Device for inserting flexible printed circuit board

A device for inserting a flexible printed circuit board into a connector of a display panel includes: a suction unit configured to adhere to the flexible printed circuit board; a position restriction unit configured to restrict a position of the flexible printed circuit board; and a flexible printed circuit board transfer unit coupled to the suction unit and the position restriction unit, and configured to insert the flexible printed circuit board into the connector. A method of inserting a flexible printed circuit board into a connector of a display panel is also disclosed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2018-0120419, filed on Oct. 10, 2018, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire content of which is incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a device for inserting a flexible printed circuit board (“FPCB”) and relate to a method of inserting an FPCB, and, for example, to a device for accurately inserting an FPCB to a connector of a display panel and to a method thereof.

2. Discussion of Related Art

Flexible printed circuit boards (“FPCB”) are used for internal wirings of advanced electronic devices, e.g., smart phones, PDAs, notebooks, and digital cameras.

When manufacturing an FPCB, a lead plate is coupled to a front end portion of the FPCB to prevent or reduce folding or wrinkling of the FPCB when the FPCB is rolled into a transfer system in a treatment process, e.g., developing and etching. At an edge of a back end portion of the lead plate, hook pins are embedded at opposite ends in a width direction, and the FPCB and the lead plate are coupled to each other by fitting the hook pin of the lead plate into a hole defined at a front end portion of the FPCB.

Further, electronic devices are provided with elements that operate while transmitting and receiving signals to and from a controller. These elements are coupled to the controller through, for example, an FPCB, and the FPCBs are coupled to each corresponding one of the elements. In addition, a connector corresponding to the FPCB is provided as a connection unit to be coupled to the controller, such that the FPCB is coupled to the connector.

In such a structure, however, it is beneficial to hold the FPCB closely to the lead plate and to accurately align a position of the FPCB.

In addition, when the FPCB is coupled to the connector, for example, when inserting the FPCB into the connector, it is beneficial to insert a front end portion of the FPCB to an end of an insertion portion of the connector.

It is to be understood that this background section is intended to provide useful background for understanding the present disclosure and, as such, the background section may include ideas, concepts or recognitions that were not part of what was known or appreciated by those skilled in the pertinent art prior to a corresponding effective filing date of the subject matter disclosed herein.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present disclosure may be directed to a device for accurately inserting a flexible printed circuit board (“FPCB”) into a connector of a display panel without complicated control, thereby preventing or reducing damage to the FPCB, and to a method of inserting an FPCB.

According to an embodiment, a device for inserting a flexible printed circuit board into a connector of a display panel includes: a suction unit configured to adhere to the flexible printed circuit board; a position restriction unit configured to restrict a position of the flexible printed circuit board; and a flexible printed circuit board transfer unit coupled to the suction unit and the position restriction unit, and configured to insert the flexible printed circuit board into the connector.

The flexible printed circuit board transfer unit may include: a base frame affixed to the suction unit and the position restriction unit; a transfer frame movably engaged with the base frame; a first linear guide engaged with the base frame and the transfer frame, and configured to transfer the transfer frame in a sliding manner with respect to the base frame; a transfer buffer portion between the transfer frame and the base frame, and configured to reduce a transfer force of the transfer frame; and a driver configured to provide a driving force to the transfer frame.

The transfer frame may further include a support member that protrudes from one side thereof, and the transfer buffer portion may be affixed to one end of the base frame and the support member.

The transfer buffer portion may include a spring and/or a rubber material.

The transfer buffer portion may include a hydraulic actuator and/or an air pressure actuator.

The flexible printed circuit board transfer unit may further include a second linear guide configured to receive thereon or slidingly transfer the base frame to which the suction unit and the position restriction unit are affixed.

The transfer buffer portion may have a rigidity that is less than a shear strength of the flexible printed circuit board.

The position restriction unit may include a plurality of position restriction units, and the suction unit may be located between two of the plurality of position restriction units.

A center of the suction unit may be located on a line that is substantially the same as a line on which respective centers of the plurality of the position restriction units are located.

A center of the suction unit may be located above or below a line that is substantially the same as a line on which respective centers of the plurality of the position restriction units are located.

The flexible printed circuit board may have a plurality of through holes arranged at locations respectively corresponding to central axes of the plurality of position restriction units.

Each of the position restriction units may have a diameter that is less than a width of the respective through hole.

A length of the through hole may be at least twice a diameter of the respective position restriction unit.

The flexible printed circuit board may have an open depression for accommodating the position restriction unit.

The driver may be configured to provide a movement path of the transfer frame.

The suction unit may include: a pad portion having an inlet for moving a gas; an elastic portion having a communication passage in fluid communication with the inlet, and configured to reduce movement of the pad portion due to a gas moving force; and a vacuum generator configured to generate a vacuum to introduce the gas through the inlet and the communication passage.

The suction unit may include: a suction member including a suction surface on one side thereof and a suction electrode on another side thereof; a suction substrate spaced apart from the suction member, and configured to be charged with a polarity that is opposite to a polarity of the suction electrode; and a suction power unit configured to apply a set or predetermined voltage to between the suction substrate and the suction member. The suction unit may include: when the flexible printed circuit board is located between the suction member and the suction substrate and the set or predetermined voltage is applied from the suction power unit to between the suction electrode and the suction substrate, a positive charge is generated at the suction member, a negative charge is generated at the suction substrate, the suction surface of the suction member and the suction substrate are constrained by Coulomb's force, and the suction substrate is adhered to and held on the suction surface of the suction member.

According to an embodiment, a method of inserting a flexible printed circuit board into a connector of a display panel includes: (a) adhering the flexible printed circuit board to a suction unit sucking the flexible printed circuit board, and wherein a position restriction unit of the suction unit is inserted into a through hole or an open depression of the flexible printed circuit board; (b) restricting a position of the flexible printed circuit board by alternately adhering and unadhering the flexible printed circuit board to the position restriction unit of the suction unit; and (c) inserting the flexible printed circuit board into the connector of the display panel by utilizing a flexible printed circuit board transfer unit.

The inserting of the flexible printed circuit board into the connector of the display panel may include: providing a driving force from a driver to a transfer frame; the transfer frame and a base frame being engaged with the transfer frame to move in a sliding manner toward the connector; and the suction unit and the position restriction unit being affixed to the base frame to move in a similar manner as the base frame, and reducing a transfer force of the transfer frame by utilizing a transfer buffer portion when insertion of the flexible printed circuit board, which is adhered to the suction unit, to the connector is completed; and allowing the transfer frame to slide with respect to the base frame along a first linear guide.

The transfer buffer portion may have a rigidity that is less than a shear strength of the flexible printed circuit board, the shear being strength capable of generating deformation in a direction perpendicular (e.g., substantially perpendicular) to a compressive force when the compressive force is applied to the flexible printed circuit board.

The transfer buffer portion may reduce the transfer force of the transfer frame such that an insertion force of the flexible printed circuit board is less than a deformation force of the flexible printed circuit board at the side of the connector.

The restricting of the position of the flexible printed circuit board may include: restricting the position of the flexible printed circuit board in a state where there is no further movement of the position restriction unit in the through hole or the open depression toward the connector.

The foregoing is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects and features of embodiments described herein above, further aspects and features of embodiments will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. Although the subject matter of the present disclosure may be modified in various suitable ways and have several embodiments, example embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and will be mainly described in the specification. However, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described and should be construed as including all the changes, equivalents and substitutions included in the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

In the drawings, thicknesses of a plurality of layers and areas may be illustrated in an enlarged manner for clarity and ease of description thereof. When a layer, area, or plate is referred to as being “on” another layer, area, or plate, it may be directly on the other layer, area, or plate, or intervening layers, areas, or plates may be present therebetween. Conversely, when a layer, area, or plate is referred to as being “directly on” another layer, area, or plate, intervening layers, areas, or plates may be absent therebetween. Further when a layer, area, or plate is referred to as being “below” another layer, area, or plate, it may be directly below the other layer, area, or plate, or intervening layers, areas, or plates may be present therebetween. Conversely, when a layer, area, or plate is referred to as being “directly below” another layer, area, or plate, intervening layers, areas, or plates may be absent therebetween.

Throughout the specification, when an element is referred to as being “coupled” or “connected” to another element, the element may be “indirectly coupled” or “indirectly connected” to the other element, “directly coupled” or “directly connected” to the other element, or “electrically coupled” or “electrically connected” to the other element with one or more intervening elements interposed therebetween. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes” and/or “including,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. Additionally, it will be understood that, as used herein, the term “exemplary” is intended to refer to an example or illustration.

Some of the parts or components that are not associated with the description may not be provided or described in order to more clearly describe embodiments of the present disclosure. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the specification.

FIG.1is a block diagram schematically illustrating an overall configuration of a device for inserting a flexible printed circuit board (“FPCB”) according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG.1, an FPCB inserting device100according to an embodiment includes a device for inserting an FPCB110to a connector105(shown inFIGS.9-12). The FPCB inserting device100may include a suction unit120, a position restriction unit130, and an FPCB transfer unit140.

The FPCB110may have a plurality of through holes112located at positions corresponding to center axes of the position restriction units130, as shown inFIG.3.

In some embodiments, at the FPCB110, a conductor is formed as a connection pattern113on a base film111that is an insulator (e.g., an electrical insulator), a coverlay that is an insulator (e.g., an electrical insulator) is attached thereon, and the plurality of through holes112may be defined at opposite end portions in a width direction on the opposite side of the connection pattern113. The position restriction units130, each having a circular rod shape, may be inserted into the plurality of through holes112and fitted thereto. The shape of the position restriction units130is not limited to a circular rod shape.

In addition or alternatively, the FPCB110may have a plurality of open depressions114located at positions corresponding to the center axes of the position restriction units130, as shown inFIG.4. Each of the plurality of open depressions114may have a notch shape, and may be in a shape recessed from one side of the FPCB110. The shape of the plurality of open depressions114is not limited to a notch shape.

The suction unit120may suck (e.g., adhere) the FPCB110to the suction unit120in a vacuum scheme or an electrostatic scheme. The vacuum scheme and the electrostatic scheme will be described hereinbelow with reference toFIGS.7and8.

The position restriction unit130may restrict a position of the FPCB110. In some embodiments, when the FPCB110is sucked (e.g., adhered) to the suction unit120, the position restriction unit130may be inserted into the through hole112or the open depression114of the FPCB110, and fitted with (e.g., affixed to) the FPCB110.

For example, in an embodiment, the position restriction unit130may have a circular rod shape and may have a diameter that is less than a width of the through hole112or a diameter that is less than a width of the open depression114. The position restriction unit130is not limited to a circular rod shape. In such an embodiment, a length of the through hole112may be at least twice the diameter of the position restriction unit130, and a length of the open depression114may be at least twice the diameter of the position restriction unit130as well.

The FPCB transfer unit140may be coupled to the suction unit120and the position restriction unit130, and may insert the FPCB110into the connector105. In some embodiments, the FPCB transfer unit140may transfer, in a sliding manner, the FPCB110that is sucked by (e.g., adhered to) the suction unit120and fitted to (e.g., affixed to) the position restriction unit130through the through hole112, and may insert the FPCB110into the connector105.

FIG.2is a view illustrating an example structure of an FPCB transfer unit ofFIG.1.

Referring toFIG.2, the FPCB transfer unit140according to an embodiment includes a transfer frame141, a first linear guide142, a base frame143, a transfer buffer portion144, and a driver146.

The transfer frame141may move toward the connector105along a movement path147provided by the driver146. The transfer frame141may be coupled on one side to the base frame143through the first linear guide142. In some embodiments, the transfer frame141may be slidably engaged with the base frame143through the first linear guide142.

The base frame143may fix (e.g., affix) the suction unit120and the position restriction unit130on one side thereof. Accordingly, when the base frame143slides toward the connector105, the suction unit120, to which the FPCB110is sucked (e.g., adhered), and the position restriction unit130, to which the FPCB110is fitted through the through hole112, may also slide toward the connector105similarly to the movement of the base frame143.

The transfer frame141may further include a support member145protruding from one side thereof, and the transfer buffer portion144may be fixed to (e.g., affixed to) one end of the base frame143and the support member145.

The first linear guide142may couple the base frame143and the transfer frame141, and may allow the transfer frame141to move in a sliding manner with respect to the base frame143. In some embodiments, at a point in time at which insertion of the FPCB110to the connector105is completed by the sliding movement of the transfer frame141and the base frame143, transfer of the base frame143is stopped, and the first linear guide142may allow the transfer frame141to slide relative to the base frame143

The transfer buffer portion144may be between the transfer frame141and the base frame143, and reduce a transfer force of the transfer frame141. The transfer buffer portion144may include a spring and/or a rubber material, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The transfer buffer portion144may include a hydraulic actuator and/or an air pressure actuator, for example, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

The driver146may provide the movement path147of the transfer frame141and may provide a driving force to the transfer frame141. In another exemplary embodiment, the driver146may be implemented, for example, as a robot arm, and may provide a driving force to the transfer frame141without providing the movement path147.

FIG.5is a view illustrating a structure of an FPCB transfer unit coupled to a suction unit and a position restriction unit according to another embodiment.

Referring toFIG.5, an FPCB transfer unit140according to this embodiment may further include a second linear guide510for placing thereon or for slidingly transferring the base frame143to which the suction unit120and the position restriction unit130are fixed.

The second linear guide510may be between the suction unit120and the base frame143, and may couple the suction unit120and the base frame143while substantially maintaining a state in which the position restriction unit130and the base frame143are fixed to each other.

The transfer buffer portion144coupled to one side of the base frame143and the support member145of the transfer frame141may have a rigidity that is less than a shear strength of the FPCB110.

As used herein, the term “shear strength of the FPCB110” refers to a strength that causes deformation in a direction perpendicular (e.g., substantially perpendicular) to a compressive force when the FPCB110receives the compressive force, and the term “rigidity of the transfer buffer portion144” refers to a minimum strength at which displacement of the transfer buffer portion144is caused in a direction substantially the same as a direction of an external force.

The first linear guide142or the second linear guide510may move in a direction parallel (e.g., substantially parallel) to a direction of inserting the FPCB110, and a force required for the movement may be imparted by an actuator, e.g., a spring and/or an air cylinder.

FIG.6is a view illustrating a coupling state of an FPCB, a suction unit, a position restriction unit, and an FPCB transfer unit according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG.6, the FPCB110according to an embodiment may be sucked to (e.g., adhered to) the suction unit120, and may be fitted to the position restriction unit130through the through hole112.

In such an embodiment, it may be appreciated that the suction unit120and the position restriction unit130are fixed to (e.g., affixed to) the base frame143, and the base frame143is engaged with the transfer frame141through the first linear guide142.

The suction unit120may be located between two circular rods of the position restriction unit130. A center of the suction unit120may be located on a line that is the same (e.g., substantially the same) as a line on which a center of the position restriction unit130is located. However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to thereto, and the center of the suction unit120may be located above or below the line on which the center of the position restriction unit130is located.

The position restriction unit130may have a diameter that is less than the width of the through hole112, and the length of the through hole112may be at least twice the diameter of the position restriction unit130. As described herein, the width of the through hole112and the length of the through hole112may each be substantially parallel to a plane in which the FPCB lies and/or may each be substantially perpendicular to a direction in which the position restriction unit130extends.

In some embodiments, two position restriction units130, each having a circular rod shape, are fixed to (e.g., affixed to) the base frame143at such a location that the FPCB110, fitted to the position restriction units130through the through hole112, may be accurately inserted into the connector105.

Before the FPCB110is inserted into the connector105, there may be a clearance between the position restriction unit130and the FPCB110. However, the position restriction unit130moves and finally stops moving in the through hole112due to sucking and unsucking (e.g., adhering and unadhering) actions of the suction unit120on the FPCB110, and thus, the position of the FPCB110may be restricted.

FIG.7is a view illustrating an exemplary embodiment in which a suction unit is a vacuum type (or kind).

Referring toFIG.7, the suction unit120according to the present embodiment may include a pad portion710, an elastic portion720, and a vacuum generator730.

At the pad portion710, a plurality of inlets702for sucking air (e.g., for moving a gas) may be defined.

The elastic portion720may be provided with a communication passage722that communicates with (e.g., is in fluid communication with) the inlet702, and reduce movement of the pad portion710due to a sucking force.

The vacuum generator730may generate a vacuum, and introduce air (e.g., a gas) through the inlet702and the communication passage722.

When the suction unit120, having the above-described structure, starts operating, a vacuum is generated at the vacuum generator730, and air is introduced (e.g., a gas is moved) through the inlet702and the communication passage722. The FPCB110is sucked to the pad portion710according to the inflow of air.

FIG.8is a view illustrating an exemplary embodiment in which a suction unit is an electrostatic type (or kind).

Referring toFIG.8, the suction unit120according to the present embodiment may include a suction member805, a suction substrate810, and a suction power unit820.

The suction member805may include a suction surface850on one side thereof, and include a suction electrode811on another side thereof.

The suction substrate810may be spaced apart from the suction member805, and charged with a polarity opposite to a polarity of the suction electrode811. In an embodiment, for example, when a positive charge (+) is imparted to the suction electrode811, a negative charge (−) may be imparted to the suction substrate810.

The suction power unit820may apply a set or predetermined voltage to between the suction substrate810and the suction member805.

The suction unit120, having the above-described structure, is configured such that the FPCB110is located between the suction member805and the suction substrate810and a set or predetermined voltage is applied from the suction power unit820to between the suction electrode811and the suction substrate810.

Accordingly, a positive charge is imparted to the suction electrode811of the suction member805, and a negative charge is imparted to the suction substrate810.

The suction surface850of the suction member805and the suction substrate810are constrained by Coulomb's force such that the suction substrate810is sucked (e.g., adhered to) and held on the suction surface850of the suction member805.

Accordingly, the FPCB110located between the suction member805and the suction substrate810is sucked to (e.g., adhered to) the suction unit120by the process described herein above.

FIGS.9-12are views illustrating a process of inserting an FPCB into a connector according to an embodiment, andFIG.13is a flowchart illustrating a method of inserting an FPCB according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIGS.9-13, as the suction unit120sucks (e.g., adheres) the FPCB110, the position restriction unit130is inserted into the through hole112or the open depression114of the FPCB110(1310).

At the FPCB inserting device100according to an embodiment, as shown inFIG.9, the FPCB110is spaced apart from the connector105by a set or predetermined distance. As the FPCB110is sucked to (e.g., adhered to) the suction unit120, the FPCB110is fitted to (e.g., affixed to) the position restriction unit130through the through hole112.

In such an embodiment, the suction unit120and the position restriction unit130are in a state of being fixed to (e.g., affixed to) one side of the base frame143. The base frame143is engaged with the transfer frame141through the first linear guide142, and the transfer buffer portion144is coupled between one end of the base frame143and the support member145of the transfer frame141.

Next, the position restriction unit130restricts the position of the FPCB110by sucking and unsucking of (e.g., by alternately adhering and unadhering) the suction unit120on the FPCB110, as illustrated inFIG.10(1320).

The suction unit120repeats sucking and unsucking (temporary release of sucking; e.g., alternately adhering and unadhering the FPCB110) on the FPCB110in a state where the position restriction unit130is inserted into the through hole112or the open depression114of the FPCB110. Accordingly, as illustrated inFIG.10, the position restriction unit130slips in the through hole112or the open depression114to a position restriction line1010toward the connector105, and also reaches the FPCB110, and thus, the position of the FPCB110is restricted such that there is no further movement (or substantially no further movement).

In such a position restriction state of the FPCB110where there is no further movement of the position restriction unit130in the through hole112, the driver146provides a driving force to the transfer frame141. For example, when the position restriction unit130that is fitted to the FPCB110through the through hole112slips and reaches the position restriction line1010, the FPCB transfer unit140provides a driving force to the transfer frame141by the driver146to start an insertion operation of the FPCB110.

Subsequently, the FPCB transfer unit140inserts the FPCB110into the connector (1330).

For example, as the driver146provides a driving force to the transfer frame141at the FPCB transfer unit140, the transfer frame141slides toward the connector105, as shown inFIG.11.

In such an embodiment, the base frame143engaged with the transfer frame141slides along with the transfer frame141toward the connector105, and the suction unit120and the position restriction unit130fixed to (e.g., affixed to) the base frame143slide in a similar manner.

Accordingly, the FPCB110that is sucked to (e.g., adhered to) the suction unit120is inserted into the connector105, as shown inFIG.11.

Subsequently, as the FPCB110that is sucked to (e.g., adhered to) the suction unit120is inserted into the connector105, when an end of the FPCB110reaches an insertion end position1020that is in the connector105, insertion of the FPCB110into the connector105is completed. When the insertion of the FPCB110into the connector105is completed, the FPCB110stops moving.

As the FPCB110stops moving, the suction unit120to which the FPCB110is sucked (e.g., adhered) also stops the sliding movement, and the position restriction unit130that is fitted to the FPCB110through the through hole112also stops the sliding movement.

At this time, the transfer frame141continuously (e.g., substantially continuously) slides toward the connector105according to an inertia force that is caused based on the sliding movement toward the connector105. On the other hand, the base frame143to which the suction unit120and the position restriction unit130are fixed (e.g., affixed) stops the sliding movement. The first linear guide142allows the transfer frame141to move in a sliding manner relative to the base frame143, which has stopped moving.

The transfer buffer portion144coupled between one end of the base frame143and the support member145of the transfer frame141reduces a transfer force of the transfer frame141. For example, the transfer buffer portion144reduces the transfer force of the transfer frame141such that an insertion force of the FPCB110is less than a deformation force of the FPCB110at the side of the connector105.

In such an embodiment, the transfer buffer portion144may have a rigidity that is less than a shear strength of the FPCB110, where the term “the shear strength of the FPCB110,” as used herein, refers to a strength at which deformation of the FPCB110is caused in a direction perpendicular (e.g., substantially perpendicular) to a compressive force when the FPCB110reaches the insertion end position1020in the connector105and receives the compressive force.

A force for sliding the transfer frame141using the first linear guide142with respect to the base frame143may be set to be less than a deformation force at an insertion completion time of the FPCB110and greater than a force required for inserting the FPCB110to the connector105.

Accordingly, even if the transfer frame141continues to slide and overrun after the insertion of the FPCB110is completed, deformation of or damage to the FPCB may be substantially prevented or reduced.

As set forth hereinabove, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a device for inserting an FPCB may accurately insert an FPCB to a connector of a display panel without complicated control, and thus, breakage of the FPCB due to overrun at an insertion completion position of the FPCB may be substantially prevented or reduced.

While the subject matter of the present disclosure has been illustrated and described with reference to embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.