Integrated test probe

Abstract

The utility model provides an integrated test probe, and belongs to the technical field of test probes. The integrated test probe comprises a needle tube and a spring arranged in the needle tube, and is characterized in that the top end in the needle tube is in threaded connection with a top plug, the bottom end of the top plug is elastically attached to the top end of the spring, a needle shaft assembly is sleeved with the needle tube, the top end of the needle shaft assembly is elastically attached to the bottom end of the spring, and the bottom end of the needle shaft assembly penetrates through the bottom of the needle tube to be inserted into a test needle head; the testing needle head is fixedly connected with the bottom end of the needle shaft assembly through a locking part, and the testing needle head is designed to be of a detachable structure and is fixedly connected with the bottom end of the needle shaft assembly through the locking part. According to the design, the test probe head can be independently replaced after being abraded or damaged, and the whole probe does not need to be replaced. The top plug is in threaded connection with the needle tube, the spring can be taken out only by unscrewing the top plug, the whole structure of the probe does not need to be damaged, and the replacement process is greatly simplified.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of test probe technology, and more specifically, to an integrated test probe. Background Technology

[0002] In modern electronics manufacturing, integrated test probes are indispensable tools in circuit board testing and chip inspection. Their function is to transmit test signals by contacting the test points of the device under test (DUT), thereby determining whether the DUT's functionality and performance meet standards. With the continuous increase in the integration of electronic components and the growing complexity of testing requirements, higher demands are being placed on the accuracy, stability, and reliability of test probes.

[0003] During testing, the probe tip needs to frequently contact and separate from the test points of the device under test (DUT). Due to factors such as contact resistance, current load, and possible instantaneous discharge, the probe tip is prone to overheating, leading to burnout. A burnt probe tip not only affects the accuracy of the test but may also damage the DUT. Furthermore, existing probe structures typically fix the probe tip to the probe body; once the probe tip is damaged, it is difficult to replace individually, often requiring the replacement of the entire probe, resulting in wasted costs and resources. The spring inside the probe is its core component, responsible for providing stable contact force and ensuring a reliable electrical connection between the probe tip and the test point. However, during long-term use, the spring is subjected to repeated compression and tension, inevitably leading to fatigue and aging. An aged spring cannot provide stable contact force, resulting in poor contact, unstable signal transmission, or even failure to complete the test. More seriously, existing probe structures usually encapsulate the spring inside the probe; replacing the spring requires damaging the probe structure, making the operation complex and prone to damaging the probe, thus making spring replacement extremely difficult.

[0004] In summary, existing test probes have significant drawbacks, such as the probe tip being easily damaged and difficult to replace, and the spring being easily aged and difficult to replace. These problems seriously affect the service life of the test probes. Utility Model Content

[0005] To overcome the above deficiencies, this application provides an integrated test probe to address the problems mentioned in the background section.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by this utility model to solve its technical problem is as follows:

[0007] An integrated test probe includes a needle tube and a spring placed inside the needle tube, characterized in that: a top plug is threaded to the top end of the needle tube, the bottom end of the top plug is elastically fitted to the top end of the spring, a needle shaft assembly is sleeved inside the needle tube, the top end of the needle shaft assembly is elastically fitted to the bottom end of the spring, the bottom end passes through the bottom of the needle tube and is inserted into a test needle, and the test needle is fixedly connected to the bottom end of the needle shaft assembly by a locking component.

[0008] Furthermore, the side wall of the push-top plug is provided with external threads, and the bottom end has a grooved post. The top end of the needle tube is provided with external threads and is threadedly connected to the outer wall of the push-top plug. The outer wall of the grooved post is inserted into the top end of the spring.

[0009] Furthermore, the needle shaft assembly includes a protruding post, a shaft, and a first limiting ring block. The top end of the shaft has the protruding post and is attached to the bottom end of the spring. The outer wall of the protruding post is inserted into the inner bottom end of the spring. The side walls of the shaft and the first limiting ring block are slidably attached to the inner side wall of the needle tube. The first limiting ring block is located in the middle of the shaft and is integrally cast.

[0010] Furthermore, the locking component includes an insertion hole, three collet pieces, three slits, and a conical lock head. The insertion hole is provided at the bottom end of the shaft and is divided into three collet pieces by the three slits. The insertion hole formed inside the three collet pieces is inserted into the test needle, and the outer wall of the collet piece is in contact with the inner wall of the conical lock head. The bottom side of the shaft is provided with an external thread, and the inner wall of the conical lock head is provided with an internal thread, which is threaded to the bottom side of the shaft.

[0011] Furthermore, the three clamping plates are tapered and are matched with the inner bottom ring of the tapered lock head.

[0012] Furthermore, the outer wall of the needle tube is provided with a concave ring, which divides the tube into upper and lower cavities. The upper cavity of the needle tube is provided with the spring, and the lower cavity is provided with a shaft. The inner ring of the concave ring is in contact with the outer wall of the shaft.

[0013] Furthermore, the needle tube, spring, tip plug, groove post, needle shaft assembly, test needle, and locking components are gold-plated.

[0014] This utility model has the following beneficial effects:

[0015] 1. This utility model designs the test probe as a detachable structure, which is fixedly connected to the bottom end of the probe shaft assembly by a locking component. This design allows the test probe to be replaced individually after wear or damage, without replacing the entire probe, thereby reducing operating costs and resource consumption. At the same time, the test probe replacement process is simple and quick, improving maintenance efficiency and reducing downtime.

[0016] 2. In this invention, the two ends of the spring are respectively inserted into the grooved post at the bottom of the probe plug and the protruding post at the top of the needle shaft assembly. This structure not only ensures that the spring maintains a stable position and elastic force during long-term use, but also makes spring replacement extremely convenient. Simply unscrew the probe plug to remove the spring from the grooved post and the protruding post for replacement, without damaging the overall structure of the probe. This greatly simplifies the replacement process and improves the service life of the spring and the reliability of the probe.

[0017] 3. The needle shaft assembly of this utility model includes a protruding column, a shaft, and a first limiting ring block. The first limiting ring block is integrally cast, ensuring the overall strength and stability of the assembly. The sidewalls of the shaft and the first limiting ring block slide against the inner sidewall of the needle tube, ensuring smooth movement of the needle shaft assembly within the needle tube and avoiding jamming. This ensures stable contact pressure and precise contact position between the probe tip and the test point. Furthermore, a concave ring is provided on the outer wall of the needle tube, dividing the internal space into upper and lower cavities. The upper cavity houses the spring, and the lower cavity houses the shaft. This design further ensures the independence and stability of the spring and the needle shaft assembly. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this application and should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the integrated test probe structure provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0020] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the integrated test probe provided in this application embodiment;

[0021] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the needle shaft assembly, locking component, and test needle connection structure provided for embodiments of this application;

[0022] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the test needle installation structure provided in this application embodiment;

[0023] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the top plug structure provided for an embodiment of this application.

[0024] In the diagram: 1-Needle tube; 11-Concave ring; 2-Spring; 3-Top plug; 31-Groove post; 4-Needle shaft assembly; 41-Protruding post; 42-Shaft; 43-First limiting ring block; 5-Test needle; 6-Locking component; 61-Insertion hole; 62-Clip plate; 63-Slit; 64-Conical lock head. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments.

[0026] Example:

[0027] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 2 An integrated test probe includes a needle tube 1 and a spring 2 placed inside the needle tube 1; the outer wall of the needle tube 1 is provided with a concave ring 11.

[0028] The needle tube 1 serves as the main structure of the probe. It is made of high-strength and corrosion-resistant high-quality metal material, and its outer wall has a precision concave ring 11, which cleverly divides the needle tube 1 into two independent cavities. The upper cavity is specifically used to accommodate the core elastic element - the spring 2, while the lower cavity is used to install the precision needle shaft assembly 4.

[0029] Spring 2 is placed in the upper cavity of needle tube 1 to provide elastic support and ensure the stability and resilience of needle shaft assembly 4 during the test.

[0030] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 An integrated test probe includes a needle tube 1 with a threaded top end connected to a top plug 3. The bottom end of the top plug 3 is elastically fitted to the top end of a spring 2. A needle shaft assembly 4 is sleeved inside the needle tube 1. The top end of the needle shaft assembly 4 is elastically fitted to the bottom end of the spring 2, and the bottom end passes through the bottom of the needle tube 1 and is inserted into a test needle 5. The test needle 5 is fixedly connected to the bottom end of the needle shaft assembly 4 by a locking component 6. The top plug 3 has external threads on its side wall and a grooved post 31 at its bottom end. The needle shaft assembly 4 includes a protruding post 41, a shaft 42, and a first limiting ring block 43. The locking component 6 includes an insertion hole 61, three clamping pieces 62, three slits 63, and a conical lock head 64.

[0031] The top plug 3 is threaded to the inner top of the needle tube 1, and its bottom end has a grooved post 31 that is inserted into the inner top of the spring 2 and elastically fits against the top of the spring 2. The design of the top plug 3 not only facilitates the assembly and disassembly of the spring 2, but also effectively prevents the spring 2 from shifting during the test.

[0032] The needle shaft assembly 4 is one of the core components of the integrated test probe, mainly comprising a protruding post 41, a shaft 42, and a first limiting ring block 43. These components work together to ensure the stability and accuracy of the probe during testing. The shaft 42 has a protruding post 41 at its top, designed to insert into the bottom of the spring 2. This design not only increases the contact area between the spring 2 and the needle shaft assembly 4 but also improves the elastic support effect of the spring 2 on the needle shaft assembly 4. During testing, the spring 2 applies elastic force to the needle shaft assembly 4 through the protruding post 41, ensuring that the needle shaft assembly 4 can move stably and make close contact with the circuit under test. The shaft 42 is the main body of the needle shaft assembly 4, responsible for connecting the protruding post 41 and the first limiting ring block 43, and transmitting the elastic force of the spring 2 to the test needle tip 5. The sidewall of the shaft 42 slides against the inner sidewall of the needle tube 1, a design that ensures the stable movement of the needle shaft assembly 4 within the needle tube 1. Meanwhile, the sliding contact reduces friction between the needle shaft assembly 4 and the needle tube 1, improving the probe's sensitivity and lifespan. The first limiting ring block 43 is located in the middle of the shaft 42 and is integrally cast. This design enhances the overall strength of the needle shaft assembly 4 and provides additional limiting functionality. The outer diameter of the first limiting ring block 43 is larger than other parts of the shaft 42. When the needle shaft assembly 4 moves within the needle tube 1, the first limiting ring block 43 restricts the range of movement of the needle shaft assembly 4, preventing excessive movement that could damage the probe or the circuit under test.

[0033] The test probe 5 is made of high-performance tungsten alloy or carbon nanotubes with excellent conductivity to ensure excellent wear resistance and stable electrical signal transmission performance during frequent contact tests. The test probe 5 is securely and detachably connected to the bottom of the probe shaft assembly 4 via a precisely designed locking component 6. This connection method not only ensures efficient electrical signal transmission but also allows for easy replacement of the test probe 5 after wear, thereby extending the overall probe lifespan.

[0034] The locking component 6 is used to securely connect the test needle 5 to the bottom end of the needle shaft assembly 4, ensuring the connection's strength, detachability, and efficient electrical signal transmission. The locking component 6 includes a insertion hole 61, three clamping pieces 62, three slits 63, and a conical locking head 64. Specifically, the bottom end of the shaft 42 has an insertion hole 61, which is not a complete circular hole but is divided into three clamping pieces 62 by three evenly distributed slits 63. Each clamping piece 62 forms an insertion hole 61 that matches the outer diameter of the test needle 5, allowing for insertion and connection with the test needle 5. To enhance the connection's strength and stability, all three clamping pieces 62 are conical, with their outer walls tightly fitting the inner wall of the conical locking head 64. This conical design not only ensures that the clamping pieces 62 maintain a uniform clamping force when holding the test needle 5 but also creates a self-locking effect with the conical locking head 64, preventing the connection from loosening under external force. Furthermore, the bottom side of the shaft 42 is provided with an external thread, while the inner wall of the tapered locking head 64 is provided with an internal thread that matches the external thread of the shaft 42. By tightening the tapered locking head 64 to the bottom side of the shaft 42, the self-locking characteristic of the threaded connection can be used to further enhance the overall connection strength of the locking component 6, ensuring that the test needle 5 will not fall off or loosen during long-term use. In addition, the tapered design of the three collet pieces 62 matches the tapered inner wall of the inner bottom ring of the tapered locking head 64, that is, the taper of the two is the same or similar, to ensure that when the tapered locking head 64 is tightened, the collet pieces 62 can be evenly closed, thereby firmly clamping the test needle 5 in the insertion hole 61. Through the above structural design, the locking component 6 provided in this embodiment can achieve a firm and detachable fixed connection between the test needle 5 and the bottom end of the needle shaft assembly 4, which not only ensures the efficient transmission of electrical signals, but also makes it easy to replace the test needle 5 after wear, thereby extending the service life of the entire probe.

[0035] The integrated test probe includes key components such as a needle tube 1, a spring 2, a tip plug 3, a grooved post 31, a needle shaft assembly 4, a test needle tip 5, and a locking component 6. To improve the overall performance of the probe, these key components are gold-plated in this embodiment. Through the gold-plating process, the integrated test probe provided in this embodiment not only possesses excellent electrical properties, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance, but also maintains stable performance during long-term use, thereby effectively extending its service life, reducing operating costs, and improving testing efficiency and reliability.

[0036] The integrated test probe works as follows: When the probe contacts the circuit under test, the test tip 5 first contacts the circuit surface. Because the test tip 5 is made of high-performance tungsten alloy or carbon nanotube material, it has excellent wear resistance and conductivity, ensuring efficient transmission of electrical signals. During testing, the spring 2 applies elastic force to the needle shaft assembly 4 through the protruding post 41, enabling the needle shaft assembly 4 to move stably and make close contact with the circuit under test. This elastic support not only ensures good contact between the probe and the circuit but also improves the accuracy and stability of the test. The sliding contact design of the shaft 42 reduces friction between the needle shaft assembly 4 and the needle tube 1, allowing the probe to move more smoothly during testing. Simultaneously, the first limiting ring block 43 restricts the range of movement of the needle shaft assembly 4, preventing excessive movement that could damage the probe or the circuit under test. After contacting the circuit under test, the test tip 5 transmits the electrical signals from the circuit through the needle shaft assembly 4 and the spring 2 to the probe's external interface for reading and analysis by the testing equipment. Because all components are gold-plated, the overall conductivity and corrosion resistance are improved, ensuring the stability and accuracy of electrical signals during transmission.

[0037] It should be noted that the specific models and specifications of spring 2 and test needle 5 need to be selected and determined according to the actual specifications of the device. The specific selection and calculation method adopts the existing technology in this field, so it will not be described in detail.

[0038] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this application is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that this application can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of this application. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered illustrative and non-limiting in all respects, and the scope of this application is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Thus, all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims are intended to be included within this application. No reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An integrated test probe, comprising a needle tube (1) and a spring (2) disposed inside the needle tube (1), characterized in that: The needle tube (1) is threaded with a top plug (3) at the top end. The bottom end of the top plug (3) is elastically attached to the top end of the spring (2). The needle tube (1) is fitted with a needle shaft assembly (4). The top end of the needle shaft assembly (4) is elastically attached to the bottom end of the spring (2). The bottom end passes through the bottom of the needle tube (1) and is inserted into the test needle (5). The test needle (5) is fixedly connected to the bottom end of the needle shaft assembly (4) through a locking component (6).

2. The integrated test probe according to claim 1, characterized in that, The top plug (3) has an external thread on its side wall and a grooved post (31) at its bottom end. The needle tube (1) has an external thread at its top end and is threaded to the outer wall of the top plug (3). The outer wall of the grooved post (31) is inserted into the top end of the spring (2).

3. An integrated test probe according to claim 2, characterized in that, The needle shaft assembly (4) includes a protruding post (41), a shaft (42), and a first limiting ring block (43). The top end of the shaft (42) has the protruding post (41) attached to the bottom end of the spring (2). The outer wall of the protruding post (41) is inserted into the inner bottom end of the spring (2). The side walls of the shaft (42) and the first limiting ring block (43) are slidably attached to the inner side wall of the needle tube (1). The first limiting ring block (43) is located in the middle of the shaft (42) and is integrally cast.

4. An integrated test probe according to claim 3, characterized in that, The locking component (6) includes a plug hole (61), three collet pieces (62), three slits (63), and a conical lock head (64). The bottom end of the shaft (42) is provided with the plug hole (61) and is divided into three collet pieces (62) by the three slits (63). The plug hole (61) formed inside the three collet pieces (62) is inserted into the test needle (5), and the outer wall is in contact with the inner wall of the conical lock head (64). The bottom side of the shaft (42) is provided with an external thread, and the inner wall of the conical lock head (64) is provided with an internal thread and is threaded to the bottom side of the shaft (42).

5. An integrated test probe according to claim 4, characterized in that, The three clamp pieces (62) are tapered and are matched with the inner bottom ring of the tapered lock head (64).

6. An integrated test probe according to claim 5, characterized in that, The needle tube (1) has a concave ring (11) on its outer wall, which divides it into upper and lower cavities. The upper cavity of the needle tube (1) is provided with the spring (2), and the lower cavity is provided with the shaft (42). The inner ring of the concave ring (11) is in contact with the outer wall of the shaft (42).

7. An integrated test probe according to claim 6, characterized in that, The needle tube (1), spring (2), top plug (3), groove post (31), needle shaft assembly (4), test needle (5) and locking component (6) are gold-plated.

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