Printed circuit board holder and method thereof

Abstract

A printed circuit board holder includes a board body and a plurality of limiting units. The board body has a first surface, a second surface, and a third surface, the third surface being connected between the first surface and the second surface. The first surface and the third surface together form a groove, the first surface and the second surface being at different levels. The third surface partially surrounds the groove, and the opposite two end edges of the third surface define a first opening therein. The limiting units are connected to the board body and at least partially protrude from the third surface. Each of the limiting units forms a gap with the first surface therein, and the gap is configured to accommodate a printed circuit board.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a printed circuit board holder and a method for holding a printed circuit board, and particularly to a method for testing a printed circuit board using a probe after holding the printed circuit board. [Previous Technology]

[0002] With the increasing demand for electronic devices, the quality standards of various components within these devices have also attracted industry attention. In addition to improving the technical level of components, maintaining high quality during the production process has become particularly important.

[0003] For example, the industry typically uses probe stations to test the electrical performance of electronic components. Therefore, how to improve the efficiency and accuracy of testing electronic components is undoubtedly an important issue of great concern to the industry. [Summary of the Invention]

[0004] One of the objectives of this invention is to provide a printed circuit board holder that can securely hold a printed circuit board and maintain its flatness, thereby improving the efficiency and accuracy of subsequent tests applied to the printed circuit board.

[0005] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a printed circuit board holder includes a board body and a plurality of limiting units. The board body has a first surface, a second surface, and a third surface, the third surface being connected between the first surface and the second surface. The first surface and the third surface together form a groove, the first surface and the second surface being at different levels. The third surface partially surrounds the groove, and the opposite two end edges of the third surface define a first opening therein. The limiting units are connected to the board body and at least partially protrude from the third surface. Each of the limiting units forms a gap with the first surface therein, and the gap is configured to accommodate a printed circuit board.

[0006] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the above-described limiting units are separated from each other.

[0007] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the printed circuit board holder further includes a plurality of locking fasteners. Each of the locking fasteners is connected between a corresponding one of the limiting units and the board body, such that the size of each of the fasteners is adjustable.

[0008] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the plate body has a plurality of fourth surfaces and a plurality of fifth surfaces, each of the fourth surfaces being connected between a corresponding one of the first surface and a corresponding one of the fifth surfaces, each of the fourth surfaces and a corresponding one of the fifth surfaces forming a channel, the channels being connected to grooves, the first surface and the fifth surface being at different levels, each of the fourth surfaces partially surrounding a corresponding one of the channels, the opposite two end edges of each of the fourth surfaces defining a second opening therein, each of the second openings being connected to a first opening.

[0009] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, each of the above-mentioned tunnels extends from the corresponding one of the second openings, and the tunnels are parallel to each other.

[0010] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the tunnel described above is located away from the third surface.

[0011] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the printed circuit board holder further includes a cover configured to be mounted on the first surface and cover at least one of the tunnels.

[0012] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the printed circuit board holder further includes a pair of locking units. The locking units are opposite to each other, and each of the locking units is connected to the board body and at least partially extends from the third surface.

[0013] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, each of the above-mentioned locking units includes a fixing part and a moving part. The fixing part is connected to the plate body, the moving part is connected to the fixing part, and is configured to move elastically relative to the fixing part to protrude from the third surface or be embedded in the third surface.

[0014] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, each of the above-described moving parts has an inclined surface, and the inclined surface is respectively facing the first opening.

[0015] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the locking unit described above is located between the first opening and the limiting unit.

[0016] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the plate body is circular.

[0017] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the above-mentioned limiting units are symmetrically distributed around the groove.

[0018] One of the objectives of this invention is to provide a method for clamping a printed circuit board, which can securely clamp the printed circuit board and maintain its flatness, thereby improving the efficiency and accuracy of subsequent tests applied to the printed circuit board.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method of clamping a printed circuit board includes: sliding the printed circuit board into a groove of a board body, and accommodating a plurality of chips disposed on the printed circuit board in one of a plurality of channels in the board body, the channels communicating with the groove; accommodating at least one wire of the printed circuit board in one of the channels; abutting a first edge of the printed circuit board against an inner wall of the board body; locking a plurality of limiting units in the board body such that the limiting units press the printed circuit board against the board body; and installing a cover on the board body to cover the wire and abutting the cover against a second edge of the printed circuit board, the second edge being opposite to the first edge.

[0020] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the above method further includes: pressing the printed circuit board against a pair of locking units disposed on the board body when sliding the printed circuit board, so that the locking units are elastically compressed and embedded in the board body; and resetting the locking units after the first edge of the printed circuit board abuts against the inner wall of the board body, so that the locking units at least partially protrude from the board body and abut against the second edge of the printed circuit board.

[0021] The above-described embodiments of the present invention have at least the following advantages:

[0022] (1)Since the user can use the locking fastener to press the limiting unit against the first surface of the board, the printed circuit board can be tightly clamped and securely fixed between the limiting unit and the board, which can prevent the printed circuit board from coming off the printed circuit board holder.

[0023] (2)Since the limiting unit is pressed on the printed circuit board near the edge, it can effectively prevent the printed circuit board from bending to maintain the flatness of the printed circuit board, which is beneficial to various tests applied to the printed circuit board in the future.

[0024] (3) Since the movable part of each of the locking units at least partially abuts the second edge of the printed circuit board after the printed circuit board is in the proper position on the printed circuit board holder, this prevents the printed circuit board from being released from the printed circuit board holder.

Implementation Method

[0026] Several embodiments of the present invention will be disclosed below with reference to the drawings. For clarity, many practical details will be described in the following description. However, it should be understood that these practical details are not intended to limit the present invention. That is, in some embodiments of the present invention, these practical details are not essential. Furthermore, for the sake of simplicity, some conventional structures and elements will be shown in a simple schematic manner in the drawings, and in all drawings, the same reference numerals will be used to denote the same or similar elements. And, where feasible, features of different embodiments can be applied interchangeably.

[0027] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) have their ordinary meanings, meanings that are understandable to those skilled in the art. Furthermore, the definitions of the aforementioned terms in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted in the context of this specification as having the meaning consistent with the relevant field of this invention. Unless specifically defined, these terms will not be interpreted as having idealized or overly formal meanings.

[0028] Please refer to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 is a top view illustrating a printed circuit board holder 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a front view illustrating the printed circuit board holder 100 of Figure 1. In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, a printed circuit board holder 100 includes a plate body 110 and a plurality of restraining units 120. The plate body 110 has a first surface 111, a second surface 112, and a third surface 113. The third surface 113 is connected between the first surface 111 and the second surface 112. The first surface 111 and the third surface 113 together form a groove TC. The first surface 111 and the second surface 112 are at different levels. The third surface 113 partially surrounds the groove TC, and the two opposite end edges 113e of the third surface 113 define a first opening OP1 therein. The limiting unit 120 is connected to the plate 110 and at least partially protrudes from the third surface 113 of the plate 110. Each of the limiting units 120 forms a gap GP with the first surface 111 of the plate 110 therein, and the gap GP is configured to accommodate the printed circuit board 200 (see Figure 3 for the printed circuit board 200).

[0029] In practical applications, the board body 110 is circular, making the printed circuit board holder 100 suitable for placement on a probe station (not shown) for performing different tests on the wafer.

[0030] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, the limiting units 120 are separated from each other, that is, the limiting units 120 are spaced apart from each other. Moreover, as shown in Figure 1, the limiting units 120 are symmetrically distributed around the groove TC.

[0031] Further, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the plate 110 has a plurality of fourth surfaces 114 and a plurality of fifth surfaces 115. Each of the fourth surfaces 114 is connected between a corresponding one of the first surfaces 111 and the fifth surfaces 115. Each of the fourth surfaces 114 and its corresponding one of the fifth surfaces 115 together form a channel GV. The channel GV is connected to the groove TC. The first surface 111 and the fifth surface 115 are at different levels. Each of the fourth surfaces 114 partially surrounds its corresponding one of the channels GV. The two opposite end edges 114e of each of the fourth surfaces 114 define a second opening OP2 therein, and each of the second openings OP2 is connected to its corresponding one of the channels GV. Furthermore, each of the second openings OP2 is connected to the first opening OP1. In other words, the groove TC, the channel GV, the first opening OP1, and the second opening OP2 are spatially connected to each other.

[0032] Specifically, as shown in Figure 1, each of the tunnels GV extends from the corresponding one of the second openings OP2, and the tunnels GV are parallel to each other.

[0033] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the tunnel GV is far from the third surface 113, that is, there is still at least a portion of the first surface 111 between the outermost part of the tunnel GV and the third surface 113, so as to provide support for the printed circuit board 200.

[0034] On the other hand, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the printed circuit board holder 100 further includes a pair of locking units 150. The locking units 150 are opposite to each other, and each of the locking units 150 is connected to the board body 110 and extends at least partially from the third surface 113 of the board body 110.

[0035] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, the locking unit 150 is located between the first opening OP1 and the limiting unit 120, that is, the locking unit 150 is closer to the first opening OP1 than the limiting unit 120.

[0036] Please refer to Figure 3. Figure 3 is a top view of the printed circuit board holder 100 shown in Figure 1, in which the printed circuit board 200 is slid into the groove TC of the board body 110. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, the printed circuit board 200 is slid into the groove TC of the board body 110, and the printed circuit board 200 presses against the locking unit 150, so that the locking unit 150 is elastically pressed and embedded in the third surface 113 of the board body 110 (the locking unit 150 is not shown in Figure 3; please refer to Figures 1 and 2 for the locking unit 150). In this way, the printed circuit board 200 can slide along the groove TC while rubbing against the first surface 111 and the third surface 113 of the board body 110.

[0037] Please refer to Figure 4. Figure 4 is an enlarged schematic diagram showing the area M in Figure 3. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, the locking unit 150 includes a fixing part 151 and a moving part 152. The fixing part 151 of the locking unit 150 is connected to the plate body 110, and the moving part 152 of the locking unit 150 is connected to the fixing part 151 and is configured to elastically move relative to the fixing part 151 to protrude from the third surface 113 of the plate body 110 or be embedded in the third surface 113. In Figure 4, since the locking unit 150 is completely embedded in the plate body 110, both the fixing part 151 and the moving part 152 are shown with dashed lines.

[0038] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, each of the moving parts 152 has an inclined surface 153 facing the first opening OP1 (see Figures 1-3 for the first opening OP1). Therefore, when the printed circuit board 200 just contacts the moving part 152 of the locking unit 150, the printed circuit board 200 first presses against the inclined surface 153 of the moving part 152, which facilitates the elastic movement of the moving part 152 relative to the fixed part 151 to be embedded in the third surface 113 of the board body 110.

[0039] Please refer to Figures 5 and 6. Figure 5 is a top view of the printed circuit board holder 100 shown in Figure 3, wherein the first edge 200a of the printed circuit board 200 abuts against the third surface 113 of the board body 110. Figure 6 is an enlarged schematic diagram showing the area N of Figure 5. As shown in Figure 5, when the first edge 200a of the printed circuit board 200 abuts against the third surface 113 of the board body 110, the printed circuit board 200 is positioned appropriately on the printed circuit board holder 100. At this time, as shown in Figure 6, the moving part 152 of the locking unit 150 is no longer pressed by the printed circuit board 200. Subsequently, the moving part 152 of the locking unit 150 elastically protrudes from the third surface 113 of the board body 110 relative to the fixed part 151, as shown in Figure 6. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, the movable portion 152 of the locking unit 150 at least partially abuts against the second edge 200b of the printed circuit board 200, wherein the second edge 200b is relative to the first edge 200a of the printed circuit board 200, which prevents the printed circuit board 200 from detaching from the printed circuit board holder 100.

[0040] Please refer to Figure 7. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view along line segment AA of Figure 5. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 7, the printed circuit board holder 100 further includes a plurality of locking fasteners 130. Each of the locking fasteners 130 is connected between a corresponding one of the limiting units 120 and the board body 110, such that the size of each of the gaps GP is adjustable. In other words, the user can use the locking fasteners 130 to press the limiting unit 120 against the first surface 111 of the board body 110 to reduce the vertical distance between each of the locking fasteners 130 and the first surface 111, so that the printed circuit board 200 can be tightly clamped and securely fixed between the limiting unit 120 and the board body 110, which prevents the printed circuit board 200 from detaching from the printed circuit board holder 100. Furthermore, for example, each of the locking fasteners 130 may be a screw. For the sake of simplicity, the locking fasteners 130 are not shown in other figures.

[0041] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, since the limiting unit 120 presses against the printed circuit board 200 near the edge, it can effectively prevent the printed circuit board 200 from bending to maintain the flatness of the printed circuit board 200, which is beneficial for various tests subsequently applied to the printed circuit board 200.

[0042] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, a plurality of chips 210 are disposed on the printed circuit board 200, and the chips 210 are respectively housed in the channels GV of the board body 110. It should be understood that the channels GV on the printed circuit board holder 100 allow the chips 210 to be housed and moved therein, so that the printed circuit board 200 can slide into the groove TC located on the first surface 111 of the board body 110. When performing electronic testing on the printed circuit board 200, a probe (not shown) can be used to contact the conductive pad 230 on the printed circuit board 200 located on the other side of the chip 210. For the sake of simplicity, the conductive pad 230 is not shown in other figures.

[0043] On the other hand, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, the printed circuit board holder 100 further includes a cover 140, which is configured to be mounted on the first surface 111 of the board body 110 and covers the trench GV accommodating at least one wire 220 of the printed circuit board 200. As an additional safety measure, the cover 140 further abuts against the second edge 200b of the printed circuit board 200 to further prevent the printed circuit board 200 from detaching from the printed circuit board holder 100. In practical applications, for example, the cover 140 may be mounted on the first surface 111 of the board body 110 by screws or clamps, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0044] Please refer to Figure 8. Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating a method 800 for clamping a printed circuit board according to an embodiment of the present invention. In addition to the printed circuit board holder 100 described above, another aspect of the present invention is to provide a method 800 for clamping a printed circuit board. As shown in Figure 8, the method 800 for clamping a printed circuit board includes the following steps (it should be understood that, unless otherwise specified, the order of the steps mentioned in some embodiments can be adjusted as needed, and they may even be performed simultaneously or partially simultaneously):

[0045] (1) Step 810: Slide the printed circuit board 200 into the groove TC of the board body 110, and make the plurality of chips 210 disposed on the printed circuit board 200 respectively accommodate one of the plurality of channels GV of the board body 110.

[0046] (2)Step 820: When sliding the printed circuit board 200, the printed circuit board 200 presses against the locking unit 150, so that the locking unit 150 is elastically compressed and embedded in the board body 110.

[0047] (3)Step 830: accommodate at least one wire 220 of the printed circuit board 200 in one of the tunnels GV.

[0048] (4)Step 840: Abut against the first edge 200a of the printed circuit board 200 on the inner wall (i.e., the third surface 113) of the board body 110.

[0049] (5)Step 850: After the first edge 200a of the printed circuit board 200 abuts against the inner wall of the board body 110, the locking unit 150 is reset so that the locking unit 150 at least partially protrudes from the board body 110 and abuts against the second edge 200b of the printed circuit board 200.

[0050] (6)Step 860: Lock the plurality of limiting units 120 to the board body 110, so that the limiting units 120 press the printed circuit board 200 against the board body 110.

[0051] (7)Step 870: Install cover 140 on board 110 to cover wire 220 and abut cover 140 against second edge 200b of printed circuit board 200.

[0052] In summary, the technical solution disclosed in the above embodiments of the present invention has at least the following advantages:

[0053] (1) Since the user can use the locking fastener to press the limiting unit against the first surface of the board, the printed circuit board can be tightly clamped and securely fixed between the limiting unit and the board, which can prevent the printed circuit board from coming off the printed circuit board holder.

[0054] (2)Since the limiting unit is pressed on the printed circuit board near the edge, it can effectively prevent the printed circuit board from bending to maintain the flatness of the printed circuit board, which is beneficial to various tests applied to the printed circuit board in the future.

[0055] (3)Since the movable part of each of the locking units at least partially abuts against the second edge of the printed circuit board after the printed circuit board is in the proper position on the printed circuit board holder, this prevents the printed circuit board from being released from the printed circuit board holder.

[0056] Although the present invention has been disclosed above by way of embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art can make various modifications and refinements without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention shall be determined by the appended claims. [Simplified Explanation of the Diagram]

[0025] Figure 1 is a top view illustrating a printed circuit board holder according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a front view illustrating the printed circuit board holder of Figure 1. Figure 3 is a top view illustrating the printed circuit board holder of Figure 1, wherein the printed circuit board is being slid into a groove in the board body. Figure 4 is an enlarged schematic diagram illustrating area M of Figure 3. Figure 5 is a top view illustrating the printed circuit board holder of Figure 3, wherein a first edge of the printed circuit board abuts against a third surface of the board body. Figure 6 is an enlarged schematic diagram illustrating area N of Figure 5. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating line segment AA of Figure 5. Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating a method for holding a printed circuit board according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Biomaterial Storage]

[0058] Domestic storage information (please note in order of storage institution, date, and number): None. International storage information (please note in order of storage country, institution, date, and number): None.

Claims

1. A printed circuit board holder, comprising: a board body having a first surface, a second surface, and a third surface, the third surface being connected between the first surface and the second surface, the first surface and the third surface forming a groove, the first surface and the second surface being at different levels, the third surface partially surrounding the groove, and opposite end edges of the third surface defining a first opening therein; a plurality of limiting units connected to the board body and at least partially protruding from the third surface, each of the limiting units forming a gap therein with the first surface. The gaps are configured to accommodate a printed circuit board, a first edge of which abuts against the third surface; a cover configured to be mounted on the first surface and abut against a second edge of the printed circuit board, the second edge being opposite the first edge; and a plurality of locking fasteners, each of which is connected between a corresponding one of the limiting units and the plate body, such that the size of each of the gaps is adjustable.

2. The printed circuit board holder as described in claim 1, wherein the limiting units are separated from each other.

3. The printed circuit board holder as claimed in claim 1, wherein the board body has a plurality of fourth surfaces and a plurality of fifth surfaces, each of the fourth surfaces being connected between the first surface and a corresponding one of the fifth surfaces, each of the fourth surfaces and a corresponding one of the fifth surfaces forming a channel, the channels respectively communicating with the recess, the first surface and the fifth surfaces being at different levels, each of the fourth surfaces partially surrounding a corresponding one of the channels, and each of the fourth surfaces defining a second opening therein at its two opposite end edges. Each of these second openings connects to the first opening.

4. The printed circuit board holder as claimed in claim 3, wherein each of the tunnels extends from a corresponding one of the second openings, and the tunnels are parallel to each other.

5. The printed circuit board holder as described in claim 3, wherein the channels are located away from the third surface.

6. The printed circuit board holder as claimed in claim 3, wherein the cover is further configured to cover at least one of the tunnels.

7. The printed circuit board holder as claimed in claim 1 further comprises: a pair of locking units opposite to each other, each of the locking units being connected to the board body and at least partially extending from the third surface.

8. The printed circuit board holder as claimed in claim 7, wherein each of the locking units includes a fixed portion and a movable portion, the fixed portion being connected to the board body, the movable portion being connected to the fixed portion, and configured to resiliently move relative to the fixed portion to protrude from or be embedded in the third surface.

9. The printed circuit board holder as claimed in claim 8, wherein each of the moving parts has an inclined surface facing the first opening.

10. The printed circuit board holder as claimed in claim 7, wherein the locking units are located between the first opening and the limiting units.

11. The printed circuit board holder as claimed in claim 1, wherein the board body is circular.

12. The printed circuit board holder as claimed in claim 1, wherein the limiting units are symmetrically distributed around the groove.

13. A method of clamping a printed circuit board, comprising: sliding a printed circuit board onto a surface of a board body into a recess in the board body, and accommodating a plurality of chips disposed on the printed circuit board in one of a plurality of channels in the board body, the channels communicating with the recess; accommodating at least one wire of the printed circuit board in one of the channels; abutting a first edge of the printed circuit board against an inner wall of the board body; locking a plurality of restraining units to the board body and adjusting the size of a gap between each of the restraining units and the surface such that the restraining units press the printed circuit board against the board body; and attaching a cover to the board body to cover the wire and abutting the cover against a second edge of the printed circuit board opposite to the first edge.

14. The method of claim 13 further comprises: pressing the printed circuit board against a pair of locking units disposed on the board body when the printed circuit board is slid, such that the locking units are elastically compressed and embedded in the board body; and resetting the locking units after the first edge of the printed circuit board abuts against the inner wall of the board body, such that the locking units at least partially protrude from the board body and abut against the second edge of the printed circuit board.

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