Contact pins and sockets

Abstract

A contact pin for electrically connecting a first electrical component and a second electrical component, the contact pin comprising: a pin body having an inner pin element and an outer pin element that can be retractably combined; an elastic member that, in a retracted state of the pin body, applies force to the inner pin element and the outer pin element in a direction that causes the pin body to extend; and a pressing portion disposed on the outer pin element that, when the pin body is retracted, applies force to the inner pin element that moves in a first axial direction, the force including a component in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to contact pins and sockets used in performance testing of electrical components of semiconductor devices (hereinafter referred to as "IC packages") and the like. Background Technology

[0002] Conventionally, as a socket for housing electrical components such as IC packages to connect to external power, there are known sockets, such as IC sockets (hereinafter referred to as "sockets") (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Sockets are used to check the electrical characteristics of electrical components during factory inspection.

[0003] Such a socket has multiple contact pins that electrically connect electrical components and a test substrate, which serves as the test device side. Each contact pin has an upper plunger, a lower plunger, and a coil spring.

[0004] The upper plunger has a contact portion at its upper end that contacts the terminals of an electrical component. The lower plunger has a contact portion at its lower end that contacts the terminals of an inspection substrate. The lower plunger is inserted into the upper plunger in a manner that allows it to move vertically relative to the upper plunger. A helical spring applies force in the direction that separates the upper and lower plungers from each other.

[0005] Existing technical documents

[0006] Patent documents

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-196937 Summary of the Invention

[0008] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0009] In sockets like those described above, it is desirable to have a structure with contact pins that can reliably ensure a stable connection between electrical components and the inspection board by making the upper and lower plungers reliably contact each other.

[0010] The purpose of this invention is to provide a contact pin and socket that enable a stable connection between a first electrical component and a second electrical component.

[0011] Solution to the problem

[0012] One embodiment of the contact pin of the present invention is a contact pin that electrically connects a first electrical component and a second electrical component, comprising:

[0013] The pin body has an inner pin element and an outer pin element that can be retractably combined;

[0014] An elastic member, which, in the contracted state of the pin body, applies force to the inner and outer pin elements in the direction that causes the pin body to extend; and

[0015] The pushing part is provided on the outer pin element and applies a force to the inner pin element, which moves in a first direction in the axial direction, when the pin body retracts. This force includes a component in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction.

[0016] One embodiment of the socket of the present invention includes:

[0017] The aforementioned contact pin; and

[0018] A support member having a retaining part for holding the contact pin.

[0019] The effects of the invention

[0020] According to the present invention, the connection between the first electrical component and the second electrical component can be stabilized. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a side view of the contact pin according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the contact pin in its non-use state.

[0023] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the contact pin in its working state.

[0024] Figure 4A This is a partial cross-sectional view of the socket showing the state of the contact pins when not in use.

[0025] Figure 4B This is a partial cross-sectional view of the socket showing the state of the contact pins configured on the inspection substrate.

[0026] Figure 4C This is a partial cross-sectional view of the socket showing the state of the contact pins in use.

[0027] Figure 5A This is a diagram used to illustrate a modified example 1 of the pressing part, which is equivalent to... Figure 3 A sectional view of the X-section.

[0028] Figure 5B This is a diagram used to illustrate a modified example 2 of the pressing part, which is equivalent to... Figure 3 A sectional view of the X-section.

[0029] Figure 6 This is a side view of the contact pin according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the contact pin in its non-use state.

[0031] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the contact pin in its working state.

[0032] Figure 9A This is a cross-sectional view of the contact pin in its non-use state according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 9B This is a cross-sectional view of the contact pin in its working state. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the socket described below is an example of the socket of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

[0035] [Implementation Method]

[0036] Below, refer to Figures 1 to 4C The socket S and contact pin 2 of Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described.

[0037] In the following description, axial direction refers to the direction parallel to the central axis of the contact pin 2 and its structural components. One side of the axial direction corresponds to the lower side in the operating state, and the other side of the axial direction corresponds to the upper side in the operating state. The direction from one side of the axial direction toward the other side corresponds to the first axial direction. The direction from the other side of the axial direction toward one side corresponds to the second axial direction.

[0038] Radial refers to the radial direction of the circle centered on the central axis of the contact pin 2 and the structural component of the contact pin 2.

[0039] The circumferential direction refers to the circumferential direction of the circle centered on the central axis of the contact pin 2 and the structural component of the contact pin 2.

[0040] <Socket>

[0041] As in the inspection of IC package 5 (reference) Figure 4C When using electrical components such as IC packages 5 and inspection substrates 6 (see reference 5), the IC package 5 is used to connect the IC package 5 to the inspection substrate 6. Figure 4C For electrical connections, use socket S.

[0042] In this embodiment, the IC package 5 corresponds to an example of a first electrical component. Additionally, the inspection substrate 6 corresponds to an example of a second electrical component. Furthermore, sometimes the inspection substrate 6 corresponds to an example of a first electrical component, and the IC package 5 corresponds to an example of a second electrical component.

[0043] Multiple package-side terminals (not shown) are arranged in a matrix on the lower surface of IC package 5. These package-side terminals are, for example, solder balls. Additionally, multiple substrate-side terminals (not shown) are arranged in a matrix on the upper surface of inspection substrate 6.

[0044] The socket S has a contact pin 2 and a support member 1 disposed on the inspection base plate 6.

[0045] Furthermore, the socket S can be various types of sockets. Although the illustration is omitted, the socket S can also have a housing with a storage portion for housing the support member 1. Additionally, the socket S can have a cover member that is openable and closable on the housing and covers the storage portion of the housing from above when the socket is in use. Furthermore, the socket S can also have a pressing member supported by the cover member, which presses the IC package 5 downwards when the socket is in use.

[0046] In this specification, the non-use state of socket S (hereinafter also referred to as "non-use state") means as follows: Figure 4A The diagram shows a state where the socket S is not positioned on the inspection substrate 6 and the IC package 5 is not housed in the socket S. Alternatively, the socket S can be considered unused when it is not positioned on the inspection substrate 6 and the IC package 5 housed in the socket S is not pressed by, for example, a pressing member.

[0047] On the other hand, the usage state of socket S (hereinafter also referred to as "usage state") refers to... Figure 4C The state of the socket S shown is the same as the state of the socket when performing inspection of electrical components. In other words, the usage state of the socket S refers to the socket S being disposed on the inspection substrate 6, and the IC package 5 housed in the socket S being pressed by, for example, the pressing member 71 of the pressing device 7 (see reference). Figure 4C (The state of pressing down)

[0048] <Supporting Components>

[0049] The support member 1 is, for example, a rectangular plate. This support member 1 is used to support the contact pins 2. The support member 1 insulates adjacent contact pins 2 from each other. The material of the support member 1 is, for example, synthetic resin. The support member 1 can also be made of an elastic material.

[0050] The support member 1 has a fixed part 11, a movable part 12, a mounting surface 13, and a holding part 14.

[0051] <Fixed Part>

[0052] The fixing part 11 is a rectangular plate and is fixed to the side wall (not shown) of the socket S by fastening members or the like. Furthermore, the side wall is, for example, a rectangular frame, provided to surround the support member 1. Therefore, the fixing part 11 cannot move relative to the side wall.

[0053] The fixing part 11 is composed of a plurality of plate-shaped members disposed opposite each other in the vertical direction. Specifically, the fixing part 11 has a first plate 111, a second plate 112, a third plate 113 and a fourth plate 114 from top to bottom.

[0054] The first plate 111, the second plate 112, the third plate 113, and the fourth plate 114 are connected by fastening components such as bolts, spaced apart in the vertical direction. Furthermore, the number of plates constituting the fixing part 11 is not limited to that in this embodiment. The fixing part 11 may also be composed of a single plate.

[0055] <Modible Parts>

[0056] The movable part 12 is a rectangular plate and is disposed above the first plate 111 of the fixed part 11, opposite to the fixed part 11. The movable part 12 is supported by the fixed part 11 in a state that allows it to move in the vertical direction relative to the fixed part 11.

[0057] Specifically, the movable part 12 is guided by a plurality of guide members (not shown) to move in the vertical direction. The guide members are fixed to the fixed part 11 (specifically the fourth plate 114) and inserted into the fixed part 11 (specifically the first plate 111, the second plate 112 and the third plate 113) and the movable part 12.

[0058] A plurality of elastic members (not shown), such as coil springs, are provided between the movable part 12 and the fixed part 11. The elastic members are in a free state when the socket is not in use (also referred to as the socket not being pressed). When the IC package 5 is pressed by the member 71 (see reference 71)... Figure 4C When pressed downwards, the elastic member contracts, and the movable part 12 moves downwards.

[0059] The elastic member applies an upward elastic force to the movable part 12 when the socket is in use (also known as the socket being pressed). When the pressing member releases its pressure on the IC package 5, the elastic member extends. As a result, the movable part 12 moves upward.

[0060] In this embodiment, the movable part 12 is referred to as the movable part for ease of explanation, but the movable part 12 may also be fixed to the fixed part 11 and not move. In this case, the upper end of the contact pin 2, described later, protrudes upward from the movable part 12. Moreover, the contact pin 2 switches between the use state and the non-use state according to its own extension and retraction.

[0061] <Placement Surface>

[0062] The mounting surface 13 is formed by the upper surface of the movable part 12. In the use state, the IC package 5 is placed on the mounting surface 13.

[0063] <Maintenance Department>

[0064] The retaining part 14 retains the contact pin 2. The support member 1 has a plurality of retaining parts 14. In this embodiment, the retaining part 14 is a through hole that passes through the support member 1 in the thickness direction (vertical direction).

[0065] Specifically, the holding part 14 has, from top to bottom, the following through holes: a through hole 121 provided on the movable part 12, a through hole 111a provided on the first plate 111, a through hole 112a provided on the second plate 112, a through hole 113a provided on the third plate 113, and a through hole 114a provided on the fourth plate 114.

[0066] Through holes 121, 111a, 112a, 113a, and 114a are positioned opposite each other in the vertical direction. Through hole 111a has a downward-facing annular bearing surface 111b (see reference). Figures 4A to 4C The bearing surface 111b is located in the middle part of the through hole 111a in the axial direction.

[0067] The configuration of the retaining part 14 is appropriately determined based on the configuration of the package-side terminals of the IC package 5 and the substrate-side terminals of the inspection substrate 6. The contact pin 2 is inserted into such a retaining part 14.

[0068] <Contact Pin>

[0069] The contact pin 2 has a pin body 21 and an elastic member 22. Hereinafter, in the description of the contact pin 2 and the structural components of the contact pin 2, the end on the first direction side (the lower side in this embodiment) in the axial direction (the lower end in this embodiment) is referred to as the first end, and the end on the second direction side (the upper side in this embodiment) in the axial direction (the upper end in this embodiment) is referred to as the second end.

[0070] (Sales entity)

[0071] The pin body 21 has a first pin element 3 and a second pin element 4 that can be retractably combined.

[0072] (First pin component)

[0073] The first pin element 3 is an example of the outer pin element and is a metal component that is conductive throughout. The first pin element 3 has a main body 31 and a pushing part 32.

[0074] (Main Body)

[0075] The main body 31 is cylindrical and has the following components sequentially from the first end (lower end): first terminal part 310, first small diameter cylindrical part 311, first connecting part 312, large diameter cylindrical part 313, second connecting part 314, and second small diameter cylindrical part 315.

[0076] (First terminal section)

[0077] The first terminal portion 310 is the portion that contacts the substrate-side terminal of the inspection substrate 6 in the usage state. Figure 4A In the non-use state shown, the first terminal portion 310 protrudes downward from the lower surface of the support member 1.

[0078] (First small diameter cylinder section)

[0079] The first small-diameter cylindrical portion 311 is a cylindrical shape that extends axially. The lower end of the first small-diameter cylindrical portion 311 is connected to the upper end of the first terminal portion 310. The upper end of the first small-diameter cylindrical portion 311 is connected to the first connecting portion 312.

[0080] (First connecting part)

[0081] The first connecting portion 312 is annular and connects the first small-diameter cylindrical portion 311 and the large-diameter cylindrical portion 313. The radially inner end of the first connecting portion 312 is connected to the upper end of the first small-diameter cylindrical portion 311. The radially outer end of the first connecting portion 312 is connected to the lower end of the large-diameter cylindrical portion 313.

[0082] (Large diameter cylinder part)

[0083] The large-diameter cylindrical portion 313 is a cylindrical shape extending axially. The lower end of the large-diameter cylindrical portion 313 is connected to the first connecting portion 312. The upper end of the large-diameter cylindrical portion 313 is connected to the second connecting portion 314, which will be described later.

[0084] The large-diameter cylindrical portion 313 has a U-shaped slit 313a located in the middle of the large-diameter cylindrical portion 313 in the axial direction. The slit 313a is discontinuous at its upper end. The portion surrounded by the slit 313a bends inward toward the inside of the large-diameter cylindrical portion 313, thereby forming the pressing portion 32 described later.

[0085] The large-diameter cylindrical portion 313 has a through hole 313b, which is located on the opposite side of the slit 313a in the circumferential direction within the large-diameter cylindrical portion 313. The through hole 313b extends radially through the large-diameter cylindrical portion 313. This through hole 313b serves as a channel for electroplating material during the manufacturing process of the first pin element 3, when surface treatments such as electroplating are performed on the surface of the first pin element 3.

[0086] In this embodiment, the through hole 313b is positioned such that its phase in the circumferential direction is offset by 180° from the push portion 32 described later. However, the position of the through hole 313b is not limited to this embodiment.

[0087] (Second connecting part)

[0088] The second connecting portion 314 is annular and connects the large-diameter cylindrical portion 313 to the second small-diameter cylindrical portion 315, which will be described later. The radially outer end of the second connecting portion 314 is connected to the upper end of the large-diameter cylindrical portion 313. The radially inner end of the second connecting portion 314 is connected to the lower end of the second small-diameter cylindrical portion 315.

[0089] The second connecting portion 314 has an annular lower bearing surface 314a on its upper surface. The lower bearing surface 314a abuts against the lower end of the elastic member 22, which will be described later. The lower bearing surface 314a is used to withstand the downward elastic force applied from the elastic member 22. The lower bearing surface 314a is an example of the outer bearing surface.

[0090] The second small-diameter cylindrical portion 315 is a cylindrical shape extending axially. The lower end of the second small-diameter cylindrical portion 315 is connected to the second connecting portion 314. The upper end of the second small-diameter cylindrical portion 315 is not connected to other parts. In this embodiment, the large-diameter cylindrical portion 313 and the second small-diameter cylindrical portion 315 are equivalent to an example of a cylindrical portion.

[0091] (Push-down section)

[0092] The pressing part 32 is disposed between the first pin element 3 and the second pin element 4, and is used to apply a force to the second pin element 4, which moves axially in a first direction (downward) when the contact pin 2 retracts. This force includes a component in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the contact pin 2. The direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the contact pin 2 is equivalent to an example of the second direction.

[0093] In this embodiment, the pressing part 32 is formed by bending the portion of the large-diameter cylindrical part 313 surrounded by the slit 313a toward the central axis of the contact pin 2.

[0094] Specifically, the pressing part 32 is a plate-shaped part that extends linearly along a direction inclined at a predetermined angle relative to the vertical direction. The upper end of the pressing part 32 is connected to the large-diameter cylindrical part 313 and is surrounded by the upper end of the slit 313a. In addition, the lower end of the pressing part 32 is closer to the central axis of the contact pin 2 than the upper end of the pressing part 32. In other words, the pressing part 32 is inclined in a direction that gets closer to the central axis of the contact pin 2 the closer it gets from the upper end to the lower end.

[0095] The pressing part 32 has a guide surface 321 on a first surface that is the radially inner side (also referred to as the inner surface of the pressing part 32). The guide surface 321 is used to guide the second pin element 4 in the direction along the guide surface 321 by abutting against the second pin element 4 that moves downward when the contact pin 2 retracts.

[0096] The guide surface 321 is an inclined surface that is inclined in the following direction: the closer it gets from the upper end to the lower end, the closer it gets to the direction of the central axis of the contact pin 2.

[0097] In this embodiment, the pressing part 32 and the large-diameter cylindrical part 313 are integrally provided. That is, the pressing part 32 and the large-diameter cylindrical part 313 are constituted by a single object. However, the pressing part may also be constituted by a different component from the large-diameter cylindrical part 313. In this case, the pressing part can be fixed at a predetermined position on the inner circumferential surface of the large-diameter cylindrical part 313 by bonding or by fastening members (pins, etc.).

[0098] In this embodiment, there is only one pressing part 32. However, there may be two or more pressing parts 32. For example, when the pressing part is composed of a first pressing part and a second pressing part, the first pressing part and the second pressing part may be arranged adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction. Specifically, the first pressing part and the second pressing part may be arranged on the inner circumferential surface of the large-diameter cylinder 313 with a phase offset of a predetermined angle (e.g., 90 degrees) in the circumferential direction.

[0099] (Example 1 of the deformation of the pressing part)

[0100] Figure 5A This diagram illustrates a modified example 1 of the pressing part. When cut with a plane parallel to the axial direction, the cross-sectional shape of the pressing part 32B in this modified example is a curved plate shape with a convex outer side in the radial direction. In this embodiment, the lower end of the pressing part 32B is closer to the central axis of the contact pin 2 than the upper end of the pressing part 32B. In other words, the pressing part 32B is inclined in a curved direction: the closer it is from the upper end to the lower end, the closer it is to the central axis of the contact pin 2.

[0101] The pressing part 32B has a guide surface 321B on a first surface that is the radially inner side (also referred to as the inner surface of the pressing part 32B). The guide surface 321B is a curved surface that is convex on the radially outer side. The guide surface 321B is used to guide the second pin element 4 by abutting against the downwardly moving second pin element 4 when the contact pin 2 retracts.

[0102] (Example 2 of the deformation of the pressing part)

[0103] Figure 5B This is a diagram illustrating a modified example 2 of the pressing part. The pressing part 32C in this modified example has a first curved plate part 33 and a second curved plate part 34.

[0104] When cut with a plane parallel to the axial direction, the cross-sectional shape of the first curved plate portion 33 is a curved plate shape with a convex outer side in the radial direction. The upper end of the first curved plate portion 33 is connected to the large-diameter cylinder portion 313. The lower end of the first curved plate portion 33 is connected to the upper end of the second curved plate portion.

[0105] The lower end of the first curved plate portion 33 is closer to the central axis of the contact pin 2 than the upper end of the first curved plate portion 33. In other words, the first curved plate portion 33 is inclined in a curved manner in the direction that the closer it is to the central axis of the contact pin 2, the closer it is to the lower end.

[0106] The first curved plate portion 33 has a first guide surface 331 on a first surface that is the radially inner side (also referred to as the inner surface of the first curved plate portion). The first guide surface 331 is a curved surface with a radially convex outer side. The first guide surface 331 is used to guide the second pin element 4 in the direction along the first guide surface 331 by abutting against the downwardly moving second pin element 4 when the contact pin 2 retracts.

[0107] When cut with a plane parallel to the axial direction, the cross-sectional shape of the second curved plate portion 34 is a curved plate shape with a radially convex inner side. The curvature of the second curved plate portion 34 is greater than that of the first curved plate portion 33. The upper end of the second curved plate portion 34 is connected to the first curved plate portion 33. The second curved plate portion 34 and the first curved plate portion 33 are smoothly connected.

[0108] The second curved plate portion 34 has a second guide surface 341 on a first surface (also called the inner surface of the second curved plate portion 34) that is the radially inner side. The second guide surface 341 is a curved surface that is convex on the radially inner side. When the contact pin 2 retracts, the second guide surface 341 presses the second pin element 4, which moves downward, toward the radially inner side.

[0109] (Second pin component)

[0110] The second pin element 4 is an example of the inner pin element and is a metal component that is electrically conductive as a whole. The second pin element 4 is inserted into the first pin element 3 in a state that allows it to move axially relative to the first pin element 3. The upper end of the second pin element 4 always protrudes upward from the upper end of the first pin element 3.

[0111] Specifically, the second pin element has, in sequence from the first end (lower end) side: a pushed portion 41, a first shaft portion 42, an upper first bearing portion 43, a second shaft portion 44, an upper second bearing portion 45, a third shaft portion 46, and a second terminal portion 47.

[0112] (The part being pushed)

[0113] The push-down portion 41 is located at the lower end of the second pin element 4 and is shaped like a frustum. In both the non-use and use states, the push-down portion 41 is disposed inside the large-diameter cylindrical portion 313 of the first pin element 3. Specifically, the push-down portion 41 is a frustum-shaped portion whose outer diameter decreases towards the lower end.

[0114] When the second pin element 4 moves a predetermined distance in the first axial direction (downward) from its non-use state, the pushed portion 41 abuts against the pushing portion 32 of the first pin element 3. The upper end of the pushed portion 41 is connected to the first shaft portion 42, which will be described later.

[0115] (First shaft section)

[0116] The first shaft portion 42 is a shaft extending vertically. The outer and inner diameters of the first shaft portion 42 are constant along its entire axial length. The lower end of the first shaft portion 42 is connected to the pushed portion 41. At least a portion of the lower half of the first shaft portion 42 is disposed inside the second small-diameter cylindrical portion 315 of the first pin element 3 in both the active and inactive states. The upper end of the first shaft portion 42 is located above the upper end of the first pin element 3 in both the active and inactive states.

[0117] (Upper First Bearing Part)

[0118] The outer diameter of the upper first bearing portion 43 is larger than the outer diameter of the first shaft portion 42. The upper first bearing portion 43 is connected to the upper end of the first shaft portion 42. The upper first bearing portion 43 is always located above the upper end of the first pin element 3.

[0119] The upper first bearing portion 43 has an annular upper first bearing surface 431 on its first surface (also referred to as the lower surface of the upper first bearing portion 43) which is the surface in the first direction of the axial direction. The upper first bearing surface 431 abuts against the upper end of the elastic member 22, which will be described later. The upper first bearing surface 431 is used to withstand the upward elastic force applied from the elastic member 22. The upper first bearing surface 431 is an example of the inner bearing surface.

[0120] The second shaft portion 44 is, for example, a shaft with a constant outer and inner diameter along its entire axial length. The outer diameter of the second shaft portion 44 is equal to the outer diameter of the first shaft portion 42. The lower end of the second shaft portion 44 is connected to the upper first bearing portion 43. In both the use and non-use states, the second shaft portion 44 is always located above the upper end of the first pin element 3.

[0121] The outer diameter of the upper second bearing portion 45 is larger than the outer diameter of the second shaft portion 44. The upper second bearing portion 45 is connected to the upper end of the second shaft portion 44. The upper second bearing portion 45 is always located above the upper end of the first pin element 3.

[0122] The upper second bearing portion 45 has an annular upper second bearing surface 451 on the first surface of the surface that is the second direction side in the axial direction (also referred to as the upper surface of the upper second bearing portion 45). In the non-use state, the upper second bearing surface 451 abuts against the bearing surface 111b of the support member 1.

[0123] Based on the contact between the upper second bearing surface 451 and the bearing surface 111b of the support member 1, the contact pin 2 can be prevented from coming out upwards.

[0124] The third shaft portion 46 is, for example, a shaft with a constant outer and inner diameter along its entire axial length. The outer diameter of the third shaft portion 46 is equal to the outer diameter of the second shaft portion 44. The lower end of the third shaft portion 46 is connected to the upper second bearing portion 45. In both the use and non-use states, the third shaft portion 46 is always located above the upper end of the first pin element 3.

[0125] The second terminal portion 47 is the portion that contacts the package-side terminal of the IC package 5 in the use state. Specifically, the second terminal portion 47 is located at the upper end of the second pin element 4 and is frustoconical in shape.

[0126] Specifically, the second terminal portion 47 is a frustum-shaped cone with a smaller outer diameter as it approaches the top. This second terminal portion 47 is disposed inside the through hole 121 of the movable portion 12 of the retaining portion 14 in both the non-use and use states. In both the non-use and use states, the second terminal portion 47 is located below the upper surface of the support member 1.

[0127] (Elastic component)

[0128] The elastic member 22 is a helical spring, disposed between the first pin element 3 and the second pin element 4. The elastic member 22 is used to apply force to the first pin element 3 and the second pin element 4 in the direction that causes the pin body 21 to extend.

[0129] Specifically, the elastic member 22 is arranged to surround the second small-diameter cylindrical portion 315 of the first pin element 3 and the first shaft portion 42 of the second pin element 4 when not in use. The lower end of the elastic member 22 abuts against the lower bearing surface 314a of the second connecting portion 314 of the first pin element 3. The upper end of the elastic member 22 abuts against the upper first bearing surface 431 of the upper first bearing portion 43 of the second pin element 4.

[0130] In this embodiment, the elastic member 22 is in Figure 4A The non-use state shown has no contraction (i.e., at maximum length). The elastic member 22 in... Figure 4B The state shown and Figure 4C The illustrated operating state is that the element is contracted. In the contracted state (hereinafter also referred to as the contracted state), the elastic member 22 applies a force to the first pin element 3 and the second pin element 4 in a direction that causes the first pin element 3 and the second pin element 4 to separate.

[0131] As described above, the contact pin 2 is held in the retaining portion 14 of the support member 1. Specifically, as Figure 4AAs shown, in the non-use state, the first pin element 3 of the contact pin 2 is inserted into the through hole 113a of the third plate 113 and the through hole 114a of the fourth plate 114 of the support member 1.

[0132] When not in use, the upper end of the first pin element 3 of the contact pin 2 is located above the through hole 113a of the third plate 113.

[0133] In the non-use state, the lower end of the elastic member 22 is disposed in the through hole 113a of the third plate 113 of the support member 1. In the non-use state, the upper first bearing portion 43 of the second pin element 4 and the upper end of the elastic member 22 are disposed in the through hole 112a of the second plate 112 of the support member 1.

[0134] In the non-use state, the upper second bearing portion 45 of the second pin element 4 is disposed in the through hole 111a of the first plate 111 of the support member 1. In addition, the upper second bearing surface 451 of the upper second bearing portion 45 of the second pin element 4 abuts against the bearing surface 111b of the through hole 111a of the first plate 111.

[0135] <The action of the socket>

[0136] The following is for reference Figures 4A to 4C The operation of socket S will be explained. Figure 4A This is a diagram showing the state of socket S corresponding to the non-use state. Additionally, Figure 4B This is a diagram showing the state of the socket S configured on the inspection substrate 6. Figure 4C This is a diagram showing the state of socket S corresponding to its usage state.

[0137] First, Figure 4A The socket S, in its non-use state, is positioned on the inspection substrate 6. The first terminal portion 310 of the contact pin 2 is then pressed upwards by the substrate-side terminal (not shown) of the inspection substrate 6. As a result, the first pin element 3 moves upwards against the elastic force of the elastic member 22. Thus, the contact pin 2 becomes... Figure 4B The state shown.

[0138] exist Figure 4B In the state shown, the pushed portion 41 of the second pin element 4 does not abut against the guide surface 321 of the pushed portion 32 of the first pin element 3.

[0139] Next, the pressing member 71 of the pressing device 7 is used to press the contents stored in the container. Figure 4B The IC package 5 in the socket S, as shown, is pressed downwards. Then, based on the downward pushing force applied from the pressing member 71, the movable part 12 of the support member 1 moves downwards together with the IC package 5.

[0140] Then, the second terminal portion 47 of the second pin element 4 is pressed downward by the package-side terminal of the IC package 5. Thus, based on the downward pushing force applied from the IC package 5, the second pin element 4 moves downward ( Figure 4C Move in the direction of arrow A1.

[0141] When the second pin element 4 moves downward by a predetermined distance, the pushed part 41 of the second pin element 4 abuts against the guide surface 321 of the pushing part 32 of the first pin element 3. Figure 4C The direction pointed to by arrow A1 is an example of the first direction along the axis.

[0142] Because the guide surface 321 of the pushing part 32 of the first pin element 3 is inclined in a direction that gets closer to the central axis of the contact pin 2 the closer it gets from the upper end to the lower end, the second pin element 4 is subjected to a force F1 in the normal direction of the guide surface 321 applied by the pushing part 32 of the first pin element 3 (refer to...). Figure 4C ).

[0143] The force F1 includes a component in a second direction orthogonal to the first axial direction, namely force F2 (see reference). Figure 4C Therefore, based on force F2, the direction of movement of the second pin element 4 is from... Figure 4C The direction pointed to by arrow A1 becomes Figure 4C The direction pointed to by arrow A2. As a result, the second pin element 4 is tilted at a predetermined angle relative to the first pin element 3. Furthermore, Figure 4C The direction pointed to by arrow F2 is an example of a second direction that is orthogonal to the first direction on the axis.

[0144] When the second pin element 4 is tilted relative to the first pin element 3, the upper contact position 48a and the lower contact position 48b of the second pin element 4 ( Figure 4C The part indicated by the black dot in the middle contacts the first pin element 3. Thus, the socket S becomes... Figure 4C The usage status is shown.

[0145] Specifically, in the usage state, the upper contact position 48a contacts the upper end of the second small-diameter cylindrical portion 315 of the first pin element 3. Additionally, in the usage state, the lower contact position 48b contacts the lower end of the second small-diameter cylindrical portion 315 of the first pin element 3.

[0146] In this embodiment, the upper contact position 48a and the lower contact position 48b are provided on the first shaft portion 42 of the second pin element 4. In the first shaft portion 42 of the second pin element 4, the upper contact position 48a is the portion located above the lower contact position 48b. The upper contact position 48a and the lower contact position 48b are 180° out of phase in the circumferential direction.

[0147] (Functions and Effects)

[0148] In this embodiment with the structure described above, when the contact pin 2 retracts, the second pin element 4 is tilted relative to the first pin element 3, thereby creating an upper contact position 48a and a lower contact position 48b of the second pin element 4. Figure 4C The portion indicated by the black dot in the image contacts the first pin element 3. Therefore, the first pin element 3 and the second pin element 4 are reliably connected. As a result, the electrical connection between the IC package 5 and the inspection substrate 6 is stable.

[0149] [Implementation Method 2]

[0150] Reference Figures 6-8 The contact pin 2B of Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described. The structure of the socket other than the contact pin 2B is the same as that of the socket S of Embodiment 1 described above.

[0151] The contact pin 2B in this embodiment has a pin body 21B and an elastic member 22. The structure of the elastic member 22 is the same as that of the elastic member 22 in Embodiment 1 described above.

[0152] (Sales entity)

[0153] The pin body 21B has a first pin element 3B and a second pin element 4 that can be retractably combined. The second pin element 4 is the same as the second pin element 4 in Embodiment 1 described above.

[0154] (First pin component)

[0155] The first pin element 3B is an example of the outer pin element and is a metal component that is conductive throughout. The first pin element 3B has a main body 31B and a pressing part 32. The structure of the pressing part 32 is the same as that of the pressing part 32 in Embodiment 1 described above.

[0156] (Main Body)

[0157] The main body 31B is cylindrical and, starting from the first end (lower end), sequentially comprises: a first terminal portion 310, a first small-diameter cylindrical portion 311, a first connecting portion 312, and a large-diameter cylindrical portion 313B. The structures of the first terminal portion 310, the first small-diameter cylindrical portion 311, and the first connecting portion 312 are the same as those in Embodiment 1 described above. This main body 31B does not have the second connecting portion 314 and the second small-diameter cylindrical portion 315 present in the main body 31 of Embodiment 1 described above.

[0158] (Large diameter cylinder part)

[0159] The large-diameter cylindrical section 313B is, for example, a cylindrical shape with a constant outer and inner diameter along its entire axial length. The lower end of the large-diameter cylindrical section 313B is connected to the first connecting section 312.

[0160] The large-diameter cylindrical portion 313B has an annular lower bearing surface 313c on its upper end face. The lower bearing surface 313c abuts against the lower end of the elastic member 22. The lower bearing surface 313c is used to withstand the downward elastic force applied from the elastic member 22.

[0161] (Elastic component)

[0162] The elastic member 22 is a helical spring, disposed between the first pin element 3 and the second pin element 4. The elastic member 22 is used to apply force to the first pin element 3 and the second pin element 4 in the direction that causes the pin body 21 to extend.

[0163] Specifically, the elastic member 22 is provided to surround the first shaft portion 42 of the second pin element 4 when not in use. The lower end of the elastic member 22 abuts against the lower bearing surface 313c of the large-diameter cylindrical portion 313B of the first pin element 3. The upper end of the elastic member 22 abuts against the upper first bearing surface 431 of the upper first bearing portion 43 of the second pin element 4.

[0164] As described above, the contact pin 2B is held in the retaining portion 14 of the support member 1. Furthermore, the support method between the contact pin 2B and the support member 1 in both the non-use and use states is the same as in Embodiment 1 described above. Additionally, the operation of the socket S is also the same as that of the socket S in Embodiment 1 described above.

[0165] [Implementation Method 3]

[0166] Reference Figure 9A and Figure 9B The contact pin 2C of Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described. Figure 9A This is a cross-sectional view of contact pin 2C in its non-use state. Figure 9B This is a cross-sectional view of the contact pin 2C in its working state. The structure of the socket, except for the contact pin 2C, is the same as that of the socket S in Embodiment 1 described above.

[0167] The contact pin 2C in this embodiment has a pin body 21C and an elastic member 22. The structure of the elastic member 22 is the same as that of the elastic member 22 in Embodiment 1 described above.

[0168] (Sales entity)

[0169] The pin body 21C has a first pin element 3C and a second pin element 4 that can be retractably combined. The second pin element 4 is the same as the second pin element 4 in Embodiment 1 described above.

[0170] (First pin component)

[0171] The first pin element 3C is an example of the outer pin element and is a metal component that is conductive throughout. The first pin element 3C has a main body 31C and a pressing part 32. The structure of the pressing part 32 is the same as that of the pressing part 32 in Embodiment 1 described above.

[0172] (Main Body)

[0173] The main body 31C is cylindrical and has the following components sequentially from the first end (lower end): first terminal part 310, first small diameter cylindrical part 311, first connecting part 312, large diameter cylindrical part 313C, second connecting part 314, and second small diameter cylindrical part 315.

[0174] The structures of the first terminal portion 310, the first small-diameter cylinder portion 311, the first connecting portion 312, the second connecting portion 314, and the second small-diameter cylinder portion 315 are the same as those of the first small-diameter cylinder portion 311, the first connecting portion 312, the second connecting portion 314, and the second small-diameter cylinder portion 315 in Embodiment 1 described above.

[0175] The large-diameter cylindrical portion 313C is, for example, a cylindrical shape extending in the vertical direction. The lower end of the large-diameter cylindrical portion 313C is connected to the first connecting portion 312. The upper end of the large-diameter cylindrical portion 313C is connected to the second connecting portion 314, which will be described later.

[0176] The large-diameter cylindrical portion 313C has a U-shaped slit 313a located in the middle of the large-diameter cylindrical portion 313C in the axial direction. The slit 313a is discontinuous at its upper end. The portion surrounded by the slit 313a forms a pressing portion 32 by bending inward toward the inside of the large-diameter cylindrical portion 313C. The structure of the slit 313a is the same as that of the slit 313a in Embodiment 1 described above.

[0177] The large-diameter cylindrical portion 313C has a lower protrusion 313d on its inner circumferential surface, on the side opposite to the slit 313a in the circumferential direction. The lower protrusion 313d protrudes radially inward from the inner circumferential surface of the large-diameter cylindrical portion 313C. This lower protrusion 313d is radially opposed to the pressing portion 32.

[0178] Additionally, the large-diameter cylindrical portion 313C has a lower recess 313e on its outer peripheral surface, which is radially opposite to the lower protrusion 313d. The lower recess 313e is recessed radially inward from the outer peripheral surface of the large-diameter cylindrical portion 313.

[0179] Furthermore, the large-diameter cylindrical portion 313C has an annular upper protrusion 313f on its inner circumferential surface, above the upper end of the slit 313a. The upper protrusion 313f protrudes radially inward from the inner circumferential surface of the large-diameter cylindrical portion 313C. The upper protrusion 313f is continuous along the entire circumference of the inner circumferential surface of the large-diameter cylindrical portion 313C.

[0180] Furthermore, the large-diameter cylindrical portion 313C has an annular upper recess 313g on its outer circumferential surface, in a portion radially opposite to the upper protrusion 313f. The upper recess 313g is recessed radially inward from the outer circumferential surface of the large-diameter cylindrical portion 313C. The upper recess 313g is continuous along the entire circumference of the outer circumferential surface of the large-diameter cylindrical portion 313C.

[0181] The structure of the other contact pins 2C is the same as that of contact pin 2 in embodiment 1 described above.

[0182] In this embodiment having the structure described above, when the IC package 5 housed in the socket is pressed by the member 71 (see reference 71) Figure 4C When pressed downwards, the movable part 12 of the support member 1 (see reference 71) is supported by the downward pushing force applied from the pressing member 71. Figure 4C ) and IC package 5 (refer to Figure 4C They moved downwards together.

[0183] Therefore, the second terminal portion 47 of the second pin element 4 is pressed downward by the package-side terminal of the IC package 5. Then, based on the downward pushing force applied from the IC package 5, the second pin element 4 moves downward.

[0184] When the second pin element 4 moves downward by a predetermined distance, the pushed part 41 of the second pin element 4 abuts against the guide surface 321 of the pushing part 32 of the first pin element 3C.

[0185] Because the guide surface 321 of the pushing part 32 of the first pin element 3C is inclined in a direction that gets closer to the central axis of the contact pin 2 the closer it gets from the upper end to the lower end, the second pin element 4 is subjected to a force F1 in the normal direction of the guide surface 321 applied by the pushing part 32 of the first pin element 3C (refer to...). Figure 4C ).

[0186] The force F1 includes a component in a second direction orthogonal to the first axial direction, namely force F2 (see reference). Figure 4C Therefore, based on force F2, the direction of movement of the second pin element 4 is from... Figure 4C The direction pointed to by arrow A1 becomes Figure 4C The direction pointed to by arrow A2. As a result, the second pin element 4 is tilted at a specified angle relative to the first pin element 3C.

[0187] In this embodiment, when the second pin element 4 is tilted relative to the first pin element 3C, the upper contact position 48a and the lower contact position 48c of the second pin element 4 ( Figure 9B The portion indicated by the black dot in the middle contacts the first pin element 3. The upper contact position 48a is the same as the upper contact position 48a in Embodiment 1 described above.

[0188] In this embodiment, the upper contact position 48a and the lower contact position 48c are also provided on the first shaft portion 42 of the second pin element 4. The upper contact position 48a is the portion of the first shaft portion 42 of the second pin element 4 located above the lower contact position 48c. The upper contact position 48a and the lower contact position 48c are offset by 180° in the circumferential direction.

[0189] Alternatively, the first shaft portion 42 may contact the upper protrusion 313f when the second pin element 4 is tilted relative to the first pin element 3C. In this embodiment, the lower contact position 48b of the second pin element 4 may also contact the first pin element 3C when the second pin element 4 is tilted relative to the first pin element 3C. The contact position between the first pin element 3C and the second pin element 4 can be appropriately determined based on the shapes of the first pin element 3C and the second pin element 4.

[0190] In this embodiment as described above, with the second pin element 4 tilted relative to the first pin element 3C, the contact point between the first pin element 3C and the second pin element 4 can be increased. Therefore, the electrical connection between the IC package 5 and the inspection substrate 6 can be made more stable.

[0191] The entire contents of the description, drawings and abstract contained in Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-21595, filed on February 12, 2020, are incorporated herein by reference.

[0192] Industrial applicability

[0193] This invention can be applied to sockets used to connect various electrical components to each other.

[0194] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0195] S socket

[0196] 1 Supporting Components

[0197] 11 Fixing Part

[0198] 111 First Board

[0199] 111a through hole

[0200] 111b bearing surface

[0201] 112 Second Board

[0202] 112a through hole

[0203] 113 Third Board

[0204] 113a through hole

[0205] 114 Fourth Board

[0206] 114a through hole

[0207] 12 movable parts

[0208] 121 through hole

[0209] 13 mounting surfaces

[0210] 14. Maintaining Section

[0211] 2.2B, 2C contact pins

[0212] Sales entities 21, 21B, and 21C

[0213] 22 Elastic Components

[0214] 3, 3B, 3C First Pin Component

[0215] 31, 31B, 31C Main Body

[0216] 310 First Terminal Section

[0217] 311 First Small Diameter Cylindrical Section

[0218] 312 First Connecting Part

[0219] 313, 313B, 313C large diameter cylinder

[0220] 313a slit

[0221] 313b through hole

[0222] 313c lower bearing surface

[0223] 313d lower convex part

[0224] 313e lower recess

[0225] 313f upper convex part

[0226] 313g upper concave part

[0227] 314 Second Connecting Part

[0228] 314a lower bearing surface

[0229] 315 Second Small Diameter Cylindrical Section

[0230] 32, 32B, 32C Push Section

[0231] 321, 321B guiding surfaces

[0232] 33 First section

[0233] 331 First Guiding Surface

[0234] 34 Second section

[0235] 341 Second guiding surface

[0236] 4 Second pin component

[0237] 41 The part being pushed

[0238] 42 First shaft section

[0239] 43 Upper First Bearing Part

[0240] 431 Upper First Bearing Surface

[0241] 44 Second Shaft

[0242] 45 Upper Second Bearing Part

[0243] 451 Upper Second Bearing Surface

[0244] 46 Third Shaft

[0245] 47 Second terminal section

[0246] 48a upper contact position

[0247] 48b, 48c lower contact positions

[0248] 5IC package

[0249] 6. Inspection substrate

[0250] 7. Pressing device

[0251] 71 Pressing Components

Claims

1. A contact pin for electrically connecting a first electrical component and a second electrical component, the contact pin comprising: The pin body has an inner pin element and an outer pin element that can be retractably combined; An elastic member, in the contracted state of the pin body, applies force to the inner pin element and the outer pin element in the direction that causes the pin body to extend; and A pushing part is provided on the outer pin element and has a guide surface that abuts against the inner pin element, which moves in a first axial direction, when the pin body retracts. When the pin body retracts, a force comprising a component in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction is applied through the guide surface. When the retractable inner pin element and the outer pin element do not move in the direction that causes the pin body to retract, the portion of the guide surface that abuts against the inner pin element is located at a position that moves away from the front end of the inner pin element in the first direction.

2. The contact pin as described in claim 1, wherein, The pushing part is integrally formed with the outer pin element.

3. The contact pin as described in claim 2, wherein, The pushing part is inclined along the direction that gets closer to the central axis of the outer pin element the further it moves in the first direction.

4. The contact pin as described in claim 3, wherein, The pressing part is composed of a plate-shaped component, and when it is cut by a plane passing through the central axis, the cross-sectional shape of the plate-shaped component is a straight line or a curve.

5. The contact pin as described in any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein, The outer pin element has a cylindrical portion extending along the axial direction. A portion of the inner pin element is inserted into the cylindrical portion. The pushing part is disposed on the cylindrical part.

6. The contact pin as described in claim 5, wherein, The cylindrical portion has a small-diameter cylindrical portion and a large-diameter cylindrical portion connected to the end of the small-diameter cylindrical portion on the first direction side. The pushing part is disposed on the large-diameter cylinder part.

7. The contact pin as described in claim 6, wherein, The outer pin element has an outer bearing surface between the small-diameter cylindrical portion and the large-diameter cylindrical portion. The inner pin element has an inner bearing surface located at the middle portion of the inner pin element in the axial direction. The elastic member is disposed between the outer bearing surface and the inner bearing surface in a manner that surrounds the inner pin element.

8. The contact pin as described in claim 2, wherein, The outer pin element has a protrusion located in the outer pin element at a position radially opposite to the push portion.

9. A socket, comprising: The contact pin as described in any one of claims 1 to 8; and A support member having a retaining portion for holding the contact pin.

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