Method for manufacturing test socket

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a test socket. An embodiment may provide a method for manufacturing a test socket, the method being capable of accurately aligning a test pin manufactured by MEMS by using a jig, an alignment plate, and silicone rubber. The method for manufacturing a test socket according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the steps of: preparing a first alignment plate having a plurality of holes; inserting and arranging one end of each inspection pin into a hole of the first alignment plate; injecting silicone rubber into the upper portion of the first alignment plate; primarily curing the silicone rubber; preparing a second alignment plate having a plurality of holes formed therethrough; inserting and arranging the other end of the inspection pin into a hole of the second alignment plate, the other end having been inserted and fixed in the first alignment plate; injecting silicone rubber into the upper portion of the second alignment plate; and secondarily curing the silicone rubber.

Description

Method of manufacturing a test socket

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a test socket. One embodiment provides a method for manufacturing a test socket capable of accurately aligning inspection pins manufactured using MEMS using a jig, an alignment plate, and silicone rubber.

[0002] Test sockets are devices used to test the electrical characteristics of electronic components and devices, such as semiconductors and displays. As the electronic components and devices being measured become increasingly precise and miniaturized, the spacing and area of ​​the terminals measured by test sockets are also becoming increasingly narrow. Accordingly, test pins are now being manufactured using MEMS technology.

[0003] When manufacturing test sockets using these miniaturized inspection pins, it can be difficult to accurately space the pins, and the pins can become damaged during the manufacturing process. This can lead to noise and other issues, making accurate measurements difficult. Furthermore, the pins may not be positioned at the intended measurement location, making measurement impossible.

[0004] To address these issues, manufacturing test sockets requires significant time and expense, which reduces productivity and increases costs.

[0005] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a test socket capable of accurately mounting an ultra-small inspection pin.

[0006] In addition, the present invention can minimize damage or defects occurring during the manufacturing process and increase productivity.

[0007] Additionally, the present invention can reduce manufacturing costs.

[0008] A method for manufacturing a test socket according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises the steps of: preparing a first alignment plate having a plurality of holes formed therein; placing one end of an inspection pin by inserting it into the hole of the first alignment plate; injecting silicone rubber into an upper portion of the first alignment plate; primarily curing the silicone rubber; preparing a second alignment plate having a plurality of holes formed therein; placing the other end of an inspection pin inserted and fixed into the first alignment plate by inserting it into the hole of the second alignment plate; injecting silicone rubber into an upper portion of the second alignment plate; and secondarily curing the silicone rubber.

[0009] The shape of one end and the other end of the above inspection pin may be a concave shape with the edge extending longer than the center.

[0010] The above silicone rubber can be mixed with the subject and curing agent in a content ratio of 10:1.

[0011] The step of preparing the first alignment plate may include a step of roughening the upper surface of the first alignment plate.

[0012] The step of preparing the second alignment plate may include a step of roughening the upper surface of the second alignment plate.

[0013] The above first curing and second curing steps can be performed at 150°C for 5 to 10 minutes.

[0014] A method for manufacturing a test socket according to an embodiment of the present invention can accurately mount an ultra-small inspection pin.

[0015] In addition, the present invention can minimize damage or defects occurring during the manufacturing process and increase productivity.

[0016] Additionally, the present invention can reduce manufacturing costs.

[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates a test socket according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 2 illustrates an inspection pin.

[0019] FIG. 3 illustrates a method for manufacturing a test socket according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings. However, the embodiments of the present invention may be modified in various other forms, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below. In addition, the embodiments of the present invention are provided so that the present invention can be more completely described to a person having average knowledge in the relevant technical field. Therefore, the shape and size of the elements in the drawings may be exaggerated for clearer description, and elements indicated by the same reference numerals in the drawings are the same elements. In addition, the same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings for parts that have similar functions and actions. In addition, the term "including" a certain element throughout the specification does not exclude other elements, but rather means that other elements may be included, unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0021]

[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates a test socket according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 illustrates a method for manufacturing a test socket according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 3, a method for manufacturing a test socket according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the steps of: preparing a first alignment plate having a plurality of holes formed therein; inserting one end of an inspection pin into the hole of the first alignment plate and arranging it; injecting silicone rubber into an upper portion of the first alignment plate; first curing the silicone rubber; preparing a second alignment plate having a plurality of holes formed therein; inserting the other end of an inspection pin inserted and fixed into the first alignment plate into the hole of the second alignment plate and arranging it; injecting silicone rubber into an upper portion of the second alignment plate; and second curing the silicone rubber.

[0023] The present invention can be performed using a jig that fixes the first alignment plate and the second alignment plate.

[0024]

[0025] In the step of preparing the first alignment plate having the above plurality of holes formed, the first alignment plate performs the function of aligning the inspection pins so that they are placed in the correct positions (see Fig. 3(a)).

[0026] The first alignment plate may preferably be a film made of a polymer resin, for example, a polyimide film. This can increase the durability of the test socket and ensure insulation. The thickness of the first alignment plate may be tens to hundreds of µm, and may include a plurality of holes extending upward and downward. The hole is for inserting one end of the inspection pin, and may have a shape identical to or slightly larger than the cross-sectional shape of one end of the inspection pin.

[0027] In this step, the first alignment plate may be fixedly arranged on the jig. At this time, the jig may have a step at a portion where the hole of the first alignment plate is arranged so that one end of the inspection pin inserted into the hole of the first alignment plate is inserted at a constant length. In addition, an adhesive binder or adhesive tape may be arranged at the step portion to fix one end of the inspection pin.

[0028]

[0029] The step of preparing the first alignment plate having the plurality of holes formed thereon may include a step of roughening the upper surface of the first alignment plate. Silicone rubber is then injected into the upper surface of the first alignment plate and cured. At this time, since the coefficients of thermal expansion of the first alignment plate and the silicone rubber are different, a problem may occur in which the silicone rubber detaches from the first alignment plate during the subsequent process. In addition, when the test socket is used, an impact applied to the inspection pin may be transmitted, causing the silicone rubber to peel off. In this step, by roughening the upper surface of the first alignment plate, the adhesive strength with the silicone rubber may be increased, thereby preventing such a problem.

[0030] This step can be performed by rubbing the first alignment plate with sandpaper or the like.

[0031]

[0032] In the step of inserting one end of an inspection pin into the hole of the first alignment plate and arranging it, one inspection pin can be inserted into each hole of the first alignment plate fixed to the jig (see Fig. 3(b)). As described above, the inspection pin can be inserted to an accurate depth by the jig, and can be fixed by an adhesive binder or adhesive tape placed on the step surface of the jig.

[0033] The above-mentioned inspection pin is a component that collects electrical signals by contacting the electrode of the element or device being inspected. The inspection pin may be composed of a front end that contacts the inspection object, a rear end that contacts the inspection device, and a flexible part located between the front end and the rear end. The inspection pin may be made of a conductive material such as a metal or alloy, and may be manufactured using MEMS technology.

[0034] The above-mentioned front and rear ends are connected to the electrodes of the test sheet or test device, and may have a shape with a certain area. The flexible part functions to contract when pressure is applied to the front end to reduce shock, and to restore its shape when the pressure is removed. For this purpose, the flexible part may have elasticity. In one embodiment, the flexible part may have a spring shape or a zigzag shape.

[0035] Referring to Fig. 2, the front and rear ends of the inspection pin, that is, one end and the other end, may have a concave shape. More specifically, the one end and the other end of the inspection pin may have a concave shape in which the edge extends longer than the center. As described above, an adhesive binder or an adhesive tape may be arranged on the step surface of the jig to fix one end of the inspection pin, and the one end and / or the other end may be in contact with the adhesive binder or the adhesive tape. If the one end and the other end of the inspection pin have a convex or flat shape, they may adhere too strongly to the adhesive binder or the adhesive tape and not come off easily, or the adhesive material of the adhesive binder or the adhesive tape may remain. The present invention can solve this problem by minimizing the bonding area by making the one end and the other end of the inspection pin concave.

[0036]

[0037] Next, a step of injecting silicone rubber into the upper part of the first alignment plate is performed (see Fig. 3(c)). In this step, the silicone rubber is not particularly limited as long as it is injected in a liquid state and then hardened by heat treatment. The silicone rubber is a rubber made of silicone, and has flowability at room temperature but can be hardened by heating. The silicone rubber may be composed of a main agent and a curing agent, and the main agent and the curing agent may be stored separately during storage and then mixed when used. The main agent and the curing agent may be those commonly used in the relevant field. In one example, the main agent may include silica and polysilonic acid, and the curing agent may be an organic peroxide.

[0038] The above jig may include a first guide member for guiding the height or position at which the silicone rubber is injected. The first guide member may be positioned on the upper side or on the side of the first alignment plate. The first guide member may have a hollow frame shape to provide a space for the silicone rubber to be injected. Accordingly, this step may be to inject the silicone rubber at a height corresponding to the height of the first guide member.

[0039] This step can be performed by a variety of methods, including using instruments such as syringes.

[0040] In this step, the silicone rubber may be mixed with the subject and curing agent in a content ratio of 9:1 to 11:1, preferably 10:1. If the content of the curing agent is too high, the curing time is too short, resulting in curing with bubbles remaining inside or in brittleness. If the content of the curing agent is too low, the problem of curing not occurring properly occurs.

[0041]

[0042] Next, a step of primary curing the silicone rubber is performed. This step can be performed in an oven, and can be performed at 70 to 180°C, preferably 130 to 150°C, for 5 to 30 minutes, preferably 5 to 10 minutes, to cure the silicone rubber.

[0043]

[0044] Next, a step of preparing a second alignment plate having multiple holes formed can be performed (see Fig. 3(d)).

[0045] The second alignment plate may preferably be a film made of a polymer resin, for example, a polyimide film. This can increase the durability of the test socket and ensure insulation. The thickness of the first alignment plate may be tens to hundreds of µm, and may include a plurality of holes extending upward and downward. The holes are for inserting the other end of the inspection pin, and may have a cross-sectional shape identical to or slightly larger than that of the other end of the inspection pin.

[0046] In this step, the second alignment plate may be fixedly placed on the jig. At this time, the jig may have a step at a portion where the hole of the second alignment plate is placed so that the other end of the inspection pin inserted into the hole of the second alignment plate is inserted at a constant length. In addition, an adhesive binder or adhesive tape may be placed at the step portion to fix the other end of the inspection pin.

[0047]

[0048] The step of preparing the second alignment plate may include a step of roughening the upper surface of the second alignment plate. Silicone rubber is then injected into the upper portion of the second alignment plate and cured. At this time, since the coefficients of thermal expansion of the second alignment plate and the silicone rubber are different, a problem may occur in which the silicone rubber detaches from the second alignment plate during the subsequent process. In addition, when the test socket is used, an impact applied to the inspection pin may be transmitted, causing the silicone rubber to peel off. In this step, by roughening the upper surface of the second alignment plate, the adhesive strength with the silicone rubber may be increased, thereby preventing such a problem.

[0049] This step can be performed by rubbing the second alignment plate with sandpaper or the like.

[0050]

[0051] Next, a step of inserting and arranging one end of the inspection pin into the hole of the first alignment plate may be performed (see Fig. 3(e)). In this step, the first alignment plate is placed upside down on the second alignment plate fixed to the jig, and the other end of the inspection pin is inserted into the hole of the second alignment plate. As described above, the inspection pin can be inserted to an accurate depth by the jig, and the other end of the inspection pin can be fixed by an adhesive binder or adhesive tape arranged on the step surface of the jig.

[0052]

[0053] Next, a step of injecting silicone rubber into the upper portion of the second alignment plate may be performed (see Fig. 3 (f)). The silicone rubber and the method of injecting the silicone rubber may be the same as those described above in the step of injecting silicone rubber into the upper portion of the first alignment plate.

[0054] The above jig may include a second guide member for guiding the height or position at which the silicone rubber is injected. The second guide member may be positioned above or on the side of the first alignment plate. The second guide member may have a hollow frame shape to provide a space for the silicone rubber to be injected. Accordingly, this step may be to inject the silicone rubber at a height corresponding to the height of the second guide member.

[0055]

[0056] Next, a step of secondary curing of the silicone rubber is performed. This step can be performed in the same manner as the primary curing step.

[0057]

[0058] Experimental example: Contamination evaluation according to the shape of one end of the inspection pin

[0059] Depending on the shape of one end of the inspection pin, it was evaluated whether contamination occurred during manufacturing.

[0060] For this experiment, a concave inspection pin (Example) and a convex inspection pin (Comparative Example) were prepared. The first alignment plate was placed on a jig, and double-sided tape was placed to secure one end of the inspection pin to the stepped surface of the jig. The inspection pin of the Example and the inspection pin of the Comparative Example were inserted into the holes of the first alignment plate and secured to the double-sided tape. Next, silicone rubber was injected into the upper part of the first alignment plate, separated from the jig, and placed in an oven to cure at 80°C for 30 minutes. After curing was complete, the ends of the Example and Comparative Examples were observed for contamination.

[0061] Referring to Fig. 4, in the case of the concave embodiment, there was no contamination (a), but in the comparative example, contamination was found (b).

[0062]

[0063] Experimental Example: Evaluation of Curing Quality According to Curing Agent Content in Silicone Rubber

[0064] The curing quality was evaluated according to the content of the curing agent in silicone rubber.

[0065] For this experiment, silicone rubbers A, B, and C were prepared by mixing the main agent and the curing agent in weight ratios of 1:1, 2:1, and 10:1, respectively. The first alignment plate was placed on a jig, and double-sided tape was placed to fix one end of an inspection pin to the stepped surface of the jig. The inspection pin was inserted into the hole of the first alignment plate and fixed to the double-sided tape. Next, silicone rubbers A, B, and C were separately injected into the upper part of the first alignment plate. After being removed from the jig, they were placed in an oven and cured at 80°C for 30 minutes. The curing states of silicone rubbers A, B, and C were observed after curing was completed.

[0066] Products using silicone rubber A exhibited smoke emanating from the silicone rubber, with only the lower portion of the silicone rubber curing while the upper portion remained liquid. Products using silicone rubber B exhibited a firm cure, but discolored yellow and contained numerous bubbles. Products using silicone rubber C exhibited stable cure without discoloration or bubbles.

[0067] In addition, the same pressure was applied to the surfaces of cured silicone rubbers A, B, and C to examine the hardness of silicone rubbers A, B, and C. Figures 5(a) to (c) are photographs of silicone rubbers A, B, and C, respectively. It was observed that silicone rubber A was not completely cured, and it was confirmed that silicone rubbers B and C were completely cured.

[0068]

[0069] Experimental Example: Evaluation of the Adhesive Strength of Silicone Rubber According to the Surface Treatment of the First Alignment Plate

[0070] It was evaluated whether the adhesion to silicone rubber increases when the surface of the first alignment plate is roughened.

[0071] For this experiment, a first alignment plate (example) with its upper surface scratched by sandpaper and a first alignment plate (comparative example) without any treatment were prepared. Each first alignment plate was placed on a jig, and double-sided tape was placed to secure one end of an inspection pin to the stepped surface of the jig. The inspection pin was inserted into the hole of the first alignment plate and secured to the double-sided tape. Next, silicone rubber was injected into the upper part of the first alignment plate. After that, it was removed from the jig and placed in an oven to cure at 80°C for 30 minutes. The bonding state of the silicone rubber after curing was observed.

[0072] Figure 6(a) is a photograph of an example, and (b) is a photograph of a comparative example. In the comparative example, which was not subjected to any treatment, the silicone rubber at the edge of the first alignment plate was observed to have detached from the first alignment plate and appeared white. In the example, which had a roughened surface, the silicone rubber bonded normally.

[0073]

[0074] Experimental Example: Evaluation of Curing Conditions

[0075] The curing quality was evaluated according to the temperature and time for curing silicone rubber.

[0076] For this experiment, the first alignment plate was placed on a jig and double-sided tape was placed to secure one end of an inspection pin to the stepped surface of the jig. The inspection pin was inserted into the hole of the first alignment plate and secured to the double-sided tape. Next, silicone rubber was injected into the upper part of the first alignment plate. In this way, a total of four plates were prepared. Afterwards, they were removed from the jig and placed in an oven and cured at 150°C for 2, 3, 5, and 10 minutes, respectively. The curing of the silicone rubber was observed after curing was complete.

[0077] The 2-minute cured specimen was in a liquid state and not fully cured, while the 3-minute cured specimen was only partially cured. The 5- and 10-minute cured specimens were observed to be completely cured. Therefore, it was confirmed that an efficient curing process can be performed by curing at 150°C for 5 to 10 minutes.

[0078]

[0079] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and the attached drawings, but is intended to be defined by the appended claims. Therefore, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various substitutions, modifications, and alterations may be made without departing from the technical spirit of the present invention as defined in the claims, and such modifications are also within the scope of the present invention.

[0080]

[0081] [Description of drawing symbols]

[0082] 100: test socket, 110: inspection pin, 111: front end, 112: flexible part, 113: rear end, 120: first alignment plate, 130: second alignment plate, 140: silicone rubber layer

Claims

1. A step of preparing a first alignment plate having multiple holes formed therein; A step of inserting and arranging one end of an inspection pin into the hole of the first alignment plate; A step of injecting silicone rubber into the upper part of the first alignment plate; A step of first curing the above silicone rubber; A step of preparing a second alignment plate having multiple holes formed therein; A step of inserting and arranging the other end of the inspection pin inserted and fixed into the first alignment plate into the hole of the second alignment plate; A step of injecting silicone rubber into the upper part of the second alignment plate, and Comprising a step of secondary curing of the above silicone rubber, Method of manufacturing a test socket.

2. In paragraph 1, The shape of one end and the other end of the above inspection pin is a concave shape with the edge extending longer than the center. Method of manufacturing a test socket.

3. In paragraph 1, The above silicone rubber is a mixture of the subject and the curing agent in a content ratio of 10:

1. Method of manufacturing a test socket.

4. In paragraph 1, The step of preparing the first alignment plate includes the step of roughening the upper surface of the first alignment plate, The step of preparing the second alignment plate includes the step of roughening the upper surface of the second alignment plate. Method of manufacturing a test socket.

5. In paragraph 1, The above first curing and second curing steps are performed at 150°C for 5 to 10 minutes. Method of manufacturing a test socket.

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