Probe device

Abstract

To provide a probe device that can further be reduced in size compared to before.SOLUTION: A probe device comprises: input cables to which probe terminals are connected; output terminals that are connected to a predetermined measuring device; and a relay box that reduces voltage input through the probe terminal to a predetermined voltage level and subsequently outputs the voltage to the measuring device from the output terminals. The relay box has one case, the other case, a circuit board that is arranged between one case and the other case, formed with a plurality of slits, and installed with a plurality of resistance elements in a wave shape to pass through between the plurality of slits, and an inserted rib group that is provided on one case or the other case or an intermediate member between one case and the other case, and consists of a plurality or ribs respectively inserted into the plurality of slits of the circuit board to satisfy the spatial distance between the plurality of resistance elements.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[[Technical Field]]

[0001] The present invention relates to a probe device, and for example, to a probe device that steps down a voltage input from a primary side, outputs the stepped-down voltage to a secondary-side measuring device, and causes the measuring device to detect the voltage. [[Background Art]]

[0002] Conventionally, as probe devices, there are, for example, DC high-voltage differential probes (hereinafter simply referred to as "differential probes") for measuring battery voltage of electric vehicles and the like. In this type of differential probe, a relay box is provided between the probe and an output cable.

[0003] The differential probe steps down a high voltage from a primary-side battery or the like input via the probe to a low voltage by the relay box, then outputs the low voltage to a secondary-side measuring device via an output cable, thereby enabling the measuring device to measure the voltage.

[0004] There is a power supply voltage detection device having a function similar to that of this relay box (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this power supply voltage detection device, after the voltage of a DC power supply is divided and stepped down by a plurality of chip resistors in a voltage adjustment circuit, the voltage is output to an electronic control unit, and the electronic control unit detects an appropriate power supply voltage in consideration of ambient temperature.

[0005] In the power supply voltage detection device disclosed in Patent Document 1, a plurality of chip resistors are connected in series, and the plurality of chip resistors are connected in series to secure a sufficient creepage distance for an operating voltage.

[0006] Here, regarding the distance between resistors when chip resistors are connected in series, it is necessary to satisfy the creepage distance and clearance distance specified in the international standard IEC61010-031 to ensure insulation. Creepage distance is the shortest distance along the surface of a solid insulating material between two conductive parts. Clearance distance is the shortest distance in the air between two conductive parts. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2019-49476 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] However, the power supply voltage detection device disclosed in Patent Document 1 has the problem that its size in the longitudinal direction is large and it is difficult to miniaturize it because multiple chip resistors are connected in series in order to ensure a sufficient creepage distance.

[0009] This invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a probe device that can be made even smaller than conventional devices. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The probe device of the present invention comprises an input cable to which probe terminals are connected, an output terminal connected to a predetermined measuring device, and a relay box that reduces the voltage input via the probe terminals to a predetermined voltage level before outputting it from the output terminals to the measuring device. The relay box comprises one case, another case, a circuit board disposed between the one case and the other case, having a plurality of slits formed therein and a plurality of resistive elements arranged in a wave shape so as to pass between the plurality of slits, and a group of insertion ribs provided on the one case, the other case, or an intermediate member between the one case and the other case, and each of the ribs being inserted into the plurality of slits of the circuit board so as to satisfy the spatial distance between the plurality of resistive elements.

[0011] In the present invention, it is preferable that the other case has the insertion rib, and the one case has a group of support ribs consisting of a plurality of ribs that support the back surface of the circuit board on which the resistive element is not installed.

[0012] In the present invention, each rib in the group of insertable ribs has a support piece that contacts the circuit board without being inserted into the plurality of slits, and it is preferable that the circuit board is sandwiched between the support piece of the group of insertable ribs and the group of supportable ribs of one of the cases.

[0013] In the present invention, it is preferable that the group of insertable ribs is positioned in the other case so as not to come into contact with the plurality of resistive elements arranged in the wave shape.

[0014] In the present invention, it is preferable that the support rib group does not face the insert rib group, and that it supports the position of the circuit board facing the plurality of resistive elements from the back surface.

[0015] In the present invention, it is preferable that each rib in the support rib group supports the back surface of the circuit board in the same manner as the insert rib group, so as to satisfy the spatial distance between the plurality of resistive elements. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a probe device that is significantly smaller than conventional devices. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of a probe device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of a probe device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view showing the configuration of a circuit board housed in a relay box of a probe device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4]It is a perspective view showing the configuration of an upper case forming a relay box of a probe apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] It is a plan view showing the configuration of an upper case forming a relay box of a probe apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] It is a perspective view showing the configuration of a lower case forming a relay box of a probe apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] It is a plan view showing the configuration of a lower case forming a relay box of a probe apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] It is a perspective view showing the configuration of a circuit board housed in a relay box of a probe apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, an insertion rib, and a support rib. [Figure 9] They are a perspective view (A) and a longitudinal sectional view (B) for explaining a creepage distance when no insertion rib is provided on an upper case according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] It is a longitudinal perspective view for explaining a creepage distance when an insertion rib is provided on an upper case according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] They are a perspective view (A) and a longitudinal sectional view (B) for explaining a case where a creepage distance between a plurality of resistance elements is increased by an insertion rib of an upper case and a support rib of a lower case according to an embodiment of the present invention. MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0018] 1. Summary of Embodiment First, an outline of a typical embodiment of the invention disclosed in the present application will be described. In the following description, by way of example, reference numerals on the drawings corresponding to constituent elements of the invention are given in parentheses.

[0019] [1] A probe device (1) according to a typical embodiment of the present invention comprises input terminals (130, 140) to which an input probe is connected, output terminals (112, 122) to which an input device is connected, and a relay box (200) that reduces the voltage input via the input terminals (130, 140) to a predetermined voltage level and then outputs it from the output terminals (112, 122) to the measuring device, wherein the relay box (200) comprises one case (250), the other case (230), and a plurality of slits (M1, S1 to S6, E1 to E4) arranged between the one case (250) and the other case (230) The device also includes a circuit board (210) on which a plurality of resistive elements (R1 to R14, R15 to R28) are arranged in a wave shape so as to pass between the plurality of slits (M1, S1 to S6, E1 to E4), and a group of insertable ribs (RB1, RB2) provided on one case (250) or the other case (230) or an intermediate member between one case (250) and the other case (230), which are inserted into the plurality of slits (M1, S1 to S6, E1 to E4) of the circuit board (210) to satisfy the spatial distance between the plurality of resistive elements (R1 to R14, R15 to R28).

[0020] In the present invention, it is preferable that the other case (230) has the insert rib group (RB1, RB2), and the one case (250) has a support rib group (LB1, LB2) consisting of a plurality of ribs that support the back surface (210u) of the circuit board (210) on which the resistive elements (R1 to R14, R15 to R28) are not installed.

[0021] In the present invention, each rib of the insertion rib group (RB1, RB2) has a support piece that contacts the circuit board (210) without being inserted into the plurality of slits (M1, S1 to S6, E1 to E4), and it is preferable that the circuit board (210) is sandwiched between the support piece of the insertion rib group (RB1, RB2) and the support rib group (LB1, LB2) of one of the cases (250).

[0022] In the present invention, it is preferable that the insert rib groups (RB1, RB2) are positioned in the other case (230) in a location where they do not come into contact with the plurality of resistive elements (R1 to R14, R15 to R28) which are arranged in the wave shape.

[0023] In the present invention, it is preferable that the support rib groups (LB1, LB2) do not face the insert rib groups (RB1, RB2) and support the position of the circuit board (210) facing the plurality of resistive elements (R1 to R14, R15 to R28) from the back surface.

[0024] In the present invention, it is preferable that each rib of the support rib group (LB1, LB2), similar to the insert ribs (RB1, RB2), supports the back surface of the circuit board (210) so as to satisfy the spatial distance between the plurality of resistive elements (R1 to R14, R15 to R28).

[0025] 2. Specific Examples of Embodiments Hereinafter, a specific example of one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the figures. In the following description, common components in each embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions will be omitted.

[0026] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of a probe device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of a probe device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a circuit board housed in the relay box of a probe device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the upper case forming the relay box of a probe device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 is a plan view showing the configuration of the upper case forming the relay box of a probe device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the lower case forming the relay box of a probe device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 is a plan view showing the configuration of the lower case forming the relay box of a probe device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a circuit board, insertion ribs, and support ribs housed in the relay box of a probe device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 is a perspective view (A) and a longitudinal section view (B) for explaining the spatial distance when the insertion ribs of the upper case according to one embodiment of the present invention are absent. Figure 10 is a longitudinal section perspective view for explaining the spatial distance when the insertion ribs of the upper case according to one embodiment of the present invention are present. Figure 11 is a perspective view (A) and a longitudinal section view (B) illustrating how the spatial distance between multiple resistive elements is increased by the insertion ribs of the upper case and the support ribs of the lower case according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] In the diagram, arrow a represents one side, arrow b represents the other side, and arrow ab represents the longitudinal direction. The direction perpendicular to this longitudinal direction (arrow ab direction) is the short direction. Also, arrow c represents upward or upper side, and arrow d represents downward or lower side. However, upward or downward does not necessarily coincide with the vertical direction of gravity, and is a direction set for the sake of explanation. Therefore, the vertical direction may be reversed.

[0028] <Overall configuration of the probe device> As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the probe device 1 in one embodiment of the present invention includes a relay box 200 provided with two input terminals 130 and 140 that are connected to two input probes (not shown) on the other side (direction of arrow b). The two input terminals 130 and 140 are terminals connected to measure the voltage (e.g., 1000V or more) of a primary side battery or the like via two input probes (not shown).

[0029] The relay box 200 has, on one side (direction of arrow a), a positive-side output cable 110 with an output terminal 111 attached to its end, a negative-side output cable 120 with an output terminal 121 attached to its end, and two connection terminals 112 and 122 connected to the two output cables 110 and 120.

[0030] The two output cables 110 and 120 of the relay box 200 are connected to the secondary side measuring device. The measuring device receives the high voltage input from the battery of the probe device 1's relay box 200 as a low voltage after the voltage has dropped to a predetermined level, and measures it via the output cables 110 and 120.

[0031] <Relay box> The relay box 200 consists of a circuit board 210 housed inside, an upper case 230 for housing the circuit board 210, and a lower case 250. The upper case 230 and the lower case 250 are mounted together to form a box case 270 that houses the circuit board 210. In other words, the relay box 200 consists of the box case 270 and the circuit board 210.

[0032] <Circuit board> As shown in Figure 3, the circuit board 210 is a thin, rectangular printed circuit board in plan view, and its length L1 in the longitudinal direction (arrow a direction) is shorter than that of conventional boards. The circuit board 210 has terminals 211 and 212 that are electrically connected to output terminals 112 and 122 at one end (arrow a direction).

[0033] The circuit board 210 is connected to terminals 211 and 212 and has a positive-side conductor pattern 213 and a negative-side conductor pattern 214 that extend in a wave shape with sharp edges (e.g., a pulse wave shape) from one side (arrow a direction) to the other side (arrow b direction) along the longitudinal direction (arrow a direction). Here, the shapes of the conductor patterns 213 and 214 can be bellows-shaped, wave-shaped without sharp edges, zigzag-shaped, and various other shapes, but in short, as long as it is wave-shaped, the fine details of its shape are not particularly limited.

[0034] The conductor patterns 213 and 214 have a wave shape in which multiple longitudinal portions (arrows in the direction ab) (hereinafter referred to as "longitudinal portions") 213L (213L1 to 213L5) and multiple transverse portions (hereinafter referred to as "transverse portions") 213S that are perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (arrows ab) are alternately connected. However, in Figure 2, most of the transverse portions 213S are hidden by the presence of the resistive elements R1 to R14, which will be described later.

[0035] In the conductor pattern 213, three resistive elements R1 to R3 are installed in series in the first short-side portion 213S counting from one side (direction of arrow a). These resistive elements R1, R2, and R3 are electrically connected to each other via the short-side portion 213S of the conductor pattern 213.

[0036] Similarly, in the conductor pattern 213, resistive elements R4 to R6 are placed in the second short-direction portion 213S following resistive element R3. Then, in the conductor pattern 213, resistive elements R7 to R9 are placed in the third short-direction portion 213S following resistive element R6.

[0037] Furthermore, in the conductor pattern 213, resistive elements R10 to R12 are placed in the fourth short-direction portion 213S following resistive element R9, and resistive elements R13 and R14 are placed in the last fifth short-direction portion 213S following resistive element R12.

[0038] Resistor R1 is connected to terminal 211 by the longitudinal portion 213L1 of the conductor pattern 213. Resistors R3 and R4 are electrically connected by the longitudinal portion 213L2 of the conductor pattern 213.

[0039] Similarly, resistive elements R6 and R7, R9 and R10, and R12 and R13 are electrically connected by the longitudinal portions 213L3, 213L4, and 213L5 of the conductor pattern 213, respectively.

[0040] The resistor R14 is connected to terminal 215 via the short-side portion 213S of the conductor pattern 213. Terminal 215 of the circuit board 210 is connected to input terminal 130 (Figure 1) of the relay box 200.

[0041] Thus, the resistive elements R1 to R14 are connected in series in a wave-like manner along the longitudinal portion 213L and the short portion 213S of the conductor pattern 213. Hereinafter, the resistive elements R1 to R14 will be referred to as the first resistive element group GR1.

[0042] In the first resistor group GR1, the resistors R1 to R14 are connected in a wave shape, compared to the conventional configuration where they are all arranged in series on a single straight line, thus significantly shortening the overall length. As a result, the length L1 of the circuit board 210 in the longitudinal direction (arrow ab direction) can be made significantly shorter than in the conventional configuration.

[0043] In the conductor pattern 214, similar to the conductor pattern 213, three resistive elements R15 to R17 are installed in series in the first short-direction portion 214S, and these resistive elements R15, R16, and R17 are electrically connected to each other via the short-direction portion 214S of the conductor pattern 214.

[0044] Similarly, in the conductor pattern 214, resistive elements R18 to R20 are placed in the second short-direction portion 214S following resistive element R17, and resistive elements R21 to R23 are placed in the third short-direction portion 214S following resistive element R20. Furthermore, in the conductor pattern 214, resistive elements R24 to R26 are placed in the fourth short-direction portion 214S following resistive element R23, and resistive elements R27 and R28 are placed in the last short-direction portion 214S following resistive element R26.

[0045] Resistor R15 is connected to terminal 212 by the longitudinal portion 214L1 of the conductor pattern 214. Resistors R17 and R18 are electrically connected by the longitudinal portion 214L2 of the conductor pattern 214.

[0046] Similarly, resistive elements R20 and R21, R23 and R24, and R26 and R27 are electrically connected by the longitudinal portions 214L3, 214L4, and 214L5 of the conductor pattern 214, respectively.

[0047] The resistor R28 is connected to terminal 216 via the short-side portion 214S of the conductor pattern 214. Terminal 216 of the circuit board 210 is connected to input terminal 140 (Figure 1) of the relay box 200.

[0048] Thus, the resistive elements R15 to R28 are connected in series in a wave-like manner along the conductor pattern 214, similar to the resistive elements R1 to R14. Hereafter, resistive elements R15 to R28 will be referred to as the second resistive element group GR2.

[0049] In the second resistor group GR2, the resistors R15 to R28 are connected in series in a waveform shape, compared to the conventional configuration where they are all arranged and connected in series on a single straight line, thus shortening the overall length. As a result, the circuit board 210 can have its length L1 in the longitudinal direction (arrow ab direction) significantly shorter than in the conventional configuration, thanks to the first resistor group GR1 and the second resistor group GR2.

[0050] The circuit board 210 has a main slit M1 that extends along the longitudinal direction (arrow ab direction) so as to separate in the short direction a first group of resistive elements GR1 consisting of resistive elements R1 to R14 connected via a conductor pattern 213 and a second group of resistive elements GR2 consisting of resistive elements R15 to R28 connected via a conductor pattern 214.

[0051] This main slit M1 is a slit of a predetermined width and length that extends a predetermined length along the longitudinal direction (arrow a direction) from the end face 210e on the other side (arrow b direction) to the end face 210f on the one side (arrow a direction). However, the main slit M1 does not reach the end face 210f on one side (arrow a direction) of the circuit board 210.

[0052] The circuit board 210 also has sub-slits S1 and S4 that extend from one end of the main slit M1 (in the direction of arrow a) to both sides in the short direction, which is perpendicular to the long direction (in the direction of arrow a).

[0053] Sub-slits S1 and S4 each extend a predetermined length in the shorter direction, but their length is such that they do not reach the longitudinal portion 213L1 of the conductor pattern 213 or the longitudinal portion 214L1 of the conductor pattern 214. The main slit M1 and the sub-slits S1 and S4 are in communication with each other.

[0054] Furthermore, the circuit board 210 has sub-slits S2 and S5 located at a predetermined distance from sub-slits S1 and S4 to the other side (in the direction of arrow b). Sub-slit S2 is positioned between sub-slit S1 and sub-slit S2 so as to sandwich resistive elements S1 to S3 and resistive elements S4 to S6. Sub-slit S2 is parallel to and the same length as sub-slit S1 and does not reach the longitudinal portion 213L3 of the conductor pattern 213. Sub-slit S2 is in communication with the main slit M1.

[0055] Sub-slit S5 is positioned between sub-slit S4 and resistor elements S15 to S17 and S18 to S20, sandwiching them in between. Sub-slit S5 is parallel to and the same length as sub-slit S4, and does not reach the longitudinal portion 214L3 of the conductor pattern 214. Sub-slit S5 is in communication with main slit M1.

[0056] Similarly, the circuit board 210 has sub-slits S3 and S6 located at a predetermined distance further away from sub-slits S2 and S5 (in the direction of arrow b). Sub-slit S3 is positioned between sub-slit S2 and S3, sandwiching resistive elements S7 to S9 and resistive elements S10 to S12. Sub-slit S3 is parallel to and the same length as sub-slits S1 and S2, and does not reach the longitudinal portion 213L5 of the conductor pattern 213. Sub-slit S3 is in communication with the main slit M1.

[0057] Sub-slit S6 is positioned between sub-slit S5 and resistor elements S21 to S23 and S24 to S26. Sub-slit S6 is parallel to and the same length as sub-slits S4 and S5, and does not reach the longitudinal portion 214L5 of the conductor pattern 214. Sub-slit S6 is in communication with main slit M1.

[0058] Thus, sub-slits S1 to S3 have the same basic structure, their width and length in the shorter direction are all the same, and they are arranged parallel to each other. Similarly, sub-slits S4 to S6 also have the same basic structure, their width and length in the shorter direction are all the same, and they are arranged parallel to each other.

[0059] Sub-slits S1 and S4 are linearly connected to the main slit M1 in the short-side direction of the circuit board 210. Sub-slits S2, S3 and S5, S6 are also linearly connected to the main slit M1 in the short-side direction of the circuit board 210. In other words, the main slit M1 and sub-slits S1 to S3 and S4 to S6 are in communication with each other in an intersecting manner.

[0060] Furthermore, the circuit board 210 has a slit E1 (hereinafter referred to as the "edge slit") that extends from the side end face 210c toward the main slit M1, between the row of resistors R1 to R3 and the row of resistors R4 to R6 of the first resistor group GR1. The edge slit E1 is a cut of a length that does not reach the longitudinal portion 213L2 of the conductor pattern 213, and is located between the sub-slits S1 and S2.

[0061] Similarly, the circuit board 210 has an edge slit E2 that extends from the side end face 210c toward the main slit M1 between the row of resistors R7 to R9 and the row of resistors R10 to R12 in the first resistor group GR1. The edge slit E2 is a cut that does not reach the longitudinal portion 213L4 of the conductor pattern 213 and is located between the sub-slit S2 and the sub-slit S3.

[0062] Thus, in the circuit board 210, the presence of the main slit M1, sub-slits S1 to S3, and edge slits E1 and E2 leaves a portion of the board for printing the corrugated conductive pattern 213.

[0063] Similarly, the circuit board 210 has an edge slit E3 that extends from the side end face 210d toward the main slit M1 between the row of resistors R15 to R17 and the row of resistors R18 to R20 in the second resistor group GR2. The edge slit E3 is a cut of a length that does not reach the longitudinal portion 214L2 of the conductor pattern 214 and is located between the sub-slit S4 and the sub-slit S5.

[0064] Furthermore, the circuit board 210 has an edge slit E4 that extends from the side end face 210d toward the main slit M1 between the row of resistors R21 to R23 and the row of resistors R24 to R26 of the second resistor group GR2. The edge slit E4 is a cut of a length that does not reach the longitudinal portion 214L4 of the conductor pattern 214 and is located between the sub-slit S5 and the sub-slit S6.

[0065] Thus, in the circuit board 210, the presence of the main slit M1, sub-slits S4 to S6, and edge slits E3 and E4 leaves a portion of the board for printing the corrugated conductive pattern 214.

[0066] <Upper case> As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the upper case 230 of the box case 270 is a rectangular case body made of an insulating material such as resin, which has an internal space capable of accommodating the circuit board 210 when combined with the lower case 250. In particular, Figures 3 and 4 show the configuration of the inner portion formed on the back surface 230u of the upper case 230 that forms the box case 270.

[0067] The upper case 230 has a first insertion rib group RB1 consisting of multiple ribs that can be inserted into the main slit M1, sub-slits S1 to S3, and edge slits E1 and E2 of the circuit board 210, and a second insertion rib group RB2 consisting of multiple ribs that can be inserted into the main slit M1, sub-slits S4 to S6, and edge slits E3 and E4, respectively.

[0068] The first insertion rib group RB1 includes a main rib mr1 that is inserted into the main slit M1 of the circuit board 210, sub-ribs sr1 to sr3 that are inserted into the sub-slits S1 to S3 of the circuit board 210, respectively, and edge ribs er1 and er2 that are inserted into the edge slits E1 and E2 of the circuit board 210, respectively.

[0069] The main rib mr1 of the first insertion rib group RB1 is a straight rib portion of the frame rib WR1, which is formed in a roughly U-shape overall, that extends along the longitudinal direction (arrow ab direction) opposite the main slit M1 of the circuit board 210.

[0070] The main rib mr1 is located approximately in the center of the upper case 230. The main rib mr1 is slightly shorter than the main slit M1 in the longitudinal direction (arrow ab direction) and is integrated with the sub-rib sr1 at one end (arrow a direction).

[0071] Subrib sr1 is a rib that extends linearly along the short direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (arrow ab direction) opposite to the sub-slit S1 of the circuit board 210. Subrib sr2 is a rib that extends along the short direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (arrow ab direction) opposite to the sub-slit S2 of the circuit board 210, and has the same length as subrib sr1.

[0072] The sub-rib sr3 is a rib that extends linearly along the short direction perpendicular to the long direction (arrow ab direction) opposite the sub-slit S3 of the circuit board 210, and has the same length as the sub-ribs sr1 and sr2.

[0073] Subribs sr1 to sr3 are provided at equal intervals from each other. Subribs sr1 and sr2 are positioned such that resistors R1 to R3 and R4 to R6 of the first resistive element group GR1 can be placed between them. Subribs sr2 and sr3 are also positioned such that resistors R7 to R9 and R10 to R12 of the first resistive element group GR1 can be placed between them.

[0074] The edge ribs er1 and er2 are ribs that extend linearly from the outside of the frame rib WR1 toward the main rib mr1, respectively, along the short direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (arrow ab direction), opposite to the edge slits E1 and E2 of the circuit board 210. The edge ribs er1 and er2 are formed integrally with the frame rib WR1.

[0075] Edge rib er1 is positioned midway between sub-rib sr1 and sub-rib sr2 in the longitudinal direction (arrow ab direction). Edge rib er2 is positioned midway between sub-rib sr2 and sub-rib sr3 in the longitudinal direction (arrow ab direction). In other words, sub-ribs sr1 to sr3 and edge ribs er1 and er2 are arranged alternately in the longitudinal direction (arrow ab direction).

[0076] As shown in Figure 8, the main rib mr1 (not shown in Figure 8), sub-ribs sr1 to sr3, and edge ribs er1 and er2 are inserted into the main slit M1 (not shown in Figure 8), sub-slits S1 to S3, and edge slits E1 and E2 of the circuit board 210, which is located between the upper case 230 and the lower case 250, but they have a height that does not reach the lower case 250.

[0077] Furthermore, the main rib mr1 has a plurality of support pieces ss11 to ss13 integrally formed thereon, which slightly protrude in the short direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (arrow ab direction). The support pieces ss11 to ss13 are arranged alternately with the sub-ribs sr1 to sr3 in the longitudinal direction (arrow ab direction). Also, the support pieces ss11 and ss12 are arranged to face the edge ribs er1 and er2 in the short direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (ab direction).

[0078] The support pieces ss11 to ss13 protrude only a short distance from the main rib mr1 in the short direction, and in particular, a predetermined gap is formed between the edge ribs er1 and er2 in the short direction for support pieces ss11 and ss12. That is, the longitudinal portions 213L2 and 213L4 of the conductor pattern 213 of the circuit board 210 are positioned between the support pieces ss11 and ss12 of the main rib mr1 and the edge ribs er1 and er2, respectively.

[0079] These support pieces ss11 to ss13 are lower in height than the main rib mr1 and each has an end face ss11t to ss13t (Figure 5) that contacts the circuit board 210 and supports the circuit board 210 from above.

[0080] In subribs sr1 to sr3, two support pieces pp11, pp12, support pieces pp21, pp22, and support pieces pp31, pp32 are formed facing away from each other on one side (arrow a direction) and the other side (arrow b direction) in the longitudinal direction (arrow a direction). However, in Figure 4, support pieces pp11, pp21, and pp31 are not shown because they are hidden behind subribs sr1 to sr3.

[0081] These support pieces pp11, pp12, pp21, pp22, pp31, and pp32 also have end faces pp11t, pp12t, pp21t, pp22t, pp31t, and pp32t, which are lower in height than the sub-ribs sr1 to sr3 and contact the circuit board 210, supporting it from above. However, in Figure 4, the end faces pp11t, pp21t, and pp31t are not shown because they are hidden behind the sub-ribs sr1 to sr3.

[0082] In the edge ribs er1 and er2, two support pieces qq11, qq12 and support pieces qq21, qq22 are formed facing away from each other on one side (direction of arrow a) and the other side (direction of arrow b) in the longitudinal direction (direction of arrow ab).

[0083] These support pieces qq11, qq12, and support pieces qq21, qq22 also have end faces qq11t, qq12t, and end faces qq21t, qq22t (Figure 5), which are lower in height than the edge ribs er1, er2 and come into contact with the circuit board 210, supporting the circuit board 210 from above.

[0084] Furthermore, the end faces ss11t to ss13t of support pieces ss11 to ss13 in the main rib mr1, the end faces pp11t, pp12t, pp21t, pp22t, pp31t, pp32t of support pieces pp11, pp12, pp21, pp22, pp31, pp31 in the sub-ribs sr1 to sr3, and the end faces qq11t, qq12t, qq21t, qq22t of support pieces qq11, qq12, qq21, qq22t in the edge ribs er1, er2 are all the same height and are surfaces that come into contact with the circuit board 210. Hereinafter, all of these end faces will be collectively referred to as the first support piece end face group RB1t.

[0085] The second insertion rib group RB2 consists of multiple ribs that are symmetrical to the first insertion rib group RB1 with respect to the center line X along the longitudinal direction (direction of arrow ab). Specifically, the second insertion rib group RB2 includes a main rib mr2 that is inserted into the main slit M1 of the circuit board 210, sub-ribs sr4 to sr6 that are inserted into the sub-slits S4 to S6 of the circuit board 210, respectively, and edge ribs er3 and er4 that are inserted into the edge slits E4 and E5 of the circuit board 210, respectively.

[0086] The main rib mr2 of the second insertion rib group RB2 is the rib portion of the frame rib WR2, which is formed in a roughly U-shape overall, that extends along the longitudinal direction (arrow ab direction) opposite the main slit M1 of the circuit board 210.

[0087] The main rib mr2 is located approximately in the center of the upper case 230. The main rib mr2 is provided adjacent to the main rib mr1 of the first insertion rib group RB1 with a small gap between them, and is formed to be the same length as the main rib mr1, running parallel to it.

[0088] In other words, both main rib mr1 and main rib mr2 are inserted into the main slit M1 of the circuit board 210. Here, the gap between main rib mr1 and main rib mr2 is such that the center rib cr1 of the lower case 250, which will be described later, can be inserted.

[0089] The main rib mr2 is slightly shorter than the main slit M1 of the circuit board 210 and is integrated with the sub-rib sr4 at one end (in the direction of arrow a).

[0090] Subrib sr4 is a rib that extends along the short direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (arrow ab direction) opposite to the sub-slit S4 of the circuit board 210. Subrib sr5 is a rib that extends along the short direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (arrow ab direction) opposite to the sub-slit S5 of the circuit board 210, and has the same length as subrib sr4.

[0091] The sub-rib sr6 is also a rib that extends along the short direction perpendicular to the long direction (arrow ab direction) opposite the sub-slit S3 of the circuit board 210, and has the same length as the sub-ribs sr4 and sr5.

[0092] Subribs sr4 to sr6 are provided at equal intervals from each other. Subribs sr4 and sr5 are positioned such that resistors R15 to R173 and R18 to R20 of the circuit board 210 can be placed between them. Subribs sr5 and sr6 are also positioned such that resistors R21 to R23 and R24 to R26 of the circuit board 210 can be placed between them.

[0093] The edge ribs er3 and er4 are ribs that extend linearly from the outside of the frame rib WR2 toward the main rib mr2, respectively, along the short direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (arrow ab direction), opposite to the edge slits E3 and E4 of the circuit board 210. The edge ribs er3 and er4 are formed integrally with the frame rib WR2.

[0094] Edge rib er3 is positioned midway between sub-ribs sr4 and sr5 in the longitudinal direction (arrow ab direction). Edge rib er4 is positioned midway between sub-ribs sr5 and sr6 in the longitudinal direction (arrow ab direction). In other words, sub-ribs sr4 through sr6 and edge ribs er3 and er4 are arranged alternately in the longitudinal direction (arrow ab direction).

[0095] Furthermore, the main rib mr2, sub-ribs sr4 to sr6, and edge ribs er3 and er4 are inserted into the main slit M1, sub-slits S4 to S6, and edge slits E3 and E4 of the circuit board 210, which is positioned between the upper case 230 and the lower case 250, but they have a height that does not reach the lower case 250.

[0096] Furthermore, similar to the main rib mr1, the main rib mr2 has multiple support pieces ss21 to ss23 integrally formed thereon, which protrude slightly in the short direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (arrow ab direction).

[0097] Support pieces ss21 to ss23 are arranged alternately with sub-ribs sr1 to sr3 in the longitudinal direction (arrow ab direction). Support pieces s21 and ss22 are arranged opposite edge ribs er3 and er4 in the short direction, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (ab direction).

[0098] The support pieces ss21 to ss23 protrude only briefly in the short direction, and a predetermined gap is formed between the support pieces ss21 and ss22 and the edge ribs er1 and er2, respectively. That is, the longitudinal portions 214L2 and 214L4 of the conductor pattern 214 are positioned between the support pieces ss21 and ss22 of the main rib mr2 and the edge ribs er1 and er2, respectively.

[0099] These support pieces ss21 to ss23 are lower than the height of the main rib mr2 and have end faces ss21t to ss23t that abut against the circuit board 210 and support the circuit board 210 from above.

[0100] In subribs sr4 to sr6, two support pieces pp41, pp42, support pieces pp51, pp52, and support pieces pp61, pp62 are formed facing away from each other on one side (arrow a direction) and the other side (arrow b direction) in the longitudinal direction (arrow a direction). However, in Figure 4, support pieces pp41, pp51, and pp61 are not shown because they are hidden by subribs sr1 to sr3.

[0101] These support pieces pp41, pp42, pp51, pp52, pp61, pp62 also have end faces pp41t, pp42t, pp51t, pp52t, pp61t, pp62t, which are lower than the height of the sub-ribs sr4 to sr6 and come into contact with the circuit board 210, supporting the circuit board 210 from above. However, in Figure 4, the end faces pp41t, pp51t, and pp61t are not shown because they are hidden behind the sub-ribs sr1 to sr3.

[0102] In the edge ribs er3 and er4, two support pieces qq31, qq32 and support pieces qq41, qq42 are formed facing away from each other on one side (direction of arrow a) and the other side (direction of arrow b) in the longitudinal direction (direction of arrow ab).

[0103] These support pieces qq31, qq32, support pieces qq41, qq42 also have end faces qq31t, qq32t, qq41t, qq42t (Figure 5), which are lower in height than the edge ribs er3, er4 and are in contact with the circuit board 210, supporting the circuit board 210 from above.

[0104] Furthermore, the end faces ss21t to ss23t of support pieces ss21 to ss23 in the main rib mr2, the end faces pp41t, pp42t, pp51t, pp52t, pp61t, pp62t of support pieces pp41, pp42, p51, pp52, pp61, pp62t in the sub-ribs sr4 to sr6, and the end faces qq31t, qq32, qq41t, qq42t of support pieces qq31, qq32, qq41, qq42t in the edge ribs er3, er4 are all the same height and are surfaces that come into contact with the circuit board 210. Hereinafter, all of these end faces will be collectively referred to as the second support piece end face group RB2t.

[0105] <Bottom case> Next, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, the lower case 250 of the box case 270 is a rectangular case body made of an insulating material such as resin, which has an internal space capable of accommodating the circuit board 210 when combined with the upper case 230. In particular, Figures 6 and 7 show the configuration of the inner portion formed on the back surface 250u of the lower case 250 that forms the box case 270.

[0106] The lower case 250 has a center rib cr1 and a first support rib group LB1 and a second support rib group LB2, which consist of multiple ribs. The center rib cr1 of the lower case 250 is a rib portion of the frame rib WR3, which is formed in a substantially U-shaped frame overall, that faces the main slit M1 of the circuit board 210 and also faces the main ribs mr1 and mr2 of the upper case 230, and extends linearly along the longitudinal direction (arrow ab direction).

[0107] The center rib cr1 of the lower case 250 has the same length as the main ribs mr1 and mr2 of the upper case 230. When the upper case 230 and the lower case 250 are assembled with the circuit board 210 housed inside, the center rib cr1 has a width and height that allows it to be inserted between the main ribs mr1 and mr2 of the upper case 230, which are inserted into the main rib slit M1 of the circuit board 210.

[0108] The center rib cr1 is formed higher than each of the ribs in the first support rib group LB1 and the second support rib group LB2 in order to allow it to be inserted between the main ribs mr1 and mr2 of the upper case 230.

[0109] The first support rib group LB1 consists of multiple ribs positioned opposite the conductor pattern 213 and the first resistance element group GR1 of the circuit board 210, and has a lower height than the center rib cr1.

[0110] Furthermore, the second support rib group LB2 consists of multiple ribs positioned opposite the conductor pattern 214 and the second resistance element group GR2 of the circuit board 210, and has a lower height than the center rib cr1. All of the multiple ribs in the first support rib group LB1 and the second support rib group LB2 have the same height.

[0111] The first support rib group LB1 of the lower case 250 has longitudinal ribs nr31 to nr35 provided at positions opposite to the longitudinal portions 213L1 to 213L5 of the conductor pattern 213 of the circuit board 210.

[0112] In other words, the longitudinal ribs nr31 to nr35 have the same length as the longitudinal portions 213L1 to 213L5 of the conductor pattern 213. These longitudinal ribs nr31 to nr35 have upper end faces (hereinafter referred to as "upper end faces") nr31t to nr35t (Figure 7) that support the back surface of the circuit board 210 (i.e., the side on which the resistive elements R1 to R28 are not installed) from below.

[0113] Furthermore, the first support rib group LB1 is provided on the circuit board 210 at positions opposite to the resistors R1 to R3, R4 to R6, R7 to R9, R10 to R12, and R13 to R14 of the first resistor group GR1, and has ribs (hereinafter referred to as "resistor element support ribs") rr31 to rr35 that support the back surface of the circuit board 210 from below. These resistor element support ribs rr31 to rr35 also have upper end surfaces rr31t to rr35t that support the resistors R1 to R14 from below the circuit board 210 (Figure 7).

[0114] These resistor element support ribs rr31 to rr35 not only face the resistor elements R1 to R3, R4 to R6, R7 to R9, R10 to R12, and R13 to R14 of the first resistor element group GR1, but also have a length in the shorter direction that extends to the center rib cr1.

[0115] In other words, in the first support rib group LB1, the longitudinal ribs nr31 to nr35 and the resistor element support ribs rr31 to rr35 are integrally formed, and the resistor element support ribs rr31 to rr35 and the center rib cr1 are integrally formed. Furthermore, the longitudinal rib nr31 is also integrally formed with the circuit element support rib rr310, which is provided on the circuit board 210 at a position opposite to the circuit element group 310 on which various circuit elements are mounted.

[0116] Furthermore, the upper end faces nr31t to nr35t of the longitudinal ribs nr31 to nr35 in the first support rib group LB1, and the upper end faces rr31t to rr35t of the resistor element support ribs rr31 to rr35, are collectively referred to as the first support rib end face group LB1t.

[0117] The second support rib group LB2 of the lower case 250 is the same as the first support rib group LB1, and has longitudinal ribs nr41 to nr45 provided at positions opposite to the longitudinal portions 214L1 to 214L5 of the conductor pattern 214 of the circuit board 210.

[0118] In other words, the longitudinal ribs nr41 to nr45 have the same length as the longitudinal portions 214L1 to 214L5 of the conductor pattern 214 on the circuit board 210. These longitudinal ribs nr41 to nr45 have upper end surfaces nr41t to nr45t (Figure 7) that support the back surface of the circuit board 210 from below.

[0119] Furthermore, the second support rib group LB2 is provided in positions opposite to the resistive elements R15 to R17, R18 to R20, R21 to R23, R24 to R26, and R27 to R28 of the second resistive element group GR2, and has resistive element support ribs rr41 to rr45 that support these resistive elements from below the circuit board 210. These resistive element support ribs rr41 to rr45 also have upper end surfaces rr41t to rr45t (Figure 7) that support the circuit board 210 from below.

[0120] These resistive element support ribs rr41 to rr45 not only face the resistive elements R15 to R17, R18 to R20, R21 to R23, R24 to R26, and R27 to R28 of the second resistive element group GR2, but also have a length in the shorter direction that extends to the center rib cr1.

[0121] In other words, the second support rib group LB2 is formed integrally with the longitudinal ribs nr41 to nr45 and the resistor element support ribs rr41 to rr45, and the resistor element support ribs rr41 to rr45 and the center rib cr1 are formed integrally. Furthermore, the longitudinal rib nr41 is also integrally formed with the circuit element support rib rr320, which is provided on the circuit board 210 at a position opposite to the circuit element group 320 on which various circuit elements are mounted.

[0122] Furthermore, the upper end faces nr41t to nr45t of the longitudinal ribs nr41 to nr45 in the second support rib group LB2, and the upper end faces rr41t to rr45t of the resistor element support ribs rr41 to rr45, are collectively referred to as the second support rib end face group LB2t.

[0123] <Mechanism of Action and Effects> In the above configuration, when the probe device 1 is assembled and mounted so that the circuit board 210 is sandwiched between the upper case 230 and the lower case 250, a box case 270 is formed, and the circuit board 210 is housed in the internal space 270S of the box case 270.

[0124] At this time, the center rib cr1 of the lower case 250 is inserted into the main slit M1 of the circuit board 210, and also into the gap between the main ribs mr1 and mr2 of the upper case 230. As a result, the position of the circuit board 210 in the short-side direction is restricted in relation to the upper case 230 and the lower case 250.

[0125] Furthermore, at this time, the sub-ribs sr1 to sr6 and edge ribs er1 to er4 of the upper case 230 are inserted into the sub-slits S1 to S6 and edge slits E1 to E4 of the circuit board 210, so that the position of the circuit board 210 in the longitudinal direction (arrow ab direction) and the short direction is more firmly restricted relative to the upper case 230 and the lower case 250.

[0126] Furthermore, in this state, the circuit board 210 is supported from below by the first support rib end face group LB1t and the second support rib end face group LB2t of the lower case 250. At the same time, the circuit board 210 is pressed from above by the first support end face group RB1t and the second support end face group RB2t of the upper case 230.

[0127] In other words, the circuit board 210 is sandwiched between the first support end face group RB1t and the second support end face group RB2t of the upper case 230 and the first support rib end face group LB1t and the second support rib end face group LB2t of the lower case 250.

[0128] As a result, even though the circuit board 210 has multiple slits (main slit M1, sub-slits S1 to S6, and edge slits E1 to E4), the relay box 200 can prevent the circuit board 210 from deforming due to insufficient substrate strength because it is sandwiched from above and below by the first support end face group RB1t and the second support end face group RB2t of the upper case 230 and the first support rib end face group LB1t and the second support rib end face group LB2t of the lower case 250.

[0129] At the same time, in the relay box 200, the sub-ribs sr1 to sr6 and edge ribs er1 to er4 of the upper case 230 are inserted into the sub-slits S1 to S6 and edge slits E1 to E4 of the circuit board 210, which also helps to suppress bending of the circuit board 210.

[0130] Furthermore, in the relay box 200, as shown in Figures 9(A) and (B), if the first insertion rib group RB1 (main rib mr1, sub-ribs sr1 to sr3 and edge ribs er1, er2) is not provided inside the upper case 230, even if the creepage distance between adjacent resistive elements R1 and R12 is satisfied, the spatial distance between resistive elements R1 and R12 cannot be satisfied, as indicated by the solid arrows.

[0131] However, as shown in Figure 10, the relay box 200 has its internal space 270S partitioned in the longitudinal direction (arrow ab direction) by, for example, the sub-ribs sr1 to sr3 and edge ribs er1 and er2 of the upper case 230.

[0132] As a result, the spatial distance between resistive element R1 and resistive element R12 is extended, as shown by the solid line, due to the presence of edge rib er1, sub-rib sr2, and edge rib er2, compared to when the first insertion rib group RB1 is not provided on the upper case 230. Thus, the relay box 200 can satisfy the creepage distance and spatial distance specified in the international standard IEC61010-031.

[0133] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 10, even if the first insertion rib group RB1 and the second insertion rib group RB2 provided inside the upper case 230 of the relay box 200's box case 270 are insufficient to meet the required spatial distance, the presence of the first support rib group LB1 and the second support rib group LB2 provided inside the lower case 250, as shown in Figure 11, can further extend the spatial distance.

[0134] Specifically, as shown in Figure 11(A), in addition to the edge rib er1, sub-rib sr2, and edge rib er2 in the first insertion rib group RB1 of the upper case 230, the presence of the resistor element support ribs rr42 and rr43 in the first support rib group LB1 of the lower case 250 further extends the spatial distance between resistor element R1 and resistor element R12, as shown by the thick solid line.

[0135] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 11(B), for example, the spatial distance between resistor element R1 and resistor element R7 is the length (dashed line) from the space above the circuit board 210 on which resistor element R1 is installed to the space below the circuit board 210, then over the edge rib er1, through the gap between the circuit board 210 and the resistor element support rib rr42, over the sub-rib sr2, and to the resistor element R7 in the space above the circuit board 210.

[0136] Thus, in addition to the edge rib er1, sub-rib sr2, and edge rib er2 of the upper case 230, the presence of the resistor element support rib rr42 of the lower case 250 further extends the spatial distance between resistor element R1 and resistor element R7.

[0137] Incidentally, as shown in Figure 11(B), for example, the spatial distance between resistor element R7 and resistor element R12 is the length (solid line) that goes from the upper space of the circuit board 210 on which resistor element R7 is mounted, through the gap between edge slit E2 and edge rib er2 to the lower space of the circuit board 210, then over the edge rib er2, and then back through the gap between edge slit E2 and edge rib er2 to the upper space of the circuit board 210 and leads to resistor element R12. In this way, even between adjacent resistor elements R7 and R12, the spatial distance defined by the presence of edge rib er2 of the upper case 230 can be satisfied.

[0138] With the above configuration, in the relay box 200 of the probe device 1, by arranging, for example, multiple resistor elements R1 to R14 and R15 to R28 in a wave shape on the circuit board 210, the length L1 in the longitudinal direction (direction of arrow ab) of the circuit board 210 can be shortened even further compared to conventional designs, and the overall size can be reduced.

[0139] Furthermore, in the relay box 200 of the probe device 1, the first insertion rib group RB1 and the second insertion rib group RB2 of the upper case 230 are inserted into the main slit M1, sub-slits S1 to S6, and edge slits E1 to E4 provided on the circuit board 210, and the circuit board 210 is pressed from above by the first support end face group RB1t and the second support end face group RB2t of the upper case 230, and the circuit board 210 is supported from below by the first support rib end face group LB1t and the second support rib end face group LB2t of the lower case 250.

[0140] As a result, the relay box 200 holds the circuit board 210 between the upper case 230 and the lower case 250, thereby firmly holding the circuit board 210 and preventing deformation.

[0141] Furthermore, in the relay box 200, the arrangement of multiple resistive elements R1 to R14 and R15 to R28 in a wave shape along the conductor patterns 213 and 214 may result in the inability to satisfy the specified spatial distance for the operating voltage between resistive elements. However, in the box case 270 of the relay box 200, the presence of the first insertion rib group RB1 and the second insertion rib group RB2 of the upper case 230, and the first support rib group LB1 and the second support rib group LB2 of the lower case 250 ensures that the spatial distance between all resistive elements is satisfied.

[0142] <<Extension of the Embodiment>> Although the present inventors have described the invention in detail based on embodiments, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited thereto and can be modified in various ways without departing from its essence.

[0143] For example, in the above embodiment, the case described is one in which the spatial distance between resistive elements is satisfied by both the first insertion rib group RB1 and the second insertion rib group RB2 of the upper case 230 and the first support rib group LB1 and the second support rib group LB2 of the lower case 250 in the box case 270 of the relay box 200. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and if the spatial distance between resistive elements can be satisfied by either the first insertion rib group RB1 and the second insertion rib group RB2 of the upper case 230 or the first support rib group LB1 and the second support rib group LB2 of the lower case 250, then the spatial distance between resistive elements may be satisfied by either the first insertion rib group RB1 and the second insertion rib group RB2 or the first support rib group LB1 and the second support rib group LB2.

[0144] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, a first insertion rib group RB1 and a second insertion rib group RB2, consisting of multiple ribs that are inserted into each slit of the circuit board 210, are provided on the upper case 230, and a first support rib group LB1 and a second support rib group LB2 that support the circuit board 210 from below are provided on the lower case 250. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the first support rib group LB1 and the second support rib group LB2 may be provided on the upper case 230, and the first insertion rib group RB1 and the second insertion rib group RB2 may be provided on the lower case 250. Alternatively, the first insertion rib group RB1 and the second insertion rib group RB2 may be provided on a plate-shaped intermediate member interposed between the upper case 230 and the lower case 250, and this intermediate member may be placed between the upper case 230 and the circuit board 210, or between the circuit board 210 and the lower case 250, so that it is inserted into each slit of the circuit board 210.

[0145] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, a case was described in which a first insertion rib group RB1 and a second insertion rib group RB2, consisting of multiple ribs that are inserted into each slit of the circuit board 210, are provided on the upper case 230, and a first support rib group LB1 and a second support rib group LB2 are provided on the lower case 250 to support the circuit board 210 from below. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and if the spatial distances between multiple resistive elements R1 to R14 and R15 to R28 can be satisfied by either the first insertion rib group RB1 and the second insertion rib group RB2 of the upper case 230, or the first support rib group LB1 and the second support rib group LB2 of the lower case 250, then an upper case 230 having the first insertion rib group RB1 and the second insertion rib group RB2 and a lower case 250 not having the first support rib group LB1 and the second support rib group LB2 may be used, or vice versa, an upper case 230 not having the first insertion rib group RB1 and the second insertion rib group RB2 and a lower case 250 having the first support rib group LB1 and the second support rib group LB2 may be used.

[0146] Furthermore, although the above-described embodiment described a case in which a single circuit board 210 is used, the present invention is not limited to this, and two circuit boards may be used, each separately provided with a first resistive element group GR1 and a second resistive element group GR2.

[0147] Furthermore, although the above-described embodiment mentions a case where the output terminals 112 and 122 are connected to the measuring device via output cables 110 and 120, the present invention is not limited to this, and male plugs may be installed so as to protrude from the output terminals 112 and 122 of the relay box 200, and the male plugs may be directly connected to the input terminals of the measuring device. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0148] 1…Probe device, 110, 120…Input cable, 112, 122…Connection terminal, 200…Relay box, 111, 121…Probe terminal, 130, 140…Output terminal, 210…Circuit board, 230…Upper case (other case), 250…Lower case (one case), 270…Box case, 213, 214…Conductor pattern, R1 to R28…Resistor element, GR1…First resistor element group, GR2…Second resistor element group, M1…Main slit, S1 to S6…Sub-slit, E 1 to E4... Edge slits, RB1... First insertion rib group, RB2... Second insertion rib group, mr1, mr2... Main ribs, sr1 to sr6... Sub ribs, er1 to er4... Edge ribs, WR1 to WR3... Frame ribs, RB1t... First support end face group, RB2t... Second support end face group, cr1... Center rib, LB1... First support rib group, LB2... Second support rib group, nr31 to nr35... Longitudinal ribs, rr31 to rr35, rr41 to rr45... Resistor element support ribs, resistor element support.

Claims

1. The input cable to which the probe terminal is connected, An output terminal connected to a predetermined measuring device, A relay box that reduces the voltage input via the probe terminal to a predetermined voltage level and then outputs it from the output terminal to the measuring device. Equipped with, The aforementioned relay box is One case and, The other case, A circuit board is placed between the one case and the other case, having a plurality of slits formed therein, and having a plurality of resistive elements arranged in a wave shape so as to pass between the plurality of slits, A probe device characterized by having a group of insertion ribs, each consisting of multiple ribs, provided on one of the cases, the other case, or an intermediate member between the one case and the other case, and inserted into the multiple slits of the circuit board so as to satisfy the spatial distance between the multiple resistive elements.

2. The other case has the insert rib group, The aforementioned case has a group of support ribs consisting of multiple ribs that support the back surface of the circuit board on which the resistive element is not mounted. The probe device according to claim 1.

3. Each rib in the aforementioned group of insertable ribs has a support piece that contacts the circuit board without being inserted into the plurality of slits, The circuit board is sandwiched between the support piece of the insertion rib group and the support rib group of one of the cases. The probe device according to feature 2.

4. The aforementioned group of insert ribs is positioned in the other case so as not to come into contact with the plurality of resistive elements arranged in the wave shape. The probe device according to claim 2 or 3.

5. The support rib group does not face the insert rib group, and supports the position of the circuit board facing the plurality of resistive elements from the back surface. The probe device according to claim 2.

6. Each rib in the support rib group supports the back surface of the circuit board in the same way as the insert rib group, so as to satisfy the spatial distance between the plurality of resistive elements. The probe device according to claim 5.

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