High performance outer barrel type spring needle

Abstract

The outer cylinder type spring needle of the present application comprises a compression spring (30), an integrated upper probe (10) formed in one piece by an upper probe portion (11) for contacting the outside and two upper probe side wall portions (12) respectively extending from the upper probe portion (11) and surrounding two opposite sides of four sides of the compression spring (30), and an integrated lower probe (20) formed in one piece by a lower probe portion (21) for contacting the outside and two lower probe side wall portions (22) respectively extending from the lower probe portion (21) and surrounding the remaining two sides of the four sides of the compression spring (30) except the two sides surrounded by the upper probe side wall portions (12), the upper probe side wall portions (12) and the lower probe side wall portions (22) being capable of sliding with respect to each other in a state of being in contact with each other when an external force is applied.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to outer-tube type spring pins for achieving high performance. Background Technology

[0002] Spring pins (also known as "test probes") can be broadly classified into two types: spring pins with an outer cylinder on the outside of the spring through which signals and currents are transmitted (hereinafter referred to as "outer cylinder type spring pins") and spring pins without an outer cylinder on the outside of the spring through a conductive bridge or similar device located inside the spring.

[0003] Figure 1 This is an example diagram illustrating a representative existing outer-tube type spring pin.

[0004] like Figure 1 As shown, the spring needle 10 includes: an upper probe 1 and a lower probe 2; a spring 3 for providing elastic force to the upper probe 1 and the lower probe 2; and a cylindrical body 4 (or "outer cylinder") for housing the lower end of the upper probe 1, the upper end of the lower probe 2, and the spring 3.

[0005] One end of the upper probe 1 and the lower probe 2 is locked by the cylindrical body 4 to prevent them from detaching from the cylindrical body 4 to the outside, and receives elastic force from the spring 3.

[0006] However, spring 4 has the physical property of additional elastic force, and due to its very high resistance, the circuit through spring 4 is not very meaningful.

[0007] Therefore, the circuit should pass through the cylindrical body 4. For example, when used for semiconductor device testing, if the upper probe 1 and the lower probe 2 are subjected to pressure at both ends, the upper probe 1 and the lower probe 2 will slightly lose their center of gravity and come into contact with the opening of the cylindrical body 4 respectively.

[0008] The electrical signal is transmitted from the upper probe 1 to the cylindrical body 4, and then from the cylindrical body 4 to the lower probe 2. Along its path, signal and current losses mainly occur at the parts where the upper probe 1 contacts the cylindrical body 4 and the parts where the cylindrical body 4 contacts the lower probe 2.

[0009] However, since the cylindrical body 4 and the upper probe 1 and the cylindrical body 4 and the lower probe 2 can move relative to each other, depending on the application, sometimes more than 100,000 up-and-down movements are required. Therefore, a specified distance (clearance) must be maintained between the upper probe 1 or the lower probe 2 and the opening of the cylindrical body 4.

[0010] However, this spacing contradicts the requirement that they be in stable contact with each other for the smooth transmission of electrical signals.

[0011] Compared to spring needles, in order to minimize the loss of electrical signals, reducing or eliminating the gap between the inner diameter surface 41 of the upper opening of the cylindrical body 4 and the upper outer diameter surface 11 of the upper probe 1, and the gap between the inner diameter surface 42 of the lower opening of the cylindrical body 4 and the lower outer diameter surface 12 of the lower probe 2 will hinder the smooth movement of the probe. When the gap is too large, the probability of errors or high impedance in the above-mentioned contacts constituting the circuit will increase.

[0012] For this reason, existing cylindrical spring pins have the problem of requiring strict tolerance management, and strict tolerance management will lead to an increase in manufacturing costs.

[0013] Furthermore, despite the efforts and high manufacturing costs, the electrical contact between the upper probe 1 and the lower probe 2 and the cylindrical body 4 is not large enough to meet the requirements of high-performance applications. Summary of the Invention

[0014] Technical issues

[0015] The purpose of this invention is to provide an outer cylindrical spring pin that can further reduce manufacturing costs, a test socket using the same, and a method for manufacturing the outer cylindrical spring pin.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide an outer cylindrical spring pin that can further improve electrical characteristics, a test socket using the same, and a method for manufacturing the outer cylindrical spring pin.

[0017] Technical solution

[0018] An outer cylindrical spring needle according to one embodiment of the present invention includes: a compression spring 30; an integral upper probe 10, formed by an upper probe portion 11 and two upper probe sidewall portions 12, wherein the upper probe portion 11 is used to contact the outside, and the two upper probe sidewall portions 12 extend from the upper probe portion 11 and surround two opposing sides of the four sides of the compression spring 30; and an integral lower probe 20, formed by a lower probe portion 21 and two lower probe sidewall portions 22, wherein the lower probe portion 21 is used to contact the outside, and the two lower probe sidewall portions 22 extend from the lower probe portion 21 and surround the remaining two sides of the four sides of the compression spring 30 excluding the two sides surrounded by the upper probe sidewall portions 12. When subjected to an external force, the upper probe sidewall portions 12 and the lower probe sidewall portions 22 can slide against each other in a contacting state.

[0019] According to the above-mentioned outer cylindrical spring needle, the upper probe portion 11 and the two upper probe sidewall portions 12 form a U-shape, and the lower probe portion 21 and the two lower probe sidewall portions 22 can also form a U-shape.

[0020] According to the above-mentioned outer cylindrical spring needle, the upper probe sidewall portion 12 may include: a straight plate 122 extending from the upper probe 11 along the length direction; and a pressure head 121, which is plate-shaped and extends from the straight plate 122 along the length direction. The lower probe sidewall portion 22 may include: a straight plate 222 extending from the lower probe 21 along the length direction; and a pressure head 221, which is plate-shaped and extends from the straight plate 222 along the length direction.

[0021] According to the above-mentioned outer cylindrical spring needle, each of the above-mentioned upper probe sidewall portions 12 also includes a stop protrusion 123, which protrudes from the side of the above-mentioned straight plate 122, so that the upward movement of the above-mentioned upper probe 10 is used to limit the step portion of the insulating body 40 that accommodates the outer cylindrical spring needle. Each of the above-mentioned lower probe sidewall portions 22 also includes a stop protrusion 233, which protrudes from the side of the above-mentioned straight plate 222, so that the downward movement of the above-mentioned lower probe 20 is used to limit the step portion of the insulating body 40 that accommodates the outer cylindrical spring needle.

[0022] According to the above-mentioned outer cylindrical spring needle, the pressure head 121 of the upper probe sidewall 12 slides while applying pressure to the side surface S2 of the straight plate 222 of the lower probe sidewall 22, and the pressure head 221 of the lower probe sidewall 22 slides while applying pressure to the side surface S1 of the straight plate 122 of the upper probe sidewall 12.

[0023] According to the above-mentioned outer cylindrical spring needle, in the upper probe sidewall portion 12, the pressure head 121 protrudes because its width is greater than the width of the straight plate 122, thus restricting the pressure head 221 of the lower probe sidewall portion 22 from disengaging downwards. In the lower probe sidewall portion 22, the pressure head 221 protrudes because its width is greater than the width of the straight plate 222, thus restricting the pressure head 121 of the upper probe sidewall portion 12 from disengaging upwards.

[0024] According to the above-mentioned outer cylindrical spring needle, the above-mentioned compression spring 30 is cylindrical and is made of linear spring steel. The above-mentioned integral upper probe 10 and integral lower probe 20 can be formed by progressive stamping processing of metal plates, including punching and bending.

[0025] According to the above-mentioned outer cylindrical spring needle, the two upper probe sidewall portions 12 and the two lower probe sidewall portions 22 can be formed into a square cylindrical shape to constitute the outer cylinder of the compression spring 30 and serve as an electrical path that can slide against each other.

[0026] The manufacturing method of the outer cylindrical spring needle of the present invention is characterized by comprising: a stamping step, wherein an integral upper probe 10 and an integral lower probe 20 are manufactured by progressive stamping of a metal plate including punching and bending; and an assembly step, wherein the integral upper probe 10 and the integral lower probe 20 are assembled with a compression spring 30 as the center. The stamping step includes the following steps: when manufacturing the integral upper probe 10, two upper probe sidewall portions 12 extending in two directions with an upper probe portion 11 for contact with the outside as the center are formed by bending it into a U-shape; and when manufacturing the integral lower probe 20, two lower probe sidewall portions 22 extending in two directions with a lower probe portion 21 for contact with the outside as the center are formed by bending it into a U-shape.

[0027] According to the above-described method for manufacturing an outer cylindrical spring needle, in the assembly step, with the upper probe sidewall portion 12 and the lower probe sidewall portion 22 staggered from each other, the pressure head 121 of the upper probe sidewall portion 12 passes over the pressure head 221 of the lower probe sidewall portion 22, or the pressure head 221 of the lower probe sidewall portion 22 passes over the pressure head 121 of the upper probe sidewall portion 12. Before the assembly step, a plating step may also be included to plating the integrated upper probe 10 and the integrated lower probe 20.

[0028] The test socket according to one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that it includes: a plurality of the above-mentioned outer cylindrical spring pins; and an insulating body forming through holes in an array to pass through a first plane and a second plane, wherein the second plane faces the first plane, and the above-mentioned outer cylindrical spring pins are respectively installed in the through holes.

[0029] The effects of the invention

[0030] The present invention has the following effect: by forming an outer cylindrical shape and obtaining more contact area, the electrical characteristics can be greatly improved.

[0031] Furthermore, the present invention also has the following effect: compared with the existing outer cylinder type spring needle, since it is not necessary to implement strict tolerance management in the structure in which the outer cylinder and the upper probe and the outer cylinder and the lower probe are separated, the manufacturing cost of the outer cylinder type spring needle can be greatly reduced. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 This is an example diagram illustrating a representative existing outer-tube type spring pin.

[0033] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the outer cylindrical spring pin according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 3 An exploded perspective view of the outer cylindrical spring needle of the first embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0035] Figure 4 The diagram shows the unfolded upper probe portion and lower probe portion of the outer cylindrical spring needle according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the outer cylindrical spring pin of the first embodiment of the present invention, showing that its length is shortened due to external forces at both ends in the length direction.

[0037] Figure 6 Part (a) is a perspective view showing the outer cylindrical spring pin of the second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 Part (b) is a partial side view showing the outer cylindrical spring pin of the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 7a To illustrate the cross-sectional view of the outer cylindrical spring pin of the second embodiment of the present invention housed within the insulating body, Figure 7b This is a cross-sectional view based on the AA line to show the outer cylindrical spring needle of the second embodiment of the present invention housed in an insulating body. Detailed Implementation

[0039] The following is for reference Figures 2 to 5 The first embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

[0040] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the outer cylindrical spring pin according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 An exploded perspective view of the outer cylindrical spring pin according to the first embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 4 This is a unfolded view showing the upper probe portion and the lower probe portion of the outer cylindrical spring needle according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the outer cylindrical spring pin of the first embodiment of the present invention, showing that its length is shortened due to external forces at both ends in the length direction.

[0041] The outer cylindrical spring pin of the first embodiment of the present invention can extend and retract along the length direction and is used in places where electrical connection is required. For example, it can be used in test sockets for semiconductor devices, mounting sockets for semiconductor devices, etc.

[0042] The outer cylindrical spring needle of the first embodiment of the present invention includes an integral upper probe 10, an integral lower probe 20 and a compression spring 30.

[0043] The compression spring 30 is used to provide elastic force to the integrated upper probe 10 and the integrated lower probe 20. One end of the compression spring 30 is supported by the inner side of the upper probe portion 11 of the integrated upper probe 10, and the other end of the compression spring 30 is supported by the inner side of the lower probe portion 21 of the integrated lower probe 20. When both are compressed, it can provide elastic force to resist compression.

[0044] The integrated upper probe 10 is formed by an upper probe portion 11 and two upper probe sidewall portions 12. The upper probe portion 11 is used to contact the outside, and the two upper probe sidewall portions 12 extend from the upper probe portion 11 and surround two opposing sides of the four sides of the compression spring 30.

[0045] Furthermore, the integrated lower probe 20 is formed by the lower probe portion 21 and two lower probe sidewall portions 22 as one unit. The lower probe portion 21 is used to contact the outside. The two lower probe sidewall portions 22 extend from the lower probe portion 21 and surround the remaining two sides of the four sides of the compression spring 30, excluding the two sides surrounded by the upper probe sidewall portion 12.

[0046] The upper probe portion 11 and the lower probe portion 21 are used for contact with the outside, such as contact with conductive pads on printed circuit boards, terminals of semiconductor devices, etc., and can be crown-shaped, triangular pyramidal, or conical, etc., and such crown-shaped, triangular pyramidal, or conical, etc., can be single or multiple. In addition to crown-shaped, triangular pyramidal, or conical, they can also be flat.

[0047] The upper probe portion 11 and the lower probe portion 21 can be any shape that makes electrical contact with the outside of the spring needle, and can be selected according to the shape or characteristics of the external structural elements that are in primary contact.

[0048] The integrated upper probe 10 includes two upper probe sidewall portions 12 extending in two directions centered on the upper probe portion 11. The two upper probe sidewall portions 12 can face each other and have the same shape. After the spring needle is assembled, the two upper probe sidewall portions 12 have an angle of approximately 90 degrees relative to the base of the upper probe portion 11. However, since the gap between the free ends of the two upper probe sidewall portions 12 before assembly is smaller than that after assembly, they can elastically contact the lower probe sidewall portion 22 located between the two free ends after assembly.

[0049] The integrated lower probe 20 includes two lower probe sidewall portions 22 extending in two directions centered on the lower probe portion 21. The two lower probe sidewall portions 22 can face each other and have the same shape. After the spring needle is assembled, the two lower probe sidewall portions 22 have an angle of approximately 90 degrees relative to the base of the lower probe portion 21. However, since the gap between the free ends of the two lower probe sidewall portions 22 before assembly is smaller than that after assembly, they can elastically contact the upper probe sidewall portion 12 located between the two free ends after assembly.

[0050] The two upper probe sidewall portions 12 and the two lower probe sidewall portions 22 can be cross-joined to fill each other's open sides.

[0051] Although the two upper probe sidewall portions 12 and the two lower probe sidewall portions 22 surround the sides of the compression spring 30 from four directions, they do not surround the entire sides of the compression spring 30; they surround the compression spring in a partially exposed manner. When the spring needle is not subjected to external force, as the length of the spring needle gradually decreases due to external force, the ratio of the surrounded area to the open area increases.

[0052] The one-piece upper probe 10 is roughly U-shaped, formed by the upper probe portion 11 and two upper probe sidewall portions 12. The one-piece lower probe 20 is also roughly U-shaped, formed by the lower probe portion 21 and two lower probe sidewall portions 22.

[0053] Each of the aforementioned upper probe sidewall portions 12 includes: a straight plate 122 extending from the upper probe portion 11 along the length direction; and a pressure head 121, which is plate-shaped and extends from the straight plate 122 along the length direction. The straight plate 122 extends from the upper probe portion 11 and bends, extending in a long manner along the length direction (i.e., the vertical direction). Each straight plate 122 forms a main plane surrounding one side of the compression spring 30. At the same time, the side surface S1 of the straight plate 122 provides a sliding surface that allows the pressure head 221 of the lower probe sidewall portion 22 to slide. To provide a sliding surface, the side surface of the straight plate 122 is preferably straight.

[0054] Each lower probe sidewall portion 22 includes: a straight plate 222 extending from the lower probe portion 21 along the length direction; and a pressure head 221, which is plate-shaped and extends from the straight plate 222 along the length direction. The straight plate 222 extends from the lower probe portion 21 and bends, extending in a long manner along the length direction (i.e., the vertical direction). Each straight plate 222 forms a main plane surrounding one side of the compression spring 30. At the same time, the side surface S2 of the straight plate 222 provides a sliding surface that allows the pressure head 222 of the upper probe sidewall portion 12 to slide. To provide a sliding surface, the side surface of the straight plate 222 is preferably straight.

[0055] When subjected to an external force, the upper probe sidewall 12 and the lower probe sidewall 22 can slide relative to each other in a contacting state. When both ends of the spring needle are subjected to an external force, the upper probe sidewall 12 and the lower probe sidewall 22, corresponding to the existing outer cylinder, can slide relative to each other and serve as an electrical path. The two upper probe sidewalls 12 and the two lower probe sidewalls 22 form a square cylinder shape to constitute the outer cylinder of the compression spring 30 and serve as an electrical path that can slide relative to each other.

[0056] When the two ends of the spring needle are subjected to external force, the spring needle can extend and retract along the length direction. The pressure head 121 of the upper probe sidewall 12 slides while applying pressure to the side S2 of the straight plate 222 of the lower probe sidewall 22. The pressure head 221 of the lower probe sidewall 22 slides while applying pressure to the side S1 of the straight plate 122 of the upper probe sidewall 12.

[0057] In the upper probe sidewall portion 12, a height difference is formed between the straight plate 122 and the pressure head 121, and the width of the pressure head 121 is greater than the width of the straight plate 122. Therefore, the downward disengagement of the pressure head 221 in the lower probe sidewall portion 22 is restricted. Furthermore, in the lower probe sidewall portion 22, a height difference is formed between the straight plate 222 and the pressure head 221, and the width of the pressure head 221 is greater than the width of the straight plate 222. Therefore, the upward disengagement of the pressure head 121 in the upper probe sidewall portion 12 is restricted.

[0058] During the manufacturing process, after assembling the integrated upper probe 10 and the integrated lower probe 20 around the compression spring 30, the structure prevents the integrated upper probe 10 and the integrated lower probe 20 from separating naturally. Therefore, assembling the two has the advantage of making the subsequent manufacturing process simpler.

[0059] Each upper probe sidewall portion 12 also includes a stop protrusion 123, which protrudes from the side of the I-shaped plate 122, and each lower probe sidewall portion 22 also includes a stop protrusion 223, which protrudes from the side of the aforementioned I-shaped plate 222. This will be explained later.

[0060] Electrical signals and currents are transmitted between the upper probe section 11 and the lower probe section 21, which are in contact with the outside. In this case, they are transmitted through the two upper probe sidewall sections 12 and the two lower probe sidewall sections 22.

[0061] There can be a total of eight contact surfaces between the two upper probe sidewall portions 12 and the two lower probe sidewall portions 22. On one side of the upper probe sidewall portion 12, two side surfaces S1 of the inverted plate 122 form surfaces that contact the pressure heads 221 of the two lower probe sidewall portions 22, respectively. On the bottom surface of the pressure heads 121 of the same upper probe sidewall portion 12, surfaces that contact the pressure heads 221 of the two lower probe sidewall portions 22 are formed, thus creating a total of four contact surfaces. Similarly, four contact surfaces can also be formed on the other side of the upper probe sidewall portion 12.

[0062] At the electrical contact level, the impedance of electrical characteristics decreases as the contact area increases. In one embodiment of the present invention, the spring pin is an outer cylinder type, but it obtains more contact area, thus having the effect of significantly improving electrical characteristics.

[0063] The following is for reference Figures 2 to 5 In particular, refer to Figure 4 A brief description of the manufacturing method of the outer cylindrical spring pin according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] The manufacturing process of outer cylindrical spring pins generally includes stamping, plating, and assembly steps.

[0065] In the stamping step, a one-piece upper probe 10 and a one-piece lower probe 20 are manufactured by progressive stamping, including punching and bending, on the metal sheet. For example, in the progressive stamping process, a long strip-shaped metal sheet is punched one or more times to obtain... Figure 4 The cut metal plate shown in the unfolded view, or a metal plate with connecting portions (frames) (to be removed later) formed on its side for connecting a series of components. In the above embodiments, the integral upper probe and the integral lower probe have the same shape, or they may have different shapes depending on differences in the shape of the probe portion, etc.

[0066] Furthermore, in order to form a crown-like or other partial shape for external contact in the upper probe portion 11, the process includes: a bending process based on the bending line L12; and a bending process based on the bending line L11 such that the two upper probe sidewall portions 12 extending in two directions with the upper probe portion 11 as the center form a U-shape. The bending process for forming a crown-like or other shape according to the shape of the upper probe portion 11 can be omitted, or a process such as imprinting can be used. In the bending process for forming the U-shape, in order to achieve elastic contact between the pressure head and the straight plate, the bending angle is preferably greater than 90 degrees.

[0067] Furthermore, in order to form a crown-like or other partial shape for external contact in the lower probe portion 21, the process includes: a bending process based on the bending line L22; and a bending process based on the bending line L21, such that the two lower probe sidewall portions 22 extending in two directions with the lower probe portion 21 as the center form a U-shape. The bending process for forming a crown-like or other shape according to the shape of the lower probe portion 21 can be omitted, or a process such as imprinting can be used. In the bending process for forming the U-shape, in order to achieve elastic contact between the pressure head and the straight plate, the bending angle is preferably greater than 90 degrees.

[0068] The compression spring 30 is cylindrical and is made of linear spring steel or the like. It is made using ordinary springs. The one-piece upper probe 10 and the one-piece lower probe 20 can be formed by progressive stamping of metal plates, including punching and bending.

[0069] Furthermore, in order to further improve the electrical characteristics, a plating step may be included before the assembly step to plate the integrated upper probe 10 and the integrated lower probe 20.

[0070] Furthermore, including the assembly step, the integral upper probe 10 and integral lower probe 20 are assembled with the compression spring 30 as the center. In the assembly step, with the upper probe sidewall 12 and the lower probe sidewall 22 staggered from each other, the pressure head 121 of the upper probe sidewall 12 passes over the pressure head 221 of the lower probe sidewall 22, or the pressure head 221 of the lower probe sidewall 22 passes over the pressure head 121 of the upper probe sidewall 12.

[0071] According to the present invention, since each sidewall portion extending from the upper probe portion and the lower probe portion acts as an outer cylinder, compared with the existing outer cylinder type spring needle, it is not necessary to implement strict tolerance management in the structure in which the outer cylinder and the upper probe, and the outer cylinder and the lower probe are separated from each other. Therefore, the manufacturing cost of the outer cylinder type spring needle can be greatly reduced.

[0072] Figure 6 Part (a) is a perspective view showing the outer cylindrical spring pin of the second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 Part (b) is a partial side view showing the outer cylindrical spring pin of the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0073] When comparing the outer cylindrical spring needle of the second embodiment and the outer cylindrical spring needle of the first embodiment, most of the structures are basically the same or similar, except that the shape of the lower probe portion 21 and the structure of the upper probe sidewall portion 12 and the lower probe sidewall portion 22 are slightly different. Therefore, the description of the same or similar structures can be omitted.

[0074] The lower probe portion 21 includes a disc-shaped attachment that extends from the base and has thickness. Compared to a triangular pyramid-shaped attachment, the disc-shaped attachment is more suitable for applications that reduce scratches on the outer pad or terminal.

[0075] The upper probe sidewall portion 12 includes an extension plate 124 extending below the pressure head 121, similar to the straight plate 122, the extension plate 124 surrounding the compression spring. The lower probe sidewall portion 22 includes an extension plate 224 extending above the pressure head 221, similar to the straight plate 222, the extension plate 224 surrounding the compression spring.

[0076] In the longer spring needle, the structure of the extension plates 124 and 224 has the effect of increasing the side area surrounding the compression spring, which is beneficial to the upright stability of the spring needle within the through hole 43 of the insulating body 40 (see Figure 7).

[0077] Specifically, at the front ends of the upper probe sidewall 12 and the lower probe sidewall 22, an inclined portion E is formed at the front ends of the extension plates 124 and 224. The inclined portion E provides space between itself and the side of the straight plate (more specifically, the extended plane connecting the side of the two straight plates) or the compression spring, increasing towards the ends of the extension plates 124 and 224. It can be composed of a flat surface or a curved surface. The inclined portion E can be a chamfered shape formed at the front ends of the extension plates, and can be formed by grinding, front end pressing, or embossing.

[0078] The inclined portion E described above can also be formed at the front end of the pressure-applying head in the first embodiment.

[0079] During assembly, the inclined part E makes it easier to pass over the side of the pressure head, and also has the effect of precisely eliminating interference with the compression spring during operation.

[0080] Figure 7a To illustrate the cross-sectional view of the outer cylindrical spring pin of the second embodiment of the present invention housed within the insulating body, Figure 7b This is a cross-sectional view based on the AA line to show the outer cylindrical spring needle of the second embodiment of the present invention housed in an insulating body.

[0081] The insulating body 40 has through holes 43 that pass between a first plane and a second plane facing the first plane. In an insulating body 40, such through holes form a two-dimensional array. For example, in a test socket for testing 1,000 terminals, an array of 1,000 through holes is formed.

[0082] The test socket includes the aforementioned insulating body 40, and an outer cylindrical spring pin is installed in each through hole 43 of the insulating body 40. During the assembly of the test socket, after installing multiple outer cylindrical spring pins on one side of the first body portion 41 and the second body portion 42 of the insulating body 40, the other side can be covered and the two can be assembled by using bolts (not shown).

[0083] Each upper probe sidewall portion 12 also includes a stop protrusion 123, which protrudes from the side of the straight plate 122, such that the upward movement of the upper probe 10 is limited by the step portion 44a of the insulating body 40 that houses the outer cylindrical spring needle. Each lower probe sidewall portion 22 also includes a stop protrusion 223, which protrudes from the side of the straight plate 222, such that the downward movement of the lower probe 20 is limited by the step portion 44b of the insulating body 40 that houses the outer cylindrical spring needle.

[0084] To form the aforementioned stepped portion, the through hole 40 has a first inner diameter D1 with a larger inner diameter and a second inner diameter D2 with a smaller inner diameter. In the through hole 40, the inner diameter D1 of the first through hole portion 43a is larger than the inner diameter D2 of the second through hole portion 43b and the third through hole portion 43c. Furthermore, the outer diameter D3 of the stop protrusion 223 is smaller than the first inner diameter D1 of the through hole 40 and larger than the second inner diameter D2 of the through hole 40.

Claims

1. An outer cylinder type spring needle characterized by comprising: a compression spring (30) surrounded by four sides; an integrated upper probe (10) formed in one body by an upper probe portion (11) for contacting the outside and two upper probe side wall portions (12) each extending from the upper probe portion (11) and surrounding two of the four sides of the compression spring (30) facing each other; and an integrated lower probe (20) formed in one body by a lower probe portion (21) for contacting the outside and two lower probe side wall portions (22) each extending from the lower probe portion (21) and surrounding the remaining two of the four sides of the compression spring (30) other than the two sides surrounded by the upper probe side wall portions (12), the upper probe side wall portions (12) and the lower probe side wall portions (22) are capable of sliding along the length direction in a state of being in contact with each other when an external force is applied from both ends in the length direction, the upper probe side wall portions (12) each include: a linear plate (122) extending from the upper probe portion (11) along the length direction and constituting a plane surrounding the side of the compression spring (30); and a pressing head portion (121) in the form of a plate extending from the linear plate (122) along the length direction, the lower probe side wall portions (22) each include: a linear plate (222) extending from the lower probe portion (21) along the length direction and constituting a plane surrounding the side of the compression spring (30); and a pressing head portion (221) in the form of a plate extending from the linear plate (222) along the length direction, the pressing head portion (121) of the upper probe side wall portion (12) slides in a state of pressing the side (S2) of the linear plate (222) of the lower probe side wall portion (22), the pressing head portion (221) of the lower probe side wall portion (22) slides in a state of pressing the side (SI) of the linear plate (122) of the upper probe side wall portion (12), the width of the pressing head portions (121, 221) of the upper probe side wall portions (12) and the lower probe side wall portions (22) is greater than that of the linear plates (122, 222) of the upper probe side wall portions (12) and the lower probe side wall portions (22), respectively. the upper probe portion (11) and the two upper probe side wall portions (12) form a U shape, and the lower probe portion (21) and the two lower probe side wall portions (22) form a U shape.

2. The outer cylinder type spring needle according to claim 1, characterized by 3. The outer cylinder type spring needle according to claim 2, characterized in that: each of the upper probe side wall portions (12) further includes a stopper protrusion (123) protruding from the side of the linear plate (122) so that upward movement of the upper probe (10) is restricted by a stepped portion of an insulating body (40) for housing the outer cylinder type spring needle, ​ Each of the lower probe side wall portions (22) further includes a stopper protrusion (233) protruding from the side of the linear plate (222) so that the downward movement of the lower probe (20) is limited by a step portion of the insulating body (40) for housing the outer cylinder type spring needle.

4. The outer cylinder type spring needle according to claim 1, wherein In the upper probe side wall portions (12), the pressing head portions (121) protrude because the width of the pressing head portions (121) is greater than the width of the linear plates (122), thereby limiting the downward disengagement of the pressing head portions (221) of the lower probe side wall portions (22), In the lower probe side wall portions (22), the pressing head portions (221) protrude because the width of the pressing head portions (221) is greater than the width of the linear plates (222), thereby limiting the upward disengagement of the pressing head portions (121) of the upper probe side wall portions (12).

5. The outer cylinder type spring needle according to claim 1, wherein The compression spring (30) is cylindrical and is formed by winding a linear spring steel, and the integrated upper probe (10) and the integrated lower probe (20) are formed by progressive stamping of a metal plate including punching and bending.

6. The outer cylinder type spring needle according to claim 1, wherein The two upper probe side wall portions (12) and the two lower probe side wall portions (22) constitute the outer cylinder of the compression spring (30) by forming a square cylindrical shape and function as electrical paths that can slide with respect to each other.

7. The outer cylinder type spring needle according to claim 1, wherein The interval between the free ends of the two upper probe side wall portions (12) and the two lower probe side wall portions (22) is smaller before assembly than after assembly.

8. A manufacturing method of an outer cylinder type spring needle, comprising: a stamping step of manufacturing an integrated upper probe (10) and an integrated lower probe (20) by progressive stamping of a metal plate including punching and bending; and an assembly step of assembling the integrated upper probe (10) and the integrated lower probe (20) around a compression spring (30), the stamping step includes the following steps: when manufacturing the integrated upper probe (10), two upper probe side wall portions (12) extending in two directions around an upper probe portion (11) for contacting the outside are formed by being bent into a U shape; and when manufacturing the integrated lower probe (20), two lower probe side wall portions (22) extending in two directions around a lower probe portion (21) for contacting the outside are formed by being bent into a U shape, the upper probe side wall portions (12) each include: a linear plate (122) extending in a length direction from the upper probe portion (11) and constituting a plane surrounding the side of the compression spring (30); and a pressing head portion (121) in the shape of a plate extending in a length direction from the linear plate (122), the lower probe side wall portions (22) each include: a linear plate (222) extending in a length direction from the lower probe portion (21) and constituting a plane surrounding the side of the compression spring (30); and a pressing head portion (221) in the shape of a plate extending in a length direction from the linear plate (222), ​ The pressing head portion (121) of the upper probe side wall portion (12) slides while pressing the side surface (S2) of the linear plate (222) of the lower probe side wall portion (22), The pressing head portion (221) of the lower probe side wall portion (22) slides while pressing the side surface (S1) of the linear plate (122) of the upper probe side wall portion (12), The width of the pressing head portions (121, 221) of the upper probe side wall portion (12) and the lower probe side wall portion (22) is greater than the width of the linear plates (122, 222) of the upper probe side wall portion (12) and the lower probe side wall portion (22), respectively.

9. The method of manufacturing the outer cylinder type spring needle according to claim 8, wherein In the assembling step, the pressing head portion (121) of the upper probe side wall portion (12) is made to pass over the pressing head portion (221) of the lower probe side wall portion (22), or the pressing head portion (221) of the lower probe side wall portion (22) is made to pass over the pressing head portion (121) of the upper probe side wall portion (12), in a state in which the upper probe side wall portion (12) and the lower probe side wall portion (22) are misaligned with each other, The assembling step is preceded by a plating step in which the integrated upper probe (10) and the integrated lower probe (20) are plated.

10. A test socket comprising: a plurality of outer cylinder type spring needles according to claim 1; and an insulating body forming through holes through between a first plane and a second plane, the second plane facing the first plane, the outer cylinder type spring needles are respectively installed in the through holes. ​

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