CN118318169A - Probe for measurement - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention provides a measuring probe which can easily replace only a component element when the component element is broken or fails. The measuring probe comprises a cylindrical housing (8), at least one pin (1), an outer plunger (3) holding the pin (1), and a cylindrical fixing member (7) for fixing the outer plunger (3) to the housing (8), wherein a first locking portion (35) is formed on the outer plunger (3), a second locking portion (75) is formed on the fixing member (7), and at least a part of the outer plunger (3) is accommodated in the fixing member (7) in a state in which the first locking portion (35) and the second locking portion (75) are locked, the fixing member (7) is rotated, and the outer plunger (3) is fixed to the housing (8) by the fixing member (7).

Description

Probe for measurement

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a measurement probe for measuring characteristics of an object to be measured.

Background

Conventionally, a measurement probe has been used for measuring high frequency characteristics of a product being manufactured, a finished product, and the like at a manufacturing site of an electronic component or an electronic device. Patent document 1 discloses such a measurement probe (electrostatic countermeasure probe). Fig. 13 shows a measurement probe 1000 disclosed in patent document 1.

The measurement probe 1000 includes an outer conductor 101 and an inner conductor 102. The outer conductor 101 and the inner conductor 102 are insulated from each other by a dielectric layer 109.

The outer conductor 101 includes an outer conductor main body 151 and a cover 152. A male screw portion 140 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of one end portion of the outer conductor main body 151. The cover 152 is cylindrical and has a pair of openings, and a female screw portion 141 is formed on an inner peripheral surface of one of the openings. The outer conductor 101 integrates the outer conductor main body 151 and the cover 152 by screwing the male screw portion 140 and the female screw portion 141.

The inner conductor 102 includes a contact pin 106 and a connection conductor 130. The contact pin 106 includes a pin body 121 and a socket 122. The socket 122 of the contact pin 106 is held in the through hole 111 of the dielectric layer 109. The pin body 121 is formed to be capable of being drawn out and inserted with respect to the socket 122.

The cover 152 has a pin protruding hole 144 formed therein. The pin body 121 of the contact pin 106 is led out from the pin protruding hole 144 through the insulator layer 145. The contact pin 106 is formed with an anti-drop locking piece 124.

Patent document 1: japanese patent laid-open No. 2001-305559

The measurement probe 1000 is constructed as described above, and therefore can only include one pin body 121.

In addition, when the pin body 121 of the contact pin 106 is broken, the measurement probe 1000 can be replaced by removing the pin body 121 from the socket 122. However, if the socket 122 of the contact pin 106 is damaged, it is buried in the through hole 111 of the dielectric layer 109, and therefore, it is difficult to replace it. In addition, the measurement probe 1000 is strongly held by the inner peripheral surface of the outer conductor body 151 even when the dielectric layer 109 is broken or defective, and therefore, it is difficult to replace.

Further, when the cover 152 is rotated and the male screw portion 140 is screwed with the female screw portion 141 to integrate the cover 152 and the outer conductor body 151, the measurement probe 1000 rotates the pin body 121, and the pin body 121 and the insulator layer 145 may be damaged. Similarly, when the cover 152 is rotated in the reverse direction to release the screwing of the male screw portion 140 and the female screw portion 141 and separate the cover 152 from the outer conductor main body 151, the pin main body 121 may be rotated, and the pin main body 121 and the insulator layer 145 may be damaged.

Disclosure of Invention

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a measuring probe that can include a plurality of pins.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a measurement probe that can be easily replaced only with a component element starting from a pin when the component element is broken or fails.

Further, an object of the present invention is to provide a probe for measurement that can easily change the arrangement, number, and pitch of pins when the type and structure of an object to be measured are changed.

The present invention also provides a probe for measurement which is less likely to be damaged by a pin or the like during manufacturing or maintenance.

The measurement probe according to one embodiment of the present invention includes: a cylindrical housing having a pair of openings and having an inner peripheral surface and an outer peripheral surface; at least one pin, composed of metal; an outer plunger holding the pin; and a tubular fixing member having a pair of openings, an inner peripheral surface and an outer peripheral surface, for fixing the outer plunger to the housing, wherein the outer plunger is formed with a first locking portion, the fixing member is formed with a second locking portion, and at least a part of the outer plunger is accommodated in the fixing member in a state where the first locking portion and the second locking portion are locked, the fixing member is rotated, and the outer plunger is fixed to the housing by the fixing member.

The measurement probe according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a plurality of pins. That is, the plurality of pins can be held by the external plunger.

In addition, the measuring probe according to one embodiment of the present invention can easily replace only the component when the component is broken or fails.

In addition, the measuring probe according to one embodiment of the present invention can easily change the arrangement, the number, the distance between pins, and the like of the pins when the type and structure of the object to be measured are changed.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a measurement probe 100 according to a first embodiment.

Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the measurement probe 100.

Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the measurement probe 100 as viewed from the opposite direction to fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the measurement probe 100.

Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a measurement probe 200 according to the second embodiment.

Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a measurement probe 300 according to a third embodiment.

Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a measurement probe 400 according to the fourth embodiment.

Fig. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the measurement probe 400.

Fig. 9 (a) and (B) are main part sectional views of a measurement probe 500 according to a fifth embodiment.

Fig. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the measurement probe 500.

Fig. 11 is a main part sectional view of a measurement probe 600 according to the sixth embodiment.

Fig. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the measurement probe 600.

Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a conventional measurement probe 1000.

Detailed Description

Hereinafter, modes for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

The embodiments are illustrative of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the embodiments. The present invention can be implemented by combining the contents described in the different embodiments, and the implementation contents in this case are also included in the present invention. In addition, the drawings are often schematically drawn to assist understanding of the specification, and the ratio of the dimensions of the constituent elements or the constituent elements drawn may not match the ratio of the dimensions described in the specification. In addition, there are cases where constituent elements described in the specification are omitted in the drawings, where the number is omitted, and the like.

First embodiment

Fig. 1, 2,3, and 4 show a measurement probe 100 according to a first embodiment. Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a measurement probe 100. Fig. 2 and 3 are exploded perspective views of the measurement probe 100. However, fig. 2 and 3 view the measurement probe 100 from opposite directions. Fig. 4 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the measurement probe 100.

The measurement probe 100 includes a plurality of spring pins 1. But the number of spring pins 1 may also be one. In the present embodiment, the spring pin 1 is used as the pin, but the pin used is not limited to the spring pin 1, and a so-called fixing pin that does not shrink even if the end is pressed may be used.

The spring pin 1 is made of metal and is electrically conductive. The spring pin 1 includes a rod-shaped main body 11, a rod-shaped first pin 12 extending in one direction from the main body 11, and a rod-shaped second pin 13 extending in the other direction from the main body 11. The diameter of the body 11 is larger than the diameters of the first pin 12 and the second pin 13. A spring is housed in the main body 11, although not shown. When the first pin 12 is pressed against the main body 11 while the main body 11 is held, the first pin 12 is contracted in the direction of the main body 11. Similarly, when the second pin 13 is pressed against the main body 11 while the main body 11 is held, the second pin 13 is contracted in the direction of the main body 11. The spring pin 1 is sometimes referred to as a spring pin.

The measurement probe 100 includes a resin holder 2. In the present embodiment, the resin holder 2 is composed of a combination of the first portion 21 and the second portion 22. In the present embodiment, the resin holder 2 is divided into two parts, i.e., the first part 21 and the second part 22, for ease of manufacture. That is, the resin holder 2 is produced by molding a resin with a mold, for example, but in the case of a single part, molding is difficult, but molding is easy by dividing into two parts, namely, the first part 21 and the second part 22. However, the resin holder 2 may be constituted by only one portion.

The resin holder 2 is formed with a through hole 23 for accommodating the spring pin 1. In the present embodiment, a plurality of through holes 23 are formed in the resin holder 2. The through hole 23 has a pair of openings, but the diameter of one opening is larger than the diameter of the other opening.

The spring pin 1 is accommodated in the through hole 23 so that the first pin 12 of the spring pin 1 is inserted from the opening side having a large diameter, but the inner diameter of the through hole 23 becomes smaller from the middle. That is, the first pin 12 is accommodated in a portion of the through hole 23 having a small inner diameter, and the main body 11 and the second pin 13 are accommodated in a portion of the through hole 23 having a large inner diameter. When the spring pin 1 is inserted into the through hole 23, the spring pin 1 cannot advance further inward when the main body 11 reaches the portion of the through hole 23 where the inner diameter is small. The spring pin 1 is held in the through hole 23 in this state.

In the spring pin 1 held in the through hole 23 of the resin holder 2, the first pin 12 is exposed to the outside from the opening of the small diameter of the through hole 23, and the second pin 13 is exposed to the outside from the opening of the large diameter of the through hole 23.

Further, it is not necessary to house the spring pins 1 in all the through holes 23 formed in the resin holder 2. The spring pin 1 may be accommodated in the predetermined through hole 23 according to the type and structure of the object to be measured.

The resin holder 2 is not an essential component of the present invention, and the resin holder 2 may be omitted, and a through hole for accommodating the spring pin 1 may be directly formed in the outer plunger 3 described later.

The measurement probe 100 includes an external plunger 3. For example, a resin may be used as the material of the outer plunger 3. However, the material of the outer plunger 3 is arbitrary, and metal or ceramic may be used instead of resin.

The outer plunger 3 has a cylindrical shape and has a pair of openings 31 and 32. In addition, the outer plunger 3 has an inner peripheral surface 33 and an outer peripheral surface 34.

A first locking portion 35 for locking with a second locking portion 75 of the fixing member 7 described later is formed on the outer peripheral surface 34 of the outer plunger 3.

A first fitting portion 36 for fitting with a second fitting portion 85 of the housing 8 described later is formed on the outer peripheral surface 34 of the opening 32 of the outer plunger 3.

A third fitting portion 37 for fitting one end portion of the printed circuit board 4 and the cable adapter 6, which will be described later, is formed on the inner peripheral surface 33 of the opening 32 of the outer plunger 3.

The resin holder 2 holding the spring pin 1 is held by the outer plunger 3. The resin holder 2 is inserted into the outer plunger 3 from the opening 32 side and held by the outer plunger 3. The outer plunger 3 and the resin holder 2 are prevented from coming off so that the resin holder 2 is not pushed out from the opening 31 side of the outer plunger 3.

In this way, the spring pin 1 is indirectly held to the outer plunger 3 via the resin holder 2. The first pin 12 of the spring pin 1 is exposed to the outside from the opening 31 of the outer plunger 3.

The measurement probe 100 includes a printed circuit board 4. The printed circuit board 4 is fitted to the third fitting portion 37 of the external plunger 3. In the present document, the printed circuit board 4 is sometimes referred to as a plate-like member.

A first electrode 41 for abutting against the tip of the second pin 13 of the spring pin 1 is formed on the printed circuit board 4. The printed circuit board 4 is formed with a second electrode 42 to which a terminal 61 of the cable adaptor 6 described later is brought into contact. In the printed circuit board 4, a predetermined wiring is provided between the first electrode 41 and the second electrode 42.

The measurement probe 100 includes a signal cable 5. The signal cable 5 has a signal wire 51 and an insulating coating 52. The number of the signal cables 5 may be arbitrary, and may be one or a plurality of.

The measurement probe 100 includes a cable adaptor 6. The cable adaptor 6 is provided with at least one terminal 61. The signal wires 51 of the signal cable 5 are connected to the respective terminals 61. One end of the cable adaptor 6, which is not connected to the signal cable 5, is fitted to the third fitting portion 37 of the external plunger 3.

The measurement probe 100 includes a fixing member 7 for fixing the external plunger 3 to a housing 8 described later. For example, a metal can be used as the material of the fixing member 7. However, the material of the fixing member 7 is arbitrary, and resin or ceramic may be used instead of metal.

The fixing member 7 has a cylindrical shape and has a pair of openings 71 and 72. The fixing member 7 has an inner peripheral surface 73 and an outer peripheral surface 74.

A second locking portion 75 for locking with the first locking portion 35 of the outer plunger 3 is formed on the inner peripheral surface 73 of the opening 71 of the fixing member 7.

A first screw thread 76 for screwing with a second screw thread 86 of the housing 8 described later is formed on the inner peripheral surface 73 of the fixing member 7. In the present embodiment, the first thread 76 is a female thread and the second thread 86 is a male thread.

In the present embodiment, 6 surfaces are formed on the outer peripheral surface 74 of the fixing member 7 so that the fixing member 7 can be rotated by a jig (6 angle wrench, monkey wrench, or the like).

The measurement probe 100 includes a housing 8. For example, a metal can be used as the material of the case 8. However, the material of the case 8 is arbitrary, and resin or ceramic may be used instead of metal.

The housing 8 has a cylindrical shape and has a pair of openings 81 and 82. In addition, the housing 8 has an inner peripheral surface 83 and an outer peripheral surface 84.

The inner peripheral surface 83 of the opening 81 of the housing 8 constitutes a second fitting portion 85 for fitting with the first fitting portion 36 of the outer plunger 3. That is, the inner peripheral surface 83 of the opening 81 of the housing 8 doubles as the second fitting portion 85 that fits with the first fitting portion 36 of the outer plunger 3.

When the first fitting portion 36 and the second fitting portion 85 are fitted, the fitting surface of the first fitting portion 36 and the second fitting portion 85 is non-circular when the fitting cross section of the first fitting portion 36 and the second fitting portion 85 is viewed perpendicular to the direction from the outer plunger 3 toward the housing 8. Therefore, even if the fixing member 7 is rotated, the outer plunger 3 does not relatively rotate with respect to the housing 8. That is, only the fixing member 7 rotates relatively to the housing 8.

A second screw thread 86 for screwing with the first screw thread 76 of the fixing member 7 is formed on the outer peripheral surface 84 of the housing 8. As described above, in the present embodiment, the first thread 76 is a female thread and the second thread 86 is a male thread.

The measurement probe 100 includes a plate-like flange 9. The flange 9 has a hole 91 penetrating between the two main surfaces. The flange 9 has a plurality of mounting holes 92 for mounting the flange 9 to another member (for example, a lifting arm of a measuring device). The flange 9 may be made of any material, and for example, the same material as the case 8 may be used.

The housing 8 is inserted through the hole 91 of the flange 9. A retaining member 87 for preventing the opening 82 of the housing 8 of the insertion hole 91 from coming off the hole 91 is formed on the outer peripheral surface 84.

An external spring 10 is provided between the flange 9 and the fixing member 7 on the outer peripheral surface 84 of the housing 8.

The measurement probe 100 according to the first embodiment having the above-described structure can be manufactured by, for example, the following method.

First, the housing 8 is inserted through the hole 91 of the flange 9. Next, an external spring 10 is disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the case 8.

The signal line 51 of the signal cable 5 is connected to the terminal 61 of the cable adaptor 6.

Next, the spring pins 1 of a required number are accommodated in the predetermined through holes 23 of the resin holder 2 according to the type and structure of the object to be measured. Next, the resin holder 2 is accommodated in the outer plunger 3.

Next, the printed circuit board 4 is fitted to the third fitting portion 37 of the external plunger 3. At this time, the printed circuit board 4 presses the second pin 13 of the spring pin 1 toward the main body 11, and thus the second pin 13 of the spring pin 1 is contracted toward the main body 11. As a result, the tip of the second pin 13 of the spring pin 1 is brought into contact with the first electrode 41 of the printed circuit board 4 with an appropriate elastic force. Therefore, the second pin 13 of the spring pin 1 is electrically and well connected to the first electrode 41 of the printed circuit board 4.

Next, one end of the cable adaptor 6, which is not connected to the signal cable 5, is fitted to the third fitting portion 37 of the external plunger 3. As a result, the terminal 61 of the cable adaptor 6 is electrically connected to the second electrode 42 of the printed circuit board 4. Next, the signal cable 5 is passed through the opening 81 side of the housing 8 to the opening 82 side.

Next, the first fitting portion 36 of the outer plunger 3 is fitted to the second fitting portion 85 of the housing 8, and the outer plunger 3 is positioned with respect to the housing 8. The first fitting portion 36 and the second fitting portion 85 are positioning portions that determine the relative positional relationship between the outer plunger 3 and the housing 8.

Next, the inner peripheral surface 73 of the fixing member 7 is covered with the outer peripheral surface 34 of the outer plunger 3 from the opening 72 side, and further covered with the outer peripheral surface 84 of the housing 8. Next, the fixing member 7 is rotated, and the first screw thread 76 of the housing 8 is screwed with the second screw thread 86 of the housing 8. Since the first locking portion 35 of the outer plunger 3 is engaged with the second locking portion 75 of the fixing member 7, the outer plunger 3 is firmly fixed to the housing 8 by screwing the first screw thread 76 and the second screw thread 86.

Further, since the measuring probe 100 positions the outer plunger 3 with respect to the housing 8 by the first fitting portion 36 and the second fitting portion 85, when the fixing member 7 is rotated and the outer plunger 3 is fixed to the housing 8 by the fixing member 7, or when the fixing is released, the outer plunger 3 does not rotate with respect to the housing 8, but only the fixing member 7 rotates with respect to the housing 8.

As a result, the resin holder 2, the printed circuit board 4, and the cable adapter 6, in which the spring pin 1 is housed, are held between the outer plunger 3 and the housing 8. The second pin 13 of the spring pin 1 is well electrically connected to the first electrode 41 of the printed circuit board 4, and the terminal 61 of the cable adapter 6 is well electrically connected to the second electrode 42 of the printed circuit board 4.

This completes the measurement probe 100.

The measurement probe 100 can be used by the following method, for example.

The flange 9 of the measurement probe 100 is attached to, for example, a lifting arm (not shown) of the measurement device by means of the attachment hole 92.

Next, the measurement probe 100 is configured with the object to be measured. Next, the lift arm is lowered, and the tip of the first pin 12 of the spring pin 1 of the measurement probe 100 is brought into contact with a measurement point (for example, an electrode) of the object to be measured. At this time, the tip of the first pin 12 is brought into contact with the measurement point of the object to be measured with an appropriate elastic force by the elastic force of the external spring 10 and the elastic force of a mainspring (not shown) housed in the main body 11 of the spring pin 1. In this state, the characteristics of the object to be measured are measured by the first pin 12 of the spring pin 1 of the measuring probe 100.

The measurement probe 100 according to the first embodiment is configured as described above, and therefore, can include a plurality of spring pins 1.

When the spring pin 1, the printed circuit board 4, the cable adapter 6, and other components are broken, the measurement probe 100 can easily replace only the broken components by removing the fixing member 7 and disassembling the whole.

In addition, the measuring probe 100 can easily change the arrangement and number of the spring pins 1 when the type and structure of the object to be measured are changed. Further, the measuring probe 100 can easily change the pitch between the spring pins 1 by replacing the resin holder 2, the printed circuit board 4, and the like.

In addition, the measuring probe 100 does not rotate the spring pins 1, the resin holders 2, the outer plungers 3, the printed circuit board 4, the cable adapter 6, and other constituent elements even when the fixing members 7 are rotated during manufacturing and maintenance. Therefore, the spring pin 1, the resin holder 2, the external plunger 3, the printed circuit board 4, the cable adapter 6, and the like are not easily damaged.

Second embodiment

Fig. 5 shows a measurement probe 200 according to a second embodiment. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the measurement probe 200.

The measurement probe 200 has a new structure added to the measurement probe 100 according to the first embodiment. Specifically, the measuring probe 200 is provided with a spacer 20 having a hole penetrating between both principal surfaces formed in the center thereof between the outer peripheral surface 84 of the housing 8 and the outer spring 10 and the fixing member 7. The number of spacers 20 may be one or a plurality.

The measuring probe 200 can adjust the elastic force of the external spring 10 through the spacer 20.

Third embodiment

Fig. 6 shows a measurement probe 300 according to a third embodiment. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the measurement probe 300.

The measurement probe 300 has a new structure added to the measurement probe 100 according to the first embodiment. Specifically, the measuring probe 300 includes a stopper 30 formed on the outer peripheral surface 84 of the housing 8. Further, the external spring 10 is provided between the flange 9 and the stopper 30 at the outer peripheral surface 84 of the housing 8. In addition, a spacer for adjusting the elastic force of the external spring 10 may be provided between the external spring 10 and the stopper 30, similarly to the measurement probe 200 of the second embodiment.

The measuring probe 300 is not detached from the outer peripheral surface 84 of the housing 8 even when the fixing member 7 is removed from the housing 8, and thus maintenance such as replacement of the spring pin 1 can be easily performed.

Fourth embodiment

Fig. 7 and 8 show a measurement probe 400 according to a fourth embodiment. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the measurement probe 400. Fig. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the measurement probe 400.

The measurement probe 400 has a part of the structure of the measurement probe 100 according to the first embodiment described above.

The measurement probe 400 includes a fixing member 47 having another structure instead of the fixing member 7 included in the measurement probe 100.

The fixing member 47 has a cylindrical shape and includes a pair of openings 471, 472. The fixing member 47 includes an inner peripheral surface 473 and an outer peripheral surface 474.

A second locking portion 475 for locking with the first locking portion 35 of the outer plunger 3 is formed on the inner circumferential surface 473 of the opening 471 of the fixing member 47.

The fixing member 47 does not include a thread (first thread 76) provided in the fixing member 7. The fixing member 47 includes a fixing groove 476 penetrating between the inner circumferential surface 473 and the outer circumferential surface 474 instead of the screw thread. The fixing groove 476 includes: a first groove 477 extending in a direction from the opening 472 of the fixing member 47 toward the opening 471; and a second groove 478 that changes direction from the end point of the first groove 477 and extends in a direction intersecting the extending direction of the first groove 477.

The measurement probe 400 also changes the housing 8. The housing 8 of the measurement probe 400 does not include the screw thread (the second screw thread 86) included in the housing 8 of the measurement probe 100. The housing 8 of the measurement probe 400 is provided with fixing protrusions 486 on the outer peripheral surface 84 instead of the screw threads.

The fixing of the outer plunger 3 of the measuring probe 400 to the housing 8 by the fixing member 47 is performed by the following method. First, the fixing member 47 is pressed into the housing 8 until the inner circumferential surface 473 of the fixing member 47 covers the outer circumferential surface 84 of the housing 8 and the fixing projection 486 reaches the end of the first groove 477. Next, the fixing member 47 is rotated, and the fixing projection 486 is disposed in the second groove 478. Thereby, the outer plunger 3 is fixed to the housing 8 by the fixing member 47.

Fifth embodiment

Fig. 9 (a), (B), and 10 show a measurement probe 500 according to a fifth embodiment. Fig. 9 (a) and (B) are main part sectional views of the measurement probe 500, respectively. Fig. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the measurement probe 500.

Fig. 9 (a) shows a state in which the measurement probe 500 is not used for measurement. Meanwhile, fig. 9 (B) shows a state in which the measurement probe 500 is used for measurement, and shows a state in which the later-described second plunger portion 532 is pressed in the direction of the housing 560, the later-described internal spring 540 is contracted, and the fixing pin 510 held at the tip of the convex portion 531a of the later-described first plunger portion 531 protrudes from the through hole 532c of the second plunger portion 532.

The measurement probe 500 includes an outer plunger 530, an inner spring 540, a flange 550, a housing 560, an outer spring 570, and a fixing member 580.

The outer plunger 530 has a first plunger portion 531 and a second plunger portion 532.

The first plunger portion 531 has a convex portion 531a. The fixing pin 510 is held at the tip of the convex portion 531a. The number of fixing pins 510 is arbitrary. The fixing pin 510 may be held by the first plunger portion 531 via a resin holder. The fixing pin 510 may be replaced with a spring pin.

A flange 531b is formed in the first plunger portion 531. Two first alignment protrusions 531c are formed at the outer edge of the flange 531b. But the number of the first alignment protrusions 531c is arbitrary.

The second plunger portion 532 has a convex portion 532a. Two protrusions 532b are formed at the distal end of the convex portion 532a. The number of the protrusions 532b is arbitrary.

A through hole 532c is formed in the second plunger portion 532 including the projection 532 b.

Two second alignment protrusions 532d are formed on the outer edge of the second plunger portion 532. But the number of the second alignment protrusions 532d is arbitrary.

The second plunger portion 532 has a first locking portion 532e.

The inner spring 540 is interposed between the first plunger portion 531 and the second plunger portion 532, and the convex portion 531a is inserted into the through hole 532c.

A hole 550a is formed in the flange 550.

The housing 560 is inserted through the aperture 550a of the flange 550. The housing 560 is formed with a retaining member 560a, and the housing 560 does not fall off the flange 550.

A fixing projection 560b is formed on the outer periphery of the case 560.

The fixing member 580 is formed with a fixing groove 590 penetrating between an inner peripheral surface and an outer peripheral surface of the fixing member 580. The fixing groove 590 includes: a first groove 590a extending in a direction from one opening of the fixing member 580 toward the other opening; and a second groove 590b changing direction from the end point of the first groove 590a and extending in a direction intersecting the extending direction of the first groove 590 a. The fixing groove 590 has a third groove 590c extending in a direction different from the extending direction of the second groove 590b at an end of the second groove 590b opposite to the first groove 590 a. The angle between the extending direction of the first groove 590a and the extending direction of the second groove 590b and the angle between the extending direction of the second groove 590b and the extending direction of the third groove 590c are arbitrary.

The fixing member 580 is formed with a positioning groove 595 penetrating between an inner peripheral surface and an outer peripheral surface of the fixing member 580. In the present embodiment, the alignment groove 595 is a groove penetrating between the inner peripheral surface and the outer peripheral surface of the fixing member 580, but the alignment groove may be a bottomed groove having an opening on the inner peripheral surface side of the fixing member 580. The number of alignment grooves 595 is the same as the number of first alignment protrusions 531c and the number of second alignment protrusions 532 d. In the present embodiment, the number of the alignment grooves 595 is 2.

The fixing member 580 is formed with a second locking portion 580a.

The outer plunger 530 has the first plunger portion 531 on the side of the case 560, and the second plunger portion 532 on the side of the fixing member 580, and is fixed between the case 560 and the fixing member 580 by the fixing member 580. The fixation of the outer plunger 530 by the fixing member 580 is performed, for example, as follows.

First, an external spring 570 is disposed on the outer periphery of the case 560 between the flange 550 and the fixing projection 560 b.

Next, the outer plunger 530 is inserted through the fixing member 580. Then, the first locking portion 532e of the outer plunger 530 is engaged with the second locking portion 580a of the fixing member 580. At this time, the first alignment protrusion 531c and the second alignment protrusion 532d are disposed in the alignment groove 595, respectively. The convex portion 532a of the second plunger portion 532 is disposed outside the fixing member 580.

Next, the fixing member 580 is pressed into the case 560 until the fixing protrusion 560b reaches the end of the first groove 590a of the fixing groove 590 with the inner peripheral surface of the fixing member 580 covering the outer peripheral surface of the case 560. Next, the fixing member 580 is rotated, and the fixing projection 560b slides in the second groove 590 b. Next, the fixing projection 560b is engaged with the third groove 590 c. As a result, the outer plunger 530 is fixed to the case 560 by the fixing member 580.

As shown in fig. 9 (a), when the measurement probe 500 is not used for measurement, the fixing pin 510 held at the tip of the convex portion 531a of the first plunger portion 531 is accommodated in the through hole 532c of the second plunger portion 532. On the other hand, as shown in fig. 9 (B), when the measuring probe 500 is used for measurement, the protrusion 532B is brought into contact with a circuit board or the like as an object to be measured, the second plunger portion 532 is pressed in the direction of the housing 560, the internal spring 540 contracts, the second plunger portion 532 slides in the direction of the housing 560, and the fixing pin 510 held at the tip of the convex portion 531a of the first plunger portion 531 protrudes from the through hole 532c of the second plunger portion 532 to the outside. The measurement probe 500 is configured to measure the electrical characteristics of the object by bringing the anchor pin 510 protruding from the through hole 532c of the second plunger portion 532 into contact with an electrode or the like of the circuit board serving as the object.

When the measurement probe 500 is not used for measurement, the fixing pin 510 held at the distal end of the convex portion 531a of the first plunger portion 531 is accommodated in the through hole 532c of the second plunger portion 532 and protected, so that the fixing pin 510 can be prevented from coming into contact with an obstacle (an external hard object or the like) and being broken.

In addition, in the measurement probe 500, the first alignment protrusion 531c of the first plunger portion 531 and the second alignment protrusion 532d of the second plunger portion 532 are disposed in the alignment groove 595, so that the first plunger portion 531 and the second plunger portion 532 can be prevented from rotating relative to the fixing member 580.

Sixth embodiment

Fig. 11 and 12 show a measurement probe 600 according to a sixth embodiment. Fig. 11 is a main part sectional view of the measurement probe 600. Fig. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the measurement probe 600.

The measurement probe 600 according to the sixth embodiment changes a part of the structure of the measurement probe 500 according to the fifth embodiment. Specifically, in the measurement probe 500, the outer plunger 530 includes the first plunger portion 531 and the second plunger portion 532, and the inner spring 540 is provided between the first plunger portion 531 and the second plunger portion 532, but the measurement probe 600 is modified in that the inner spring 640 is provided between the outer plunger 630 and the fixing member 580, not between the first plunger portion 631 and the second plunger portion 632. In the description of the measurement probe 600 according to the sixth embodiment, the same reference numerals as those of the measurement probe 500 are used for the constituent elements that are not changed from the measurement probe 500, and the description thereof may be omitted.

In the sixth embodiment, for convenience (for ease of comparison), a plunger in which the first plunger portion 631 and the second plunger portion 632 are combined is used as in the fifth embodiment for the outer plunger 630. However, the outer plunger 630 may not necessarily be formed integrally with the two constituent elements of the first plunger portion 631 and the second plunger portion 632.

The first plunger portion 631 has a convex portion 631a. The fixing pin 510 is held at the tip of the convex portion 631a. A flange 631b is formed on the first plunger portion 631. Two first alignment protrusions 631c are formed at the outer edge of the flange 631b.

The second plunger portion 632 has a convex portion 632a. Two protrusions 632b are formed at the distal end of the convex portion 632a. A through hole 632c is formed in the second plunger portion 632 including the projection 632b. A first locking portion flange 632d is formed in the second plunger portion 632. The first locking portion flange 632d corresponds to a first locking portion of the outer plunger 630. Two second alignment protrusions 632e are formed on the outer edge of the first locking portion flange 632d.

The convex portion 631a of the first plunger portion 631 is inserted into the through hole 632c of the second plunger portion 632. But no internal spring is provided between the first and second plunger portions 631 and 632.

An internal spring 640 is disposed between the first locking portion flange 632d of the external plunger 630 and the second locking portion 580a of the fixing member 580.

In the measurement probe 600, the first locking portion flange 632d as the first locking portion and the second locking portion 580a of the fixing member 580 are indirectly engaged via the internal spring 640.

When the outer plunger 630 is attached to the case 560 by the fixing member 580, the inner spring 640 presses the outer plunger 630 toward the case 560. Therefore, the measurement probe 600 can suppress the external plunger 630 from being moved (a gap is generated) inside the fixing member 580, and the external plunger 630 is unnecessarily moved

The first to sixth embodiments have been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to the above, and various modifications can be made in accordance with the gist of the present invention.

For example, in the above embodiment, the pin (spring pin, fixing pin) is received in the through hole of the resin holder, and then the resin holder is received in the external plunger, but the resin holder may be omitted. In this case, the outer plunger may be directly formed with a through hole for housing the pin.

The number and arrangement of the pins (spring pins and fixing pins) are arbitrary, and are not limited to those shown in the above embodiments. The number of signal cables is also arbitrary, and is not limited to that shown in the above embodiment.

The measurement probe according to one embodiment of the present invention is as described in the "summary of the invention" section.

In the measurement probe, it is preferable that the first screw thread is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the fixing member, the second screw thread is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the housing, and the fixing member is rotated to rotationally engage the first screw thread with the second screw thread, whereby the external plunger of the fixing member is fixed to the housing. In this case, the external plunger can be easily fixed to the housing by the fixing member.

Further, it is preferable that a fixing projection is formed on an outer peripheral surface of the housing, a fixing groove penetrating between an inner peripheral surface and the outer peripheral surface is formed in the fixing member, and the fixing groove includes: a first groove extending in a direction from one opening of the fixing member toward the other opening; and a second groove which changes direction from the end point of the first groove and extends in a direction intersecting the direction in which the first groove extends, wherein the fixing member is pressed into the housing until the inner peripheral surface of the fixing member is covered on the outer peripheral surface of the housing, and after the fixing protrusion reaches the end point of the first groove, the fixing member is rotated, and the fixing protrusion is slid in the second groove, thereby fixing the external plunger of the fixing member to the housing. In this case, the external plunger can be easily fixed to the housing by the fixing member.

It is also preferable that a third groove extending in a direction different from the extending direction of the second groove is formed at an end portion of the second groove opposite to the first groove, the fixing projection is engaged with the third groove, and the external plunger is fixed to the housing by the fixing member. In this case, the fixing member is reliably fixed to the housing.

Preferably, the outer plunger includes a first plunger portion having a convex portion, a holding pin at a front end of the convex portion, the second plunger portion having a through hole, an inner spring interposed between the first plunger portion and the second plunger portion, the convex portion being inserted into the through hole, the outer plunger being disposed between the housing and the fixing member, the first plunger portion being located on the housing side, the second plunger portion being located on the fixing member side, and at least a part of the second plunger being disposed outside the fixing member, the inner spring being contracted when the second plunger portion is pressed in a direction of the housing, the pin held at the front end of the convex portion of the first plunger portion protruding from the through hole of the second plunger portion. In this case, when the measuring probe is not used for measurement, the fixing pin held at the distal end of the convex portion of the first plunger portion is accommodated in the through hole of the second plunger portion and protected, so that the pin can be prevented from coming into contact with an obstacle (an external hard object or the like) and being broken.

It is also preferable that the first plunger portion is formed with a first alignment protrusion, the second plunger portion is formed with a second alignment protrusion, and the fixing member is formed with at least one of an alignment groove penetrating between the inner peripheral surface and the outer peripheral surface and a bottomed alignment groove having an opening on the inner peripheral surface side, the first alignment protrusion and the second alignment protrusion being disposed in the alignment groove, respectively. In this case, the first plunger portion and the second plunger portion are restrained from rotating relative to the fixing member.

It is also preferable that a first locking portion flange corresponding to the first locking portion is formed on the outer plunger, an internal spring is disposed between the first locking portion flange of the outer plunger and the second locking portion of the fixing member, and the first locking portion and the second locking portion are indirectly engaged with each other via the internal spring. In this case, the external plunger can be prevented from rattling (play is generated) inside the fixing member, and the external plunger can be moved unnecessarily.

It is also preferable that a positioning portion for determining the relative position between the outer plunger and the housing is formed in at least one of the outer plunger and the housing. In this case, when the fixing member is rotated to fix the external plunger to the housing by the fixing member and when the fixing member is rotated in the opposite direction to release the fixation of the external plunger to the housing by the fixing member, the external plunger does not rotate relative to the housing, and the fixing member rotates relative to the housing. As a result, breakage of various components such as the spring pins can be suppressed.

It is also preferable that the first fitting portion is formed as the positioning portion at one end portion of the outer plunger, the second fitting portion is formed as the positioning portion at one opening of the housing, and the outer plunger is positioned in the housing by fitting the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion, and when a fitting cross section of the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion perpendicular to a direction from the outer plunger toward the housing is observed, fitting surfaces of the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion are non-circular, and the outer plunger does not rotate relative to the housing even if the fixing member is rotated. In this case, breakage of the pin or the like can be suppressed.

The pin is also preferably a spring pin. In this case, the tip of the spring pin is brought into contact with an electrode of a circuit board or the like as a measurement object with an appropriate elastic force.

It is also preferable that the spring pin has a main body portion including a spring therein, a first pin extending in one direction from the main body portion, and a second pin extending in the other direction from the main body portion, and when the first pin is pressed against the main body portion while the main body portion is held, the first pin is contracted in the direction of the main body portion, and when the second pin is pressed against the main body portion while the main body portion is held, the second pin is contracted in the direction of the main body portion. In this case, the tip of the second pin of the spring pin is brought into contact with an electrode of a circuit board or the like as a measurement object with an appropriate elastic force.

It is also preferable to provide a resin holder having at least one through hole, and to attach the resin holder to the external plunger after the pin is held in the through hole, so that the pin is indirectly held in the external plunger. In this case, the measurement probe can be easily manufactured.

It is also preferable that a plate-like member is provided on the case side of the resin holder, and presses the pin held in the through hole of the resin holder in the direction of the resin holder. In this case, the plate-like member is preferably a printed circuit board, for example, and the pin is preferably in contact with a first electrode formed on the printed circuit board, and the pin is preferably electrically connected to the first electrode.

The printed circuit board is preferably provided with a signal cable and a cable adapter accommodated in the case and connected to the signal cable, wherein a terminal of the cable adapter is in contact with a second electrode formed on the printed circuit board, and the terminal is electrically connected to the second electrode. In this case, the measurement probe can be easily manufactured.

Preferably, a third fitting portion is formed at one end of the outer plunger, and one end of the printed circuit board and the cable adapter is fitted to the third fitting portion, so that the printed circuit board and the cable adapter do not rotate relative to the housing even when the fixing member is rotated. In this case, breakage of the printed circuit board, the cable adaptor, and the like can be suppressed.

It is also preferable that the housing further comprises a flange having a hole penetrating between the two main surfaces, the housing insertion hole, a release preventing member for preventing the release from the hole is formed in the other opening of the housing, and an external spring is provided between the flange and the fixing member on the outer peripheral surface of the housing.

It is also preferable that the housing has a flange having a hole penetrating between both principal surfaces, the housing has a through hole, a release preventing member for preventing the release from the hole is formed in the other opening of the housing, a stopper is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the housing, and an external spring is provided between the flange and the stopper. In this case, even if the fixing member is removed from the housing, the external spring does not come off from the outer peripheral surface of the housing, and maintenance such as replacement of the pin can be easily performed.

It is also preferred that at least one spacer is provided between the external spring and the fixing element or between the external spring and the stop. In this case, the elastic force of the external spring can be adjusted by the spacer.

Description of the reference numerals

1 … Spring pins; 11 … main body portions; 12 … first pins; 13 … second pins; 2 … resin holders; 21 … first portions; 22 … second portion; 23 … through holes; 3 … external plungers; 35 … first locking portions; 36 … first fitting portions; 37 … third fitting portions; 4 … printed circuit board (plate-like member); 41 … a first electrode; 42 … second electrodes; 5 … signal cable; 51 … signal lines; 52 … insulating coating; 6 … cable adaptor; 61 … terminals; 7 … fixing parts; 75 … second locking parts; 76 … first thread teeth; 8 … shells; 85 … second fitting portions; 86 … second thread; 87 … anti-drop pieces; 9 … flanges; 91 … holes; 92 … mounting holes; 10 … external springs; 20 … spacers; 30 … stops; 47 … fixing parts; 475 … second latch portions; 476 … fixing grooves; 477 … first groove; 478 … second groove; 486 … fixing projections; 510 … fixing pins; 530 … external plungers; 531 … first plunger portion; 531a … male portions; 531b … flanges; 531c … first alignment tabs; 532 … second plunger portion; 532a … male portions; 532b … projections; 532c … through holes; 532d … second alignment tabs; 532e … first locking portions; 540 … internal springs; 550 … flange; 550a … holes; 560 … housings; 560a … anti-slip member; 560b … fixing projections; 570 … external springs; 580 … securing members; 580a … second detent; 590 … fixing groove; 590a … first slot; 590b … second slot; 590c … third slot; 595 … an alignment groove; 630 … outer plungers; 631 … first plunger portion; 631a … male portions; 631b … flange; 631c … first alignment tab; 632 … second plunger portion; 632a … male portions; 632b … projections; 632c … through holes; 632d … first detent flanges; 632e … second alignment tabs.

Claims (19)

1. A measuring probe is provided with:

A cylindrical housing having a pair of openings and having an inner peripheral surface and an outer peripheral surface;

At least one pin, composed of metal;

an outer plunger holding the pin; and

A cylindrical fixing member having a pair of openings and having an inner peripheral surface and an outer peripheral surface for fixing the outer plunger to the housing,

A first locking part is formed on the outer plunger,

The fixing member is formed with a second locking portion,

At least a part of the external plunger is accommodated in the fixing member in a state where the first locking portion and the second locking portion are locked, the fixing member is rotated, and the external plunger is fixed to the housing by the fixing member.

2. The probe for measurement according to claim 1, wherein,

A first thread is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the fixing member,

A second thread is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the housing,

The first thread and the second thread are screwed by rotating the fixing member, and thereby the external plunger of the fixing member is fixed to the housing.

3. The probe for measurement according to claim 1, wherein,

A fixing protrusion is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the housing,

The fixing member is formed with a fixing groove penetrating between the inner peripheral surface and the outer peripheral surface,

The fixing groove has: a first groove extending in a direction from one of the openings of the fixing member toward the other opening; and a second groove which changes direction from the end point of the first groove and extends in a direction intersecting with the direction in which the first groove extends,

The fixing member is pressed into the housing until the inner peripheral surface of the fixing member is covered on the outer peripheral surface of the housing, and after the fixing protrusion reaches the end point of the first groove, the fixing member is rotated, and the fixing protrusion is slid in the second groove, whereby the external plunger of the fixing member is fixed to the housing.

4. The probe for measurement according to claim 3, wherein,

A third groove extending in a direction different from the direction in which the second groove extends is formed at an end portion of the second groove on the opposite side from the first groove,

The fixing projection is engaged with the third groove, and the outer plunger is fixed to the housing by the fixing member.

5. The probe for measurement according to claim 1, wherein,

The outer plunger has a first plunger portion and a second plunger portion,

The first plunger portion has a convex portion, the pin is held at a tip of the convex portion,

The second plunger portion has a through hole,

An internal spring is interposed between the first plunger portion and the second plunger portion, the convex portion is inserted into the through hole,

The outer plunger is disposed between the housing and the fixing member with the first plunger portion on the housing side and the second plunger portion on the fixing member side, and at least a portion of the second plunger is disposed outside the fixing member,

When the second plunger portion is pressed in the direction of the housing, the internal spring contracts, and the pin held at the tip of the convex portion of the first plunger portion protrudes from the through hole of the second plunger portion.

6. The probe for measurement according to claim 5, wherein,

A first alignment protrusion is formed on the first plunger portion,

A second alignment protrusion is formed at the second plunger portion,

At least one of an alignment groove penetrating between the inner peripheral surface and the outer peripheral surface and a bottomed alignment groove having an opening on the inner peripheral surface side is formed in the fixing member,

The first and second positioning projections are disposed in the positioning grooves, respectively, whereby rotation of the first and second plunger portions with respect to the fixing member is suppressed.

7. The probe for measurement according to claim 1, wherein,

A first locking part flange corresponding to the first locking part is formed on the outer plunger,

An internal spring is disposed between the first locking portion flange of the external plunger and the second locking portion of the fixing member,

The first locking portion and the second locking portion are indirectly engaged with each other via the internal spring.

8. The probe for measurement according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein,

At least one of the outer plunger and the housing is formed with a positioning portion for determining a relative position between the outer plunger and the housing.

9. The probe for measurement according to claim 8, wherein,

A first fitting portion is formed as the positioning portion at one end portion of the outer plunger,

A second fitting portion as the positioning portion is formed in one of the openings of the housing,

By fitting the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion, the outer plunger is positioned at the housing,

When the fitting cross section of the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion perpendicular to the direction from the outer plunger toward the housing is observed, the fitting surfaces of the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion are non-circular,

The outer plunger does not relatively rotate with respect to the housing even if the fixing member is rotated.

10. The probe for measurement according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein,

The pin is a spring pin.

11. The probe for measurement according to claim 10, wherein,

The spring pin has a main body part provided with a spring therein, a first pin extending in one direction from the main body part, and a second pin extending in the other direction from the main body part,

When the first pin is pressed against the main body while the main body is held, the first pin is contracted in the direction of the main body,

When the second pin is pressed against the main body while the main body is held, the second pin is contracted in the direction of the main body.

12. The probe for measurement according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein,

Comprises a resin holder having at least one through hole,

After the pin is held in the through hole, the resin holder is attached to the outer plunger,

The pin is indirectly held to the outer plunger.

13. The probe for measurement according to claim 12, wherein,

The resin holder includes a plate-like member on the case side thereof, and the plate-like member presses the pin held in the through hole of the resin holder in the direction of the resin holder.

14. The probe for measurement according to claim 13, wherein,

The plate-like member is a printed circuit substrate,

The pin is in contact with a first electrode formed on the printed circuit board, and the pin is electrically connected to the first electrode.

15. The measurement probe according to claim 14, comprising:

A signal cable; and

A cable adaptor which is accommodated in the housing and is connected with the signal cable,

The terminal of the cable adaptor is abutted against a second electrode formed on the printed circuit board, and the terminal is electrically connected with the second electrode.

16. The probe for measurement according to claim 15, wherein,

A third fitting portion is formed at one end of the outer plunger,

One end of the printed circuit board and one end of the cable adapter are fitted to the third fitting portion,

The printed circuit board and the cable adapter do not rotate relative to the housing even if the fixing member is rotated.

17. The probe for measurement according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein,

Comprising a flange having a hole penetrating between two main surfaces,

The housing is inserted through the hole,

A drop-preventing member for preventing the drop-out from the hole is formed in the other opening of the housing,

An external spring is provided between the flange and the fixing member on the outer peripheral surface of the housing.

18. The probe for measurement according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein,

Comprising a flange having a hole penetrating between two main surfaces,

The housing is inserted through the hole,

A drop-preventing member for preventing the drop-out from the hole is formed in the other opening of the housing,

A stopper is formed at the outer circumferential surface of the housing,

An external spring is provided between the flange and the stopper at the outer peripheral surface of the housing.

19. The probe for measurement according to claim 17 or 18, wherein,

At least one spacer is provided between the external spring and the fixing member or between the external spring and the stopper.