Inspection Connector

Abstract

To provide an inspection connector that can be easily assembled.SOLUTION: A central conductor includes a central conductor exposure unit where the central conductor is exposed in a lower end part of a coaxial cable. An outside conductor includes an outside conductor exposure unit where the outside conductor is exposed in a part of the coaxial cable which is above the central conductor exposure unit. The lower end part of the coaxial cable is inserted from an upper end of a first through-hole into the first through-hole so that at least a part of the outside conductor exposure unit is located outside the first through-hole. The central conductor exposure unit is connected to an upper end part of a probe. A conductive joint material fixes a part of the outside conductor exposure unit to a plunger.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an inspection connector used for measuring high frequency signals. [Background technology]

[0002] A known example of a conventional invention relating to an inspection connector is a probe described in Patent Document 1. The probe described in Patent Document 1 includes a probe pin, a barrel, a bushing, a coaxial cable, and a plunger. The barrel has a cylindrical shape with a central axis extending in the vertical direction. A ground potential is connected to the barrel. The probe pin extends in the vertical direction within the barrel. A high-frequency signal is transmitted to the probe pin. The bushing is located within the barrel and supports the probe pin. The coaxial cable has an outer conductor and a center conductor exposed at its lower end. The lower end of the coaxial cable is inserted into the barrel from its upper end. The center conductor is fixed to the upper end of the probe pin by soldering. The outer conductor is fixed to the inner surface of the barrel by soldering. The plunger has a through-hole that passes through the plunger in the vertical direction. The barrel is inserted into the through-hole with the coaxial cable connected to it. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2021 / 235082 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Incidentally, in the probe described in Patent Document 1, there is a demand for an easy probe assembly.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an inspection connector that can be easily assembled. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An inspection connector according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: a plunger connected to a ground potential and having a first through hole extending in the vertical direction; a probe through which a high frequency signal is transmitted and extending in the vertical direction within the first through hole; an insulating support member provided in the first through hole and supporting the probe so that the probe and the plunger are insulated from each other; a coaxial cable including a central conductor, an outer conductor surrounding the central conductor when viewed in a vertical direction, a first insulator insulating the central conductor from the outer conductor, and a second insulator surrounding the outer conductor when viewed in a vertical direction; A conductive bonding material; It is equipped with the central conductor includes a central conductor exposed portion at a lower end of the coaxial cable, where the central conductor is exposed; the outer conductor includes an exposed outer conductor portion at which the outer conductor is exposed above the exposed center conductor portion of the coaxial cable, the lower end of the coaxial cable is inserted into the first through hole from an upper end thereof, so that at least a part of the exposed outer conductor portion is located outside the first through hole; the exposed center conductor portion is connected to an upper end of the probe, The conductive bonding material fixes a portion of the exposed outer conductor portion to the plunger. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the inspection connector of the present invention, the inspection connector can be easily assembled. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an inspection connector 10. FIG. [Figure 2]FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the inspection connector 10. As shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a top view of the plunger 102 of the inspection connector 10. As shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the inspection connector 10. As shown in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the inspection connector 10a. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of plunger 102 and housing 104. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of plunger 102 and housing 104. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a left side view of the plunger 102 and the housing 104 of the inspection connector 10a. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of plunger 102 and housing 104. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of plunger 102 and housing 104. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a left side view of the plunger 102 and the housing 104 of the inspection connector 10b. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of plunger 102 and housing 104. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of plunger 102 and housing 104. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a left side view of the plunger 102 and the housing 104 of the inspection connector 10c. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of plunger 102 and housing 104. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of plunger 102 and housing 104. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] (Embodiment) [Inspection connector structure] The structure of an inspection connector 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the inspection connector 10. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the inspection connector 10. FIG. 3 is a top view of the plunger 102 of the inspection connector 10. In FIG. 3, conductive bonding materials 138a to 138d are indicated by dotted lines. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the inspection connector 10. FIG. 4 shows a cross-section that includes the central axis of the probe 134d and is perpendicular to the left-right direction.

[0010] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the direction in which the probes 134a to 134d extend is defined as the up-down direction. The direction in which the probes 134b to 134d are lined up is defined as the left-right direction. The left-right direction is perpendicular to the up-down direction. The front-rear direction is perpendicular to the up-down direction and the left-right direction. Note that the up-down direction, the left-right direction, and the front-rear direction are directions defined for convenience of explanation. Therefore, the up-down direction, the left-right direction, and the front-rear direction do not have to coincide with the up-down direction, the left-right direction, and the front-rear direction when the inspection connector 10 is in use.

[0011] In this specification, the term "upper end" refers to the upper end of a member. The term "upper end" refers to the upper end and its surrounding area. The terms "lower end," "lower end," "left end," "left end," "right end," and "right end" also have the same meaning as "upper end."

[0012] Inspection connector 10 is used to measure high-frequency signals transmitted within electronic devices such as smartphones. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, inspection connector 10 includes plunger 102, housing 104, flange 106, spring 108, screws 110a and 110b, probes 134a to 134d, insulating support members 136a to 136d, conductive bonding materials 138a to 138d (see Figure 3), and coaxial cables 202a to 202d.

[0013] The plunger 102 is connected to a ground potential. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 2, the plunger 102 is provided with first through holes ha-hd extending in the vertical direction. More specifically, the plunger 102 includes a plunger lower portion 102a and a plunger upper portion 102b. The plunger lower portion 102a has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4, the plunger lower portion 102a has an upper surface SU and a lower surface SD. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the first through holes ha-hd penetrate the plunger lower portion 102a in the vertical direction. Therefore, the upper ends of the first through holes ha-hd are located on the upper surface SU. The lower ends of the first through holes ha-hd are located on the lower surface SD. The first through holes ha-hd are aligned in a line from left to right. The first through hole ha is located behind the first through hole hb.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 2, the plunger upper portion 102b is located above and connected to the plunger lower portion 102a. The plunger upper portion 102b has a cylindrical shape with a central axis extending in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the plunger upper portion 102b has a cylindrical shape. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3, the plunger upper portion 102b forms an area A11 surrounded by the plunger upper portion 102b when viewed in the vertical direction. The area A11 surrounded by the plunger upper portion 102b has an overlapping area A12 that overlaps with the plunger lower portion 102a and non-overlapping areas A13 and A14 that do not overlap with the plunger lower portion 102a when viewed in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the non-overlapping area A13 is located behind the overlapping area A12 when viewed in the vertical direction, as shown in FIG. 4. The non-overlapping area A14 is located in front of the overlapping area A12 when viewed in the vertical direction. No components exist below the non-overlapping areas A13 and A14. Moreover, the first through holes ha to hd are located within the overlapping region A12 when viewed in the up-down direction.

[0015] As shown in Fig. 4, openings Op1 and Op2 are provided between the upper surface SU of the plunger lower portion 102a and the plunger upper portion 102b so that conductive bonding materials 138a to 138d (described later) can be seen when viewed in the front-rear direction. The opening Op1 is located in the non-overlapping region A13. The opening Op2 is located in the non-overlapping region A14. Such a plunger 102 is made of a metal with high conductivity. The plunger 102 is made of, for example, SUS.

[0016] High-frequency signals are transmitted to the probes 134a to 134d. The probes 134a to 134d are terminals to which high-frequency signals having relatively high frequencies are applied. The high-frequency signals having relatively high frequencies are, for example, millimeter-wave signals or microwave signals having frequencies between 0.3 GHz and 0.3 THz. The probes 134a to 134d have a rod shape extending vertically. As shown in FIG. 2, the probes 134b to 134d are lined up in a row from left to right. The probe 134a is located behind the probe 134b. The probes 134a to 134d have the same structure, so the structure of the probe 134d will be described below as an example.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 4, the probe 134d extends vertically within the first through-hole hd. Specifically, the probe 134d has a rod shape that extends vertically. The probe 134d is inserted into the first through-hole hd. The lower end of the probe 134d is located below the lower surface SD. The upper end of the probe 134d is located above the upper surface SU. Furthermore, the probe 134d does not contact the inner circumferential surface of the first through-hole hd.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 4, the probe 134d includes a tubular portion 1202d, a lower pin 1204d, and a spring 1208d. The tubular portion 1202d has a tubular shape extending in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the tubular portion 1202d has a cylindrical shape with a central axis extending in the vertical direction. The upper end of the tubular portion 1202d is not open. The lower end of the tubular portion 1202d is open. The diameter of the lower end of the tubular portion 1202d is smaller than the diameter of the remaining part of the tubular portion 1202d. In other words, the tubular portion 1202d has a shape in which the lower end of the tubular portion 1202d is slightly narrowed.

[0019] The lower pin 1204d is a rod-shaped member that extends in the vertical direction. The upper part of the lower pin 1204d is located inside the cylindrical portion 1202d. The lower part of the lower pin 1204d protrudes downward from the cylindrical portion 1202d. Furthermore, the lower pin 1204d protrudes downward from the lower surface SD. However, the diameter of the upper part of the lower pin 1204d is larger than the diameter of the lower part of the lower pin 1204d. As a result, the lower pin 1204d cannot pass downward through the opening at the lower end of the cylindrical portion 1202d.

[0020] The spring 1208d is provided inside the cylindrical portion 1202d. The lower end of the spring 1208d contacts the upper end of the lower pin 1204d. The upper end of the spring 1208d contacts the upper end of the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 1202d. As a result, the spring 1208d presses the lower pin 1204d downward. The probe 134d having the above structure can expand and contract in the vertical direction as the spring 1208d expands and contracts in the vertical direction. The probe 134d as described above is made of, for example, brass.

[0021] The insulating support members 136a to 136d are provided in the first through holes hd and support the probes 134a to 134d so as to insulate the probes 134a to 134d from the plunger 102. Since the probes 134a to 134d have the same structure, the structure of the probe 134d will be described below as an example.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 2, the insulating support member 136d has a ring shape surrounding the periphery of the probe 134d when viewed in the vertical direction. More specifically, the insulating support member 136d has a cylindrical shape with a central axis extending in the vertical direction. As shown in FIG. 4, the central axis of the insulating support member 136d coincides with the central axis of the probe 134d. The insulating support member 136d is located at the lower end of the first through hole hd. The probe 134d extends in the vertical direction within the insulating support member 136d. As a result, the insulating support member 136d is supported by the plunger 102 and supports the probe 134d. The insulating support member 136d is made of an insulating resin. The insulating support member 136d is made of, for example, epoxy resin. As a result, the probe 134d is insulated from the plunger 102.

[0023] The lower ends of the coaxial cables 202b to 202d are lined up in a row from left to right as shown in Fig. 1. The lower end of the coaxial cable 202a is located behind the lower end of the coaxial cable 202b. The coaxial cables 202a to 202d have the same structure. The structure of the coaxial cable 202d will be described as an example.

[0024] As shown in Fig. 4, the coaxial cable 202d includes a center conductor 204d, an outer conductor 206d, a first insulator 208d, and a second insulator 210d. The center conductor 204d is the core of the coaxial cable 202d. Therefore, the center conductor 204d is located at the center of the coaxial cable 202d. A high-frequency signal is transmitted through the center conductor 204d. The center conductor 204d is made of a conductor having a low resistance. For example, the center conductor 204d is made of copper.

[0025] The outer conductor 206d surrounds the center conductor 204d when viewed from above and below. Therefore, the outer conductor 206d has a circular ring shape in a cross section perpendicular to the direction in which the coaxial cable 202d extends. The outer conductor 206d is connected to a ground potential. Such an outer conductor 206d is made, for example, by braiding thin conductive wires. The outer conductor 206d is made of a conductor having a low resistance value. The outer conductor 206d is made, for example, of copper.

[0026] The first insulator 208d insulates the central conductor 204d from the outer conductor 206d. The first insulator 208d is located between the central conductor 204d and the outer conductor 206d. The first insulator 208d surrounds the central conductor 204d when viewed in the vertical direction. The first insulator 208d is surrounded by the outer conductor 206d. The first insulator 208d has a ring shape in a cross section perpendicular to the extension direction of the coaxial cable 202d. The first insulator 208d is made of an insulating resin. The first insulator 208d is made of, for example, polyethylene. Furthermore, the first insulator 208d has a plurality of holes to allow the coaxial cable 202d to deform flexibly.

[0027] The second insulator 210d surrounds the outer conductor 206d when viewed in the vertical direction. Therefore, the second insulator 210d has a circular ring shape in a cross section perpendicular to the extension direction of the coaxial cable 202d. The second insulator 210d is made of an insulating resin. The second insulator 210d is made of, for example, polyethylene. However, the second insulator 210d does not have multiple holes or has fewer holes than the first insulator 208d. Therefore, the second insulator 210d is less likely to deform than the first insulator 208d. Therefore, the Young's modulus of the second insulator 210d is greater than that of the first insulator 208d.

[0028] The center conductor 204d includes an exposed center conductor portion P1 where the center conductor 204d is exposed at the lower end of the coaxial cable 202d. Specifically, at the lower end of the coaxial cable 202d, the outer conductor 206d, the first insulator 208d, and the second insulator 210d are removed, so that the center conductor 204d is exposed from the coaxial cable 202d.

[0029] The outer conductor 206d includes an exposed outer conductor portion P2 where the outer conductor 206d is exposed above the exposed center conductor portion P1 of the coaxial cable 202d. Specifically, the second insulator 210d is removed above the exposed portion of the center conductor 204d, thereby exposing the outer conductor 206d from the coaxial cable 202d.

[0030] The lower end of the coaxial cable 202d is inserted into the first through hole hd from its upper end, so that at least a portion of the exposed outer conductor portion P2 is located outside the first through hole hd. In this embodiment, the lower end of the coaxial cable 202d is inserted into the first through hole hd from its upper end, so that the exposed center conductor portion P1 is located inside the first through hole hd, a portion of the exposed outer conductor portion P2 is located inside the first through hole hd, and the remaining portion of the exposed outer conductor portion P2 is located outside the first through hole hd. In this state, the exposed center conductor portion P1 is connected to the upper end of the probe 134d. For example, the exposed center conductor portion P1 is fixed to the upper end of the probe 134d with a conductive bonding material (not shown) such as solder.

[0031] The conductive bonding material 138d fixes a part of the outer conductor exposed portion P2 to the plunger 102. More specifically, the conductive bonding material 138d is located outside the first through hole hd. The conductive bonding material 138d is located around the first through hole hd on the upper surface SU, and is therefore in contact with the upper surface SU and the outer conductor exposed portion P2.

[0032] Furthermore, the conductive bonding material 138d is provided at the upper end of the first through hole hd, thereby fixing the external conductor exposed portion P2 to the inner circumferential surface of the first through hole hd. Specifically, the conductive bonding material 138d is located at the upper end of the first through hole hd between the inner circumferential surface of the first through hole hd and the external conductor exposed portion P2. As a result, the conductive bonding material 138d electrically connects the external conductor 206d and the plunger 102. The conductive bonding material 138d is, for example, solder. However, the conductive bonding material 138d may also be a conductive adhesive that is a mixture of resin and metal.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 2, the housing 104 is a cylindrical member extending in the vertical direction. The housing 104 has a through-hole extending in the vertical direction. The through-hole penetrates the housing 104 from the top end to the bottom end. The bottom end of the housing 104 is inserted into the plunger upper part 102b. The housing 104 is fixed to the plunger upper part 102b with screws 110a and 110b. The coaxial cables 202a to 202d pass through the inside of the housing 104 in the vertical direction. The housing 104 is made of a metal with high conductivity. For example, the housing 104 is made of SUS.

[0034] The flange 106 is a plate-shaped member. When viewed from below, the flange 106 has a rectangular shape. The flange 106 is disposed near the upper end of the housing 104 in the vertical direction. A through-hole extending in the vertical direction is provided in the flange 106. The housing 104 passes through the through-hole in the vertical direction. However, the diameter of the upper end of the housing 104 is larger than the diameter of the through-hole in the flange 106. Therefore, the housing 104 cannot pass through the through-hole downward. Such a flange 106 is made of a highly conductive metal. The flange 106 is made of, for example, SUS.

[0035] The spring 108 pushes the flange 106 upward. The spring 108 pushes the plunger 102 downward. More specifically, the upper end of the spring 108 contacts the lower surface of the flange 106. The lower end of the spring 108 contacts the upper surface of the plunger upper part 102b. The plunger 102 and the housing 104 are integrated. Therefore, when the plunger 102 is pushed upward, the spring 108 compresses, and the plunger 102 and the housing 104 are displaced upward relative to the flange 106.

[0036] The inspection connector described above is used to inspect a connector having an outer conductor and four center conductors. The probes 134a to 134d each come into contact with the four center conductors. The lower surface SD of the plunger 102 comes into contact with the outer conductor.

[0037] [effect] The inspection connector 10 can be easily assembled. More specifically, the lower end of the coaxial cable 202d is inserted into the first through hole hd from the upper end thereof, so that at least a portion of the outer conductor exposed portion P2 is positioned outside the first through hole hd. The conductive bonding material 138d fixes a portion of the outer conductor exposed portion P2 to the plunger 102. The coaxial cables 202a-202c and the conductive bonding materials 138a-138c have the same structure as the coaxial cable 202d and the conductive bonding material 138d. This allows the probes 134a-134d to be inserted into the first through holes ha-hd, and then the coaxial cables 202a-202d can be inserted into the first through holes ha-hd to form the conductive bonding materials 138a-138d. In other words, the conductive bonding materials 138a-138d can be formed simultaneously. As a result, the inspection connector 10 can be easily assembled.

[0038] The inspection connector 10 can prevent heat generated during the formation of the conductive bonding materials 138a-138d from remaining in the region A11 surrounded by the plunger upper portion 102b. More specifically, the region A11 surrounded by the plunger upper portion 102b has, when viewed in the vertical direction, an overlapping region A12 that overlaps with the plunger lower portion 102a and non-overlapping regions A13 and A14 that do not overlap with the plunger lower portion 102a. This allows heat generated during the formation of the conductive bonding materials 138a-138d to diffuse out of the region A11 via the non-overlapping regions A13 and A14. As a result, this prevents heat generated during the formation of the conductive bonding materials 138a-138d from remaining in the region A11 surrounded by the plunger upper portion 102b. This prevents the second insulators 210a-210d from melting.

[0039] In the inspection connector 10, openings Op1 and Op2 are provided between the upper surface SU of the plunger lower portion 102a and the plunger upper portion 102b so that the conductive bonding materials 138a to 138d can be visually confirmed when viewed in the front-to-rear direction. This allows an inspector to visually check whether the conductive bonding materials 138a to 138d electrically connect the outer conductors 206a to 206d and the plunger 102.

[0040] (First Modification) An inspection connector 10a according to a first modified example will be described below with reference to the drawings. Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the inspection connector 10a. Figs. 6 and 7 are cross-sectional views of the plunger 102 and the housing 104. Figs. 6 and 7 show cross sections perpendicular to the up-down direction. In Fig. 6, the screws 110a and 110b are not attached. In Fig. 7, the screws 110a and 110b are attached.

[0041] As shown in Fig. 5, the housing 104 is provided with a first slit SL1 and a second slit SL2 extending upward from the lower end of the housing 104. As shown in Figs. 6 and 7, the first slit SL1 is located to the left of the central axis C2 of the housing 104. The second slit SL2 is located to the right of the central axis C2 of the housing 104.

[0042] 7, the screw 110a (first fastening member) fastens the plunger upper portion 102b to the housing 104 behind a straight line L1 that connects the central axis C1 of the housing 104 and the center c1 of the first slit SL1 when viewed in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the screw 110a (first fastening member) is located behind the central axis C1 of the housing 104 when viewed in the vertical direction. In this specification, the center c1 of the first slit SL1 is the midpoint between both ends of the first slit SL1 in the circumferential direction of the housing 104 when viewed in the vertical direction.

[0043] The screw 110b (second fastening member) fastens the plunger upper portion 102b to the housing 104 in front of a straight line L1 that connects the central axis C1 of the housing 104 and the center c1 of the first slit SL1 when viewed in the vertical direction. The screw 110b (second fastening member) is located in front of the central axis C1 of the housing 104 when viewed in the vertical direction.

[0044] By attaching the screws 110a and 110b as described above, the width of the first slit SL1 and the width of the second slit SL2 in the front-rear direction are increased. As a result, the outer peripheral surface of the lower end of the housing 104 is in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the plunger upper part 102b. At this time, the central axis C1 of the housing 104 is approximately aligned with the central axis C2 of the plunger upper part 102b.

[0045] Furthermore, the portion of the outer circumferential surface of the plunger upper portion 102b that is located around the screw 110a (first fastening member) is a flat surface. The portion of the outer circumferential surface of the plunger upper portion 102b that is located around the screw 110b (second fastening member) is a flat surface.

[0046] The inspection connector 10a allows for the reuse of parts. More specifically, the screws 110a and 110b secure the plunger upper part 102b to the housing 104. This allows the plunger upper part 102b and the housing 104 to be easily separated. As a result, the inspection connector 10a allows for the reuse of parts.

[0047] According to the inspection connector 10a, the positional relationship between the plunger 102 and the housing 104 is less likely to shift. More specifically, in the inspection connector 10a, the lower end of the housing 104 is inserted into the plunger upper part 102b. The screws 110a and 110b then secure the plunger upper part 102b and the housing 104 together. In this case, the outer diameter of the lower end of the housing 104 is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the plunger upper part 102b, as shown in FIG. 7. In other words, when the screws 110a and 110b are not attached, a slight gap exists between the plunger upper part 102b and the housing 104.

[0048] Here, the screw 110a (first fastening member) fastens the plunger upper portion 102b to the housing 104 behind the line L1 connecting the central axis C1 of the housing 104 and the center c1 of the first slit SL1 when viewed in the vertical direction. The screw 110b (second fastening member) fastens the plunger upper portion 102b to the housing 104 ahead of the line L1 connecting the central axis C1 of the housing 104 and the center c1 of the first slit SL1 when viewed in the vertical direction. At this time, the rear half of the lower end portion of the housing 104 is pulled rearward by the screw 110a. The front half of the lower end portion of the housing 104 is pulled forward by the screw 110b. Therefore, the first slit SL1 is located to the left of the central axis C2 of the housing 104. The second slit SL2 is located to the right of the central axis C2 of the housing 104. This increases the front-to-rear width of the first slit SL1 and the front-to-rear width of the second slit SL2. The outer peripheral surface of the lower end of the housing 104 is in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the plunger upper portion 102b. At this time, the central axis C1 of the housing 104 is substantially aligned with the central axis C2 of the plunger upper portion 102b. Therefore, with the inspection connector 10a, misalignment of the positional relationship between the plunger 102 and the housing 104 is unlikely to occur.

[0049] The inspection connector 10a further reduces the likelihood of misalignment between the plunger 102 and the housing 104. More specifically, the screw 110a is located behind the central axis C1 of the housing 104 when viewed in the vertical direction. The screw 110b is located in front of the central axis C1 of the housing 104 when viewed in the vertical direction. This makes the amount of expansion of the width of the first slit SL1 in the front-to-back direction and the amount of expansion of the width of the second slit SL2 in the front-to-back direction closer to each other. This makes it easier for the outer peripheral surface of the lower end of the housing 104 to come into close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the plunger upper portion 102b. This makes it easier for the central axis C1 of the housing 104 to coincide with the central axis C2 of the plunger upper portion 102b. As described above, the inspection connector 10a further reduces the likelihood of misalignment between the plunger 102 and the housing 104.

[0050] In the inspection connector 10a, the portion of the outer circumferential surface of the plunger upper portion 102b that is positioned around the screw 110a is flat. The portion of the outer circumferential surface of the plunger upper portion 102b that is positioned around the screw 110b is flat. This ensures that when the screws 110a and 110b apply force to the plunger upper portion 102b, the force is directed toward the center of the plunger upper portion 102b. As a result, distortion is less likely to occur in the plunger upper portion 102b.

[0051] In the inspection connector 10a, the housing 104 is surrounded by the spring 108, so force is easily applied to the housing 104. Therefore, the housing 104 is easily deformed, and misalignment between the housing 104 and the plunger 102 is likely to occur. Therefore, the first slit SL1 and the second slit SL2 are surrounded by the spring 108. This prevents misalignment between the housing 104 and the plunger 102.

[0052] (Second Modification) An inspection connector 10b according to a second modified example will be described below with reference to the drawings. Fig. 8 is a left side view of the plunger 102 and housing 104 of the inspection connector 10a. Figs. 9 and 10 are cross-sectional views of the plunger 102 and housing 104.

[0053] As shown in Fig. 8, the lower end of the housing 104 is inserted into the plunger upper part 102b. As shown in Figs. 9 and 10, the plunger upper part 102b is provided with a first slit SL1 and a second slit SL2 extending downward from the upper end of the plunger upper part 102b. The first slit SL1 is located to the left of the central axis C2 of the plunger upper part 102b. The second slit SL2 is located to the right of the central axis C2 of the plunger upper part 102b.

[0054] When viewed in the vertical direction, the screw 110a (first fastening member) fastens the plunger upper portion 102b to the housing 104 behind a straight line L2 that connects the central axis C2 of the plunger upper portion 102b and the center c1 of the first slit SL1. When viewed in the vertical direction, the screw 110a (first fastening member) is located behind the central axis C2 of the plunger upper portion 102b.

[0055] When viewed in the vertical direction, the screw 110b (second fastening member) fastens the plunger upper part 102b to the housing 104 in front of a straight line L2 that connects the central axis C2 of the plunger upper part 102b and the center c1 of the first slit SL1. When viewed in the vertical direction, the screw 110b (second fastening member) is located in front of the central axis C2 of the plunger upper part 102b.

[0056] In the inspection connector 10b described above, the width of the first slit SL1 in the front-rear direction and the width of the second slit SL2 in the front-rear direction are narrowed. As a result, the inner peripheral surface of the plunger upper portion 102b is in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the lower end portion of the housing 104. The other structures of the inspection connector 10b are the same as those of the inspection connector 10a, and therefore will not be described here.

[0057] (Third Modification) An inspection connector 10c according to a third modified example will be described below with reference to the drawings. Fig. 11 is a left side view of the plunger 102 and housing 104 of the inspection connector 10c. Figs. 12 and 13 are cross-sectional views of the plunger 102 and housing 104.

[0058] As shown in Fig. 11, the plunger upper portion 102b is inserted into the lower end portion of the housing 104. As shown in Figs. 12 and 13, the plunger upper portion 102b is provided with a first slit SL1 and a second slit SL2 extending downward from the upper end of the plunger upper portion 102b. The first slit SL1 is located to the left of the central axis C2 of the plunger upper portion 102b. The second slit SL2 is located to the right of the central axis C2 of the plunger upper portion 102b.

[0059] When viewed in the vertical direction, the screw 110a (first fastening member) fastens the plunger upper portion 102b to the housing 104 behind a straight line L2 that connects the central axis C2 of the plunger upper portion 102b and the center c1 of the first slit SL1. When viewed in the vertical direction, the screw 110a (first fastening member) is located behind the central axis C2 of the plunger upper portion 102b.

[0060] When viewed in the vertical direction, the screw 110b (second fastening member) fastens the plunger upper part 102b to the housing 104 in front of a straight line L2 that connects the central axis C2 of the plunger upper part 102b and the center c1 of the first slit SL1. When viewed in the vertical direction, the screw 110b (second fastening member) is located in front of the central axis C2 of the plunger upper part 102b.

[0061] Furthermore, the portion of the outer circumferential surface of housing 104 that is located around screw 110a (first fastening member) is flat. The portion of the outer circumferential surface of housing 104 that is located around screw 110b (second fastening member) is flat.

[0062] In the inspection connector 10c described above, the width of the first slit SL1 in the front-rear direction and the width of the second slit SL2 in the front-rear direction are increased. This allows the outer peripheral surface of the plunger upper portion 102b to be in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the lower end portion of the housing 104. The other structures of the inspection connector 10c are the same as those of the inspection connector 10a, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0063] (Fourth Modification) An inspection connector 10d according to a fourth modified example will be described below with reference to the drawings. Fig. 14 is a left side view of the plunger 102 and housing 104 of the inspection connector 10d. Figs. 15 and 16 are cross-sectional views of the plunger 102 and housing 104.

[0064] As shown in Fig. 14, the plunger upper portion 102b is inserted into the lower end portion of the housing 104. As shown in Figs. 15 and 16, the housing 104 is provided with a first slit SL1 and a second slit SL2 extending upward from the lower end of the housing 104. The first slit SL1 is located to the left of the central axis C1 of the housing 104. The second slit SL2 is located to the right of the central axis C1 of the housing 104.

[0065] The screw 110a (first fastening member) fastens the plunger upper portion 102b to the housing 104 behind a straight line L1 that connects the central axis C1 of the housing 104 and the center c1 of the first slit SL1 when viewed in the vertical direction. The screw 110a (first fastening member) is located behind the central axis C1 of the housing 104 when viewed in the vertical direction.

[0066] The screw 110b (second fastening member) fastens the plunger upper portion 102b to the housing 104 in front of a straight line L1 that connects the central axis C1 of the housing 104 and the center c1 of the first slit SL1 when viewed in the vertical direction. The screw 110b (second fastening member) is located in front of the central axis C1 of the housing 104 when viewed in the vertical direction.

[0067] In the inspection connector 10d described above, the width of the first slit SL1 in the front-rear direction and the width of the second slit SL2 in the front-rear direction are narrowed. As a result, the inner peripheral surface of the plunger upper portion 102b is in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the lower end portion of the housing 104. The other structures of the inspection connector 10d are the same as those of the inspection connector 10a, and therefore will not be described here.

[0068] (Other embodiments) The inspection connector according to the present invention is not limited to the inspection connectors 10, 10a to 10d according to the above-described embodiments, and can be modified within the scope of the gist thereof.

[0069] It should be noted that the number of probes in the inspection connectors 10, 10a to 10d is not limited to four. The number of probes may be between one and three, or may be five or more. However, the number of probes is preferably two or more.

[0070] In the inspection connectors 10, 10a to 10d, the probes 134a to 134d do not necessarily have to have a structure that allows extension and contraction in the vertical direction.

[0071] It should be noted that the housing 104, the flange 106, and the spring 108 are not essential components of the inspection connector 10.

[0072] In the inspection connectors 10a to 10d, the flange 106 and the spring 108 are not essential components.

[0073] In addition, the openings Op1 and Op2 are not essential components of the inspection connectors 10, 10a to 10d.

[0074] In addition, the non-overlapping areas A13 and A14 may not be present in the inspection connectors 10, 10a to 10d.

[0075] In the inspection connectors 10, 10a to 10d, the plunger 102 may further include a barrel that contacts the inner circumferential surface of the first through hole hd. The barrel has a cylindrical shape with a central axis that extends in the vertical direction. The barrel is a part of the plunger 102. Therefore, when the plunger 102 includes a barrel, the first through hole hd is the space inside the barrel.

[0076] In the inspection connectors 10, 10a to 10d, it is sufficient that at least a part of the outer conductor exposed portion P2 is located outside the first through hole hd. Therefore, the entire outer conductor exposed portion P2 may be located outside the first through hole hd.

[0077] The first fastening member and the second fastening member may be members other than screws.

[0078] The second slit SL2 is not an essential component of the inspection connectors 10a to 10d. However, if the second slit SL2 is present, the outer peripheral surface of the lower end of the housing 104 will be more likely to come into close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the plunger upper portion 102b.

[0079] In the inspection connectors 10a to 10d, the second slit SL2 does not have to be located to the left of the central axes C1, C2. The second slit SL2 may be located in front of or behind the central axes C1, C2 as long as it is located to the left of the screws 110a, 110b.

[0080] In the inspection connectors 10a to 10d, the screw 110a does not have to be located behind the central axis C1 of the housing 104 when viewed in the vertical direction. Therefore, the screw 110a may be located to the left or right of the central axis C1 of the housing 104 as long as it is located behind the central axis C1 of the housing 104 when viewed in the vertical direction. The screw 110b does not have to be located in front of the central axis C1 of the housing 104 when viewed in the vertical direction. The screw 110b may be located to the left or right of the central axis C1 of the housing 104 as long as it is located in front of the central axis C1 of the housing 104 when viewed in the vertical direction.

[0081] In the inspection connectors 10a to 10d, the screw 110a does not have to be located behind the central axis C2 of the plunger upper portion 102b when viewed in the vertical direction. Therefore, the screw 110a may be located to the left or right of the central axis C2 of the plunger upper portion 102b as long as it is located behind the central axis C2 of the plunger upper portion 102b when viewed in the vertical direction. The screw 110b does not have to be located in front of the central axis C2 of the plunger upper portion 102b when viewed in the vertical direction. The screw 110b may be located to the left or right of the central axis C2 of the plunger upper portion 102b as long as it is located in front of the central axis C2 of the plunger upper portion 102b when viewed in the vertical direction.

[0082] In the inspection connectors 10, 10a to 10d, rubber or a magnet may be provided as a repulsive force generating member instead of the spring . [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] 10, 10a to 10d: Inspection connector 102: Plunger 102a: Lower part of plunger 102b: Upper part of plunger 104: Housing 106: Flange 108: Spring 110a, 110b: Screws 134a to 134d: Probes 136a to 136d: insulating support members 138a~138d: Conductive bonding material 202a~202d: Coaxial cable 204d: Center conductor 206a to 206d: outer conductor 208d: First insulator 210a to 210d: second insulator 1202d: Cylinder part 1204d: Lower pin 1208d:Spring A11: Area A12: Overlapping area A13,A14: Non-overlapping area Op1, Op2: Opening P1: Exposed central conductor P2: Exposed outer conductor SD: bottom surface SU:Top surface ha~hd: 1st through hole C1,C2: Center axis line SL1: First slit SL2: Second slit c1:center

Claims

1. a plunger connected to a ground potential and having a first through hole extending in the vertical direction; a probe through which a high frequency signal is transmitted and extending in a vertical direction within the first through hole; an insulating support member provided in the first through hole and supporting the probe so that the probe and the plunger are insulated from each other; a coaxial cable including a central conductor, an outer conductor surrounding the central conductor when viewed in a vertical direction, a first insulator insulating the central conductor from the outer conductor, and a second insulator surrounding the outer conductor when viewed in a vertical direction; A conductive bonding material; Housing and It is equipped with the central conductor includes a central conductor exposed portion at a lower end of the coaxial cable, where the central conductor is exposed; the outer conductor includes an exposed outer conductor portion at which the outer conductor is exposed above the exposed center conductor portion of the coaxial cable, the central conductor exposed portion is located within the first through hole, a part of the outer conductor exposed portion is located within the first through hole, and the remainder of the outer conductor exposed portion is located outside the first through hole, the exposed center conductor portion is connected to an upper end of the probe, the conductive bonding material fixes a part of the exposed outer conductor portion to the plunger, The coaxial cable passes through the interior of the housing in a vertical direction, The lower end of the housing is inserted into the upper part of the plunger, The housing is provided with a slit extending upward from the lower end of the housing. Inspection connector.

2. A plunger connected to a ground potential and having a first through hole extending in the vertical direction; a probe through which a high frequency signal is transmitted and extending in a vertical direction within the first through hole; an insulating support member provided in the first through hole and supporting the probe so that the probe and the plunger are insulated from each other; a coaxial cable including a central conductor, an outer conductor surrounding the central conductor when viewed in a vertical direction, a first insulator insulating the central conductor from the outer conductor, and a second insulator surrounding the outer conductor when viewed in a vertical direction; A conductive bonding material; Housing and It is equipped with the central conductor includes a central conductor exposed portion at a lower end of the coaxial cable, where the central conductor is exposed; the outer conductor includes an exposed outer conductor portion at which the outer conductor is exposed above the exposed center conductor portion of the coaxial cable, the central conductor exposed portion is located within the first through hole, a part of the outer conductor exposed portion is located within the first through hole, and the remainder of the outer conductor exposed portion is located outside the first through hole, the exposed center conductor portion is connected to an upper end of the probe, the conductive bonding material fixes a part of the exposed outer conductor portion to the plunger, The coaxial cable passes through the interior of the housing in a vertical direction, The lower end of the housing is inserted into the upper part of the plunger, The plunger is provided with a slit extending downward from the upper end of the plunger. Inspection connector.

3. A plunger connected to a ground potential and having a first through hole extending in the vertical direction; a probe through which a high frequency signal is transmitted and extending in a vertical direction within the first through hole; an insulating support member provided in the first through hole and supporting the probe so that the probe and the plunger are insulated from each other; a coaxial cable including a central conductor, an outer conductor surrounding the central conductor when viewed in a vertical direction, a first insulator insulating the central conductor from the outer conductor, and a second insulator surrounding the outer conductor when viewed in a vertical direction; A conductive bonding material; Housing and It is equipped with the central conductor includes a central conductor exposed portion at a lower end of the coaxial cable, where the central conductor is exposed; the outer conductor includes an exposed outer conductor portion at which the outer conductor is exposed above the exposed center conductor portion of the coaxial cable, the central conductor exposed portion is located within the first through hole, a part of the outer conductor exposed portion is located within the first through hole, and the remainder of the outer conductor exposed portion is located outside the first through hole, the exposed center conductor portion is connected to an upper end of the probe, the conductive bonding material fixes a part of the exposed outer conductor portion to the plunger, The coaxial cable passes through the interior of the housing in a vertical direction, The upper portion of the plunger is inserted into the lower end portion of the housing, The plunger is provided with a slit extending downward from the upper end of the plunger. Inspection connector.

4. A plunger connected to a ground potential and having a first through hole extending in the vertical direction; a probe through which a high frequency signal is transmitted and extending in a vertical direction within the first through hole; an insulating support member provided in the first through hole and supporting the probe so that the probe and the plunger are insulated from each other; a coaxial cable including a central conductor, an outer conductor surrounding the central conductor when viewed in a vertical direction, a first insulator insulating the central conductor from the outer conductor, and a second insulator surrounding the outer conductor when viewed in a vertical direction; A conductive bonding material; Housing and It is equipped with the central conductor includes a central conductor exposed portion at a lower end of the coaxial cable, where the central conductor is exposed; the outer conductor includes an exposed outer conductor portion at which the outer conductor is exposed above the exposed center conductor portion of the coaxial cable, the central conductor exposed portion is located within the first through hole, a part of the outer conductor exposed portion is located within the first through hole, and the remainder of the outer conductor exposed portion is located outside the first through hole, the exposed center conductor portion is connected to an upper end of the probe, the conductive bonding material fixes a part of the exposed outer conductor portion to the plunger, The coaxial cable passes through the interior of the housing in a vertical direction, The upper portion of the plunger is inserted into the lower end portion of the housing, The housing is provided with a slit extending upward from the lower end of the housing. Inspection connector.

5. the plunger includes a lower plunger portion and an upper plunger portion located above and connected to the lower plunger portion; The first through hole passes through the lower part of the plunger in the up-down direction, The upper portion of the plunger has a cylindrical shape with a central axis extending in the vertical direction, The area surrounded by the upper part of the plunger has, when viewed in the up-down direction, an overlapping area that overlaps with the lower part of the plunger and a non-overlapping area that does not overlap with the lower part of the plunger. The inspection connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The first through hole is located within the overlapping region when viewed in the up-down direction.

6. The inspection connector according to claim 5.

7. the plunger lower portion has an upper surface; an upper end of the first through hole is located on the upper surface of the lower part of the plunger, an opening is provided between the upper surface of the lower plunger portion and the upper plunger portion so that the conductive bonding material can be seen when viewed in the front-rear direction; 7. The inspection connector according to claim 6.

8. There is no material below the non-overlapping region.

8. The inspection connector according to claim 7.

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