Method of mounting and demounting a semiconductor device, device for mounting and demounting a semiconductor device using the same, and socket for a semiconductor device

A cover member 34 is moved upward when a semiconductor device 26 disposed in a positioning member 44 is held by an absorption pad 24 to pinch an electrode portion 26a of the semiconductor device 26 with movable contact portions 46M and 46F of a contact terminal 46ai.

This application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2004-253342 filed Aug. 31, 2004, which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a method of mounting and demounting a semiconductor device, a device for mounting and demounting a semiconductor device using the same, and a socket for a semiconductor device.

2. Description of the Related Art

Various tests are conducted on a semiconductor device to be mounted in an electronic apparatus or the like to eliminate any potential defect of the same at a stage prior to the mounting. A socket for a semiconductor device used in such a test is generally referred to as an IC socket. For example, as described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-open Hei 8-138812 (1996), such a socket is disposed on a printed wiring board having an input/output portion to which a predetermined test voltage is supplied and which transmits an abnormality detection signal indicating a short circuit and the like from a semiconductor device.

For example, as described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-open Hei 8-138812 (1996), a socket for a semiconductor device comprises a socket main body secured on a printed wiring board and having a housing portion for housing a contact operating member to be described later such that it can be moved relative to a pair of movable contact portions of contact terminals, a guide member having a housing portion in which a semiconductor device, e.g., a BGA type (Ball Grid Array) semiconductor device is mounted, for guiding the semiconductor device to the housing portion and positioning the semiconductor device relative to the contact terminals, a contact operating member provided in the socket main body so as to be moved reciprocally along a predetermined direction, the contact operating member for moving one of the movable contact portions of the contact terminals toward or away from the other movable contact portion, and a cover member which transmits an applied operating force to the contact operating member as a driving force through a driving mechanism of the contact operating member.

The socket main body has the housing portion therein from which a pair of movable contact portions of a plurality of contact terminals protrudes. Each of the contact terminals comprises a fixed terminal on a base end thereof which is provided on the socket main body in association with electrode portions of a semiconductor device that is mounted and a pair of movable contact portions which selectively pinch or release the electrode portions of the semiconductor device coupled to the terminal. According to a movement of the contact operating member, the pair of movable contact portions approach each other to pinch the electrode portions of the semiconductor device or move away from each other to release the electrode portions of the semiconductor device.

The contact operating member is disposed in the housing portion of the socket main body such that it can move along the moving directions of the movable contact portions of each contact terminal. For example, as described in Japanese Patent No. 3257994, there is a proposal in which the contact operating member is disposed such that it can move along a direction substantially orthogonal to the moving directions of the movable contact portions of each contact terminal.

The contact operating member has an opening therein from which the movable contact portions of each contact terminal protrude. Openings in different rows are partitioned by respective partition walls.

In the contact operating member, a movable contact pressing portion is provided at each of adjoining pairs of openings in the same row from which the movable contact portions of the contact terminal protrude, the pressing portion being formed so as to separate one of the movable contact portions from the other movable contact portion.

Further, an urging member for urging the contact operating member back to an initial position is provided between one end of the contact operating member and an inner circumferential part of the housing portion of the socket main body.

Further, the contact operating member is linked with a driving mechanism constituted by a lever and a pin as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-open Hei 8-138812 (1996) and Japanese Patent Application Laid-open Hei 9-245920 (1997). One end of the lever of the driving mechanism touches on an end of the cover member.

Thus, when the contact operating member is moved against the urging force of the urging means as the cover member is moved downward, the movable contact pressing portions are made to move such that one of the movable contact portions of each contact terminal is moved away from the other contact portion. On the contrary, the contact operating member is made to move by the urging force of the urging means and a restoring force of the one of the movable contact portions as the cover member is moved upward.

The cover member has an opening therein, the opening encircling the outer circumference the guide member. The cover member is supported on the socket main body such that it can be moved up and down relative to the socket main body.

In such a configuration, when a semiconductor device held by a hand of a transportation robot that is omitted in the illustration is mounted in the housing portion of the guide member through the opening in the cover member, the cover member is first moved down to its lowermost position by a pressing portion of the transportation robot and the semiconductor device is also moved downward.

Thus, the contact operating member is made to move against the urging force of the urging means.

Next, the semiconductor device is dropped to be placed in the housing portion of the guide member in the condition in which the movable contact pressing portions have been moved such that one of the movable contact portions of each contact terminal is moved away from the other movable contact portion and then held, and an electrode portion of the semiconductor device is thus positioned between one of the movable contact portions of each contact terminal and the other movable contact portion.

When the cover member is moved upward with each electrode of the semiconductor device disposed between the pair of movable contact portions of the respective contact terminal, the contact operating member is moved to the initial position by the urging force of the urging means and the restoring force of the one of the movable contact portions, whereby the movable contact pressing portion is moved away from the one of the movable contact portion to be put close to the other movable contact portion.

Therefore, each electrode portion of the semiconductor device is pinched by the pair of movable contact portions of the respective contact terminal, and each electrode portion of the semiconductor device is thereby electrically connected to the respective contact terminal.

In such a socket for a semiconductor device, when a semiconductor device is mounted on the guide member, the semiconductor device placed on the guide member may be jumped up if each electrode portion of the semiconductor device is pinched between the pair of movable contact portions of the respective contact terminal in an insufficient state of insertion or if the printed wiring board vibrates due to deflection of the same attributable to the operation of moving the cover member up and down.

As a measure to take in such a situation, as described in Japanese Patent No. 3257994 by way of example, it has been proposed to provide a latch mechanism having a presser member for holding the semiconductor device placed on the guide member by pressing it against each contact terminal. The presser member of the latch mechanism is configured to assume a holding position and a standby position in conjunction with the upward and downward movements of the cover member.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

When the socket for a semiconductor device having a latch mechanism as described above is the type in which the contact operating member moves up and down or the type in which the contact operating member moves reciprocally along the moving directions of the pair of movable contact portions of a contact terminal, in order to avoid a jump of the semiconductor device as described above, it is necessary to adjust the timing when the presser member of the latch mechanism assumes the holding position and the timing when the pair of movable contact portion of a contact terminal come close to each other.

Especially, when the contact operating member has a relatively small upward/downward stroke or when the pair of movable contact portions of a contact terminal opens in a relatively small predetermined amount, the pair of movable contact portions of the contact terminal may come close to each other, for example, at timing immediately before the presser member of the latching mechanism reaches the holding position. In such a case, the timing at which the pair of movable contact portions of the contact terminal come close to each other may be properly adjusted by adjusting the strokes of the cover member and the contact operating member and the dimensions of the above-described lever.

However, it is troublesome to perform such an adjusting operation for each socket for a semiconductor device in accordance with the type of each semiconductor device.

Taking the above-described problems into consideration, it is an object of the invention to provide a method of mounting and demounting a semiconductor device, a device for mounting and demounting a semiconductor device utilizing the same, and a socket for a semiconductor device which make it possible to avoid a jump of a semiconductor device at the time of mounting without any need for a troublesome adjusting operation.

In order to achieve the above-described object, a method of mounting and demounting a semiconductor device according to the present invention comprises the steps of causing a holding operation of a semiconductor device handling portion for holding or releasing a semiconductor device to mount and demount it relative to a socket main body portion in and from which the semiconductor device is to be mounted and demounted; and conducting an operation of bringing a pair of contact portions of a contact terminal close to each other and pinching an electrode portion of the semiconductor device by the pair of contact portions while carrying out an operation of moving the semiconductor device handling portion holding the semiconductor device to hold the electrode portion of the semiconductor device between the pair of contact portions of the contact terminal that is provided on the socket main body portion.

A device for mounting and demounting a semiconductor device according to the present invention comprises a contact terminal drive controlling mechanism portion disposed at a socket main body portion in and from which the semiconductor device is mounted and demounted, for causing an operation of pinching an electrode portion of a semiconductor device with a pair of contact portions or an operation of releasing the same to be performed by a contact terminal driving portion for performing a connecting operation at a contact terminal having a pair of contact portions, the contact portions selectively pinching the electrode portion of the semiconductor device to establish electrical connection; a handling support mechanism portion for supporting a semiconductor device handling portion such that the handling portion can relatively move respect to the socket main body portion, the handling portion for holding or releasing the semiconductor device to mount and demount it in and from the socket main body portion; and a control portion for causing the semiconductor device handling portion to perform the operation of holding the semiconductor device when the pair of contact portions of the contact terminal is kept in a release state by the contact terminal drive controlling mechanism portion and for causing the contact terminal drive controlling mechanism portion to perform the operation of pinching the electrode portion of the semiconductor device with the pair of contact portions while causing the handling support mechanism portion to perform the operation of moving the semiconductor device handling portion to hold the semiconductor device between the contact portions of the contact terminal of the socket main body portion.

Further, a socket for a semiconductor device according to the present invention comprises a socket main body portion having a contact terminal with a pair of contact portions for selectively pinching an electrode portion of a semiconductor device to establish electrical connection; a slider movably disposed at the socket main body portion to bring the pair of contact portions of the contact terminal close to each other or moving them away from each other; a latch mechanism for selectively holding or releasing the semiconductor device with the electrode portion of the semiconductor device disposed between the pair of contact portions of the contact terminal; and a timing adjustment mechanism portion for adjusting the slider such that the timing at which the contact portions come close to each other to establish electrical connection with the electrode portion of the semiconductor device disposed between the pair of contact portions of the contact terminal is delayed from the timing at which the semiconductor device is held by the latch mechanism.

As apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, the operation of bringing the pair of contact portions of the contact terminal close to each other to pinch the electrode portion of the semiconductor device by the pair of contact portions is performed while performing the operation of moving the semiconductor device handling portion holding the semiconductor device to hold the electrode portion of the semiconductor device between the pair of contact portions of the contact terminal that is provided on the socket main body portion. It is therefore possible to avoid a jump of the semiconductor device at the time of mounting without a need for a troublesome adjusting operation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 2schematically shows a first embodiment of a device for mounting and demounting a semiconductor device employing an example of a method of mounting and demounting a semiconductor device according to the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 2, a plurality of sockets2for semiconductor devices in and from which semiconductor devices to be tested are mounted and demounted is arranged in the longitudinal and transverse directions of a predetermined printed wiring board40. InFIG. 2, they are represented by one socket2for a semiconductor device.

The socket2for a semiconductor device is, for example, an open top type socket, and the socket primarily comprises a socket main body30secured on the printed wiring board40; a plurality of contact terminals46ai(i=1 to n where n represents a positive integer) which is disposed in a contact housing portion30ain the middle of the interior of the socket main body30and which electrically connect a semiconductor device to be described later and a conductive layer of the printed wiring board40; a cover member34which is supported on the socket main body30such that it can be moved up and down and which transmits an operating force to a slider42to be described later; a positioning member44which houses the semiconductor device as an object to be tested and which positions electrode portions of the semiconductor device relative to the contact terminals46ai; and a slider42for bringing a pair of contact portions of the plurality of contact terminals46aiclose to each other or moving them away from each other.

A semiconductor device26subjected to such a socket for a semiconductor device is, for example, a substantially square semiconductor element of BGA type which has an electrode surface on which a plurality of electrode portions26aare formed in the longitudinal and transverse directions thereof.

In a predetermined position of the printed wiring board40, a group of electrodes, which are electrically connected to an input/output portion of the board through a conductive layer, are formed corresponding to the plurality of contact terminals46aiof the socket main body30. As shown inFIG. 2, terminals46B at base ends of the plurality of contact terminals46aiprovided on the socket main body30disposed on the printed wiring board40are connected to the group of electrodes.

Provided inside the socket main body30is a housing portion30afrom which movable contact portions46M and46F of the plurality of contact terminals46aiprotrude. In the socket main body30, a support hole30binto which the proximal end portion of each contact terminal46aiis inserted is provided at the bottom of the housing portion30. One open end of each support hole30bopens into the interior of the housing portion30a.

Each contact terminal46aicomprises a terminal46B on the proximal end side thereof provided on the socket main body30corresponding to each electrode portion26aof the semiconductor device26mounted and a pair of movable contact portions46F and46M which is coupled with the terminal46B and which selectively pinches each electrode portion26aof the semiconductor device26. In accordance with a movement of the slider42, the pair of movable contact portions46F and46M come close to each other to pinch each electrode portion26aof the semiconductor device26or move away from each other to release each electrode portion26aof the semiconductor device26.

The terminals46B are supported by a contact support member36and an aligning plate38which are disposed in a part of the socket main body30under the housing portion30a.

The slider42which forms a part of a contact terminal driving portion is disposed in the housing portion30aof the socket main body30such that it can move in a direction substantially orthogonal to the moving directions of the movable contact portions46M and46F of each contact terminal46ai. That is, the slider42as a contact operating member is disposed such that it can move along the direction in which the cover member34of the socket main body30moves up and down.

The slider42has openings42btherein provided in the longitudinal and transverse directions thereof, the openings which the movable contact portions46M and46F of each contact terminal46aiprotrude through the openings. Openings42bin different rows are partitioned from each other by partition walls, respectively. The partition walls are formed in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the drawing at predetermined intervals in association with each contact terminal46ai.

A movable contact pressing portion42P is provided in the slider42between each pair of the openings42bin each row, the pressing portion being formed to serve as a partition between the openings42band to serve as a partition between the movable contact portion46M and the movable contact portion46F. Further, a return spring48for urging the slider42so as to return it from the position shown inFIG. 5to the position shown inFIG. 2is provided between a lower end surface of the slider42and a bottom surface of the housing portion30aof the socket main body30.

As shown inFIG. 2, an upper part of the slider42protrudes a predetermined amount outside an upper end surface of the socket main body30in its initial position. At this time, the movable contact portion46M and the movable contact portion46F of the contact terminal46aiare close to each other.

As shown inFIG. 5, when the cover member34is moved down toward the socket main body30, the upper end face of the slider42touching on the lower end surface of the cover member34is pushed into the housing portion30aagainst the urging force of the return spring48to become flush with the upper end face of the socket main body30. At this time, the movable contact portion46M and the movable contact portion46F of the contact terminal46aiare away from each other.

Thus, when the slider42is moved downward against the urging force of the return spring48as a result of the operation of moving the cover member34downward, the movable contact pressing portions42P are moved such that the movable contact portion46M and the movable contact portion46F of each contact terminal46aiare moved away from each other. The slider42is moved by the urging force of the return spring48and the restoring force of the movable contact portions46M and the movable contact portions46F as a result of the operation of moving the cover member34upward.

As shown inFIG. 2, in the middle of the positioning member44, a housing portion44ais provided, in which a semiconductor device26is removably mounted. For example, after a semiconductor device26held by an absorption pad24of a material handling portion10of a transport robot is released, the semiconductor device drops into the housing portion44afrom a predetermined height, and it is automatically guided and positioned in the housing portion44a.

An inner circumferential surface of the housing portion44ais formed by flat surfaces facing respective end faces of the substantially square semiconductor device26, inclined surfaces connecting an upper end face and the flat surfaces, and a bottom surface that crosses the flat surfaces. The dimensions of the inner circumferential surface of the housing portion44aare set greater than the outline dimensions of the semiconductor device26which is mounted with a predetermined common difference.

The cover member34forming a part of a contact terminal drive controlling mechanism portion has an opening34atherein, the opening encircling the outer circumference of the positioning member44. The cover member34is supported on the socket main body30such that it can move upward and downward relative to the socket main body30. A coil spring32for urging the cover member34in the direction of moving it away from the socket main body30or upward is provided in each of gaps between a plurality of recesses provided inside the cover member34around the opening34aand recesses in the socket main body30.

An IC socket operating member (IOM)28for moving the cover member34up and down is disposed above the socket2for a semiconductor device. Thus, a contact terminal drive controlling mechanism portion is formed by the IC socket operating member28and the cover member34.

The IC socket operating member28is supported such that it can be moved up and down by an elevating mechanism (not shown) provided around each of the sockets2for a semiconductor device. The IC socket operating member28has an opening28awhich is in communication with the opening34aof the cover member34described above.

For example, the elevating mechanism is driven by an air cylinder. The air cylinder is controlled by a control unit which will be described later. Thus, the IC socket operating member28can move between the position above the cover member34shown inFIG. 2and the lowermost position shown inFIG. 5in which it touches on the upper end face of the cover member34to press the cover member34.

When a semiconductor device26is mounted and demounted in and from a socket2for a semiconductor device, the semiconductor device26, which is held by the absorption pad24secured to a lower end of a suction pipe20of the material handling portion10, passes through the opening28aof the IC socket operating member28.

As shown inFIG. 2, the material handling portion (MH)10comprising a floating member18including the suction pipe20is secured to an arm portion of the transport robot which is omitted in the illustration. The transport robot moves between the sockets2for a semiconductor device and a predetermined tray along a path of movement according to a predetermined program. A predetermined number of semiconductor devices26to be tested are disposed on the tray.

The material handling portion (MH)10can be moved toward or away from the IC socket operating member28and the sockets2for a semiconductor device, or can be moved up and down in a predetermined stroke.

The material handling portion (MH)10primarily comprises the suction pipe20which has the absorption pad24for holding or releasing one semiconductor device26, the floating member18which supports the suction pipe20, and a floating portion support shaft14which movably supports the floating member18.

For example, the absorption pad24is made of an elastic material, and the pad has an absorbing surface for absorbing a semiconductor device26on one end face thereof. The absorption pad24has a through hole24atherein, the through hole forming a part of a suction channel and opening on the absorbing surface. Another end of the absorption pad24is coupled to one end of the L-shaped suction pipe20. A channel20aforming a part of the suction channel is formed inside the suction pipe20. One end of a tube22connected to a suction pump, which is omitted in the illustration, is connected to another end of the suction pipe20. The operation of the suction pump is controlled by the control unit to be described later. Therefore, when the suction pump is operated, a semiconductor device26to be tested is absorbed and held at the absorbing surface of the absorption pad24by a suction pressure supplied through a suction channel that is formed of the tube22, the channel20a, and the through hole24a.

The floating member18has an internal recess18ain which a bent part of the suction pipe20is secured. A hole18bis formed adjacent to the recess18a, one end of the floating portion support shaft14being slidably fitted in the hole. The hole18bincludes a large-diameter part in which a flange part on one end of the floating portion support shaft14is slidably fitted and a small-diameter part in which a shaft part of the floating portion support shaft14is slidably fitted. The depth of the large-diameter part is set according to a predetermined stroke of the floating member18to be described later. The floating member18is supported on one end of the floating portion support shaft14such that the axis of the floating portion support shaft14and the center axes of the hole18band the suction pipe20are coaxial.

Another end of the floating portion support shaft14is secured to a securing portion12provided in the material handling portion (MH)10. For example, the securing portion12has a hole in which the other end of the floating portion support shaft14is fitted. The hole is provided with a female thread extending in the radial direction thereof, into which a machine screw is screwed, although not shown. Thus, the other end of the floating portion support shaft14is secured to the securing portion12by screwing the machine screw into the female thread. A coil spring16for urging the floating member18in the direction of moving away from the securing portion12is wound around the floating portion support shaft14between the securing portion12and the floating member18.

As shown inFIG. 3, the first embodiment of a device for mounting and demounting a semiconductor device according to the present invention further includes a control unit50for controlling the elevation and the absorbing operation of the material handling portion (MH)10and the operation of the IC socket operating member (IOM)28.

Referring toFIG. 3, data DP1representing the position of the material handling portion (MH)10and data DP2representing the position of the IC socket operating member (IOM)28from a recognizer72to be described later and a control command data group CD from a data input portion52are supplied to the control unit50.

The control unit50comprises a central processing unit (CPU)50C which forms a control signal based on the data DP1and DP2and the control command data group CD supplied as described above and supplies the signal to control portions56,58, and60to be described later and a memory portion50M for storing program data for controlling the operations of the material handling portion (MH)10and the IC socket operating member (IOM)28and data representing the type, quantity, and the like of semiconductor devices26to be tested. The memory portion50M also stores data on positions and attitudes that the above-described transport robot and material handling portion (MH)10assume along trajectories specified in advance using predetermined teaching.

The data input portion52is connected to the control unit50. For example, the data input portion52is an input portion constituted by a keyboard, and it supplies the control command data group CD comprising command data for mounting of a semiconductor device26, test starting command data, test ending command data, and the like to the control unit50at predetermined timing. A recognizer72which forms the relative position data DP1and DP2is connected to the control unit50. The recognizer72is continually supplied with photographic data DG2from a camera70which photographs the attitude of the IC socket operating member (IOM)28and photographic data DG1from a camera68which photographs the attitude of the material handling portion (MH)10. For example, each of the cameras68and70is a CCD camera.

The recognizer72performs predetermined image extraction and image conversion processes based on the photographic data DG2to obtain two-dimensional or three-dimensional relative position data DP2and performs predetermined image extraction and image conversion processes based on the photographic data DG1to obtain two-dimensional or three-dimensional relative position data DP1.

A display portion54is connected to the control unit50. The display portion54displays that a test is in progress and that a test has been completed based on display signals from the central processing unit (CPU)50C.

Further, a motor control portion56, an air cylinder control portion58, and a suction pump control portion60are connected to the control unit50.

When a semiconductor device is mounted in a socket2for a semiconductor device in such a configuration, the control unit50forms control signals CM and CP and supplies them to the motor control portion56and the suction pump control portion60, respectively, such that the transport robot having the material handling portion (MH)10will move down to the semiconductor device26on a tray based on control command data group CD representing a mount command when the robot is moved to a position directly above the tray from a predetermined home position and such that the absorption pad24of the material handling portion (MH)10will hold the semiconductor device26and will thereafter move upward.

Thus, the suction pump66is actuated, and the absorption pad24of the material handling portion (MH)10holds the semiconductor device26. At this time, the center axis of the absorption pad24coincides with the center axis of the semiconductor device26.

Then, the transport robot is moved to a position directly above the socket2for a semiconductor device as shown inFIG. 2.

First, when it is determined at step S1(seeFIG. 4) based on the data DP1that the absorption pad24is in the state shown inFIG. 2by the control unit50, the control unit50forms a control signal CA and supplies it to the air cylinder control portion58such that the cover member34will be moved down a predetermined amount and held at the lower end as shown inFIG. 5with the IC socket operating member28kept touching on the top surface of the cover member34of the socket2for a semiconductor device.

Thus, the cover member34is moved down to the lowermost position, and the slider42is consequently moved down against the urging force of the return spring48. Thus, the movable contact portions46M and46F of the contact terminal46are moved away from each other.

Next, at step S2(seeFIG. 4), the control unit50forms a control signal CM and supplies it to the motor control portion56to move the material handling portion (MH)10down to a predetermined position and thereafter stops supplying the control signal CP to the suction pump control portion60(step S3). As a result, as shown inFIG. 5, a servo motor62is actuated; the suction pump66stops operating; and the semiconductor device26is released from the absorption pad24and is guided to be dropped and placed on the bottom of the positioning member34. At this time, each electrode portion26aof the semiconductor device26is disposed between the movable contact portions46M and46F of a contact terminal46.

Subsequently, at step S4(seeFIG. 4), the control unit50forms a control signal CM and supplies it to the motor control portion56such that the material handling portion (MH)10will be moved down further to press the semiconductor device26with the absorption pad24by a predetermined length L1against the urging force of the coil spring16. As a result, as shown inFIG. 6, a gap having the predetermined length L1is formed between the inner circumferential surface of the floating member18that forms the recess18btherein and the flange portion of the floating portion support shaft14. At this time, a jump of the semiconductor device26is prevented by the absorption pad24.

Subsequently, at step5(seeFIG. 4), in order to pinch each electrode portion26aof the semiconductor device26held by the absorption pad24with the movable contact portions46M and46F of the respective contact terminal46, the control unit50forms a control signal CA and supplies it to the air cylinder control portion58to move the IC socket operating member28and the cover member34upward as shown inFIG. 1.

As a result, the slider42is moved upward by the urging force of the return spring48, and the cover member34is moved away from the upper end of the slider42, whereby the movable contact portions46M and46F of each contact terminal46pinch the respective electrode portion26aof the semiconductor device26. Thus, the mounting of the semiconductor device26to be tested is completed, and each electrode portion26aof the semiconductor device26is electrically connected to the movable contact portions46M and46F.

Subsequently, at step S6(seeFIG. 4), the control unit50forms control signals CM and CA based on the data DP1and DP2and supplies them to the motor control portion56and the air cylinder control portion58to move up the material handling portion (MH)10and the IC socket operating portion28to the position shown inFIG. 7based on test starting command data before stating a test. Thus, the cover member34is made to move up to its uppermost position by the urging force of the coil spring32.

Subsequently, after the period of a predetermined test on the socket2for a semiconductor device passes, in order to remove the semiconductor device which has been tested from the socket2for a semiconductor device, the control unit50forms control signals CM, CA, and CP based on the data DP1and DP2and supplies them to the motor control portion56, the air cylinder control portion58, and the suction pump control portion60to move the IC socket operating member28and the material handling portion (MH)10down to the position shown inFIG. 5, to absorb and hold the semiconductor device which has been tested with the absorption pad24, and to thereafter move up the IC socket operating member28and the material handling portion (MH)10with the semiconductor device held thereon based on test ending command data.

Thus, the semiconductor device which has been test is removed from the socket2for a semiconductor device.

Such an embodiment provides the following advantages.

1) Since there is no need for a latch mechanism or the like which is provided in a conventional IC socket, an IC socket can be manufactured at a superior cost per performance because the IC socket has a reduced number of components and a simple configuration. 2) A wide variety of semiconductor device can be tested with a single IC socket. 3) Timing at which the movable contact portions of a contact terminal pinch a solder ball of, for example, a BGA type semiconductor device can be freely adjusted by the material handling portion. Therefore, even in case that a change is made in the diameter of a solder ball of a semiconductor device to be used with an existing IC socket, a test can respond with the existing IC socket. As a result, existing IC sockets can be used by making simple software changes and the like without making changes in facility.

FIG. 8schematically shows a second embodiment of a device for mounting and demounting a semiconductor device according to the invention. InFIG. 8, elements identical to those in the example shown inFIG. 1are indicated by like reference numerals, and the description will omit them to avoid duplication.

The IC socket operating member28is driven by the air cylinder64which is a source of driving separate from the material handling portion10in the example shown inFIG. 1. On the contrary, in the example shown inFIG. 8, a frame-shaped IC socket operating member78is secured at the lower end of the material handling portion10. The example shown inFIG. 1employs a configuration in which the floating portion support shaft14supporting the floating member18is secured to the material handling portion10. In the example shown inFIG. 8, a piston rod76of an air cylinder74provided in a predetermined position of the material handling portion10and supporting the floating member18can be moved relative to the material handling portion10.

As shown inFIG. 11, a flange portion provided on one end of the piston rod76of the air cylinder74is movably fitted in the large-diameter part of the recess18bof the floating member18. The coil spring16is wound between an annular part76aprovided in the middle of the piston rod76and the upper end of the floating member18.

In addition to such a configuration, as shown inFIG. 13, there is provided a control unit50which controls the elevation and absorbing operation of the material handling portion (MH)10and the operation of the air cylinder74.

InFIG. 13, elements identical to those inFIG. 3are indicated by like reference numerals, and the description will omit them to avoid duplication.

When a semiconductor device is mounted in a socket2for a semiconductor device in such a configuration, the control unit50forms control signals CM and CP and supplies them to the motor control portion56and the suction pump control portion60, respectively, such that the transport robot having the material handling portion (MH)10will move down to the semiconductor device26on a tray based on control command data group CD representing a mount command when the robot is moved to a position directly above the tray from a predetermined home position and such that the absorption pad24of the material handling portion (MH)10will hold the semiconductor device26and will thereafter move upward.

Thus, the servo motor62and the suction pump66are actuated, and the absorption pad24of the material handling portion (MH)10holds the semiconductor device26. At this time, the center axis of the absorption pad24coincides with the center axis of the semiconductor device26.

Then, the transport robot is moved to a position directly above the socket2for a semiconductor device as shown inFIG. 8.

First, when it is determined at step S1(seeFIG. 14) based on the data DP1that the absorption pad24is in the state shown inFIG. 8, the control unit50forms a control signal CM and supplies it to the motor control portion56such that the cover member34will be moved down a predetermined amount and held at the lower end as shown inFIG. 9with the IC socket operating member78of the material handling portion (MH)10kept touching on the top surface of the cover member34of the socket2for a semiconductor device.

Thus, the cover member34is moved down to the lowermost position, and the slider42is consequently moved down against the urging force of the return spring48. The movable contact portions46M and46F of the contact terminal46are thus moved away from each other.

Next, at step S2(seeFIG. 14), the control unit50stops supplying the control signal CP to the suction pump control portion60. As a result, as shown inFIG. 9, the semiconductor device26is released from the absorption pad24and is guided to be dropped and placed on the bottom of the positioning member44. At this time, each electrode portion26aof the semiconductor device26is disposed between the movable contact portions46M and46F of a contact terminal46ai.

Subsequently, at step S3(seeFIG. 14), the control unit50forms a control signal CA and supplies it to the air cylinder control portion58such that the absorption pad24will be moved down further in touch on the surface of the semiconductor device26to urge the same by a predetermined length L3against the urging force of the coil spring16while extending (moving down) the piston rod76further by a predetermined length L2. As a result, as shown inFIG. 10, a gap having the predetermined length L3is formed between the inner circumferential surface of the floating member18that forms the recess18band the flange portion of the floating portion support shaft14. At this time, a jump of the semiconductor device26is prevented by the absorption pad24.

Subsequently, at step S4(seeFIG. 14), in order to pinch each electrode portion26aof the semiconductor device26held by the absorption pad24with the movable contact portions46M and46F of the respective contact terminal46, the control unit50forms a control signal CM and supplies it to the motor control portion56to move the material handling portion (MH)10, the IC socket operating member78, and the cover member34upward a predetermined distance L4as shown inFIG. 11.

As a result, the slider42is moved upward by the urging force of the return spring48, and the cover member34is moved away from the upper end of the slider42, whereby the movable contact portions46M and46F of each contact terminal46pinch the respective electrode portion26aof the semiconductor device26. Thus, the mounting of the semiconductor device26to be tested is completed, and each electrode portion26aof the semiconductor device26is electrically connected to the movable contact portions46M and46F. At this time, as shown inFIG. 11, a gap having a length L5smaller than the predetermined length L3is formed between the inner circumferential surface of the floating member18forming the recess18band the flange portion of the floating portion support shaft14.

Subsequently, at step S5(seeFIG. 14), the control unit50forms a control signal CM based on the data DP1and DP2and supplies it to the motor control portion56to move up the material handling portion (MH)10and the IC socket operating portion78to a predetermined position shown inFIG. 12based on test starting command data before stating a test. Thus, the cover member34is moved up to its uppermost position by the urging force of the coil spring32.

Subsequently, after the period of a predetermined test on the socket2for a semiconductor device passes, in order to remove the semiconductor device which has been tested from the socket2for a semiconductor device, the control unit50forms control signals CM and CP based on test ending command data and supplies them to the motor control portion56and the suction pump control portion60to move the IC socket operating member78and the material handling portion (MH)10down to the position shown inFIG. 10, to absorb and hold the semiconductor device which has been tested with the absorption pad24, and to thereafter move up the IC socket operating member78and the material handling portion (MH)10with the semiconductor device held thereon based on the data DP1and DP2.

Thus, the semiconductor device which has been test is removed from the socket2for a semiconductor device.

FIG. 15schematically shows a third embodiment of a device for mounting and demounting a semiconductor device according to the invention. InFIG. 15, elements identical to those in the example shown inFIG. 8are indicated by like reference numerals, and the description will omit them to avoid duplication.

While the socket2for a semiconductor device in the example shown inFIG. 8has the cover member34which moves the slider42up and down, in the example shown inFIG. 15, the function of the cover member34is provided by the IC socket operating member78. Further, in the example shown inFIG. 15, a flanged suction pipe80is provided in place of the suction pipe20shown inFIG. 8.

A socket2′ for a semiconductor device primarily comprises a socket main body30′ secured on a printed wiring board40; a plurality of contact terminals46ai(i=1 to n where n represents a positive integer) which is disposed in a contact housing portion30′ain the middle of the interior of the socket main body30′ and which electrically connect a semiconductor device26to be described later and a conductive layer of the printed wiring board40; a positioning member44′ which houses the semiconductor device26to be tested and which positions electrode portions26aof the semiconductor device26relative to the contact terminals46ai; and a slider42′ for bringing a pair of contact portions of the plurality of contact terminals46aiclose to each other or moving them away from each other.

The slider42′ which forms a part of a contact terminal driving portion is disposed in the housing portion30′aof the socket main body30′ such that it can move in a direction substantially orthogonal to the moving directions of movable contact portions46M and46F of each contact terminal46ai.

The slider42′ has openings42′btherein provided in the longitudinal and transverse directions thereof, the movable contact portions46M and46F of each contact terminal46aiprotruding through the openings. Openings42′bin different rows are partitioned from each other by partition walls. The partition walls are formed in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the drawing at predetermined intervals in association with each contact terminal46ai.

A movable contact pressing portion42′P is provided on the slider42′ between each pair of the openings42′bin each row, the pressing portion being formed to serve as a partition between the openings42′band to serve as a partition between the movable contact portion46M and the movable contact portion46F. Further, a return spring48for urging the slider42′ so as to return it from the position shown inFIG. 17to the position shown inFIG. 15is provided between a lower end face of the slider42′ and a bottom surface of the housing portion30′aof the socket main body30′.

As shown inFIG. 15, an upper part of the slider42′ protrudes a predetermined amount above an upper end face of the socket main body30′ in its initial position. At this time, the movable contact portion46M and the movable contact portion46F of the contact terminal46aiare close to each other.

As shown inFIGS. 16 and 17, when the IC socket operating member78is moved down toward the socket main body30′, the upper end face of the slider42′ touching on the lower end face of the IC socket operating member78is pushed into the housing portion30′aagainst the urging force of the return spring48to become coplanar with the upper end face of the socket main body30′. At this time, the movable contact portion46M and the movable contact portion46F of the contact terminal46aiare spaced from each other.

Thus, when the slider42′ is moved downward against the urging force of the return spring48as a result of the operation of moving the IC socket operating member78downward, the movable contact pressing portions42′P are moved such that the movable contact portion46M and the movable contact portion46F of each contact terminal46aiare moved away from each other. The slider42′ is moved by the urging force of the return spring48and the restoring force of the movable contact portions46M and the movable contact portions46F as a result of the operation of moving the IC socket operating member78upward.

As shown inFIG. 15, in the middle of the positioning member44′, a mounting portion44′ais provided, on which a semiconductor device26is removably mounted. The mounting portion44′ais formed with an opening, and electrode portions located at four corners of a semiconductor device26engage the periphery of the opening at the respective corners thereof to position the semiconductor device26.

For example, after a semiconductor device26held by the absorption pad24of the material handling portion10of the transport robot is released, the semiconductor device drops onto the mounting portion44′afrom a predetermined height, and it is automatically guided and positioned.

The other end of the absorption pad24is coupled with one end of the L-shaped suction pipe80. A channel80aforming a part of a suction channel is formed in the flanged suction pipe80. One end of the tube22connected to the suction pipe, which is omitted in the illustration, is connected to another end of the flanged suction pipe80. A flange portion80F is provided at an outer circumferential end portion of the flanged suction pipe80on the side of the absorption pad24. The flange portion80F serving as a position regulating member has a diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the IC socket operating member78and an edge slightly greater than an outer dimension of the positioning member44′.

The outer circumferential edge of the flange portion80F is bent in a predetermined length toward the socket main body30′. For example, as shown inFIG. 21, the bending length is set such that a predetermined gap CL is formed between an end face of the absorption pad24and a top surface of the positioning member44′ or tips of the contact terminals46aiwhen end faces of the IC socket operating member78and the flange portion80F touch on an upper end of the socket main body30′. For example, the gap CL is set at a dimension in the excess of zero and smaller than the thickness of the semiconductor device26or dimension equal to the thickness of the semiconductor device26.

Therefore, since the gap CL is formed by providing the suction pipe80having such a flange portion80F, for example, in the above-described second embodiment, it is possible to avoid such a situation that the absorption pad24holding no semiconductor device26is erroneously moved down for some reason to hit and damage the contact terminals46ai, as shown inFIG. 22.

In such an embodiment, a control unit50as shown inFIG. 13is similarly provided.

When a semiconductor device is mounted in a socket2′ for a semiconductor device in such a configuration, the control unit50forms control signals CM and CP and supplies them to the motor control portion56and the suction pump control portion60, respectively, such that the transport robot having the material handling portion (MH)10will move down to the semiconductor device26on a tray, hold the semiconductor device26, and moves up thereafter based on control command data group CD representing a mount command when the robot is moved to a position directly above the tray from a predetermined home position.

Thus, the absorption pad24of the material handling portion (MH)10holds the semiconductor device26. At this time, the center axis of the absorption pad24coincides with the center axis of the semiconductor device26.

Then, the transport robot is moved to a position directly above the socket2for a semiconductor device as shown inFIG. 15.

First, when it is determined based on the data DP1that the absorption pad24is in the state shown inFIG. 15, the control unit50forms a control signal CM and supplies it to the motor control portion56such that the material handling portion (MH)10is moved down a predetermined amount and held at the lower end as shown inFIGS. 16 and 17with the IC socket operating member78kept touching on a top surface of the slider42′.

Since the slider42′ is thus moved down against the urging force of the return spring48, the movable contact portions46M and46F of the contact terminal46are moved away from each other.

Next, the control unit50stops supplying the control signal CP to the suction pump control portion60. As a result, as shown inFIG. 17, the semiconductor device26is released from the absorption pad24and is guided to be dropped and placed on the bottom of the positioning member44′. At this time, each electrode portion26aof the semiconductor device26is disposed between the movable contact portions46M and46F of a contact terminal46.

Subsequently, the control unit50forms a control signal CA and supplies it to the air cylinder control portion58such that the absorption pad24will be moved down further in touch on the surface of the semiconductor device26to urge the same by a predetermined length L6against the urging force of the coil spring16while extending (moving down) the piston rod76further by a predetermined length. As a result, as shown inFIG. 18, a gap having the predetermined length L6is formed between the inner circumferential surface of the floating member18that forms the recess18band the flange portion of the piston rod76. As shown inFIG. 18, the gap CL is also formed between the end face of the flange portion80F and the upper end of the socket main body30′.

At this time, a jump of the semiconductor device26is prevented by the absorption pad24.

Subsequently, in order to pinch each electrode portion26aof the semiconductor device26held by the absorption pad24with the movable contact portions46M and46F of the respective contact terminal46, the control unit50forms a control signal CM and supplies it to the motor control portion56to move the material handling portion (MH)10and the IC socket operating member78upward a predetermined distance L8as shown inFIG. 19.

As a result, the slider42′ is moved upward by the urging force of the return spring48in the state that the gap CL is formed between the end face of the flange portion80F and the upper end of the socket main body30′, and the IC socket operating member78is moved away from the upper end of the slider42′, whereby the movable contact portions46M and46F of each contact terminal46pinch the respective electrode portion26aof the semiconductor device26. Thus, the mounting of the semiconductor device26to be tested is completed, and each electrode portion26aof the semiconductor device26is electrically connected to the movable contact portions46M and46F. At this time, as shown inFIG. 19, a gap having a length L7smaller than the predetermined length L6is formed between the inner circumferential surface of the floating member18forming the recess18band the flange portion of the piston rod76.

Subsequently, the control unit50forms a control signal CM based on the data DP1and DP2and supplies it to the motor control portion56to move up the material handling portion (MH)10and the IC socket operating portion78to a predetermined position shown inFIG. 20based on test starting command data before stating a test. Thus, the slider42′ is moved up to its uppermost position by the urging force of the coil spring48.

Subsequently, after the period of a predetermined test on the socket2′ for a semiconductor device passes, in order to remove the semiconductor device which has been tested from the socket2′ for a semiconductor device, the control unit50forms control signals CM and CP based on test ending command data and supplies them to the motor control portion56and the suction pump control portion60to move the IC socket operating member78and the material handling portion (MH)10down to the position shown inFIG. 17, to absorb and hold the semiconductor device which has been tested with the absorption pad24, and to thereafter move up the IC socket operating member78and the material handling portion (MH)10with the semiconductor device held thereon based on the data DP1and DP2. Thus, the semiconductor device which has been test is removed from the socket2for a semiconductor device.

In each of the above-described embodiments of the invention, photographic data obtained by a camera is used for detecting the predetermined positions of the IC socket operating member and the material handling portion (HM). However, the invention is not limited to such examples, and a configuration may be employed, in which the IC socket operating member and the material handling portion (MH) are controlled based on detection output signals from proximity sensors disposed in predetermined positions to detect the predetermined positions of the IC socket operating member and the material handling portion (MH).

FIG. 23schematically shows a first embodiment of a socket for a semiconductor device according to the invention.

As shown inFIG. 23, the socket for a semiconductor device comprises a socket main body90which is disposed on a printed wiring board110and which houses contact terminals100ai(i=1 to n where n represents a positive integer) for electrically connecting a semiconductor device118to be described later to the printed wiring board110; a positioning member94which is disposed in a position inside the socket main body90above the contact terminals100aiand which has a housing portion94afor mounting the semiconductor device118; a latch mechanism which is disposed around the positioning member94and which has a pair of presser members102for selectively holding the semiconductor device118relative to the housing portion94aof the positioning member94; and a cover member92which transmits an operating force applied thereto to the presser members102through a transmission mechanism to be described later.

The positioning member94positions the periphery of the BGA type semiconductor device118mounted in the housing portion94athereof to position electrode portions118aof the semiconductor device118relative to movable contact portions100F and100M of the contact terminals100ai.

For example, the positioning member94is disposed on an upper surface of a slider98such that it can be moved a predetermined distance in moving directions of the movable contact portions100F and100M of the contact terminals100aiby movably engaging a pair of nails provided on the positioning member94with respective slots formed on the upper surface of the slider98. Further, the positioning member94has an opening94btherein to allow the presser members102to be described later to pass.

As shown inFIGS. 23 and 24, the pair of presser members102of the latch mechanism are disposed on both ends of the slider98, respectively, such that they face each other with the housing portion94apinched between them. The presser member102comprises a proximal end portion102B which is rotatably supported in the slider98, an touching portion102P which is selectively made to touch on or move away from an outer circumferential part of the semiconductor device118, and a connecting portion102C which connects the proximal end portion102B and the touching portion102P.

As shown inFIG. 25, the proximal end portion102B is formed with a protruding portion102twhich is engaged with a lower end of the cover member92when the cover member92is in its lowermost position. A coil spring116for urging the touching portion102P of the presser member102in the direction of approaching the contact terminals100aiis provided between the proximal end portion102B and a bottom wall of a recess formed in the slider98facing the same.

When the semiconductor device118is mounted in the housing portion94a, as shown inFIG. 25, the touching portions102P of the presser members102assume a standby position spaced away from the housing portion94ato avoid interference with the semiconductor device118. After the semiconductor device118is mounted in the housing portion94a, the touching portions102P of the presser members102enter the housing portion94aand assume a holding position to depress and hold the semiconductor device118, as shown inFIG. 28.

Each contact terminal100aicomprises a terminal100B on the base end side which is provided on the socket main body90in association with each electrode portion118aof the semiconductor device118to be mounted and a pair of movable contact portions100F and100M which are coupled with the terminal100B and which selectively pinch each electrode portion118aof the semiconductor device118. In accordance with a movement of the slider98, the pair of movable contact portions100F and100M approach each other to pinch each electrode portion118aof the semiconductor device118or move away from each other to release each electrode portion118aof the semiconductor device118.

The terminal100B is inserted into a through hole on the bottom wall of the housing portion90aon which the slider98is slid, and it is supported by a contact support member114and an aligning plate112which are disposed in a part of the socket main body90under the housing portion90a.

The slider98is supported on the bottom wall of the housing portion90aof the socket main body90such that it can slide in the moving directions of the movable contact portions100M and100F of the contact terminals100ai.

The slider98has openings98btherein provided in the longitudinal and transverse directions thereof, the movable contact portions100M and100F of each contact terminal100aiprotruding through the openings. Openings98bin different rows are partitioned from each other by partition walls. The partition walls are formed in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the drawing at predetermined intervals in association with each contact terminal100ai.

A movable contact pressing portion98P is provided on the slider98between each pair of the openings98bin each row, the pressing portion being formed to serve as a partition between the openings98band to serve as a partition between the movable contact portion100M and the movable contact portion100F. Step portions98sfor rotatably supporting the proximal end portions102B of the above-described presser members102are formed on both ends of the slider98, respectively. A spring receiving portion for supporting the coil spring116is formed further outward from the step portions98sof the slider98.

Further, a return spring (not shown) for urging the slider98to return it from the position shown inFIG. 25to the position shown inFIG. 23is provided between an end face of the slider42on the left side thereof as viewed inFIG. 23and a side surface of the housing portion90aof the socket main body90.

The cover member92has an opening92ain the middle thereof, through which the semiconductor device118and the positioning member94pass when the semiconductor device118is mounted and removed in and from the housing portion94aof the positioning member94. The cover member92is disposed such that it can be moved up and down relative to the socket main body90. As shown inFIG. 24, coil springs96are disposed at four corners between the cover member92and the socket main body90to urge the cover member92in the direction of moving away from the socket main body90. One end of a coil spring96is disposed in a recess92don the cover member92, and another end of the coil spring96is disposed in a recess90don the socket main body90.

Further, as shown inFIGS. 23 and 24, cam mechanisms as timing adjusting mechanisms for adjusting the timing of the movement of the slider98are provided in four locations at predetermined intervals, the mechanisms being provided in recesses92ron an inner surface at the periphery of the cover member92facing the slider98.FIG. 23shows an enlarged view of one of the cam mechanisms as a representative.

Each of the cam mechanisms comprises a cam piece104inserted between an engaging edge portion98eof the slider98and an inner surface of a sidewall of the housing portion90a, a fixing pin106for supporting the cam piece104in the recess92rof the cover member92, and a coil spring108which is wound around a shaft portion of the fixing pin106and which urges the cam piece104toward the gap between the engaging edge portion98eof the slider98and the inner surface of the sidewall of the housing portion90a.

As shown inFIG. 23, each of the cam pieces104is formed so as to protrude into the gap between the engaging edge portion98eof the slider98and the inner surface of the sidewall of the housing portion90awith its tapered tip directed downward. Each cam piece104has a cam surface104aformed by a predetermined curved surface in a face-to-face relationship with the slider98. The part of the cam piece104opposite to the cam surface104ais formed by a flat surface which is substantially in parallel with the sidewall of the housing portion90alocated below opposite to the same. A female thread is formed to a predetermined depth at the base end of the cam piece104, a male thread on the fixing pin106being screwed in the female thread. The base end of the cam piece104is disposed such that it can move relative to the recess92r.

The shaft portion of a fixing pin106is fitted in a hole92hformed in the recess92r. A head portion of the fixing pin106is engaged with a circumferential edge at an open end of the hole92h. As a result, the cam piece104is movably mounted in the recess92rof the cover member92with the intervention of the fixing pin106.

The spring constant of the coil spring108is set at a value such that the cam piece104does not come out from the gap between the engaging edge portion98eof the slider98and the inner surface of the sidewall of the housing portion90awhen the slider98is returned in the direction opposite to the direction indicated by the arrow M shown inFIG. 25after the cover member92is moved up.

When a semiconductor device118is tested in such a configuration, as shown inFIG. 25, the end of an arm of a working robot which is omitted in the illustration is first touched on an upper surface of the cover member92and is urged downward against the urging force of the coil springs96. As a result, a lower end of the cover member92urges the protruding pieces102t, and the presser members102move away from each other to be in an open state. The engaging edge portion98eof the slider98is urged by the cam surface104aof the cam piece104in the direction of the arrow M shown inFIG. 25, which moves the slider98. Therefore, as shown inFIG. 25, the movable contact portions100M of the contact terminals100aimove away from the movable contact portions100F with a maximum amount of opening.

For example, the semiconductor device118as a material to be inspected is absorbed and held by a transport arm of a transport robot which is omitted in the illustration and transported to a position directly above the opening92aof the cover member92and the positioning member94.

Next, as shown inFIG. 25, the semiconductor device118absorbed and held by the transport arm is moved down through the opening92aof the cover member92and positioned and mounted in the housing portion94a.

Subsequently, when the end of the working robot is moved upward in touch on the upper surface of the cover member92, the cover member92is moved upward by the urging force of the coil springs96from the lowermost position thereof shown inFIG. 25to the uppermost position thereof.

As a result, immediately after the cover member92begins to move upward, the touching portions102P of the presser members102are rotated by the urging force of the coil springs116at substantially the same timing in the respective directions of approaching each other to urge the semiconductor device118toward the contact terminals100ai.

At this time, as shown inFIGS. 26 and 27, since the engaging edge portions98eof the slider98touch on the cam surfaces104aof the cam pieces104, the amount of opening between the movable contact portions100M and the movable contact portions100F of the contact terminals100aiis maintained at the maximum amount of opening mentioned above. Therefore, since the touching portions102P of the presser members102touch on the semiconductor device118before the amount of opening between the movable contact portions100M and the movable contact portions100F becomes small, a jump of the semiconductor device118is avoided.

Subsequently, the cover member92is further moved upward along with the cam pieces104as shown inFIG. 28, whereby the slider98is returned to allow the electrode portions118aof the semiconductor device118to be pinched between the movable contact portions100M and the movable contact portions100F.

Then, an inspection signal is supplied to an input/output portion of the printed wiring board110with the cover member92kept in the uppermost position, which allows a predetermined test to be conducted.

When the test of the semiconductor device118is finished, the semiconductor device118is removed, and the end of the arm of the working robot is urged downward against the urging force of the coil springs96while being touched on the upper surface of the cover member92in the same way as described above to mount a new semiconductor device118. The semiconductor device118which has been tested is removed by the transport arm, and the new semiconductor device118to be tested is mounted in the same way as described above.

In such an embodiment, therefore, the timing adjusting mechanism portion makes it possible to easily adjust the timing for pinching the electrode portions of a semiconductor device with the contact portions of the contact terminals after the presser members touch on the upper surface of the semiconductor device.

FIG. 29schematically shows a second embodiment of a socket for a semiconductor device according to the invention. InFIG. 29, elements identical to those in the example shown inFIG. 23are indicated by like reference numerals, and the description will omit them to avoid duplication.

As shown inFIG. 29, the socket for a semiconductor device comprises a socket main body120which is disposed on a printed wiring board110and which houses contact terminals130ai(i=1 to n where n represents a positive integer) for electrically connecting a semiconductor device118to the printed wiring board110; a positioning member122which is disposed in a position inside the socket main body120above the contact terminals130aiand which has a housing portion122afor mounting the semiconductor device118; a slider124for bringing movable contacts130M and130F of the contact terminals130aiclose to each other or moving them away from each other; a latch mechanism which is disposed around the positioning member122and which has a pair of presser members102for selectively holding the semiconductor device118relative to the housing portion122aof the positioning member122; and a cover member92which transmits an operating force applied thereto to the presser members102through a transmission mechanism to be described later.

Each contact terminal130aicomprises a terminal130B on the base end side which is provided on the socket main body120in association with each electrode portion118aof the semiconductor device118to be mounted and a pair of movable contact portions130F and130M which are coupled with the terminal130B and which selectively pinch each electrode portion118aof the semiconductor device118. In accordance with a movement of the slider124, the pair of movable contact portions130F and130M approach each other to pinch each electrode portion118aof the semiconductor device118or move away from each other to release each electrode portion118aof the semiconductor device118.

The terminal130B is inserted into a through hole on the bottom wall of the housing portion120aon which the slider124is slid, and it is supported by a contact support member134and an aligning plate136which are disposed in a part of the socket main body120under the housing portion120a.

The slider124is supported on a sidewall of the housing portion120aof the socket main body120such that it can slide in a direction that is substantially orthogonal to the moving directions of the movable contact portions130M and130F. of the contact terminals130ai.

The slider124has openings124btherein provided in the longitudinal and transverse directions thereof, the movable contact portions130M and130F. of each contact terminal130aiprotruding through the openings. Openings124bin different rows are partitioned from each other by partition walls. The partition walls are formed in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the drawing at predetermined intervals in association with each contact terminal130ai.

A movable contact pressing portion124P is provided on the slider124between each pair of the openings124bin each row, the pressing portion being formed to serve as a partition between the openings124band to serve as a partition between the movable contact portion130M and the movable contact portion130F. The movable contact pressing portion124P has a section that is substantially in the form of an isosceles triangle.

Step portions120sfor rotatably supporting the proximal end portions102B of the above-described presser members102are formed on opposite ends of the outer circumference of the housing portion120a, respectively. A spring receiving portion for supporting the coil spring116is formed further outward from the step portions120s.

Further, a return spring126for urging the slider124in the direction of moving away from the bottom of the housing portion120ais provided between a bottom surface of the slider124inFIG. 29and the bottom of the housing portion120aof the socket main body120.

The cover member92is disposed such that it can be moved up and down relative to the socket main body120. As shown inFIG. 29, coil springs96are disposed at four corners between the cover member92and the socket main body130to urge the cover member92in the direction of moving away from the socket main body120. One end of a coil spring96is disposed in a recess92don the cover member92, and another end of the coil spring96is disposed in a recess120don the socket main body120.

Further, as shown inFIGS. 29 and 30, a pair of lever members128for transmitting an operating force of the cover member92to be described later to the slider124is provided substantially in parallel with ends of the slider124.

One end of a lever member128is rotatably supported on the socket main body120. An intermediate part of a lever member128is connected to the slider124with a pin member128P. As a result, when the other ends of the lever members128are urged downward, the slider124is moved downward against the urging force of the return spring126.

Further, timing adjusting mechanisms for adjusting the timing of upward and downward movements of the slider124are provided in two locations, the mechanisms being provided in recesses92gon an inner surface at the periphery of the cover member92facing the lever member128, as shown inFIGS. 29 and 30.

Each of the timing adjusting mechanisms comprises a pressing piece132for pressing the other end of the lever member128, a fixing pin106for supporting the pressing piece132in the recess92gof the cover member92, and a coil spring108which is wound around a shaft portion of the fixing pin106and which urges the pressing piece132toward the lever member128.

As shown inFIG. 29, an end of each pressing piece132protrudes downward from an inner surface of the cover member92. For example, the end has a flat surface which is in parallel with the inner surface of the cover member92. A female thread is formed to a predetermined depth at the base end of the pressing piece132, a male thread on the fixing pin106being screwed in the female thread. The pressing pieces132are movably disposed in the recesses92g.

A shaft portion of a fixing pin106is fitted in a hole92hformed in the recess92g. A head portion of the fixing pin106is engaged with a circumferential edge at an open end of the hole92h. As a result, the pressing piece132is movably mounted in the recess92gof the cover member92with the intervention of the fixing pin106.

The spring constant of the coil spring108is set at a value such that the pressing piece132is not pushed upward by the other end of the lever member128immediately after the cover member92is moved upward.

When a semiconductor device118is tested in such a configuration, as shown inFIG. 31, the end of an arm of a working robot which is omitted in the illustration is first touched on an upper surface of the cover member92and is urged downward against the urging force of the coil springs96. As a result, a lower end of the cover member92urges the protruding pieces102t, and the presser members102move away from each other to be in an open state. The lever members128are urged by the pressing pieces132to move downward against the urging force of the return spring126, which moves the slider124. Therefore, as shown inFIG. 31, the movable contact portions130M of the contact terminals130aimove away from the movable contact portions130F with a maximum amount of opening as the movable contact pressing portion124P moves downward.

For example, the semiconductor118as a material to be inspected is absorbed and held by a transport arm of a transport robot which is omitted in the illustration and transported to a position directly above the opening92aof the cover member92and the positioning member122.

Next, as shown inFIG. 31, the semiconductor device118absorbed and held by the transport arm is moved down through the opening92aof the cover member92and positioned and mounted in the housing portion122a.

Subsequently, when the end of the working robot is moved upward in touch on the upper surface of the cover member92, the cover member92is moved upward by the urging force of the coil springs96from the lowermost position thereof shown inFIG. 31toward the uppermost position thereof.

As a result, immediately after the cover member92begins to move upward, the touching portions102P of the presser members102are rotated by the urging force of the coil springs116at substantially the same timing in the respective directions of approaching each other to urge the semiconductor device118toward the contact terminals130ai.

At this time, as shown inFIG. 32, since the lever members128touch on flat surfaces of the pressing pieces132, the amount of opening between the movable contact portions130M and the movable contact portions130F of the contact terminals130aiis maintained at the maximum amount of opening mentioned above. Therefore, since the touching portions102P of the presser members102touch on the semiconductor device118before the amount of opening between the movable contact portions130M and the movable contact portions130F becomes small, a jump of the semiconductor device118is avoided.

Subsequently, the cover member92is further moved upward as shown inFIG. 33, whereby the pressing pieces132are moved away from the other end of the lever members128, and the slider124is moved upward by the urging force of the coil springs126to allow the electrode portions118aof the semiconductor device118to be pinched between the movable contact portions130M and the movable contact portions130F.

FIG. 34schematically shows a third embodiment of a socket for a semiconductor device according to the invention. InFIG. 34, elements identical to those in the example shown inFIG. 29are indicated by like reference numerals, and the description will omit them to avoid duplication.

As shown inFIG. 34, the socket for a semiconductor device comprises a socket main body120which is disposed on a printed wiring board110and which houses contact terminals130ai(i=1 to n where n represents a positive integer) for electrically connecting a semiconductor device118to the printed wiring board110; a positioning member122which is disposed in a position inside the socket main body120above the contact terminals130aiand which has a housing portion122afor mounting the semiconductor device118; a latch mechanism which is disposed around the positioning member122and which has a pair of presser members102for selectively holding the semiconductor device118relative to the housing portion122aof the positioning member122; and a cover member92which transmits an operating force applied thereto to the presser members102through a transmission mechanism to be described later.

A slider140is supported on a sidewall of the housing portion120aof the socket main body120such that it can slide in a direction that is substantially orthogonal to the moving directions of the movable contact portions130M and130F of the contact terminals130ai.

The slider140has openings140btherein provided in the longitudinal and transverse directions thereof, the movable contact portions130M and130F of each contact terminal130aiprotruding through the openings. Openings140bin different rows are partitioned from each other by partition walls. The partition walls are formed in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the drawing at predetermined intervals in association with each contact terminal130ai.

A movable contact pressing portion140P is provided on the slider140between each pair of the openings140bin each row, the pressing portion being formed to serve as a partition between the openings140band to serve as a partition between the movable contact portion130M and the movable contact portion130F. The movable contact pressing portion140P has a section that is substantially in the form of an isosceles triangle.

A return spring126for urging the slider140in the direction of moving away from the bottom of the housing portion120ais provided between a bottom surface of the slider140inFIG. 29and the bottom of the housing portion120aof the socket main body120.

Further, timing adjusting mechanisms for adjusting the timing of upward and downward movements of the slider140are provided in four locations, the mechanisms being provided in recesses92jon an inner surface at the periphery of the cover member92facing ends of the slider140, as shown inFIGS. 34 and 35.

Each of the timing adjusting mechanisms comprises a pressing piece132for pressing an upper end of the slider140, a fixing pin106for supporting the pressing piece132in the recess92jof the cover member92, and a coil spring108which is wound around a shaft portion of the fixing pin106and which urges the pressing piece132toward the upper end of the slider140.

As shown inFIG. 34, an end of each pressing piece132protrudes downward from an inner surface of the cover member92. For example, the end has a flat surface which is in parallel with the inner surface of the cover member92. A female thread is formed to a predetermined depth at the base end of the pressing piece132, a male thread on the fixing pin106being screwed in the female thread. The pressing pieces132are movably disposed in the recesses92j.

A shaft portion of a fixing pin106is fitted in a hole92hformed in the recess92g. A head portion of the fixing pin106is engaged with a circumferential edge at an open end of the hole92h. As a result, the pressing piece132is movably mounted in the recess92jof the cover member92with the intervention of the fixing pin106.

The spring constant of the coil spring108is set at a value such that the pressing piece132is not pushed upward by the upper end of the slider140immediately after the cover member92is moved upward.

When a semiconductor device118is tested in such a configuration, as shown inFIG. 36, the end of an arm of a working robot which is omitted in the illustration is first touched on an upper surface of the cover member92and is urged downward against the urging force of the coil springs96. As a result, a lower end of the cover member92urges the protruding pieces102t, and the presser members102move away from each other to be in an open state. The upper end of the slider140is urged by the four pressing pieces132to be moved downward against the urging force of the return spring126. Therefore, as shown inFIG. 36, the movable contact portions130M of the contact terminals130aimove away from the movable contact portions130F with a maximum amount of opening as the movable contact pressing portion140P moves downward.

For example, the semiconductor device118as a material to be inspected is absorbed and held by a transport arm of a transport robot which is omitted in the illustration and transported to a position directly above the opening92aof the cover member92and the positioning member122.

Next, as shown inFIG. 36, the semiconductor device118absorbed and held by the transport arm is moved down to be positioned and mounted in the housing portion122a.

Subsequently, when the end of the working robot is moved upward in touch on the upper surface of the cover member92, the cover member92is moved upward by the urging force of the coil springs96from the lowermost position thereof shown inFIG. 36toward the uppermost position thereof shown inFIG. 34.

As a result, immediately after the cover member92begins to move upward, the touching portions102P of the presser members102are rotated by the urging force of the coil springs116at substantially the same timing in the respective directions of approaching each other to urge the semiconductor device118toward the contact terminals130ai.

At this time, as shown inFIG. 37, since the upper end of the slider140touches on flat surfaces of the pressing pieces132, the amount of opening between the movable contact portions130M and the movable contact portions130F of the contact terminals130aiis maintained at the maximum amount of opening mentioned above. Therefore, since the touching portions102P of the presser members102reliably touch on the semiconductor device118before the amount of opening between the movable contact portions130M and the movable contact portions130F becomes small, a jump of the semiconductor device118is avoided.

Subsequently, the cover member92is further moved upward as shown inFIG. 38, whereby each pressing piece132is moved away from the slider140, and the slider140and the movable contact pressing portions140P are moved upward by the urging force of the coil springs126to allow the electrode portions118aof the semiconductor device118to be pinched between the movable contact portions130M and the movable contact portions130F.

FIG. 39schematically shows a fourth embodiment of a socket for a semiconductor device according to the invention.

As shown inFIG. 39, the socket for a semiconductor device comprises a socket main body146which is disposed on a printed wiring board148and which houses contact terminals152ai(i=1 to n where n represents a positive integer) for electrically connecting a BGA type semiconductor device164to the printed wiring board148; a positioning member162which is disposed in a position inside the socket main body146above the contact terminals152aiand which has a mounting portion for mounting the semiconductor device164; a slider150for bringing a pair of movable contacts152M and152F of the contact terminals152close to each other or moving them away from each other; a latch mechanism which is disposed around the positioning member162and which has a pair of presser members154for selectively holding the semiconductor device164relative to the mounting portion of the positioning member162; and a cover member142which transmits an operating force applied thereto to the presser members154through a transmission mechanism to be described later.

An opening is formed in the mounting portion of the positioning member162, and electrode portions located on the four corners of the semiconductor164engage circumferential edges at the respective corners of the opening to position the semiconductor device164.

As shown inFIGS. 39 and 49, the pair of presser members154of the latch mechanism are disposed on both ends of the slider150, respectively, so as to face each other with the housing portion146ainterposed between the. The presser member154comprises a proximal end portion154B which is rotatably supported by at a step portion146sof the socket main body146, an touching portion154P which selectively touches on or moves away from an outer circumferential part of the semiconductor device118, and a connecting portion154C which connects the proximal end portion154B and the touching portion154P.

As show inFIG. 41, thee proximal end portion154B is formed with a protruding piece154twhich is engaged by a lower end of the cover member142when the cover member142to be described later is in its lowermost position. A coil spring156for urging the touching portion154P of the presser member154in the direction of approaching the contact terminals152aiis provided between the proximal end portion154B and a bottom wall of a recess formed in a peripheral part of the housing portion146a. A step portion146sfor rotatably supporting the proximal end portion154B is formed in the peripheral part of the housing portion146aadjacent to the recess.

When the semiconductor device118is mounted on the mounting portion of the positioning member162, as shown inFIG. 41, the touching portions154P of the presser members154assume a standby position spaced away from the mounting portion to avoid interference with the semiconductor device164. After the semiconductor device164is mounted on the mounting portion, the touching portions154P of the presser members154assume a holding position to depress and hold the semiconductor device164, as shown inFIG. 42.

Each contact terminal152aicomprises a terminal152B on the base end side which is provided on the socket main body146in association with each electrode portion164aof the semiconductor device164to be mounted and a pair of movable contact portions152F and152M which are coupled with the terminal152B and which selectively pinch each electrode portion164aof the semiconductor device164. In accordance with a movement of the slider150, the pair of movable contact portions152F and152M approach each other to pinch each electrode portion164aof the semiconductor device164or move away from each other to release each electrode portion164aof the semiconductor device164.

The terminal152B is inserted into a through hole on the bottom wall of the housing portion146aon which the slider150is slid, and it is supported by a contact support member158and an aligning plate160which are disposed in a part of the socket main body146under the housing portion146a.

The slider150is supported on a sidewall of the housing portion146aof the socket main body146such that it can slide in a direction substantially orthogonal to the moving directions of the movable contact portions152M and152F of the contact terminals152ai.

The slider150has openings150btherein provided in the longitudinal and transverse directions thereof, the movable contact portions152M and152F of each contact terminal152aiprotruding through the openings. Openings150bin different rows are partitioned from each other by partition walls. The partition walls are formed in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the drawing at predetermined intervals in association with each contact terminal152ai.

A movable contact pressing portion150P is provided on the slider150between each pair of the openings150bin each row, the pressing portion being formed to serve as a partition between the openings150band to serve as a partition between the movable contact portion152M and the movable contact portion152F. The movable contact pressing portion150P has a sectional shape substantially in the form of an isosceles triangle. As shown inFIG. 40, engaging edge portions150ewhich are engaged with hook portions146F to be described later are formed in four locations at edges of the slider150.

As shown inFIGS. 39 and 40, hook members146F in the form of hooks are formed integrally with the housing portion146ain four locations adjacent to the edges of the slider150. One end of a hook member146F is integral with the bottom wall of the housing portion146a, and another end of the hook member146F, which can be elastically displaced, is extended substantially perpendicularly to the bottom wall to engage an engaging edge portion150eof the slider150selectively, as shown inFIG. 41. The slider150is thus held in its lowermost position by the hook members146F.

Referring toFIG. 39, a return spring126for urging the slider150in the direction of moving away from the bottom of the housing portion146ais provided between a bottom surface of the slider150and the bottom of the housing portion146aof the socket main body146.

The cover member142having the opening142ais supported such that it can move up and down relative to the socket main body146with nails in four locations of the member guided by grooves146gformed in a peripheral part of the socket main body146. As shown inFIG. 39, coil springs144are disposed at four corners between the cover member142and the socket main body146to urge the cover member142in the direction of moving away from the socket main body146. One end of a coil spring144is disposed in a recess142don the cover member142, and another end of the coil spring144is disposed in a recess146don the socket main body146.

As shown inFIGS. 39 and 40, arms142A having a release pin142P protrude into spaces surrounded by edges of the slider150and side surfaces of the hook members146F of the socket main body146at the periphery of the cover member142. One end of an arm142A is secured to the cover member142in association with each corner of the housing portion146a. When the cover member142is in its uppermost position, the release pins142P provided on the other ends of the arms142A touch on the ends of the hook members146F to keep the hook members146F disengaged with the engaging edge portions150e, as shown inFIG. 39.

On the contrary, when the cover member142is in its lowermost position as shown inFIG. 41, the release pins142P of the arms142A are moved down close to the bottom of the housing portion146a, and the hook members146F are thereby engaged with the engaging edge portions150eof the slider150.

Therefore, a timing adjusting mechanism is formed by the hook members146F and the release pins142P provided on the other ends of the arms142A.

When a semiconductor device164is tested in such a configuration, as shown inFIG. 41, the end of an arm of a working robot which is omitted in the illustration is first touched on an upper surface of the cover member142and is urged downward against the urging force of the coil springs144. As a result, a lower end of the cover member142urges the protruding pieces154t, and the presser members154move away from each other to be in an open state. An upper end of the slider150is urged by the cover member142to be moved downward against the urging force of the return spring126. Therefore, as shown inFIG. 41, the movable contact portions152M of the contact terminals152aimove away from the movable contact portions152F with a maximum amount of opening as the movable contact pressing portions150P are moved downward.

For example, the semiconductor164as a material to be inspected is absorbed and held by a transport arm of a transport robot which is omitted in the illustration and transported to a position directly above the opening142aof the cover member142and the positioning member162.

Next, as shown inFIG. 41, the semiconductor device164absorbed and held by the transport arm is moved down to be positioned and mounted on the mounting portion of the positioning member162.

Subsequently, when the end of the working robot is moved upward in touch on the upper surface of the cover member142, the cover member142is moved upward by the urging force of the coil springs144from the lowermost position thereof shown inFIG. 41to the uppermost position thereof shown inFIG. 39.

As a result, immediately after the cover member142begins to move upward, the touching portions154P of the presser members154are rotated by the urging force of the coil springs156at substantially the same timing in the respective directions of approaching each other to press the semiconductor device164toward the contact terminals152ai.

At this time, as shown inFIG. 42, since the engaging edge portions150eof the slider150are engaged with the hook members146F, the amount of opening between the movable contact portions152M and the movable contact portions152F of the contact terminals152aiis maintained at the maximum amount of opening mentioned above. Therefore, since the touching portions154P of the presser members154reliably touch on the semiconductor device164before the amount of opening between the movable contact portions152M and the movable contact portions152F becomes small, a jump of the semiconductor device164is avoided.

Subsequently, the cover member142is further moved upward as shown inFIG. 43, and each of the release pins142P disengages the hook member146F from the engaging edge portion150eof the slider150. Thus, the slider150and the movable contact pressing portions150P are moved upward by the urging force of the coil springs162to allow the electrode portions164aof the semiconductor device164to be pinched between the movable contact portions152M and the movable contact portions152F.

FIG. 44schematically shows a fifth embodiment of a socket for a semiconductor device according to the invention.

In the example shown inFIG. 39, the hook members146F and the engaging edge portions150eof the slider150are disengaged by displacing the hook members146F with the release pins142P if the arm portions142A provided separately from the slider150. As an alternative, in the example shown inFIG. 44, the hook members146F and the engaging edge portions168eof the slider168are disengaged by moving up arm portions166A of a cover member166connected with a slider168to forcibly disengage the engaging edge portions150eof the slider150from the hook members146F against an elastic force of the same.

InFIG. 44, elements identical to those in the example shown inFIG. 39are indicated by like reference numerals, and the description will omit them to avoid duplication.

As shown inFIG. 44, the socket for a semiconductor device comprises a socket main body146which is disposed on a printed wiring board148and which houses contact terminals152ai(i=1 to n where n represents a positive integer) for electrically connecting a BGA type semiconductor device164to the printed wiring board148; a positioning member162which is disposed in a position inside the socket main body146above the contact terminals152aiand which has a mounting portion for mounting the semiconductor device164; a slider168for bringing a pair of movable contacts152M and152F of the contact terminals152aiclose to each other or moving them away from each other; a latch mechanism which is disposed around the positioning member162and which has a pair of presser members154for selectively holding the semiconductor device164relative to the mounting portion of the positioning member162; and a cover member166which transmits an operating force applied thereto to the presser members154through a transmission mechanism to be described later.

The slider168is supported on a sidewall of the housing portion146aof the socket main body146such that it can slide in a direction substantially orthogonal to the moving directions of the movable contact portions152M and152F of the contact terminals152ai.

The slider168has openings168btherein provided in the longitudinal and transverse directions thereof, the movable contact portions152M and152F of each contact terminal152aiprotruding through the openings. Openings168bin different rows are partitioned from each other by partition walls. The partition walls are formed in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the drawing at predetermined intervals in association with each contact terminal152ai.

A movable contact pressing portion168P is provided on the slider168between each pair of the openings168bin each row, the pressing portion being formed to serve as a partition between the openings168band to serve as a partition between the movable contact portion152M and the movable contact portion152F. The movable contact pressing portion168P has a sectional shape substantially in the form of an isosceles triangle. As shown inFIG. 45, engaging edge portions168ewhich are engaged with hook portions146F in the form of hooks to be described later are formed in four locations at edges of the slider168.

The cover member166having the openings166ais supported such that it can move up and down relative to the socket main body146with nails in four locations of the member guided by grooves146gformed in a peripheral part of the socket main body146. As shown inFIG. 44, coil springs144are disposed at four corners between the cover member166and the socket main body146to urge the cover member166in the direction of moving away from the socket main body146. One end of a coil spring144is disposed in a recess166don the cover member166, and another end of the coil spring144is disposed in a recess146don the socket main body146.

As shown inFIGS. 44 and 45, four arm portions166A having a narrow slit166bprotrude between edges of the slider168and an inner circumferential surface of the housing portion146aof the socket main body146at the periphery of the cover member166. One end of each arm portion166A is secured to the cover member166. Connection pin168C provided at predetermined intervals along the edges of the slider168are movably inserted in the slits166bof the arm portions166A.

When the cover member166is in its uppermost position, as shown inFIG. 44, the connection pins168C touch on the circumferential edges of the arm portions166A on one side of the slits166bto disengage the hook members146F from the engaging edge portions150eof the slider150.

On the contrary, when the cover member166is in its lowermost position as shown inFIG. 46, the lower ends of the arm portions166A are moved down close to the bottom of the housing portion146a. As a result, the connection pins168C touch on the circumferential edges of the arm portions166A on the other side of the slits166bto urge the engaging edge portions168eof the slider168downward, whereby the hook members146F engages the engaging edge portions168eof the slider168.

When a semiconductor device164is tested in such a configuration, as shown inFIG. 44, the end of an arm of a working robot which is omitted in the illustration is first touched on an upper surface of the cover member166and is pressed downward against the urging force of the coil springs144. As a result, a lower end of the cover member166urges the protruding pieces154t, and the presser members154move away from each other to be in an open state. The slider150is pressed downward because the connection pins168C touch on the circumferential edges of the arm portions166A of the cover member166on the other side of the slits166b. Therefore, as shown inFIG. 46, the movable contact portions152M of the contact terminals152aimove away from the movable contact portions152F with a maximum amount of opening as the movable contact pressing portions150P are moved downward.

For example, the semiconductor device164as a material to be inspected is absorbed and held by a transport arm of a transport robot which is omitted in the illustration and transported to a position directly above the openings166aof the cover member166and the positioning member162.

Next, as shown inFIG. 46, the semiconductor device164absorbed and held by the transport arm is moved down to be positioned and mounted on the mounting portion of the positioning member162.

Subsequently, when the end of the working robot is moved upward in touch on the upper surface of the cover member166, the cover member166is moved upward by the urging force of the coil springs144from the lowermost position thereof shown inFIG. 46to the uppermost position thereof shown inFIG. 44.

As a result, immediately after the cover member166begins to move upward, the touching portions154P of the presser members154are rotated by the urging force of the coil springs156at substantially the same timing in the respective directions of approaching each other to press the semiconductor device164toward the contact terminals152ai.

At this time, as shown inFIG. 47, since the engaging edge portions168eof the slider168are engaged with the hook members146F, the amount of opening between the movable contact portions152M and the movable contact portions152F of the contact terminals152aiis maintained at the maximum amount of opening mentioned above. Therefore, since the touching portions154P of the presser members154reliably touch on the semiconductor device164before the amount of opening between the movable contact portions152M and the movable contact portions152F becomes small, a jump of the semiconductor device164is avoided.

Subsequently, the cover member166is further moved upward as shown inFIG. 48, and each of the connection pins168C touches on the circumferential edge on one side of the respective slit166bto pull the slider168upward, whereby the hook members146F are forcibly disengaged from the engaging edge portions168eof the slider168, and the electrode portions164aof the semiconductor device164are pinched by the movable contact portions152M and the movable contact portions152F.

FIG. 49schematically shows a sixth embodiment of a socket for a semiconductor device according to the invention.

The example shown inFIG. 44employs a configuration in which the slider168is held in a predetermined position or released from the predetermined position according to upward and downward movements of the cover member166caused by the hook members146F. As an alternative, the example shown inFIG. 49employs a configuration in which a slider168′ is held in a predetermined position by the pressure applied by the movable contact portions152M and152F of the contact terminals152aito pinch flat surfaces of movable contact pressing portions168′P without using the hook members146F.

InFIG. 49, elements identical to those in the example shown inFIG. 44are indicated by like reference numerals, and the description will omit them to avoid duplication.

As shown inFIG. 49, the socket for a semiconductor device comprises a socket main body146′ which is disposed on a printed wiring board148and which houses contact terminals152ai(i=1 to n where n represents a positive integer) for electrically connecting a BGA type semiconductor device164to the printed wiring board148; a positioning member162which is disposed in a position inside the socket main body146′ above the contact terminals152aiand which has a mounting portion for mounting the semiconductor device164; a slider168′ for bringing a pair of movable contacts152M and152F of the contact terminals152aiclose to each other or moving them away from each other; a latch mechanism which is disposed around the positioning member162and which has a pair of presser members154for selectively holding the semiconductor device164relative to the mounting portion of the positioning member162; and a cover member166which transmits an operating force applied thereto to the presser members154through a transmission mechanism to be described later.

The slider168′ is supported on a sidewall of a housing portion146′aof the socket main body146such that it can slide in a direction substantially orthogonal to the moving directions of the movable contact portions152M and152F of the contact terminals152ai.

The slider168′ has openings168′btherein provided in the longitudinal and transverse directions thereof, the movable contact portions152M and152F of each contact terminal152aiprotruding through the openings. Openings168′bin different rows are partitioned from each other by partition walls. The partition walls are formed in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the drawing at predetermined intervals in association with each contact terminal152ai.

A movable contact pressing portion168′P is provided on the slider168between each pair of the openings168′bin each row, the pressing portion being formed to serve as a partition between the openings168′band to serve as a partition between the movable contact portion152M and the movable contact portion152F.

The movable contact pressing portion168′P has flat surfaces FS which are substantially in parallel with each other and which are pinched by the movable contact portion152M and the movable contact portion152F. The movable contact pressing portion168′P has a sectional shape substantially in the form of an isosceles triangle at the lower end thereof such that the portion is downwardly tapered below the flat surfaces FS.

When a semiconductor device164is tested in such a configuration, as shown inFIG. 49, the end of an arm of a working robot which is omitted in the illustration is first touched on an upper surface of the cover member166and is pressed downward against the urging force of the coil springs144. As a result, a lower end of the cover member166urges the protruding pieces154t, whereby the presser members154whose proximal end portions154B are supported on a stepped portion146′S move away from each other to be in an open state. The slider168′ is urged downward because connection pins168′C touch on the circumferential edges of the arm portions166A of the cover member166on the other side of the slits166b. Therefore, as shown inFIG. 50, the movable contact portions152M of the contact terminals152aimove away from the movable contact portions152F with a maximum amount of opening as the movable contact pressing portions168′P are moved downward.

For example, the semiconductor device164as a material to be inspected is absorbed and held by a transport arm of a transport robot which is omitted in the illustration and transported to a position directly above the openings166aof the cover member166and the positioning member162.

Next, as shown inFIG. 50, the semiconductor device164absorbed and held by the transport arm is moved down to be positioned and mounted on the mounting portion of the positioning member162.

Subsequently, when the end of the working robot is moved upward in touch on the upper surface of the cover member166, the cover member166is moved upward from the lowermost position thereof shown inFIG. 50to the uppermost position thereof shown inFIG. 49by the urging force of the coil springs144which are supported in recesses146′dof the socket main body146′ at one end thereof.

As a result, immediately after the cover member166begins to move upward, the touching portions154P of the presser members154are rotated by the urging force of the coil springs156at substantially the same timing in the respective directions of approaching each other to press the semiconductor device164toward the contact terminals152ai.

At this time, as shown inFIG. 51, the flat surfaces FS of the movable contact pressing portions168′P of the slider168′ are pinched at a predetermined pressure by the movable contact portions152M and the movable contact portions152F of the contact terminals152ai. As a result, the slider168′ is held by the frictional force, and the amount of opening between the movable contact portions152M and the movable contact portions152F of the contact terminals152aiis maintained at the maximum amount of opening mentioned above. Therefore, since the touching portions154P of the presser members154reliably touch on the semiconductor device164before the amount of opening between the movable contact portions152M and the movable contact portions152F becomes small, a jump of the semiconductor device164is avoided.

When the cover member166is further moved upward as shown inFIG. 52, each of the connection pins168′C touches on the circumferential edge on one side of the respective slit166bto pull the slider168′ upward. As a result, the flat surfaces FS of the movable contact pressing portions168′P of the slider168′ are slid upward between the movable contact portions152M and the movable contact portions152F, and the electrode portions164aof the semiconductor device164are pinched by the movable contact portions152M and the movable contact portions152F.

The examples shown inFIGS. 53 to 57schematically represent seventh, eighth, ninth, and tenth embodiments of a socket for a semiconductor device according to the invention, respectively.

A timing adjusting mechanism is provided at a cover member in the first, second, third, and fourth embodiments of a socket for a semiconductor device described above. As an alternative, each of the seventh, eighth, ninth, and tenth embodiments employs a configuration in which a timing adjusting mechanism is provided at a material handling portion that is provided separately from a socket main body.

The seventh, eighth, ninth, and tenth embodiments are examples corresponding to the above-described first, second, third, and fourth embodiments, respectively,

InFIGS. 53 to 57, elements identical to those inFIGS. 23,29,34, and39are indicated by like reference numerals, and the description will omit them to avoid duplication.

In the seventh embodiment shown inFIG. 53, cam mechanisms as timing adjusting mechanisms for adjusting the timing of movement of a slider98are provided in four locations at predetermined intervals on a material handling portion170which is disposed above a socket main body90′ such that it can move up and down.FIG. 53shows an enlarged view of one of the cam mechanisms as a representative.

Each of the cam mechanisms comprises a cam piece104inserted between an engaging edge portion98eof the slider98and an inner surface of a sidewall of a housing portion90a, a fixing pin106for supporting the cam piece104in a recess170rof a material handling portion170, and a coil spring108which is wound around a shaft portion of the fixing pin106and which urges the cam piece104toward the gap between the engaging edge portion98eof the slider98and the inner surface of the sidewall of the housing portion90′a.

A pressing portion170A for pressing a protruding piece102tof a presser member102is provided on a lower end of the material handling portion170.

As shown inFIG. 54, a positioning member172for positioning a semiconductor device which is omitted in the illustration relative to contact terminals100aiis provided above the slider98inside the socket main body90′.

When a test is conducted on the semiconductor device in such a configuration, the protruding piece102tis first pressed by the pressing portion170A of the material handling portion170which is moved down, and the presser members102are moved away from each other to be in an open state, just as in the above-described first embodiment. Thereafter, the test is conducted according to a procedure similar to that in the above-described first embodiment. Therefore, the present embodiment provides effects and advantages similar to those of the above-described first embodiment.

Since no timing adjusting mechanism portion is required at the socket main body, the number of components of the socket main body can be reduced, and the configuration of the socket main body can be simplified. Therefore, the IC socket will have a high cost/performance ratio.

In the eighth embodiment shown inFIG. 55, a timing adjusting mechanism for adjusting the timing of upward and downward movements of a slider124is provided in each of two locations on a material handling portion174disposed above a socket main body120′ such that it can be moved up and down.

Each of the timing adjusting mechanisms comprises a pressing piece132for pressing the other end of the lever member128, a fixing pin106for supporting the pressing piece132in a recess174gof the material handling portion174, and a coil spring108which is wound around a shaft portion of the fixing pin106and which urges the pressing piece132toward the lever member128.

A pressing portion174A for pressing a protruding piece102tof a presser member102is provided on a lower end of the material handling portion174.

As shown inFIG. 55, a positioning member176for positioning a semiconductor device which is omitted in the illustration relative to contact terminals130aiis provided above a slider124in a housing portion120′ of a socket main body120′.

When a test is conducted on the semiconductor device in such a configuration, the protruding piece102tis first urged by the pressing portion174A of the material handling portion174which is moved down, and the presser members102are moved away from each other to be in an open state, just as in the above-described second embodiment. Thereafter, the test is conducted according to a procedure similar to that in the above-described second embodiment. Therefore, the present embodiment provides effects and advantages similar to those of the above-described second embodiment.

In the ninth embodiment shown inFIG. 56, a timing adjusting mechanism for adjusting the timing of upward and downward movements of a slider140is provided in each of recesses178jin four locations on a material handling portion178disposed above a socket main body120′ such that it can be moved up and down.

Each of the timing adjusting mechanisms comprises a pressing piece132for pressing un upper end of the slider140, a fixing pin106for supporting the pressing piece132in a recess92jof a cover member92, and a coil spring108which is wound around a shaft portion of the fixing pin106and which urges the pressing piece132toward the upper end of the slider140.

A pressing portion178A for pressing a protruding piece102tof a presser member102is provided on a lower end of the material handling portion178.

As shown inFIG. 56, a positioning member180for positioning a semiconductor device which is omitted in the illustration relative to contact terminals130aiis provided above the slider140in the socket main body120′.

When a test is conducted on the semiconductor device in such a configuration, the protruding piece102tis first pressed by the pressing portion178A of the material handling portion178which is moved down, and the presser members102are moved away from each other to be in an open state, just as in the above-described third embodiment. Thereafter, the test is conducted according to a procedure similar to that in the above-described third embodiment. Therefore, the present embodiment provides effects and advantages similar to those of the above-described third embodiment.

In the tenth embodiment shown inFIG. 57, arms182A having a release pin182P protrude into spaces surrounded by edges of a slider150and side surfaces of hook members146′F of a socket main body146′ at a material handling portion182. One end of an arm182A is secured to the material handling portion182in association with each corner of a housing portion146′a.

A positioning member184for positioning a semiconductor device which is omitted in the illustration relative to contact terminals152aiis provided above the slider150in the socket main body146′.

When a test is conducted on the semiconductor device in such a configuration, the protruding piece102tis first pressed by a pressing portion182E of the material handling portion182which is moved down, and the presser members102are moved away from each other to be in an open state, just as in the above-described fourth embodiment. Thereafter, the test is conducted according to a procedure similar to that in the above-described fourth embodiment. Therefore, the present embodiment provides effects and advantages similar to those of the above-described fourth embodiment.

Although the positioning members172,176,180, and182are used in the above-described seventh, eighth, ninth, and tenth embodiments, respectively, such examples are not limiting, and the above-described positioning members94and122may be used, for example.

Furthermore, in the above-described first and second embodiments of a device for mounting and demounting a semiconductor device according to the invention (FIGS. 1 and 8), the IC socket operating members28and78and the socket2for a semiconductor device may be replaced with the socket main bodies90′,120′, and146′, respectively, in the above-described seventh, eighth, ninth, and tenth embodiments of a socket for a semiconductor device. Further, a configuration may be employed in which the timing adjusting mechanisms according to the seventh, eighth, ninth, and tenth embodiments are provided at a material handling portion (MH)10.