Pogo pin top surface inspection device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a top surface inspection device for a pogo pin, comprising a mounting section configured to secure an upright pogo pin, a mirror provided above the mounting section and positioned to be inclined at a predetermined angle around the pogo pin, and a camera module provided vertically above the mounting section, wherein the pogo pin comprises a barrel and a plunger configured so that at least a portion of its lower end can be inserted into the inside of the barrel, and the predetermined angle is determined by the maximum angle the plunger makes with the barrel during manufacturing. [Solution] The pogo pin top surface inspection device according to the present invention can quickly and accurately inspect the top surface of a pogo pin even if the plunger of the pogo pin is in an incorrect position, thereby improving inspection accuracy, reliability, and inspection efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an upper surface inspection device for a pogo pin, and more particularly to a device for inspecting the appearance of a pogo pin on the upper side. This application is a result of the "Scale-up Technology Commercialization Program" (Development of Appearance Inspection Equipment for Pogo Pins Based on a Reconfigured Production System and Mass Production Verification by Demand Enterprises, Project Number: P0023213) supervised by the Korea Institute of Industrial Technology (KIAT).

Background Art

[0002] The conversion to the data economy is rapidly increasing the demand for semiconductors in various industrial fields such as autonomous driving vehicles, robots, 5G, and mobile home appliances as technologies such as AI, IoT, and big data develop. In the semiconductor process, a pogo pin is required as a core component for semiconductor performance and reliability tests. Korean Registered Patent No. 1204273 is disclosed in relation to such a pogo pin.

[0003] Such pogo pins have a minimum diameter of around 0.15 mm and a minimum length of 1 mm, and are produced in various specifications. Until now, the appearance inspection of pogo pins has been carried out by microscopic visual inspection, and the classification work has also been done manually, resulting in the problem of low production efficiency.

[0004] In order to solve the conventional problems, a device for automatically inspecting the appearance of pogo pins is required, and there is also a practical need for an alignment device that can essentially align the positions of pogo pins.

[0005] The above-mentioned problems also occur not only in pogo pins but also in small electronic components.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to provide a top surface inspection device for pogo pins that solves the problems of conventional visual inspection of pogo pins. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] As a means of solving the aforementioned problems, a device is provided for inspecting the top surface of a pogo pin, which includes a mounting section configured to secure an upright pogo pin, a mirror provided above the mounting section and positioned to be inclined at a predetermined angle around the pogo pin, and a camera module provided vertically above the mounting section, wherein the pogo pin includes a barrel and a plunger configured so that at least a portion of its lower end can be inserted into the inside of the barrel, and the predetermined angle is determined by the maximum angle that the plunger makes with the barrel during manufacturing.

[0009] On the other hand, the camera module is configured to capture images of the portion of the barrel whose field of view is obstructed when the plunger is tilted relative to the barrel.

[0010] Furthermore, multiple mirrors are provided and arranged at predetermined angles along the circumference.

[0011] Furthermore, each mirror is composed of a flat surface.

[0012] On the other hand, mirrors are composed of curved surfaces and are ring-shaped.

[0013] On the other hand, the system further includes a camera module vertical position adjustment unit that can adjust the vertical position of the camera module.

[0014] The system further includes a control unit that controls the camera module so that it can photograph the upper end of the barrel after the camera module has photographed the upper end of the plunger.

[0015] Furthermore, it further includes an image processing unit configured to receive information related to an image from a camera module and analyze the image to determine if optical interference has occurred between at least a part of the upper surfaces of the plunger and the barrel.

[0016] On the other hand, the control unit controls the camera module so as to selectively acquire an image of the upper surface of the barrel reflected by using a mirror.

[0017] Furthermore, when it is determined that optical interference has occurred in the image with respect to the upper surface of the barrel, the control unit controls the vertical position adjustment unit so that the camera module can approach the barrel at a predetermined distance.

Effect of the Invention

[0018] The upper surface inspection device for a pogo pin according to the present invention can inspect the upper surface of the pogo pin quickly and accurately regardless of the posture defect of the plunger of the pogo pin, so that the inspection accuracy, reliability, and inspection efficiency can be improved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019] [Figure 1] It is a conceptual diagram of a pogo pin that is an object of inspection in the present disclosure. [Figure 2a] It shows the posture of the plunger when inspecting the upper surface of the pogo pin in the present disclosure. [Figure 2b] It shows the posture of the plunger when inspecting the upper surface of the pogo pin in the present disclosure. [Figure 2c] It shows the posture of the plunger when inspecting the upper surface of the pogo pin in the present disclosure. [Figure 3] It is a perspective view of the upper surface inspection device for a pogo pin according to the present disclosure. [Figure 4] It is a conceptual diagram showing a mirror module in an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] It is a plan view showing a mirror module in an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6]A plan view showing a modified example of a mirror module in an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the focus of the camera is shown. [Figure 8] A conceptual diagram showing that a camera module acquires a first image in the present disclosure. [Figure 9a] The first image acquired in the present disclosure is shown. [Figure 9b] A conceptual diagram of a second image in the present disclosure. [Figure 10] A conceptual diagram showing the concept of acquiring a third image in the present disclosure. [Figure 11] The third image in the present disclosure is shown.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0020] Hereinafter, an upper surface inspection device for a pogo pin in an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of the following embodiments, the names of each component can be called by other names in the industry. However, if there is functional similarity and identity, even if a modified embodiment is adopted, it can be regarded as an equivalent configuration. Also, the reference numerals added to each component are described for convenience of explanation. However, the illustrated content on the drawings with these reference numerals does not limit each component within the scope of the drawing. Similarly, even if an embodiment with a partially modified configuration on the drawing is adopted, if there is functional similarity and identity, it can be regarded as an equivalent configuration. Also, in view of the level of an ordinary technician in the technical field, when it is recognized as a component that should be naturally included, the description thereof will be omitted.

[0021] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of a pogo pin that is an inspection object in the present disclosure.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, the pogo pin 1000 subject to inspection in this disclosure comprises a plunger 1100 and a barrel 1200. The plunger 1100 is configured such that a portion of its lower side can remain inserted into the barrel 1200. The upper end of the plunger 1100 is configured in a unique shape to facilitate and maintain electrical contact. The end is provided with a stepped configuration of varying heights, such as a ridge or groove.

[0023] The upper end of the barrel 1200 is provided with a crimped structure to prevent the pogo pin 1000 from coming loose. Hereinafter, this part will be referred to as the "crimped section". The crimped section can extend to a predetermined length toward the center of the barrel 1200 and can prevent the plunger 1100 from coming out.

[0024] On the other hand, while the pogo pin 1000 can be configured in various forms, the basic functional configuration remains similar regardless of the configuration. That is, the length to which the plunger 1100 is inserted into the barrel 1200 can be changed by external force. Furthermore, it is configured so that the plunger 1100 does not detach from the outside of the barrel 1200 when the external force is removed. A pogo pin 1000 having such a configuration is the subject of examination in this disclosure.

[0025] However, although this specification uses the term "upper surface of the pogo pin 1000," this is merely a distinction made between the "upper surface" and the "lower surface" for the sake of explanation. Therefore, the upper surface of the pogo pin 1000 can refer to the portion of the pogo pin 1000 that is visible vertically above it.

[0026] On the other hand, the parts subject to inspection in this disclosure are the surfaces on the upper side of the pogo pin 1000 that can be inspected. For example, the upper surfaces of the plunger 1100 and the upper surfaces of the barrel 1200 are subject to inspection.

[0027] Figures 2a, 2b, and 2c show the position of the plunger 1100 during top inspection of the pogo pin 1000 in this disclosure. In Figures 2a, 2b, and 2c, the upper view of the pogo pin 1000 represents a side view of the pogo pin 1000's position. The lower view of the pogo pin 1000 represents a top view of the pogo pin 1000 when it assumes the position shown in the upper view. Figure 2a represents the normal position where the plunger 1100 is almost perpendicular to the barrel 1200. Figure 2b represents the plunger 1100 tilted by approximately θ1 to one side compared to Figure 2a. In contrast, Figure 2c represents the plunger 1100 tilted by approximately θ2, which is a larger angle than θ1.

[0028] Referring to Figures 2a, 2b, and 2c, some of the pogo pins 1000 can be flexibly deformed in position. This can be achieved by adjusting the play between the plunger 1100 and the barrel 1200. By adopting such a structure, the plunger 1100 can have a variety of positions within a certain range.

[0029] As shown in Figure 2a, when the plunger 1100 and barrel 1200 are aligned, the top surface of the pogo pin 1000, when viewed from above, allows for confirmation that the top surface S1 of the plunger 1100 and the top surface S2 of the barrel 1200 do not interfere with each other.

[0030] However, when the plunger 1100 is in a tilted position as shown in Figure 2b or Figure 2c, when viewing the image from above, the plunger 1100 interferes with the upper surface S2 of the barrel 1200, making accurate inspection difficult.

[0031] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the top surface inspection device for pogo pins according to this disclosure.

[0032] Referring to Figure 3, the pogo pin top surface inspection device 1 according to this disclosure can accurately acquire an image of the top surface of the pogo pin 1000 despite the tilt of the plunger 1100 of the pogo pin 1000.

[0033] The pogo pin 1000 top surface inspection device 1 according to this disclosure comprises a frame 10, a mounting section 100, a mirror module 200, a lighting module 300, a camera module 400, a vertical position adjustment section 500, a control section, and an image processing section.

[0034] The frame 10 serves as a base to which the components described later can be fixed. The frame 10 is configured to extend over a predetermined area in the vertical direction. It is also configured to have elements such as the anchoring portion 100 in the horizontal direction. However, the configuration of the frame 10 is merely an example and can be modified in various forms that can fix the components of this disclosure.

[0035] The anchoring section 100 is configured to allow the pogo pins 1000 to be anchored in an upright position. The anchoring section 100 is configured to allow the pogo pins 1000 to be transported while they are anchored in a line. For example, the pogo pins 1000 are transported sequentially to the inspection position after being transported from the outside. The anchoring section 100 is provided with a plurality of anchoring grooves 110. A pogo pin 1000 is loaded or inserted into each of the anchoring grooves 110 in an upright position. At this time, the anchoring grooves 110 are formed to a depth such that the upper surface of the barrel 1200 of the pogo pin 1000 is positioned higher than the upper surface of the anchoring section 100.

[0036] For this purpose, although not shown in the diagram, a movable part of the anchoring section 100 is provided.

[0037] The top surface inspection device 1 for the pogo pins 1000 can inspect the pogo pins 1000 in a first-in, first-out manner. Alternatively, a method can be applied in which multiple pogo pins 1000 are loaded onto the anchoring section 100 at once, and then the anchoring section 100 is moved so that the pogo pins 1000 can be inspected sequentially.

[0038] The mirror module 200 is configured to capture the top surface of the barrel 1200 when the plunger 1100 obstructs the top surface of the barrel 1200. When the angle of the plunger 1100 tilts and obstructs a portion of the top surface of the barrel 1200, it becomes difficult for the camera module 400 to obtain an accurate image. In this case, the mirror module 200 can be used to obtain an image of the top surface of the barrel 1200 while avoiding the plunger 1100.

[0039] On the other hand, the mirror module 200 is fixed to the frame 10 by a mirror module fixing part (not shown). The mirror module fixing part can be implemented using a variety of conventionally known fixing methods.

[0040] The lighting module 300 is configured to illuminate the upper end of the pogo pin 1000. The lighting module 300 is configured to illuminate the camera module 400, which will be described later, coaxially. The lighting module 300 includes a coaxial lighting unit and a semi-reflecting mirror.

[0041] The lighting module 300 is fixed to the frame 10 by the lighting module fixing part 20. The lighting module fixing part 20 is formed as a shelf-like member that fixes the lighting module 300 to the frame 10. At this time, the mirror module fixing part, which is not shown, can also be formed in a manner similar to the lighting module fixing part 20.

[0042] The camera module 400 is configured to take images directed toward the inspection position. The camera module 400 is equipped with a focusable configuration. It is also equipped with a polymer lens for rapid focus adjustment. The camera module 400 is configured to take images of the pogo pin 1000, which is fixed in place at the inspection position, from vertically upward.

[0043] The camera module 400 is mounted above the lighting module 300. The camera module 400 is configured to acquire an image of the top surface of the pogo pin 1000 while the lighting module 300 is illuminating it coaxially.

[0044] The vertical position adjustment unit 500 is configured to adjust the vertical position of the camera module 400. The vertical position adjustment unit 500 can operate to correspond to different focal lengths when the camera is directly photographing the pogo pin 1000 and when it is photographing the pogo pin reflected in the mirror. For example, the vertical position adjustment unit 500 is adjusted to a first height when the camera is directly photographing the pogo pin 1000, and the height of the camera module 400 is adjusted to a second height lower than the first height when the camera is photographing the pogo pin 1000 reflected in the mirror.

[0045] The image processing unit is configured to determine whether or not image acquisition by the mirror module 200 is necessary based on the acquired image. The image processing unit can determine if the orientation of the plunger 1100 is misaligned and the top surface of the barrel 1200 is not fully visible in the image taken vertically upward, and can transmit the determination result to the control unit. The image processing unit also determines which image to use from among the images taken using the mirror module 200. Finally, the image processing unit determines any defects in the appearance of the pogo pin 1000 based on the multiple images acquired.

[0046] The control unit is configured to control elements such as the camera module 400, the lighting module 300, the mounting unit 100, and the vertical position adjustment unit 500. In particular, it can receive signals from the video processing unit to adjust the vertical position of the camera module 400 and adjust the vertical position of the camera module 400.

[0047] Figure 4 is a conceptual diagram showing the mirror module 200 in one embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 5 is a plan view showing the mirror module 200 in one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] Referring to Figures 4 and 5, the mirror module 200 is positioned at a predetermined vertical distance from the upper end of the pogo pin 1000. The distance is determined by the distance between the camera module 400 and the pogo pin 1000, the camera's field of view, and the position of the illumination module.

[0049] The mirror module 200 is positioned above the pogo pin 1000 at the inspection location. The mirror module 200 consists of multiple mirrors arranged circumferentially with respect to a central axis. For example, each mirror is planar.

[0050] The mirror module 200, for example, consists of eight mirrors spaced at 45-degree intervals along the circumference.

[0051] The camera module 400 acquires an image reflected by at least one of the mirrors in the mirror module 200. The plunger 1100 tilts at random angles and directions. At this time, an image of the upper surface of the barrel 1200, which is obstructed by the plunger 1100, is formed in at least one of the mirrors arranged in various directions, thereby allowing the camera to acquire an image of the obstructed upper surface of the barrel 1200.

[0052] In this embodiment, each mirror is configured to have a considerably larger area than the pogo pin 1000 so that an image of the upper surface of the barrel 1200 can be accurately acquired.

[0053] Figure 6 is a plan view showing a modified example of the mirror module 200 in one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0054] Referring to Figure 6, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the mirror module 200' is configured in a curved shape. In this case, the mirror module 200' can be deformed into a ring shape that is inclined when viewed from above.

[0055] Figure 7 shows the camera's focus in one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0056] Referring to Figure 7, in this disclosure, the camera module 400 is configured to acquire images by focusing on at least three vertical positions.

[0057] The first focal point F1 is at the height of the upper end of the plunger 1100 on the mounting part 100. The second focal point F2 is at the height of the upper surface of the barrel 1200 on the mounting part 100. The lens kit of the camera module 400 is used to adjust the focus between the first focal point F1 and the second focal point F2.

[0058] On the other hand, the third focal point F3 is set further away from the second focal point F2, taking into account the path taken when reflected by the mirror. By using the vertical position adjustment unit 500 to lower the height of the camera module 400, the third focal point F3 can be achieved. On the other hand, once the inspection at the third focal point F3 is complete, the vertical position adjustment unit 500 raises the camera module 400 back to its initial position.

[0059] However, the camera module according to this disclosure may be modified and implemented in a configuration that allows the focus to be adjusted between a first focal point F1 and a third focal point F3.

[0060] Figure 8 is a conceptual diagram illustrating how the camera module 400 acquires a first image in this disclosure.

[0061] Referring to Figure 8, when the lighting module 300 is activated and light is shone coaxially with the optical axis of the camera module 400, an image of the top surface of the pogo pin 1000 can be acquired. At this time, the image acquired by the mirror is not used.

[0062] Figure 9a shows the first image obtained in this disclosure, and Figure 9b is a conceptual diagram of the second image in this disclosure.

[0063] Referring to Figure 9a, in this disclosure, the camera module 400 can first acquire a first image I1 in which the upper surface S1 of the plunger 1100 appears at a first focal point F1.

[0064] Referring to Figure 9b, the camera module 400 can then acquire a second image I2 in which the upper surface S2 of the barrel 1200 appears at the second focal point F2. However, the first image I1 and the second image I2 are acquired regardless of their order.

[0065] At this time, if the plunger 1100 is tilted, blocking and / or interference occurs due to the plunger 1100. Due to this phenomenon, an accurate image of the upper surface S2 of the barrel 1200 does not appear in the interference region I. On the other hand, the plunger 1100 is not in focus and therefore does not appear accurately in the second image I2 taken at the second focus F2.

[0066] Figure 10 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the concept of acquiring a third image in this disclosure.

[0067] Referring to Figure 10, the top surface inspection device for the pogo pin 1000 according to this disclosure, when the image processing unit determines that the image of the top surface S2 of the barrel 1200 is not accurately generated in the second image I2, extracts information for the relevant area and acquires a mirror reflection image for the relevant area.

[0068] The control unit operates the vertical position adjustment unit 500 so that the focal point of the camera module 400 is positioned on the upper surface of the barrel 1200 along the light path reflected by the mirror module 200. Thereafter, the control unit operates the camera module 400 to acquire an image of the upper surface S2 of the barrel reflected by the mirror. At this time, the upper surface S2 of the barrel reflected by multiple mirrors may appear together in the image, and the image processing unit prioritizes acquiring images of areas that are difficult to confirm with the second focal point F2.

[0069] Figure 11 shows a third image in this disclosure.

[0070] Referring to Figure 11, the third image (I3) is, for example, formed when the optical axis of the camera module 400 aligns with the central axis of the tilted plunger 1100. At this time, an image of the upper surface S2 of the barrel 1200, where the interference of the plunger 1100 is minimized, can be acquired via a mirror. Meanwhile, the image of the interference region I that appeared in Figure 9b can be accurately confirmed, allowing for accurate inspection regardless of the orientation of the plunger 1100.

[0071] As described above, the top surface inspection device for the pogo pin 1000 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can acquire an accurate image of the appearance of the plunger 1100 that is misaligned during the manufacturing process, thereby significantly improving inspection reliability.

[0072] Furthermore, the top surface inspection device for the pogo pin 1000 according to one embodiment of this disclosure can acquire an accurate image by leaving the pogo pin 1000 in its original position, thereby improving the inspection speed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] 100 Safeguards 200 mirror modules 400 Camera Module 1000 Pogopin S1 plunger top surface S2 barrel top

Claims

1. An attachment section configured to securely attach pogo pins in an upright position; A mirror provided above the aforementioned mounting portion and positioned to be inclined at a predetermined angle around the pogo pin; and, Includes a camera module positioned vertically above the aforementioned mounting portion; The pogo pin includes a barrel and a plunger configured such that at least a portion of its lower end can be inserted into the inside of the barrel. The predetermined angle is determined during manufacturing by the maximum angle the plunger makes with the barrel, in the upper surface inspection device for pogo pins.

2. The aforementioned mirror is The pogo pin top surface inspection device according to claim 1, configured so that when the plunger is tilted relative to the barrel, the camera module can photograph a portion of the barrel whose field of view is obstructed.

3. The pogo pin top surface inspection device according to claim 2, wherein the mirrors are provided in multiple quantities and are arranged at predetermined angles along the circumferential direction.

4. The pogo pin top surface inspection device according to claim 3, wherein each of the aforementioned mirrors is configured to be planar.

5. The pogo pin top surface inspection device according to claim 2, wherein the mirror is made of a curved surface and is ring-shaped.

6. The pogo pin top surface inspection device according to claim 2, further comprising a camera module vertical position adjustment unit that can adjust the vertical position of the camera module.

7. The pogo pin top surface inspection device according to claim 6, further comprising a control unit that controls the camera module so that it can photograph the upper end of the barrel after the camera module has photographed the upper end of the plunger.

8. The pogo pin top surface inspection apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising an image processing unit configured to receive information related to an image from the camera module and analyze the image to determine if optical interference has occurred between at least a portion of the top surface of the plunger and the barrel.

9. The pogo pin top surface inspection device according to claim 8, wherein the control unit controls the camera module so that it can selectively acquire an image of the top surface of the barrel reflected using the mirror.

10. The control unit, The pogo pin top surface inspection device according to claim 9, which controls the vertical position adjustment unit so that the camera module can approach the barrel to a predetermined distance when it is determined that optical interference has occurred in the image of the top surface of the barrel.

Images