Patent ID: 6590406
Filing Date: 2003-07-08
Classification: G09G

Abstract:
An inspection apparatus comprising:a probe-supporting frame member for supporting an inspection probe block having an inspection terminal thereon, said probe-supporting frame member including a plurality of frame sections arranged so as to form and surround an opening area, said frame sections being operable to move within a plane of said probe-supporting frame member in an advancing direction so as to contract said probe-supporting frame member into an inspection position, and said frame sections being operable to move within the plane of said probe-supporting frame member in a retracting direction so as to expand said probe-supporting frame member into an exchange position; and a board supporting frame member for supporting one of a display board and a circuit board to be inspected, said board supporting frame member being operable to move orthogonal to the plane of said probe-supporting frame member in a retracting direction so as to place said board supporting frame member in a standby position, and being operable to move orthogonal to the plane of said probe-supporting frame member in an advancing direction so as to place said board supporting frame member in one of an inspection position, whereat an electrode pad of the one of a display board and a circuit board supported by said board supporting frame member is pressed into contact with the inspection terminal of the inspection probe block supported by said probe-supporting frame member in the inspection position, and an exchange position, whereat the one of a display board and a circuit board supported by said board supporting frame member protrudes through the opening area formed by said frame sections and through the plane of said probe-supporting frame member.