Socket for inspection

An IC socket (2) includes a first contact terminal (15a) that contacts a gull wing type lead terminal (1b) of an IC device (1), a second contact terminal that contacts a J-type lead terminal, a cam portion (3d) and a sliding portion (15c5) for bringing the first contact terminal (15a) into contact with the gull wing type lead terminal (1b), and a latch (6) for bringing the second contact terminal into contact with the J-type lead terminal. An asynchronous operation in which a contact operation by the cam portion (3d) and the sliding portion (15c5) is performed after a contact operation by the latch (6) is performed.

This application is the U.S. National Stage of International Application No. PCT/JP2019/003405, filed on Jan. 31, 2019, which designates the U.S., published in Japanese. The entire teachings of the above application are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a socket for inspection to be used, for example, when an IC package having an IC chip enclosed therein is inspected, and more specifically to an open top type IC socket for inspecting an IC package having different types of lead terminals.

BACKGROUND ART

Generally, in a semiconductor device, an IC chip serving as a core is enclosed in a package made of synthetic resin in order to protect the IC chip from the outside. Therefore, the semiconductor device is provided with a terminal portion for electrically connecting the IC chip and an external connection device. Various forms are prepared for this terminal portion according to a package mounting method. As an example, Patent Literatures 1 and 2 disclose QFP (Quad Flat Package) type semiconductor devices. The QFP type semiconductor device is a surface mount type semiconductor package in which lead terminals are drawn out from four side surfaces of the package, and has J-shaped J-type lead terminals (Patent Literature 1) or L-shaped gull wing type (Patent Literature 2).

As IC chips become smaller in size and higher in performance, semiconductor devices themselves are required to be miniaturized. However, when semiconductor devices are miniaturized, it will inevitably cause a problem in that lead terminals are higher in density. However, since there is a physical limit to increasing the density of lead terminals, a hybrid type semiconductor device in which plural types of lead terminals are combined in one package has recently been proposed (for example, see Patent Literatures 3 to 5). According to the aforementioned semiconductor device, lead terminals can be arranged at high density in one package, so that the semiconductor device can be downsized and the performance thereof can be improved.

Further, semiconductor devices are subjected to an operation inspection such as a burn-in test and an electric characteristic inspection after products are completed. Usually, this operation inspection is carried out using a dedicated jig (IC socket). For example, Patent Literature 6 discloses an example of an IC socket for a semiconductor package having gull wing type lead terminals, and Patent Literature 7 discloses an example of an IC socket for a semiconductor package having J-type lead terminals.

CITATION LIST

Patent Literature

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Technical Problem

However, there is the following technical problem in testing the hybrid type semiconductor device described above. In other words, the contact terminals must be simultaneously brought into contact with the lead terminals which are different in drawing form among respective types, thereby surely achieving conduction with the lead terminals.

Therefore, in order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the present invention has an object to provide a socket for inspection that is capable of surely achieving the conduction between lead terminals and contact terminals when simultaneously inspecting a hybrid type semiconductor package having different types of lead terminals by one inspection operation.

Solution to Problem

A socket for inspection according to an aspect of the present invention comprises: a first contact terminal that is configured to be in contact with a first lead terminal of an inspection device; a second contact terminal that is configured to be in contact with a second lead terminal of the inspection device, the second lead terminal being different in type from the first lead terminal; a first contact mechanism that is configured to bring the first contact terminal into contact with the first lead terminal; a second contact mechanism that is configured to bring the second contact terminal into contact with the second lead terminal; and an asynchronous mechanism that is configured to perform an asynchronous operation in which a contact operation by the first contact mechanism is performed after a contact operation by the second contact mechanism.

The asynchronous mechanism causes the contact operation by the first contact mechanism to be performed after the contact operation by the second contact mechanism. This makes it possible to bring the first contact terminal into contact with the first lead terminal after the second contact terminal is brought into contact with the second lead terminal to surely ensure the conduction. Therefore, even if the first lead terminal and the second lead terminal are different types of lead terminals, it is possible to surely achieve conduction for the respective lead terminals.

Note that the contact operation does not include a case where the contact terminal is simply touching the lead terminal, but means a contact state equivalent to a state under inspection. For example, in a case where a contact state equivalent to the state under inspection is obtained only after the contact terminal touches the lead terminal and then the contact terminal is pushed, it means that the contact operation has been performed after the pushing. In a case where a contact state equivalent to the state under inspection is not obtained unless a state where the lead terminal has been pinched is obtained, it means that the contact operation has been performed after the pinching.

The inspection device is typically a semiconductor package, more specifically an IC package.

In the socket for inspection according to the aspect of the present invention, the asynchronous mechanism releases the contact by the first contact mechanism before releasing the contact by the second contact mechanism.

The contact by the first contact mechanism is released before the contact by the second contact mechanism is released. This makes it possible to first release the contact state between the first lead terminal and the first contact terminal under the state where the second contact terminal is in contact with the second lead terminal. Therefore, it can be prevented as much as possible to damage the respective terminals when the contact state is released.

The socket for inspection according to one aspect of the present invention further comprises: a base that is provided on a mount side on which the inspection device is accommodated; a first cover that is provided so as to approach to and move away from the base; and a second cover that is provided so as to approach to and move away from the base independently of the first cover, wherein the first contact mechanism and the second contact mechanism are driven according to movements of the first cover and the second cover.

The first contact mechanism and the second contact mechanism are operated by the first cover and the second cover that approach to and move away from the base. As a result, the contact operations of the first contact terminal and the second contact terminal can be performed in conjunction with the movements of the first cover and the second cover, and an inspection based on a simple operation can be realized.

In the socket for inspection according to one aspect of the present invention, the first cover includes a second cover accommodating portion that is configured to accommodate the second cover therein.

The second cover can reciprocate while accommodated in the second cover accommodation portion provided to the first cover. As a result, the first cover and the second cover can be configured to be compact in size.

The socket for inspection according to one aspect of the present invention further comprises a latch reciprocating between a press position where a back surface opposite to a mount surface of the inspection device is pressed in a direction to the mount surface, and a separation position where the latch is separated from the inspection device, wherein according to the movement of the first cover and/or the second cover, the latch is located at the press position when the inspection device is inspected, and is located at the separation position when the inspection device is mounted or taken out.

The back surface of the inspection device is pressed by the latch, whereby the contact of the contact terminal can be surely obtained under inspection. Further, when the inspection device is mounted or taken out, a work of replacing the inspection device can be facilitated by separating the latch from the inspection device. Further, since the latch is driven according to the movement of the first cover and/or the second cover, an inspection work can be simplified.

In the socket for inspection according to one aspect of the present invention, the latch is operated by the second cover, and the second contact mechanism performs a contact operation upon placement of the latch at the press position.

As the second contact mechanism, the press operation of the latch is performed by the second cover to bring the second contact terminal into contact with the second lead terminal. Since the second cover can move with respect to the base independently of the first cover, an asynchronous mechanism for the first contact mechanism and the second contact mechanism can be realized.

The second lead terminal may include, for example, a J-type lead terminal provided around the back surface side of the inspection device.

In the socket for inspection according to one aspect of the present invention, the latch releases the contact between the second lead terminal and the second contact terminal upon placement of the latch at the separation position.

When the second cover moves, the retreating operation of the latch releases the contact between the second lead terminal and the second contact terminal. Accordingly, the contact of the second lead terminal can be easily released in conjunction with the movement of the second cover.

In the socket for inspection according to one aspect of the present invention, the first contact terminal includes a one-surface-side contact portion configured to be in contact with one surface side of the first lead terminal, an other-surface-side contact portion configured to be in contact with another surface side of the first lead terminal, and an arm portion that is configured to cause the other-surface-side contact portion to approach the one-surface-side contact portion so as to pinch the first lead terminal, wherein the first cover includes a cam portion that contacts the arm portion and regulates movement of the arm portion, and the first contact mechanism performs a contact operation by the arm portion operating according to the cam portion in connection with movement of the first cover with respect to the base.

The cam portion is provided to the first cover that approaches to and moves away from the base, and the first contact terminal having the arm portion whose operation is regulated by the cam portion is provided. When the arm portion operates, the other-surface-side contact portion driven by the arm portion approaches the one-surface-side contact portion. As a result, the first lead terminal can be pinched by the one-surface-side contact portion and the other-surface-side contact portion, and a good contact state can be obtained.

The first lead terminal may include, for example, a gull wing type lead terminal extending to a side of the inspection device.

In the socket for inspection according to one aspect of the present invention, the arm portion is driven so that the other-surface-side contact portion which pinches the first lead terminal is moved away from the one-surface-side contact portion, thereby releasing the contact, and the first contact mechanism releases the contact by the arm portion operating according to the cam portion in connection with movement of the first cover with respect to the base.

When the arm portion operates according to the cam portion, the other-surface-side contact portion driven by the arm portion is moved away from the one-surface-side contact portion. As a result, the other-surface-side contact portion can be smoothly separated from the first lead terminal.

In the socket for inspection according to one aspect of the present invention, the cam portion includes a movement resistance portion that is configured to increase a movement resistance of the arm portion operating in contact with the cam portion, and the asynchronous mechanism causes the asynchronous operation to be performed upon contact of the arm portion with the movement resistance portion.

The operation of the arm portion is temporarily delayed when the arm portion for operating the other-surface-side contact portion of the first contact terminal comes into contact with the movement resistance portion provided to the cam portion. As a result, an asynchronous operation in which the contact operation by the first contact mechanism is performed after the contact operation by the second contact mechanism is realized.

The movement resistance portion may include, for example, an engagement portion having a convex shape, a friction portion having increased friction resistance or the like.

In the socket for inspection according to one aspect of the present invention, the cam portion includes a first cam portion that is configured to regulate an operation in which the other-surface-side contact portion approaches to or moves away from the one-surface-side contact portion, and a second cam portion that is configured to regulate an operation in which a state where the other-surface-side contact portion is separated from the one-surface-side contact portion is kept, the movement resistance portion being interposed between the first cam portion and the second cam portion.

The first cam portion and the second cam portion are provided with the movement resistance portion being interposed therebetween, and the first cam portion is adapted to regulate the operation in which the other-surface-side contact portion approaches to or moves away from the one-surface-side contact portion, and the second cam portion is adapted to regulate the operation of keeping the state where the other-surface-side contact portion is separated from the one-surface-side contact portion. As a result, the open state and the closing operation of the other-surface-side contact portion can be clearly separated from each other, and the asynchronous operation can be reliably performed.

The socket for inspection according to one aspect of the present invention further comprises a first terminal latch configured to press the first contact terminal so as to bring the first contact terminal into contact with the first lead terminal according to movement of the first cover, wherein the first terminal latch serves as the first contact mechanism to bring the first contact terminal into contact with the first lead terminal.

As the first contact mechanism, the pressing operation of the first terminal latch is performed by the first cover to bring the first contact terminal into contact with the first lead terminal. Since the first cover can move with respect to the base independently of the second cover, an asynchronous mechanism for the first contact mechanism and the second contact mechanism can be realized.

In the socket for inspection according to one aspect of the present invention, the first terminal latch releases the contact between the first lead terminal and the first contact terminal according to the movement of the first cover.

When the first cover moves, the retreating operation of the first terminal latch releases the contact between the first lead terminal and the first contact terminal. As a result, the contact of the first lead terminal can be easily released in conjunction with the movement of the first cover.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

According to the present invention, contact terminals can be surely brought into contact with lead terminals of a hybrid type semiconductor package having different types of lead terminals, and inspection can be completed by only one inspection operation.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

First Embodiment

FIGS. 1A and 1Bshow an IC device (inspection device)1to be inspected by using an IC socket (socket for inspection) according to the present embodiment. The IC device1has an IC chip enclosed therein, and has a package main body1athat has a square shape when seen in plan view. The IC device1is configured as QFP (Quad Flat Package) type, and provided with a plurality of lead terminals1band1con each of four sides of the package main body1a. The L-shaped gull wing type lead terminals (first lead terminals)1bare provided so as to extend outwards orthogonally to each side of the package main body1a. The respective gull wing type lead terminals1bare arranged in parallel to one another at a predetermined interval. The J-shaped J-type lead terminals (second lead terminals)1care arranged at a predetermined interval so as to be interposed between the gull wing type lead terminals1b. As described above, the gull wing type lead terminals1band the J-type lead terminals1care provided alternately.

FIG. 2shows an IC socket2according to the present embodiment.

Note that in the present embodiment, “upward” means a direction away from an inspection board (not shown) on which the IC socket2is mounted, and “downward” means a direction toward the inspection board.

The IC socket2is configured in a rectangular parallelepiped shape which is substantially square when seen in plan view. An accommodating recess portion2ain which the IC device1is accommodated under inspection is formed at the center of the IC socket2.

The IC socket2includes one first cover3forming an outer frame, and one second cover4to be accommodated inside the first cover3. The first cover3and the second cover4are provided on a base5.

The first cover3is configured to have an outer shape which is substantially square when seen in plan view, and have an opening therein. The first cover3is capable of reciprocating in an up-and-down direction so as to approach to and move away from the base5.

The second cover4is configured to have an outer shape which is substantially square so that it is accommodated inside the first cover3, and have an opening therein. The second cover is capable of reciprocating in an up-and-down direction with respect to the base5independently of the first cover3.

The base5is located below the IC socket2, and serves as a base stand for the IC socket2. The base5has a lower surface to be mounted on the inspection board (not shown).

Four latches6are provided on the center side of the first cover3and the second cover4. Each latch6is provided so as to correspond to each side of the first cover3and the second cover4. Each latch6operates so as to push the back surface (upper surface) of the IC device1downward when the IC device1is placed in the accommodating recess portion2a. As a result, the IC device1is securely fixed. Note that the number of latches6is not limited to four in the present embodiment, and may be two which are provided at opposing positions, for example.

FIG. 3is an exploded perspective view of the IC socket2.

A support plate7and a mounter8are assembled in order on the lower-side base5, and the first cover3and the second cover4are assembled on the base5so as to surround the support plate7and the mounter8.

Each latch6is attached to the second cover4via a latch pin10. The latch pin10is a rod-shaped shaft body. The latch6is attached so as to rotate around the latch pin10. Reference sign11indicates an E-ring for rotatably fixing the latch pin10to the second cover4.

Four rivets13are arranged to be inserted from below the base5. The rivet13is a fixture that relatively fixes the base5and the second cover4, and the distance between the base5and the second cover4in a height direction in a free state is positionally determined by the rivets13.

In the base5, four first contact terminal groups15are inserted from the outer sides of the four sides of the base5, respectively. Each of the first contact terminal groups15is configured by arranging a plurality of first contact terminals15ain parallel to one another. Each of the first contact terminals15ais used as a terminal which comes into contact with each gull wing type lead terminal1bshown inFIGS. 1A and 1B, thereby achieving conduction with the gull wing type lead terminal1b.

In the base5, four second contact terminal groups16are inserted so as to face the respective first contact terminal groups15from the inner side of the base5. Each of the second contact terminal groups16is configured by arranging a plurality of second contact terminals16ain parallel to one another. Each of the second contact terminals16ais used as a terminal which is to be brought into contact with each J-type lead terminal1cshown inFIGS. 1A and 1B, thereby achieving conduction with the J-type lead terminal1c.

A plurality of (four in the present embodiment) pedestal coil springs18are provided below the mounter8. Each pedestal coil spring18is used to urge the mounter8upward with respect to the base5.

A plurality of (eight in the present embodiment) first coil springs19are provided below the first cover3. Each of the first coil springs19is used to urge the first cover3upward with respect to the base5.

A plurality of (eight in this embodiment) second coil springs20are provided below the second cover4. Each of the second coil springs20is used to urge the second cover4upward with respect to the base5.

The base5is a molded product of synthetic resin and has an outer shape which is substantially square when seen in plan view. The bottom of the base5is provided with a flat mounting surface5ato be mounted on an inspection board (not shown). Projections5bfor positioning are provided at the four corners of the mounting surface5a.

Columnar guide portions5cwhich are upright upward are provided at four corners of the base5. Each of the guide portions5cincludes an inner guide portion5c1that is substantially L-shaped when seen in plan view, and outer guide portions5c2arranged at the four corners of the base5. The inner guide portions5c1are symmetrically arranged so that L-shaped top portions5dthereof face a center O1(seeFIG. 4B) of the base5. Each of the outer surfaces5eof the inner guide portions5c1guides the reciprocating movement of the first cover3in the up-and-down direction. The outer guides5c2are provided to be upright from the four corners of the base5, and the inner surfaces5ffacing inward guide the reciprocating movement of the second cover4in the up-and-down direction.

A plurality of first coil spring insertion holes5gin which the first coil springs19(seeFIG. 3) are inserted and a plurality of second coil spring insertion holes5hin which the second coil springs20(seeFIG. 3) are inserted are formed at outside portions of the guide portions5c.

A base opening portion5iis provided on the center O1side of the base5, that is, on the inside of each guide portion5c. The base opening portion5iis configured to have a square shape when seen in plan view, and serves as a space in which the support plate7(seeFIG. 3) and the mounter8(seeFIG. 3) are accommodated.

A first contact holding portion5jand a second contact holding portion5kare provided between the adjacent guide portions5c.

The first contact holding portion5jis configured by a plurality of slit grooves for holding the first contact terminal group15(seeFIG. 3). The slit grooves of the first contact holding portion5jare formed so as to extend from the outside to the inside of the base5. The slit grooves respectively correspond to the first contact terminals15a(seeFIG. 3). The first contact terminal15ais held while press-fit in the slit groove.

The second contact holding portion5kis configured by a plurality of slit grooves for holding the second contact terminal group16(seeFIG. 3). The slit grooves of the second contact holding portion5kare formed so as to extend from the inside to the outside of the base5. The slit grooves respectively correspond to the second contact terminals16a(seeFIG. 3). The second contact terminal16ais held while press-fit in the slit groove, and is fixed by a sealing piece for retaining (in the present embodiment, the support plate7also serves as the sealing piece).

FIG. 5shows the first contact terminal15a. The first contact terminals15aare formed of metal having good electric conductivity, and are arranged side by side at a predetermined interval to form the first contact terminal group15(seeFIG. 3).

The first contact terminal15aincludes a base portion15b, and an upper contact portion15cand a lower contact portion15dthat are bifurcated upward from the base portion15b.

The base portion15bincludes a plurality of (two in the present embodiment) first board-side terminals15b1protruding downward. Each of the first board-side terminal15b1is electrically connected to the inspection board (not shown).

The upper contact portion15cincludes an eddy portion15c1that is continuously connected to the base portion15b, a contact-side arm portion15c2that branches from the eddy portion15c1and extends to a left side (to the inside of the IC socket2) inFIG. 5, and a drive-side arm portion15c3that branches from the eddy portion15c1and extends upward. The eddy portion15c1is formed in an eddy-like shape having a plurality of curved portions, and applies an elastic force to the contact-side arm portion15c2and the drive-side arm portion15c3with respect to the base portion15b. A first upper-side contact15c4which comes into contact with the upper surface of the gull wing type lead terminal1b(seeFIG. 1) at the lower surface thereof is provided at the tip (left end) of the contact-side arm portion15c2. A sliding portion15c5that slides on a cam portion3d(seeFIG. 10B) described later is provided at the tip (upper end) of the drive-side arm portion15c3. The sliding portion15c5is configured to have a convex curved-surface shape.

The lower contact portion15dis provided so as to extend leftward (to the inside of the IC socket2) with respect to the base portion inFIG. 5and extend obliquely upward so that it approaches the first upper-side contact15c4. A first lower-side contact15d1that comes into contact with the lower surface of the gull wing type lead terminal1b(seeFIG. 1) at the upper surface thereof is provided at the tip (left end) of the lower contact portion15d. The first lower-side contact15d1faces the lower side of the first upper-side contact15c4. The first lower-side contact15d1has a flat surface portion, and the area of the flat surface portion is set to be larger than the area of the first upper-side contact15c4. The interval distance between the first upper-side contact15c4and the first lower-side contact15d1changes according to the displacement of the drive-side arm portion15c3. Under inspection, the gull wing type lead terminal1bis pinched by the first upper-side contact15c4and the first lower-side contact15d1, so that the first upper-side contact15c4and the first lower-side contact15d1electrically contact each other to achieve conduction therebetween.

In the present embodiment, in the first contact terminal15a, both the upper contact portion15cand the lower contact portion15dare configured by a single metal plate (electrically conductive member). However, at least one of the upper contact portion15cand the lower contact portion15dmay be conductive. In other words, one of the contact terminals15cand15dmay be formed as a conductor while the other of the contact terminals15dand15cis formed of synthetic resin or the like, for example, by insert molding, and the lead terminal may be pinched by both of these contact terminals15cand15d.

FIG. 6shows the second contact terminal16a. The second contact terminals16aare made of metal having good electrical conductivity, and are arranged side by side at a predetermined interval to form the second contact terminal group16(seeFIG. 3).

The second contact terminal16aincludes a base portion16b, a meandering portion16cthat is continuously connected to the base portion16b, and a second contact portion16dthat is continuously connected to the meandering portion16c.

The base portion16bincludes a plurality of (two in the present embodiment) second board-side terminals16b1protruding downward. Each of the second board-side terminals16b1is electrically connected to the inspection board (not shown). In the present embodiment, the second board-side terminals16b1are provided at two places, and a predetermined terminal pattern is formed by selectively selecting the second board-side terminals16b1according to the arrangement order of the second contact terminals16a.

The meandering portion16chas a plurality of folded-back portions, and is shaped so that the folded-back portions are meandered upward. The meandering portion16capplies an elastic force in an up-and-down direction to the second contact portion16dwith respect to the base portion16b.

The second contact portion16dextends in the up-and-down direction, and has a second contact16d1on the upper surface of the tip (upper end) thereof. Under inspection, the second contact16d1comes into contact with the J-type lead terminal1c(seeFIG. 1) to achieve conduction with the J-type lead terminal1c.

The support plate7has an outer shape which is substantially square when seen in plan view. The support plate7is accommodated in the base opening portion5i(seeFIG. 4B) of the base5.

Locking claws7aprotruding downward are provided to the lower surface of the support plate7. The locking claws7aare provided at the four corners, respectively. The locking claws7aare adapted to be inserted and fitted in locking holes5l(seeFIG. 4B) formed in the bottom surface of the center of the base5. The support plate7is firmly fixed to the base5by fitting the locking claws7ain the locking holes5lof the base5.

The upper surface7bof the support plate7is a flat surface, and convex portions7b1with which the mounter8(seeFIG. 3) comes into contact are provided at the four corners. The heights of the top surfaces of the respective convex portions7b1are set so that the top surfaces are flush with one another. In other words, the convex portions7b1are used as a stopper for the mounter8and define a reference surface under inspection.

The mounter8has an outer shape which is substantially square when seen in plan view. The mounter8is accommodated in the base opening portion5i(seeFIG. 4B) of the base5, and placed above the support plate7.

A mounting recess portion8athat opens upward is formed at the center of the mounter8. The mounting recess portion8ais configured in a substantially square shape corresponding to the outer shape of the IC device1(seeFIG. 1). The lower end of the mounting recess portion8ais defined by a mounting surface8b. The IC device (seeFIG. 1) is inserted into the mounting recess portion8afrom above, and placed on the mounting surface8b.

Guide portions8cextending downward are provided at four corners of the mounter8. A claw portion8dis provided at the tip of the guide portion8c. The guide portions8care inserted in guide hole portions5m(seeFIG. 4B) provided at four places of the base5. The mounter8is capable of reciprocating in the up-and-down direction with respect to the base5by inserting each guide portion into the guide hole portion5m.

The mounter8is urged upward with respect to the base5by the pedestal coil springs18(seeFIG. 3). In an unloaded state, the mounter8is urged upward by the pedestal coil springs18, resulting in a state where the mounter8is separated from the support plate7. The upper position of the mounter8is restricted by the claw portions8dprovided to the guide portions8c. The mounter8is moved so as to approach the support plate7when an external force is applied downward by the latches6(seeFIG. 3) via the IC device1, and is stopped in a state where the mounter8contacts the support plate7.

The latch is shown inFIG. 9.

The latch6is made of resin, and has a frame body6ahaving a square shape. The frame body6aincludes swing arms6a1provided on both sides thereof, a guide arm6a2which is provided so as to connect both the swing arms6a1at one end (lower end (left end) inFIG. 9) of each of the swing arms6a1, and a press portion6a3which is provided so as to connect both the swing arms6a1at the other end (upper end (right end) inFIG. 9) of each of the swing arms6a1.

Shaft portions6bprotruding outward are provided on both sides of both the swing arms6a1. The shaft portions6bare inserted into guide groove portions5n(seeFIG. 4A) formed in the guide portions5cof the base5.

A pin insertion hole6cis formed in the guide arm6a2so as to extend along the longitudinal direction of the guide arm6a2. The latch pin10shown inFIG. 3is inserted into the pin insertion hole6c. By inserting the latch pin10into the pin insertion hole6c, the latch6is freely turnably fixed in a round hole4c(seeFIG. 11) of the second cover4(seeFIG. 3). When the latch6is turned around the latch pin10, the press portion6a3swings according to the movement of the shaft portion6b. As described above, the shaft portion6bdefines the swinging motion of the press portion6a3according to the shape of the guide groove portion5n.

The lower surface of the press portion6a3comes into contact with the upper surface of the IC device1(seeFIG. 1) to thereby press the IC device1downward.

The first cover3is shown inFIG. 10A.

The first cover3is made of resin, and has an outer shape which is square when seen in plan view. A square opening portion3ais formed at the center portion of the first cover3so as to penetrate therethrough in the up-and-down direction. The IC device1(seeFIG. 1) is inserted from above and taken out through the opening portion3a. An accommodating recess portion (second cover accommodating portion)3bwhich is formed in a square shape in plan view is formed so as to surround the opening portion3a. The second cover4is allowed to be accommodated in the accommodating recess portion3bfrom above. The second cover4reciprocates in the up-and-down direction in the accommodating recess portion3b.

Further, as described above, the first cover3is urged upward from the base5by the first coil springs19.

FIG. 10Bshows a vertically sectional view of the first cover3.FIG. 10Bis a sectional view taken along a cutting line that passes through the center of the first cover3, and is parallel to one side of the first cover3. As shown inFIG. 10B, elongated hole portions3cextending in the up-and-down direction are formed on the lower portions on the sides of the first cover3. The elongated hole portion3cis shaped so as to be closed at an upper end3c1thereof and a lower end3c2thereof. The latch pin10(seeFIG. 3) is inserted into the elongated hole portion3c. Two elongated hole portions3care provided for one latch pin10while being spaced away from each other in the longitudinal direction of the latch pin10, and guide the latch pin10at two locations. As a result, the latch pin10is movable in the up-and-down direction in the elongated hole portions3cwith respect to the first cover3.

The first cover3is provided with cam portions3dwith which the sliding portions15c5of the first contact terminals15ashown inFIG. 5come into contact. The cam portions3dare provided along each of the four sides of the first cover3, and has cam surfaces that face the outside of the first cover3. The cam portion3dincludes a first cam portion3d1having a curved surface which extends from the lower side to the upper side and is curved in a convex shape so as to protrude to the outside of the first cover3, and a second cam portion3d2which is provided above the first cam portion3d1in a substantially flat shape extending from the lower side to the upper side.

An engaging portion (movement resistance portion)3d3is provided between the first cam portion3d1and the second cam portion3d2. The engaging portion3d3is shaped so as to further protrude to the outside of the first cover3from the connection position between the first cam portion3d1and the second cam portion3d2. The engaging portion3d3is adapted to apply a movement resistance to the sliding portion15c5(seeFIG. 5) of the first contact terminal15asliding on the cam portion3d.

FIG. 10Cshows details of the cam portion3d, that is, is a partially enlarged view of a main portion A shown inFIG. 10B. As can be seen fromFIG. 10C, the engaging portion3d3is configured in a convex shape protruding outward from the connection position between the first cam portion3d1and the second cam portion3d2.

As described later, the movement of the sliding portion15c5(seeFIG. 5) is defined by the cam portion3d, so that an opening/closing timing between the contacts15c4and15d1of the first contact terminal15a(seeFIG. 5) is determined.

The second cover4is shown inFIG. 11.

The second cover4is made of resin, and has an outer shape which is square when seen in plan view. A square opening portion4ais formed at the center portion of the second cover4so as to penetrate therethrough in the up-and-down direction. The IC device1(seeFIG. 1) is inserted from above and taken out through the opening portion4a.

Guide ribs4bprotruding downward are provided at four corners of the second cover4. The outer surfaces of the guide ribs4bare arranged so as to contact the inner surfaces5f(seeFIG. 4A) of the guide portions5cof the base5. This allows the second cover4to surely move up and down with respect to the base5with excellent reproducibility.

Round holes4care formed at various places of the second cover4. The latches6are freely turnably fixed to the second cover4by inserting the latch pins10(seeFIG. 3) into the respective round holes4c.

As described above, the second cover4moves up and down while accommodated in the accommodating recess portion3b(seeFIG. 10A) of the first cover3. The second cover4is urged upward from the base5by the second coil springs20(seeFIG. 3).

Next, the operation of the IC socket2will be described.

In each of the following figures showing the operation of the IC socket2, figures in which the end of the figure number is represented by “A” (for example,FIG. 12Aand the like) are vertically sectional views taken by cutting at positions where the first contact terminal15acan be seen, and figures in which the end of the figure number is represented by “B” (for example,FIG. 12B) are vertically sectional views taken by cutting at positions where the second contact terminal16acan be seen. Although the inspection board is not shown in each of the following figures, it is assumed that the IC socket2is mounted on the inspection board.

FIGS. 12A and 12Bshow a free state, that is, a state in which an external force by a pusher30is not applied to the IC socket2. The pusher30applies a pressing force to the IC socket2from the upper side to the lower side of the IC socket2, and is set to be vertically moved by an actuator (not shown).

In the free state, the first cover3is pushed upward by the first coil springs19(seeFIG. 3), and the second cover4is pushed upward by the second coil springs20(seeFIG. 3). At this time, the latches6are in a closed state (a state where the press portions6a3are located at the lower side).

As shown inFIG. 12A, the sliding portion15c5of the first contact terminal15ais located below the first cam portion3d1of the cam portion3dof the first cover3. As a result, the first contact terminal15ais in an unloaded state, and the contacts15c4and15d1of the first contact terminal15aare in a close state (seeFIG. 12C).

As shown inFIG. 12B, the second contact terminal16ais in an unloaded state, and the meandering portion16chas a natural length, so that the second contact16d1is located at the upper side.

The open state is obtained by pushing down the pusher30from the free state to displace the first cover3and the second cover4downward. In the open state, the first cover3and the second cover4are in a most depressed state.

By the downward movement of the second cover4, the guide arms6a2of the latches6attached to the second cover4via the latch pins10are also pushed downward. On the other hand, the shaft portions6bprovided to the swing arms6a1of the latches6move along the guide groove portions5n(seeFIG. 4A) provided to the base5. As a result, the press portions6a3of the latches6swing upward, and the latches6are set to be opened.

As shown inFIG. 13A, with respect to the first contact terminal15a, the first cover3is pushed down, whereby the sliding portion15c5slides on the cam portion3dof the first cover3. The sliding portion15c5moves from the first cam portion3d1to the second cam portion3d2, whereby the sliding portion15c5is pushed out to the outside of the IC socket2, and the drive-side arm portion15c3turns, so that the first upper-side contact15c4is displaced upward and outward. As a result, the first upper-side contact15c4retreats from the upper side of the first lower-side contact15d1to the outside, so that the first lower-side contact15d1appears upward, and the open state of the first contact terminal15ais obtained (seeFIG. 13C).

As shown inFIG. 13B, the second contact terminal16ais in an unloaded state, and the meandering portion16chas a natural length, so that the second contact16d1is located at the upper side.FIG. 13Dshows the positional relationship between the second contact16d1and the J-type lead terminal1cin the open state. As shown inFIG. 13B, the second contact16d1and the J-type lead terminal1care spaced from each other, and thus are not in contact with each other.

Under such an open state, the IC device1is inserted into the accommodating recess portion2a. As a result, the IC device1is placed on the mounting surface8bof the mounter8, whereby the IC device1is mounted in the mounting recess portion8a.

FIGS. 14A and 14Bshow a latch pressing state. This latch pressing state is obtained by depressurizing and raising the pusher30from the open state. At this time, the position of the pusher30is a position between the open state and the free state.

As shown inFIG. 14A, when the pusher30is raised, the second cover4is moved upward by the elastic restoring force of the second coil springs20(seeFIG. 3). At this time, the second cover4ascends prior to the first cover3. This is because the sliding portion15c5that slides on the cam portion3dof the first cover3engages with the engaging portion3d3of the cam portion3dto suppress ascending of the first cover3.

Since the sliding portion15c5is locked to the engaging portion3d3, the gap between the contacts15c4and15d1of the first contact terminal15aremains open as shown inFIG. 14C. Note that as shown inFIG. 14C, the first lower-side contact15d1and the gull wing type lead terminal1bare in contact with each other, but this state is merely a state where the gull wing type lead terminal1bis placed on the first lower-side contact15d1. Therefore, such a contact state as should be obtained under inspection is not obtained.

Since the latch pin10ascends in connection with the ascending of the second cover4, the latch6swings around the shaft portion6b(seeFIG. 9), and the press portion6a3of the latch6moves downward to press the upper surface (back surface) of the IC socket2downward. As a result, the mounter8moves downward against the elastic force of the pedestal coil springs18(seeFIG. 3) and comes into contact with the upper surface7bof the support plate7, whereby the downward movement of the mounter8is stopped.

As shown inFIGS. 14B and 14D, through the above operation, the J-type lead terminal1cof the IC device1comes into contact with the second contact16d1, and pushes the second contact16d1down against the elastic force of the meandering portion16cof the second contact terminal16a, whereby reliable contact can be obtained while wiping.

As described above, under the latch pressing state, the second contact terminal16afirst comes into contact with the J-type lead terminal1c, but the first contact terminal15ahas not yet pinched the gull wing type lead terminal1bby the first upper-side contact15c4and the first lower-side contact15d1. In this way, an asynchronous operation is realized between the first contact terminal15aand the second contact terminal16a.

A test state is shown inFIGS. 15A and 15B.

As shown inFIG. 15A, when the pusher30is further raised from the latch pressing state, the latch pin10comes into contact with the upper end3c1(seeFIG. 10B) of the elongated hole portion3cof the first cover3. As a result, the engagement state between the sliding portion15c5of the first contact terminal15aand the engaging portion3d3of the cam portion3dis released. The sliding portion15c5slides on the first cam portion3d1of the cam portion3dto move to the inside of the IC socket2, and in connection with this movement, the first upper-side contact15c4moves downward, whereby the gull wing type lead terminal1bis pinched by the first upper-side contact15c4and the first lower-side contact15d1(seeFIG. 15C). As a result, the first contact terminal15aand the gull wing type lead terminal1bare electrically connected to each other.

As shown inFIG. 15B, the second contact terminal16ais electrically connected to the J-type lead terminal1cbecause the IC device1has been pushed downward by the latches6. The connection state between the second contact terminal16aand the J-type lead terminal1ccontinues from the latch pressing state as shown inFIG. 14D.

Under the above-described inspection state, an inspection such as a predetermined burn-in test is executed on the IC device1.

FIGS. 16A and 16Bshow a lead release state.

When the inspection of IC device1is completed under the inspection state, the inspection state shifts to a lead release state. The pusher30pushes the first cover3downward. The position of the pusher30under the lead release state is a position between the inspection state and the open state.

As shown inFIG. 16A, when the first cover3is pushed down, the sliding portion15c5of the first contact terminal15aascends while sliding on the first cam portion3d1. As a result, the sliding portion15c5is expanded to the outside of the IC socket2, and the first upper-side contact15c4moves upward and outward. Then, the sliding portion15c5is locked to the engaging portion3d3. As a result, as shown inFIG. 16C, the contact between the first contact terminal15aand the gull wing type lead terminal1bis released.

As shown inFIG. 16B, the IC device1has been pushed downward by the latches6, and the second contact terminals16ahave been close to the J-type lead terminals1c. Note that at this time, the second contact terminals16amay or may not be in contact with the J-type lead terminals1c.

As described above, under the lead release state, the contact between the first contact terminal15aand the gull wing type lead terminal1bis first released, and the latch6comes into contact with the upper surface of the IC device1to push the IC device1downward. In other words, the second contact terminal16ahas still been close to the J-type lead terminal1c. In this way, the asynchronous operation is realized between the first contact terminal15aand the second contact terminal16a.

When the pusher30is caused to further descend from the lead release state, the open state shown inFIGS. 13A and 13Bis set. As a result, the press portion6a3of the latch6retreats upward and outward, so that the tested IC device1can be taken out.

The IC device1is continuously inspected by repeating the above series of operations.

As described above, the sliding portion15c5of the first contact terminal15aand the cam portion3dprovided to the first cover3are provided as a first contact mechanism for bringing the first contact terminal15ainto contact with the gull wing type lead terminal1b.

The latches6for pressing the upper surface of the IC device1downward and the mounter8that moves downward according to the pressing force are provided as a second contact mechanism for bringing the second contact terminal16ainto contact with the J-type lead terminal1c.

The engaging portion3d3provided to the cam portion3dand the sliding portion15c5sliding on the engaging portion3d3are provided as an asynchronous mechanism for performing an asynchronous operation in which the contact operation of the first contact terminal15ais performed after the contact operation of the second contact terminal16a.

Operation and Effect of the First Embodiment

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the following operation and effect are achieved.

After the second contact terminal16aand the J-type lead terminal1care brought into contact with each other, the gull wing type lead terminal1bis brought into contact with the first upper-side contact15c4and the first lower-side contact15d1of the first contact terminal15awhile interposed therebetween. As a result, the first contact terminal15acan be brought into contact with the gull wing type lead terminal1bafter the second contact terminal16ais brought into contact with the J-type lead terminal1cto ensure the conduction therebetween. Therefore, even when different types of lead terminals1band1care used, the conduction can be surely achieved for the respective lead terminals1band1c.

Further, before the contact between the second contact terminal16aand the J-type lead terminal1cis released, the first upper-side contact15c4of the first contact terminal15awhich has pinched the gull wing type lead terminal1bis retreated upward to release the contact with the gull wing type lead terminal1b. As a result, the contact state between the gull wing type lead terminal1band the first contact terminal15acan be first released in the state where the second contact terminal16ais in contact with the J-type lead terminal1c, so that it can be prevented as much as possible to damage the respective terminals when the contact state is released.

The contact operation of the first contact terminal15aand the second contact terminal16ais performed by the first cover3and the second cover4which approach to and move away from the base5. As a result, the contact operation of the first contact terminal15aand the second contact terminal16acan be performed in conjunction with movements of the first cover3and the second cover4, and an inspection based on a simple operation can be realized.

The second cover4can reciprocate while accommodated in the accommodating recess portion3b(seeFIG. 10A) provided in the first cover3. As a result, the first cover3and the second cover4can be configured to be compact in size.

Since the back surface of the IC device1is pressed by the latches6, the contact of the second contact terminals16acan be surely obtained during the inspection. Further, when the IC device1is mounted or taken out, a work of replacing the IC device1can be facilitated by separating the latches6from the IC device1. Further, since the latches6are driven according to the up-and-down movement of the second cover4, the inspection work can be simplified.

The pressing operation of the latches6is performed by the second cover4, and the second contact terminals16aare surely brought into contact with the J-type lead terminals1c. Since the second cover4can move with respect to the base5independently of the first cover3, the contact operation of the first contact terminal15aand the contact operation of the second contact terminal16acan be made asynchronous.

When the second cover4moves downward, the contact between the J-type lead terminal1cand the second contact terminal16ais released by the retreating operation of the latches6. As a result, the contact of the J-type lead terminals1ccan be easily released in conjunction with the movement of the second cover4.

The cam portion3dis provided to the first cover3that approaches to and moves away from the base5, and the first contact terminal15ahaving the contact-side arm portion15c2and the drive-side arm portion15c3whose motions are regulated by the cam portion3dis provided. When the drive-side arm portion15c3moves, the first upper-side contact15c4driven by the contact-side arm portion15c2approaches the first lower-side contact15d1. As a result, the gull wing type lead terminal1bcan be pinched by the first upper-side contact15c4and the first lower-side contact15d1, so that a good contact state can be obtained.

By causing the drive-side arm portion15c3to move according to the cam portion3d, the first upper-side contact15c4driven by the contact-side arm portion15c2can be moved away from the first lower-side contact15d1. As a result, the first upper-side contact15c4can be smoothly separated from the gull wing type lead terminal1b.

When the sliding portion15c5of the contact-side arm portion15c2for causing the first upper-side contact15c4of the first contact terminal15ato move comes into contact with the engaging portion3d3provided to the cam portion3d, the movement of the drive-side arm portion15c3is temporarily delayed. As a result, the pressing operation of the latch6can realize the asynchronous operation of performing the contact operation of pinching the gull wing type lead terminal1bby the first upper-side contact15c4and the first lower-side contact15d1after the J-type lead terminal1cis brought into contact with the second contact terminal16a.

The first cam portion3d1and the second cam portion3d2are provided so as to interpose the engaging portion3d3therebetween, and the first cam portion3d1regulates an operation in which the first upper-side contact15c4approaches to or moves away from the first lower-side contact15d1while the second cam portion3d2regulates an operation of keeping a state where the first upper-side contact15c4is separated from the first lower-side contact15d1. As a result, the open state and the closing operation of the first upper-side contact15c4can be clearly separated from each other, and the asynchronous operation can be reliably performed.

Note that the engaging portion3d3is used at the cam portion3din the present embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to this style. For example, even if the engaging portion3d3is omitted and the first cam portion3d1and the second cam portion3d2are smoothly connected to each other at the connection portion therebetween, the surface of this connection portion may be roughened so as to generate a larger frictional force than the other cam portions3d. By providing the roughened connection portion as described above, resistance can be applied to the sliding operation of the sliding portion15c5, and an asynchronous operation similar to that in the case of the engaging portion3d3can be realized.

Second Embodiment

The present embodiment differs from the first embodiment in use of probe pins for the first contact terminal and the second contact terminal and in a mechanism for driving the first contact terminal. Therefore, in the following description, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described, and description of other common matters will be omitted.

As shown inFIG. 17, probe pins are provided for a first contact terminal15a′ and a second contact terminal16a′. The probe pin is of a plunger type, and has a compression spring inside a cylindrical barrel. A pin which is capable of protruding from and retracting into the cylindrical barrel is urged upward by the compression spring.

The latch6operates in the same manner as in the case of the first embodiment, and the J-type lead terminal1cand the second contact terminal16a′ are brought into contact with each other by pressing the upper surface of the IC device1downward. In other words, the lower portion of the J-type lead terminal1cpresses the upper portion of the second contact terminal16a′, thereby performing reliable contact therebetween.

A first terminal latch22is turnably fixed to the first cover3. The first terminal latch22has a shape similar to that of the latch6shown inFIG. 9. A shaft portion (not shown, corresponding to the shaft portion6binFIG. 9) provided to a swing arm22aof the first terminal latch22is inserted into a first terminal guide groove portion formed in the base5. Although not shown, the first terminal groove portion has a shape corresponding to that of the guide groove portion5nshown inFIG. 4A, and is formed below the guide groove portion5n.

The first terminal latch22swings in the same manner as the latch6in accordance with the movement of the first cover3, and presses the upper surface of the gull wing type lead terminal1bdownward, whereby the gull wing type lead terminal1bis pinched by the first terminal latch22and the first contact terminal15a′ between them to surely perform the contact. In other words, the lower portion of the gull wing type lead terminal1band the upper portion of the first contact terminal15a′ come into contact with each other to establish conduction.

Since the upper surfaces of the first cover3and the second cover4that contact the pusher30are different in height, the operation timings of the first terminal latch22and the latch6can be made different from each other. As a result, the timing at which the gull wing type lead terminal1bis pinched by the first terminal latch22and the first contact terminal15a′ between them and the timing at which the second contact terminal16a′ contacts the J-type lead terminal1ccan be made different from each other, and the asynchronous operation can be realized.

Third Embodiment

A third embodiment of the present invention will be described below. The present embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the contact manner of the first contact terminal is set to a one-side contact manner. Note that the description of configurations similar to those of the first embodiment will be omitted.

As shown inFIG. 18, a first contact terminal15″ of the present embodiment includes two independent upper-side contact portions15e1and15e2branched from one base portion. Therefore, the first contact terminal15″ does not include the lower contact portion15ddescribed with reference toFIG. 5in the first embodiment.

The one first upper-side contact portion15e1comes into contact with a part of the gull wing type lead terminal1bof the IC device1(a root portion on the left side inFIG. 18) from above. The other second upper-side contact portion15e2comes into contact with another part of the gull wing type lead terminal1b(an inclined portion on the right side inFIG. 18) from above. As described above, the two upper-side contact portions15e1and15e2may be brought into contact with one gull wing type lead terminal1bfrom the same sides (that is, from above).

Note that the method of making the operation timings of the first terminal latch22and the latch6different is not limited to the above method, and any method may be used as long as it makes the operation timings of the first cover3and the second cover4different.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST