit and the central axis of the pogo pins 1000.

[0126] FIG. 18 shows an image of a pogo pin in coaxial alignment and standing upright according to the present disclosure.

[0127] As shown in FIG. 18, in the present disclosure, the pogo pins 1000 can be made upright through a pogo pin attitude adjustment step (S300) and a pogo pin coaxial alignment step (S400), and attitude correction and horizontal movement values ​​are calculated for each direction, and based on this, the pogo pins 1000 can be made upright and coaxially aligned.

[0128] Hereinafter, a pogo-pin appearance inspection device capable of implementing a pogo-pin alignment method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0129] The pogo pin alignment method according to the present disclosure can be realized by a control unit that controls each driving element of a pogo pin appearance inspection device described below and an image processing unit that processes acquired images. Also, although a description will be omitted to avoid repetition, it is obvious that at least some of the steps included in the pogo pin alignment method according to the present disclosure can be performed using the pogo pin alignment device according to the first embodiment described above.

[0130] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a pogo pin appearance inspection apparatus 2 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 20 is an exploded perspective view of the pogo pin appearance inspection apparatus 2 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 21 is a perspective view showing an attitude adjustment unit 300a included in the pogo pin appearance inspection apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0131] As shown in Figures 19 to 21, the pogo pin appearance inspection device 2 according to the present disclosure can be configured to include a lower frame 10a, a vertical frame 20a, a fixing unit 200a, a posture adjustment unit 300a, a coaxial alignment unit 400a, a rotation unit 500a, a vision module, a focus adjustment unit 800a, an image processing unit (not shown), and a control unit (not shown).

[0132] The lower frame 10a and the vertical frame 20a form a base on which the elements described below can be fixed. The lower frame 10a can extend horizontally to a predetermined size. The vertical frame 20a is connected to one side of the lower frame 10a and can extend vertically to a predetermined length.

[0133] The fixing portion 200a is configured to fix the pogo pin 1000 to its upper end. At least a portion of the upper surface of the fixing portion 200a is configured as a predetermined area and can be configured to support the longitudinal end of the pogo pin 1000. The fixing portion 200a can fix the pogo pin 1000 in a generally upright position by transmitting magnetic force from a magnet 310a (described later).

[0134] The fixing unit 200a may be coupled to an upper portion of the fixing frame 100a. The fixing frame 100a may be formed to a predetermined height in the vertical direction and may have a space therein in which the attitude adjusting unit 300a (described later) may be installed. In addition, the lower portion of the fixing frame 100a may be coupled to the coaxial alignment unit 400a (described later).

[0135] The upper surface of the fixing part 200a may be configured to prevent slippage when it comes into contact with the cross section of the pogo pin 1000. The upper surface of the fixing part 200a may be surface-treated to increase frictional force.

[0136] The attitude adjusting unit 300a is configured to be able to adjust the attitude of the pogo pins 1000 fixed to the fixing unit 200a. The attitude adjusting unit 300a is configured to be able to adjust the pogo pins 1000 to an upright attitude on the fixing unit 200a.

[0137] The attitude adjustment unit 300a may be configured to be movable in the horizontal direction below the fixing unit 200a relative to the fixing unit 200a.

[0138] The attitude adjustment unit 300a may include a magnet 310a, a magnet fixing unit 311a, a first adjustment unit 320, and a second adjustment unit 330a.

[0139] The magnet 310a is provided below the mounting part 200a and is configured to transmit magnetic force to the pogo pin 1000 mounted on the upper end of the mounting part 200a. One or more magnets 310a may be provided. The magnet fixing part 311a may have at least one magnet 310a arranged vertically. The upper end of the magnet fixing part 311a may be provided with a gap between it and the lower surface of the mounting part 200a. The position of the magnet fixing part 311a may be adjusted depending on the position change of the first adjustment part 320, which will be described later.

[0140] The first adjustment unit 320 may be configured to move the position of the magnet 310a along a first horizontal direction. The first adjustment unit 320 may include a first upper part 321a and a first lower part 322a. The first upper part 321a and the second lower part 332a may each be configured in a flat plate shape. The first upper part 321a and the first lower part 322a may be connected via a guide 323a so that the movement direction can be restricted. A first drive unit 324a may be provided between the first upper part 321a and the second upper part 331a to adjust the relative position between the first upper part 321a and the first lower part 322a.

[0141] The second adjustment unit 330a may be configured to move in a second direction that is horizontally perpendicular to the movement direction of the first adjustment unit 320. The second adjustment unit 330a may be configured to include a second upper part 331a and a second lower part 332a. The second upper part 331a may be coupled to the first lower part 322a of the first adjustment unit 320. The second upper part 331a may be coupled to the second lower part 332a by a guide so that the second upper part 331a can move in the second direction. A second drive unit is provided between the second upper part 331a and the second lower part 332a to adjust the position of the second upper part 331a.

[0142] Meanwhile, in the present disclosure, the first driving unit 324a and the second driving unit may be configured as linear motors, but are not limited thereto, and a driving element capable of linear movement such as a ball-screw mechanism may be applied.

[0143] However, this configuration of the attitude adjusting unit 300a is merely an example, and it may be modified into various configurations that can adjust the horizontal position of the upper magnet 310a.

[0144] The coaxial alignment portion 400a is provided to coaxially align the center of the pogo pin 1000 with the center of rotation when the pogo pin 1000 is upright. The coaxial alignment portion 400a may include a first alignment portion and a second alignment portion.

[0145] The first alignment unit may have an upper portion coupled to the lower portion of the second adjustment unit 330a via a coupling plate 360a, and the second alignment unit may have a lower portion coupled to the first alignment unit. The lower portion of the second alignment unit may be coupled to the rotary table 510a.

[0146] The first and second alignment units may be configured in the same manner as the first and second adjustment units 320 and 330a, which are linearly moved horizontally. That is, the upper portion may be configured to be linearly moved above the lower portion. A drive unit may be provided between the upper and lower portions to linearly move the upper portion.

[0147] By operating the coaxial alignment part 400a, the horizontal position of the central axis of the pogo pin 1000 can be adjusted within a predetermined range, that is, the central axis of the pogo pin 1000 can be aligned coaxially with the rotation center of the rotation part 500a.

[0148] The rotation unit 500a may be configured to adjust the angles of the coaxial alignment unit 400a, the attitude adjustment unit 300a, and the fixing unit 200a. When the coaxial alignment unit 400a is rotated by the rotation unit 500a, the attitude adjustment unit 300a and the fixing unit 200a may be rotated by the same angle.

[0149] The rotating unit 500a may include a rotating table 510a and a rotary driver 520a. An upper end of the rotating table 510a may be coupled to the coaxial adjusting unit 400a. A lower end of the rotary driver 520a may be coupled to the focus adjusting unit 800a.

[0150] The rotary table 510a may be configured to be infinitely rotatable by the rotary driver 520a. However, this is just one example, and the rotary table 510a may be modified to have a wire-type connector and operate within a fixed rotation angle. However, even in this case, at least 360-degree rotation should be guaranteed.

[0151] The vision module is configured to capture images of the pogo pin 1000 attached to the attachment portion 200a. The vision module may include a first vision module 600a that captures a side image of the pogo pin 1000 and a second vision module 700a that captures a top-view image of the pogo pin 1000.

[0152] The first vision module 600a may be configured with a first camera 610a, a first illumination unit 620a, and a back illumination unit 630a.

[0153] The first camera 610a can be configured to include an image sensor and a lens kit.

[0154] The rear lighting unit 630a and the first camera 610a may be provided on both sides of the pogo pin 1000 fixed to the fixing unit 200a in the horizontal direction. The first lighting unit 620a may be configured to be coupled to the first camera 610a. Furthermore, the first lighting unit 620a may be configured as a coaxial lighting unit with the camera.

[0155] The second vision module 700a may be configured to include a second camera 710a and a second lighting unit 720a. The second camera 710a may be provided vertically above the fixing unit 200a. Although the position of the pogo pin 1000 may change due to operation of the coaxial alignment unit 400a, the second camera 710a may be configured to capture a top-view image of the pogo pin 1000 even if the position of the pogo pin 1000 changes. The second lighting unit 720a may be coupled to the second camera 710a.

[0156] The focus adjustment unit 800a is configured to be movable in one direction from above the lower frame 10a. The focus adjustment unit 800a is configured to position the side of a pogo pin at the focus of the first camera 610a in accordance with various pogo pin thicknesses. The focus adjustment unit 800a can simultaneously move the rotation unit 500a, coaxial alignment unit 400a, attitude adjustment unit 300a, and fixing unit 200a, which are connected to the upper side, along the viewing direction of the backlight unit 630a.

[0157] On the other hand, although not shown, the pogo pin appearance inspection device 2 according to the present disclosure can include an image processing unit and a control unit.

[0158] The image processing unit is configured to be able to inspect the presence or absence of defects in appearance based on the side image and top-view image of the pogo pin 1000. The image processing unit can combine the side images taken at various angles and convert them into a complete planar inspection image corresponding to one rotation. The image processing unit can detect the presence or absence of defects based on the inspection image.

[0159] The control unit can control the pogo pins 1000 to adjust their posture and align them coaxially based on the image acquired from the vision module. After the pogo pins 1000 are upright and aligned coaxially, the control unit can control the vision module and the rotation driver 530a to acquire images of the pogo pins 1000 at various angles.

[0160] 22a and 22b are conceptual diagrams showing magnets and magnetic field lines used in the attitude adjustment step of the present disclosure.

[0161] As shown in FIG. 22a, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the magnet 310a may be formed as a disk, and the pogo pin 1000 may receive magnetic force in different directions depending on the relative position from the center of the magnet 310a. At the center of the magnet 310a, magnetic field lines may appear in a roughly vertical direction. The farther away from the center of the magnet 310a, the greater the gradients θ4 and θ5 of the magnetic field lines. Therefore, by adjusting the relative positions of the center of the magnet 310a and the pogo pin 1000 to change the direction of the magnetic field lines acting on the pogo pin 1000, the attitude (angle or tilt) of the pogo pin 1000 can be adjusted in a non-contact manner.

[0162] 22b, in one embodiment of the present invention, the magnet 310a may be configured in a ring shape. When the magnet 310a is configured in a ring shape, magnetic field lines emerge vertically from the hollow center formed in the central portion, increasing the magnetic flux and making it easier to adjust the posture of the pogo pin 1000.

[0163] However, the shape of the magnet 310a as described above is merely one example, and the present invention is not limited to this example. That is, like the pogo pin alignment device according to the first embodiment, the magnet 310a of the pogo pin appearance inspection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may also be modified into various shapes and configurations. Examples of possible modifications have already been described, so further description will be omitted.

[0164] 23a and 23b are conceptual diagrams showing the postures of the pogo pins according to the posture adjustment steps of the pogo pins in the present disclosure.

[0165] 23a, as described above, the pogo pin 1000 may not be exactly upright when attached to the attachment portion 200a. Furthermore, the contact point with the attachment portion 200a may be spaced apart from the rotation center of the rotation driver 520a. The pogo pin 1000 can maintain its tilted angle due to the magnet 310a when its lower end is in contact with the attachment portion 200a.

[0166] 23b, when the position of the magnet 310a is adjusted horizontally in the pogo pin attitude adjustment step (S300), preferably, when the horizontal position of the bottom end of the pogo pin 1000 is aligned with the position of the center of the magnet 310a, the pogo pin 1000 stands upright. The attitude of the pogo pin 1000 can be adjusted based on the magnetic force that changes depending on the relative position of the magnet 310a.

[0167] 24a and 24b are cross-sectional views showing the use state of the attitude adjustment unit in the attitude adjustment step of the pogo pin of the present disclosure.

[0168] 24a, the pogo pins 1000 fixed to the fixing parts 200a are maintained in an inclined state. At this time, the pogo pins 1000 can be automatically transferred and fixed to the fixing parts 200a or manually fixed to the fixing parts 200a.

[0169] As shown in Figure 24b, the tilt of the pogo pin 1000 extracted from the image analysis step (S200) is received and the operation of the attitude adjustment unit 300a is determined to make the pogo pin 1000 stand upright. For example, for the pogo pin 1000 placed in the state of Figure 24a, the control unit can control the magnet 310a of the attitude adjustment unit 300a to move leftward from the top of Figure 24b. As a result, the pogo pin 1000 can be changed to an upright position.

[0170] 25a and 25b are cross-sectional views showing the use of a coaxial alignment portion in the coaxial alignment step of the pogo pin of the present disclosure.

[0171] 25a, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a position difference between the central axis X3 of the rotating part 500a (see FIG. 20) and the central axis X2 of the pogo pin 1000 in an upright position can be calculated based on information received in the image analysis step (S200). Based on the calculated value, a coaxial alignment step (S400) of the pogo pins can be performed to coaxially align the central axis X2 of the pogo pin 1000 and the central axis X3 of the rotating part 500a.

[0172] As shown in FIG. 25b, in the coaxial alignment step (S400) of the pogo pins, the coaxial alignment unit 400a (see FIG. 20) is operated by the control unit, so that the central axis X2 of the pogo pin 1000 and the central axis X3 of the rotating unit 500a can be aligned at the same position or positioned very close to each other.

[0173] The above-described attitude adjustment and coaxial alignment process of the pogo pin 1000 can be performed multiple times at different angles by operating the rotating unit 500a. For example, the control unit can perform control for attitude adjustment and central axis alignment every time the rotating unit 500a is rotated 90 degrees.

[0174] FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating the rotational movement of the pogo pins in the inspection image acquisition step of the present disclosure.

[0175] 20, in the upright / coaxial determination step (S500) for the pogo pins, it can be determined whether the pogo pins 1000 photographed at multiple angles are in an upright position and whether they are coaxially aligned with the rotating part 500a. When the upright position change and coaxial alignment of the pogo pins 1000 are completed, an inspection image acquisition step (S600) can be performed.

[0176] In the inspection image acquisition step (S600), the control unit may operate the first vision module 600a and the second vision module 700a to acquire an image. At this time, the control unit may operate the rotation driver 520a and control the vision modules 600a and 700a to acquire an image of the pogo pin 1000 at predetermined angles. In some cases, the central axis of the fixing unit 200a and the rotation axis of the rotating unit 500a may be different from each other. In this case, the fixing unit 200a may rotate eccentrically due to the rotation of the rotating unit 500a.

[0177] As described above, the pogo pin alignment method according to the present disclosure can quickly and accurately align the pogo pins with the rotation shaft while keeping them upright in a non-contact manner. [Explanation of symbols]

[0178] 100, 200a fixing part 300, 400a coaxial alignment section 400, 500a Rotating part 500, 300a posture adjustment section 1000 pogo pins

Claims

1. a fixing portion configured to fix the lower end of the pogo pin to its upper surface while supporting the lower end of the pogo pin; a lower magnet that provides a magnetic force below the base so that the pogo pin can be maintained standing on the base; a posture adjusting unit provided above the pogo pin and configured to adjust the posture of the pogo pin by magnetic force; A pogo pin alignment device comprising:

2. The pogo pin alignment device according to claim 1 , wherein an upper magnet is provided below the attitude adjustment unit.

3. a lower end of the attitude adjustment unit is spaced a predetermined distance from an upper surface of the fixing unit; The pogo pin alignment device according to claim 2 , wherein the predetermined distance is determined to be greater than the length of the pogo pin.

4. The attitude adjustment unit is 4. The pogo pin alignment device according to claim 3, wherein the upper magnet is configured to be movable in a horizontal direction.

5. The attitude adjustment unit is an upper magnet fixing portion configured to fix the upper magnet; at least one adjustment module configured to move the upper magnet fixture; The pogo pin alignment device according to claim 4 , comprising:

6. The regulation module is composed of a plurality of modules, 6. The pogo pin alignment device of claim 5, configured to be movable along a Cartesian coordinate system.

7. The regulation module is composed of a plurality of modules, The pogo pin alignment device of claim 5 , configured to be movable along a polar coordinate system.

8. The attitude adjustment unit is 6. The pogo pin alignment device according to claim 5, wherein the pogo pins are configured to be able to stand upright depending on the position of the upper magnet.

9. The pogo pin alignment device according to claim 2 , further comprising a coaxial alignment portion configured to allow the anchor portion to move on a horizontal plane.

10. The pogo pin alignment device according to claim 9 , wherein the attitude adjustment unit is controlled to operate after the coaxial alignment unit aligns the position of the fixing unit.

11. A method for erecting a pogo pin, comprising: acquiring an image of the pogo pin; an image analysis step for extracting information about the attitude and position of the pogo pins from the image; an attitude adjusting step of changing a direction of a magnetic force acting on the pogo pin to adjust the attitude of the pogo pin based on the information; Pogo pin alignment method including:

12. The fixing portion to which the pogo pin is fixed is configured to be rotatable, The pogo pin alignment method according to claim 11 , further comprising a coaxial alignment step of aligning a central axis of the pogo pin with a rotation center of the fixing portion based on the information.

13. The step of acquiring an image of the pogo pin includes: The pogo pin alignment method according to claim 12, wherein the method is performed using a lighting unit and a camera provided on both sides of the pogo pin.

14. The step of acquiring an image of the pogo pin includes: The method for aligning pogo pins according to claim 13 , wherein the method is performed using a silhouette image of the pogo pins.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising an angle adjusting step of rotating the mounting portion by a predetermined angle so as to adjust the direction in which the pogo pins appear to a camera.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the step of acquiring the images is performed for each direction of the pogo pins.

17. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the image analyzing step, the attitude adjusting step, and the coaxial aligning step are performed after acquiring the images for a predetermined number of directions of the pogo pins.

18. The method of claim 16 , wherein the image analyzing step, the attitude adjusting step, and the coaxial aligning step are performed after acquiring the images of the pogo pins in the respective directions.

19. The step of adjusting the attitude of the pogo pin includes:

14. The method for aligning pogo pins according to claim 13, wherein the method is carried out by moving the position of the magnet horizontally along a Cartesian coordinate system.

20. The pogo pin alignment method according to claim 13 , wherein the coaxial alignment step of the pogo pins is performed by moving the fixing portion along a Cartesian coordinate system.

Images