Probe pin, inspection jig, inspection unit and inspection device

A probe pin includes a first contact part and a second contact part; a middle part located between the first contact part and the second contact part; a first flexible part configured to move the first contact part relative to the middle part in the first arrangement direction; and a movable part configured to move the second contact part relative to the middle part in a direction intersecting with the first arrangement direction.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2018-020451, filed Feb. 7, 2018.

BACKGROUND

Field

The present disclosure relates to a probe pin, an inspection jig equipped with the probe pin, an inspection unit equipped with the inspection jig, and an inspection device equipped with the inspection unit.

Related Art

The conductivity and operational characteristics of electronic component modules, e.g., cameras or liquid crystal panels, are typically inspected during manufacturing. During these inspections, a probe pin is used to connect the inspection device to electrodes on electronic component module, for example, an FPC contact electrode installed for connection to the main board of the electronic component module or an electrode on a board-to-board connector package.

For instance, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2002-134202 describes such a probe pin. The probe pin is equipped with a pair of contacts, and a winding part interposed between the pair of contacts; the winding part connects the pair of contacts, and each contact is configured to make contact with an electrode terminal on an electronic component and an electrode terminal on the connected electronic component. The winding part of the probe pin can expand and contract along an arrangement direction along which the contacts are connected; the contacts move back and forth along this arrangement direction whereby the contacts touch the electrode terminal on the electronic part and the electrode terminal on the connected electronic component.

SUMMARY

The growing variety of inspection devices and objects for inspection has led to more cases that are difficult for a so-called linear probe pin to handle; each contact in a linear probe pin travels back and forth in the same direction.

For instance, a display module may be inspected while the electrodes are disposed on the display panel. If a linear probe pin is used for this kind of inspection, one of the contacts is in contact with the electrode on the display panel, and the other contact is in contact with the inspection device; however, if the display panel is made from a mechanically weak material, like an organic EL panel, it is likely that the aforementioned probe pin causes an excess force to act on the display, and breaks the display.

To address the foregoing, herein is provided a probe pin capable of contacting an inspection object in a direction that is different from the direction the probe pin contacts the inspection device. An inspection jig equipped with the probe pin, an inspection unit equipped with the inspection jig, and an inspection device equipped with the inspection unit are also provided.

An example of a probe pin described herein includes:

a first contact part and a second contact part;

a middle part located between the first contact part and the second contact part;

a first flexible part connected to the first contact part and the middle part and expanding and contracting along a first arrangement direction connecting the first contact part and the middle part to move the first contact part relative to the middle part in the first arrangement direction; and

a movable part connected to the middle part and the second contact part and configured to move the second contact part relative to the middle part in a direction intersecting with the first arrangement direction; wherein

the first contact part, the first flexible part, the middle part, the movable part, and the second contact part are arranged linearly.

An example of an inspection jig described herein includes:

the aforementioned probe pin; and

a socket including a receptacle for receiving the probe pin;

the socket including:

a stopper; the stopper preventing the middle part of the probe pin accommodated in the receptacle from moving from the first contact part toward the second contact part along the first arrangement direction.

An example of an inspection unit described herein includes:

at least one of the aforementioned inspection jigs.

An example of an inspection device described herein includes:

at least one of the aforementioned inspection units.

Effects

The first contact part in the aforementioned probe pin is configured to move relative to the middle part by way of the first flexible part in a first arrangement direction, the first arrangement direction connecting the first contact part and the middle part; the second contact part is configured to move relative to the middle part in a direction intersecting with the first arrangement direction by way of the movable part. The probe pin thusly achieved can contact an inspection object in a direction that is different from the direction the probe pin contacts the inspection device.

Additionally, the aforementioned probe pin allows implementation of the aforementioned inspection jig which can thus support a diverse set of inspection devices and inspection objects.

Further, the aforementioned inspection jig allows implementation of the aforementioned inspection unit which can thus support a diverse set of inspection devices and inspection objects.

Finally, the aforementioned inspection unit allows implementation of the aforementioned inspection device which can thus support a diverse set of inspection devices and inspection objects.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Examples are described below with reference to the attached drawings. Note that, while terms representing specific directions and positions (such as, terms including “up”, “down”, “right”, and “left”) are used in the following description, the use of these terms are merely for facilitating an understanding of the disclosure with reference to the drawings. The meanings of these terms are not intended to limit the technical scope of the present disclosure. The following description merely provides an example, and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, where the disclosure is to be adopted, or how the disclosure is to be used. Moreover, the drawings provided are schematic and are not intended to indicate a scale for actual measurements.

First Embodiment

A probe pin10according to the first embodiment is conductive, and, for instance, as illustrated inFIG. 1andFIG. 2, the probe pin10is used while accommodated in a socket50, and together with the socket50make up an inspection jig2. As an example, this inspection jig2accommodates a plurality of probe pins10that are plurality of long, narrow laminates.

The inspection jig2also constitutes a part of an inspection unit1. The inspection unit1is made up of at least one inspection jig2. As illustrated inFIG. 1, in the first embodiment the inspection unit1is made up of two adjacent inspection jigs2.

The socket50is made up of a substantially rectangular flat part51and a substantially cuboid-like rectangular body52connected at the center lengthwise of this flat part51creating a substantially T-shaped box as illustrated inFIG. 1. In addition, as illustrated inFIG. 2, the flat part51and the rectangular body52are provided with a plurality of receptacles53each capable of receiving a single probe pin10.

The receptacles53are slit-like (FIG. 2) and are capable of receiving and retaining the probe pins10so that the probe pins10are electrically independent of each other. The receptacles53appear aligned along the length of the flat part51, i.e., going through the drawing sheet ofFIG. 2, when viewed from the connection direction of the flat part51and the rectangular body52, i.e., the vertical direction inFIG. 2.

Both ends of each of the receptacles53are connected to a first opening54and a second opening55which are mutually opposite along the connection direction of the flat part51and the rectangular body52. The first opening54is provided in the flat part51and the second opening55is provided in the rectangular body52. In this first embodiment, the flat part51contains two first openings54per receptacle53. The two first openings54appear to have a gap therebetween in the width direction of the flat part51, i.e., the lateral direction inFIG. 2when viewed from the connection direction of the flat part51and the rectangular body52.

As illustrated inFIG. 2, a stopper56is provided at the middle of each of the receptacles53along the connection direction of the flat part51and the rectangular body52; the stopper56appears to extend along the width of the flat part51when viewed from the connection direction of the flat part51and the rectangular body52. The stopper56stops the middle part40of the probe pin10(later described) from moving in the receptacle53in the first arrangement direction from the first contact part20toward the second contact part30. The stopper56may be provided integrally with the socket50or may be provided separately from the socket50.

As illustrated inFIG. 3, each of the probe pins10is flat, and is provided with a first contact part20and a second contact part30; a middle part40is located between the first contact part20and the second contact part30; a first flexible part11connected between the first contact part20and the middle part40; and a movable part12connected between the middle part40and the second contact part30. The probe pins may be electroplated with the first contact part20, the first flexible part11, the middle part40, the movable part12, and the second contact part30arranged linearly and integrally along the length of the probe pin10, i.e., vertically inFIG. 3, when viewed from the thickness direction of the probe pin10.

As illustrated inFIG. 4, the first contact part20appears as a roughly rectangular shape that extends in the width direction of the probe pin10when viewed from the thickness direction of the probe pin10. The first flexible part11is connected at one end of the first contact part20lengthwise of the probe pin10, and a first contact21is provided at the other end lengthwise of the probe pin10. A first contact21is provided at both ends along the extension direction of the first contact part20. The first contacts21are exposed outside the socket50via the first opening54while in the receptacles53of the socket50(FIG. 2). The first contacts21are configured such that, for example, the first contacts21can connect to the terminals provided on a substrate100of an inspection device (not shown) in the first arrangement direction. That is, the connection direction of the first contacts21in relation to the terminals provided on a substrate100of an inspection device is roughly parallel to the first arrangement direction.

As illustrated inFIG. 1, the first contacts21of the probe pins10in the receptacles53are arranged along the same first virtual line L1which is parallel to the length of the flat part51when viewed from the connection direction of the flat part51and the rectangular body52, i.e., when viewed from the vertical direction inFIG. 1.

The second contact part30extends along the length of the probe pin10when viewed from the thickness direction of the probe pin10as illustrated inFIG. 4. A second contact31is provided at one end in this extension direction and the movable part12is connected at the other end in the extension direction. The second contact31is exposed outside the socket50via the second opening55while in the receptacle53of the socket50as illustrated inFIG. 2. The second contact is configured to connect, for instance, to the electrode111of a board-to-board connector110in a direction intersecting with the first arrangement direction. That is, the contact direction of the second contact31to the electrode111of the board-to-board connector110is roughly parallel to a direction intersecting with the first arrangement direction and is different from the contact direction of the first contacts21to the terminals provided on a substrate100of an inspection device.

Note that the second contact31extends along a first arrangement direction which connects the first contact part20and the middle part40(simply, “first arrangement direction”, below) and is arranged along a second virtual line L2that passes through the center of one of the first contact parts20(left of the first contact21,FIG. 4) in a direction orthogonal to the first arrangement direction.

The second contacts31of a probe pin10in the receptacles53are arranged at the top along a straight line (not shown) parallel to the length of the flat part51when viewed from the connection direction of the flat part51and the rectangular body52similarly to the first contacts21.

The second contact part30includes protrusions13extending in a direction intersecting with the first arrangement direction (e.g., almost orthogonal thereto) at the middle, between the second contact31and the movable part12in the first arrangement direction, i.e., at a later described second flexible part15. The protrusion13includes for example a roughly square part extending from the second contact part30in a direction intersecting with the first arrangement direction, and is provided with half-circular notch14at the tip thereof toward the second contact point31along the length of the probe pin10. An operation lever120may be connected to the notch14(FIG. 2), whereby an external force may be applied to the protrusion13in the first arrangement direction and toward the first contact part20, i.e., the direction of the arrow A inFIG. 2, via the operation lever120.

The middle part40includes a roughly square laminate extending in a direction intersecting with (e.g., orthogonal to) the first arrangement direction as illustrated inFIG. 4. The middle part40extends relative to the second virtual line L2in the same direction as protrusion13of the second contact part30.

The first flexible part11connects the first contact part20and the middle part40(FIG. 4); the first flexible part11expands and contracts along the first arrangement direction and is configured to move the first contact part20relative to the middle part40in the first arrangement direction.

More specifically, the first flexible part11is made up of a plurality of flexible strips (in this embodiment, four flexible strips111,112,113,114) arranged with alternating gaps115therebetween. The flexible strips111,112,113,114form a winding shape with a plurality of linear strips116alternately connected to a plurality of curved strips117along the first arrangement direction. The plurality of linear strips116extend in a direction intersecting with (e.g., orthogonal to) the first arrangement direction. As an example, in this embodiment the flexible strips include two linear strips116and three arc-shaped curve strips117.

The curved strips117at the ends of the first flexible part11are arranged along a second virtual line L2with one end thereof in the extension direction connected to the second contact part20or the middle part40. Note that the two linear strips116in the first flexible part11extend from the other end of a curved strip117connected to either the second contact part20or the middle part40in the extension direction relative to the second virtual line L2toward the same side as the protrusion13of the second contact part30and the middle part40.

The movable part12connects the middle part40in the second contact part30(FIG. 4); the movable part12is configured to move the second contact part30in a direction intersecting with the first arrangement direction.

More specifically, the movable part12includes a second flexible part15extending along the first arrangement direction. The second flexible part15is connected at one end in the first arrangement direction to the middle part40and at the other end in the first arrangement direction to the second contact part30; the second flexible part15is configured to deform elastically in a direction intersecting with the first arrangement direction.

The second flexible part15includes a plurality of flexible strips (in this embodiment, two flexible strips151,152) arranged with alternating gaps115as illustrated inFIG. 4. The second flexible part15deforms elastically in accordance with an external force added to the second contact part30via the protrusion13. The second flexible part15is configured to rotate the second contact part30(i.e., cause the same to move) about a connection part16between the second flexible part15and the middle part40. In other words, the second flexible part15in the probe pin10according to the first embodiment is configured so that when an external force is applied to the protrusion13along the direction of the arrow A (FIG. 2) via an operation lever120, the second flexible part15elastically deforms in a direction intersecting with the first arrangement direction, and the second contact part30moves relative to the middle part40about the connection part16between the second flexible part15and the middle part40in a direction intersecting with the first arrangement direction.

The linear part of the flexible strip151located on one side in a direction orthogonal to the first arrangement direction, i.e., left inFIG. 4, is along the second virtual line L2which is parallel to the first arrangement direction. The flexible strip152located on the other side in a direction orthogonal to the first arrangement direction, i.e., right inFIG. 4, is L-shaped. The flexible strip152includes a first section154extending along the second virtual line L2parallel to the first arrangement direction, and a second section155extending from one end of the first section154in the first arrangement direction, i.e., the end connected near the middle part40, and along the middle part40. Note that the gap153extends in an almost L-shape and is surrounded by the flexible strips151,152and the middle part40.

The operation lever120may be configured from an elongated material to thereby allow a single operation lever120to simultaneously apply an external force in the direction of the arrow A to the protrusions13of a plurality of probe pins10.

In the probe pin10according to the first embodiment, the first contact part20is configured to move relative to the middle part40by way of the first flexible part11in a first arrangement direction, and the first arrangement direction connects the first contact part20and the middle part40; the second contact part30is configured to move relative to the middle part40in a direction intersecting with the first arrangement direction by way of the movable part12. Thus, a probe pin10may be achieved where the probe pin10contacts an inspection object (e.g., the electrode111of a board-to-board connector110) in a direction that is different from the direction the probe pin10contacts an inspection device (e.g., the substrate100of the inspection device).

The probe pin10also includes a protrusion13connected to the second contact part30and extending from the second contact part30in a direction intersecting with the first arrangement direction; the movable part12includes a second flexible part15extending along the first arrangement direction. The second flexible part15is configured to deform elastically in a direction intersecting with the first arrangement direction. The second flexible part15deforms elastically due to an external force applied to the second contact part30via the protrusion13whereby the second contact part30rotates about the connection part16between the second flexible part15and the middle part40so that the second contact part30moves relative to the middle part40in a direction intersecting with the first arrangement direction. Hereby, a probe pin10can be easily implemented which is capable of contacting an inspection object in a direction that is different from the direction the probe pin contacts the inspection device.

Note that the external force added to the protrusions13is not limited to the direction depicted by the arrow A inFIG. 2; the external force may from any direction so long as the second contact part30elastically deforms in accordance with the external force added to the second contact part30via the protrusions13, and the second contact part30rotates about the connection part16between the second flexible part15and the middle part40. For example, an external force may be added to the protrusions13so that the protrusions13move away from the second contact part30in a direction intersecting with the first arrangement direction, i.e., arrow B inFIG. 2.

The notch14on the protrusion13is half-circle, and the section of the operation lever120connecting with the notch14is a half-circle that matches the notch14; this maintains a stable connection between the protrusion13and the operation lever120when the operation lever120moves linearly in a direction depicted by the arrow A, and allows the second contact part30to rotate stably.

The probe pin10allows an inspection jig2according to the first embodiment to support a diverse set of inspection devices and inspection objects. That is, for instance, even in cases where a display panel is composed of a material was weak mechanical strength such as an organic EL, the display panel module may be inspected without damaging the display panel.

Further, the aforementioned inspection jig2allows implementation of the aforementioned inspection unit1which can thus support a diverse set of inspection devices and inspection objects.

Finally, the aforementioned inspection unit1allows implementation of the aforementioned inspection device which can thus support a diverse set of inspection devices and inspection objects.

Note that as illustrated inFIG. 2, the inspection jig2houses the probe pin10in a receptacle53while the middle part40is in contact with the stopper56. In other words, the stopper56supports the middle part40of the probe pin10and stops the same from moving in the first arrangement direction from the first contact part20toward the second contact part30. Thus, the elastic deformation of the first flexible part11has no effect on the second contact part30, and the second contact part30moves relative to the middle part40reliably in a direction intersecting with the first arrangement direction because the stopper56supports and locks the middle part40. This is possible even if the first contact21makes contact with, for example, the substrate100of the inspection device, and the first contact part20is pressed toward the second contact part30along the first arrangement direction, i.e., toward inside the receptacle53. In other words, the stored probe pin10reliably allows implementation of an inspection jig2capable of contacting an inspection object in a direction that is different from the direction the probe pin10contacts the inspection device.

The various configurations, such as the shape, or the like, of a probe pin10of the first embodiment may be modified as appropriate according to the design of the probe pin10. For example, the shapes and locations of the first contact21and the second contact31may each be modified as appropriate in accordance with the various types of inspection devices or inspection objects.

As an additional example, the protrusion13may include a third flexible part17provided in the direction the protrusion13extends at the end closer to the second contact part30as illustrated inFIG. 5. The third flexible part17may be configured to deform elastically in the first arrangement direction and toward the first contact part20. More specifically, the third flexible part17in the probe pin10(FIG. 5) is made up of a plurality of flexible strips (in this embodiment, two flexible strips171,172) arranged with alternating gaps173therebetween. One flexible strip171is connected to the linear flexible strip151in the second flexible part15, and the other flexible strip172is connected to the substantially L-shaped flexible strip152and the second flexible part15. The gap173between the two flexible strips171,172is also connected to the gap153in the second flexible part15.

For example, a fourth flexible part18that deforms elastically in a direction intersecting with the first arrangement direction may be provided between the second contact31on the second contact part30and the protrusion13as illustrated inFIG. 6. More specifically, the fourth flexible part18in the probe pin10(FIG. 6) is made up of a plurality of flexible strips (in this embodiment, three flexible strips181,182,183) arranged with alternating gaps184,185therebetween.

As illustrated inFIG. 5andFIG. 6, the third flexible strip17is provided in the protrusion13and/or the fourth flexible strip18is provided in the second contact part30; thus, any stress occurring in the second contact part30is dispersed. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 2, the probe pin10may be provided in an inspection jig2. Here, an external force may be applied to the protrusion13and the second contact31on the second contact part30moves in a direction intersecting with the first arrangement direction and contacts the electrode111on the board-to-board connector110. Here, the probe pin10is prevented from damage when excess stress is applied to the second contact part30.

For example, the middle part40may also be provided with a through-hole41through the thickness thereof as illustrated inFIG. 7. The through-hole41may be substantially circular allowing a substantially cylindrical connecting rod (not shown) to be placed therein. The connecting rod unifies the plurality of probe pins10, and a portion of the connecting rod may be received in a corresponding receptacle53. A socket50housing the probe pin10illustrated inFIG. 7is provided with a coupling hole (not shown) passing through each receptacle53in the arrangement direction thereof. The connecting rod is placed in the coupling hole. In this case, a second stopper (not shown) may be provided to the socket50, instead of (or in addition to) the stopper56. The second stopper locks both ends of the connecting rod to the socket50, preventing the first contact part20from moving along the first arrangement direction toward the second contact part30.

The first through fourth flexible parts11,15,17,18are not limited to being made up of the plurality of flexible strips111,112,113,114,151,152,171,172,181,182,183. The first through fourth flexible parts11,15,17,18may be configured from a single flexible strip.

The configuration of the inspection jig2may be modified as appropriate in accordance with the various types of inspection devices or inspection objects. For example, a movement limiter57may be provided on one end of the socket50near the second opening55as illustrated inFIG. 8. The movement limiter57restricts the movements of the second contact part30in the direction that the second contact31of the second contact part13moves when an external force is added to the protrusion13, i.e., a direction intersecting with the first arrangement direction. The movement limiter57prevents damage to the probe pins10when excess stress is added to the second flexible part15of the movable part12when an external force is applied to the protrusion13and the second contact31of the second contact part30moves in a direction intersecting with the first arrangement direction.

The inspection jig2may be made more general purpose to thereby improve productivity of the inspection unit1(and by extension, the inspection device).

Second Embodiment

A probe pin10according to the second embodiment herein differs from the first embodiment in that the second contact part30and the movable part12extend in a second arrangement direction that intersects with the first arrangement direction, and the movable part12includes a fifth flexible part60as illustrated inFIG. 9throughFIG. 12.

The components in the second embodiment that are identical to the components in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof are omitted; only the features that are different from the first embodiment are described.

The second contact part30and the movable part12intersects with a second virtual line L2extending along the first arrangement direction and extends along a third virtual line L3passing through the connection part16connecting the fifth flexible part60and the middle part40as illustrated inFIG. 12.

The fifth flexible part60is connected at one end in the second arrangement direction to the middle part40and connected at the other end in the second arrangement direction to the second contact part30as illustrated inFIG. 12; the fifth flexible part60is configured to deform elastically in a direction intersecting with the first arrangement direction and the second arrangement direction.

More specifically, the fifth flexible part60is made up of a plurality of flexible strips (in this embodiment, three flexible strips61,62,63) arranged with alternating gaps64,65therebetween. The flexible strips61,62,63include linear parts along the second arrangement direction and deform elastically in accordance with an external force applied to the second contact part30, whereby the second contact part30rotates about the connection part16between the fifth flexible part60and the middle part40so that the second contact part30moves relative to the middle part40in a direction intersecting with the first arrangement direction and the second arrangement direction.

The second contact31in an inspection jig2using a probe pin10according to the second embodiment may be connected to an inspection object (e.g., the electrode111of the board-to-board connector110) in the following manner.

That is, first, a second contact part30in a rest position P1where no external forces applied (FIG. 10) may be moved to an operation position P2(FIG. 10) where an external force is applied to the second contact part30via the operation lever120thereby moving the second contact part30in a direction intersecting with the second arrangement direction and towards the second virtual line L2, i.e., arrow C inFIG. 10. At this point, the fifth flexible part60elastically deforms in a direction intersecting with the first arrangement direction and the second arrangement direction and in a direction such that the extension direction of the second contact part30and the movable part12is parallel to the first arrangement direction, i.e., arrow C.

The electrode111of the board-to-board connector110is moved while the second contact part30is at the operation position P2, so that the electrode111is positioned between the second virtual line L2and the third virtual line L3. If the operation lever120is then removed, the return force from the fifth flexible part60causes the second contact part30to rotate about the connection part16between the fifth flexible part60and the middle part40thereby rotating the second contact part30from the operation position P2toward the rest position P1. The second contact31and the electrode111then make contact.

In a probe pin10according to the second embodiment, the second contact part30and the movable part12extend along a second arrangement direction that intersects with the first arrangement direction, and the movable part12includes fifth flexible part60capable of deforming elastically in a direction intersecting with the second arrangement part. The fifth flexible part60deforms elastically in accordance with an external force applied to the second contact part30whereby the second contact part30rotates about a connection part16between the fifth flexible part60and the middle part40so that the second contact part30moves relative to the middle part40in a direction intersecting with the first arrangement direction and the second arrangement direction. Hereby, a probe pin10can be easily implemented which is capable of contacting an inspection object in a direction that is different from the direction the probe pin contacts the inspection device.

The fifth flexible part60has a winding shape with continuously alternating linear strips601that intersect with the second arrangement direction, and curved strips602that connect to the linear strips601as illustrated inFIG. 13. In the probe pin10illustrated inFIG. 13, for example, the fifth flexible part60is made up of a plurality of flexible strips (in this embodiment, two flexible strips66,67) arranged with alternating gaps68therebetween. The flexible strips66,67are each made up of two linear strips601and three curved strips602.

As illustrated inFIG. 14, the probe pin10may further include a protrusion13extending from the second contact part30in a direction intersecting with the second arrangement direction; the probe pin10may be configured so that the external force is added to the second contact part30via the protrusion13. The probe pin10inFIG. 14is provided with a half-circular notch14. The notch14is provided at end of the protrusion13away from the second contact part30in the protrusion direction.

The various configurations, such as the shape, or the like, of fifth flexible part60in a probe pin10of the second embodiment may be modified as appropriate according to the design of the probe pin10. This thus provides a probe pin10with a highly flexible design.

Third Embodiment

An inspection jig2according to a third embodiment described herein differs from the first embodiment in that the socket50includes a first housing70, a second housing80, and a cam90as illustrated inFIG. 15andFIG. 16.

The components in the third embodiment that are identical to the components in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals and description thereof are omitted; only the features that are different from the first embodiment are described.

Except for omitting the protrusion13, a probe pin10according to the third embodiment is identical to a probe pin10according to the first embodiment.

As illustrated inFIG. 15, the first housing70is a roughly T-shaped box configured from a flat part51and a rectangular body52; as illustrated inFIG. 16, the first housing70includes a plurality of first receptacles71for accommodating the first contact part20and the middle part40. The first receptacles71are slit-like and are capable of receiving and retaining the probe pins10so that the probe pins10are electrically independent of each other. The first receptacles71appear aligned along the length of the flat part51, i.e., going through the drawing sheet ofFIG. 16, when viewed from the connection direction of the flat part51and the rectangular body52, i.e., the vertical direction inFIG. 16. The movable part12of the probe pin10is exposed outside the first housing70from the first opening55in each of the first receptacles71.

The second housing80is a substantially cuboid-like (FIG. 15), and includes a second receptacle81for accommodating the second contact part30(FIG. 16). Similar to the first receptacles71, the second receptacles81are slit-like and are capable of receiving and retaining the probe pins10so that the probe pins10are electrically independent of each other. The second receptacles81appear aligned along the length of the flat part51when viewed from the connection direction of the flat part51and the rectangular body52. Both ends of each of the second receptacles81open in the connection direction of the flat part51and the rectangular body52. The second contact31and the movable part12on the probe pins10are exposed outside of each of the second receptacles81. The second housing80is also configured to move relatively in relation to the first housing70in a direction intersecting with the first arrangement direction, i.e., laterally inFIG. 16.

As illustrated inFIG. 16, adjacent inspection jigs2are arranged in the inspection unit1with a substantially uniform gap3therebetween. The cam90is disposed in the gap3. The cam90is a substantially rectangular body configured to rotate about a shaft91that extends along the arrangement direction of the receptacles71,81. The rotation of the cam90moves the second housing80in a direction intersecting with the first arrangement direction; the second contact part30of the probe pin10moves in a direction intersecting with the first arrangement direction as the second housing80moves.

The second contact31in an inspection jig2according to the third embodiment may be connected to an inspection object (e.g., the electrode111of the board-to-board connector110) in the following manner.

In other words, first, the electrode111of the board-to-board connector110is moved while no external force is applied to the second contact part30; the electrode111is brought next to the second contact31on the opposite side of the cam90in the first arrangement direction. When the cam90is rotated, the second housing80moves in the first arrangement direction away from the cam90, i.e., in the direction of the arrow D inFIG. 18, and the second contact part30on the probe pin10moves in the direction of the arrow D. Hereby, the second contact part30rotates about a connection part16between the movable part12and the middle part40and moves relative to the middle part40in a direction intersecting with the first arrangement direction; the second contact31and the electrode111then make contact.

An inspection jig2according to the third embodiment is configured such that the socket50includes a first housing70accommodating the first contact part20and the middle part40; a second housing80accommodating the second contact part30and configured to move relatively in relation to the first housing70in a direction intersecting with the first arrangement direction; and a cam90configured to rock the second housing80in a direction intersecting with the first arrangement direction. Thus, the configuration of the inspection jig2may be modified as appropriate in accordance with the various types of inspection devices or inspection objects. Additionally, the inspection jig2has a highly flexible design which can thus support a diverse set of inspection devices and inspection objects.

Note that the inspection jig2according to the third embodiment is not limited to the probe pin10illustrated inFIG. 16. For instance, the probe pin10used may be provided with fourth flexible part18between the second contact31of the second contact part30and the movable part12(FIG. 17).

The cam90is not limited to a configuration where the rotation thereof about the shaft91moves the second housing80linearly in the direction of the arrow D. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 18, the cam90may be configured to move linearly along the first arrangement direction, i.e., the direction of the arrow E inFIG. 18, to move the second housing80linearly in a direction orthogonal to the first arrangement direction, i.e., the direction of the arrow D inFIG. 18. In this case, the cam90may be a triangular pillar capable of moving in the first arrangement direction about the shaft91, and may be arranged so that one side thereof is orthogonal to the first arrangement direction. The second housing80may also include an inclined surface82arranged facing one side of the cam90and able to make contact therewith.

The probe pin10described herein is provided with a first contact part20and a second contact part30; a middle part40arranged between the first contact part20and the second contact part30; a first flexible part11connecting the first contact part20and the middle part40and expanding and contracting along a first arrangement direction; and a movable part12connecting the middle part40and the second contact part30and configured to move the second contact part30in a direction intersecting with the first arrangement direction. It is sufficient that the first contact part20, the first flexible part11, the middle part40, the movable part12, and the second contact part30are arranged linearly; the probe pin10is thus not limited to the first through third embodiments.

Here ends the description of various working embodiments of the disclosure with reference to the drawings. Lastly, various other aspects of the present disclosure are described. As an example, the following description includes reference numerals.

A first embodiment of the probe pin10described herein includes:

a first contact part20and a second contact part30;

a middle part40located between the first contact part20and the second contact part30;

a first flexible part11connected to the first contact part20and the middle part40and expanding and contracting along a first arrangement direction connecting the first contact part20and the middle part40to move the first contact part20relative to the middle part40in the first arrangement direction; and

a movable part12connected to the middle part40and the second contact part30and configured to move the second contact part30relative to the middle part40in a direction intersecting with the first arrangement direction; wherein

the first contact part20, the first flexible part11, the middle part40, the movable part12, and the second contact part30are arranged linearly.

The first contact part20in the probe pin10of the first embodiment is configured to move relative to the middle part40by way of the first flexible part11in a first arrangement direction, the first arrangement direction connecting the first contact part20and the middle part40; the second contact part30is configured to move relative to the middle part40in a direction intersecting with the first arrangement direction by way of the movable part12. Thus, a probe pin10may be achieved where the probe pin10contacts an inspection object (e.g., the electrode111of a board-to-board connector110) in a direction that is different from the direction the probe pin10contacts an inspection device (e.g., the substrate100of the inspection device).

A second embodiment of the probe pin10described herein includes:

a protrusion13connected to the second contact part30and extending from the second contact part30in a direction intersecting with the first arrangement direction; wherein:

the movable part12includes a second flexible part15extending along the first arrangement direction, connected at one end in the first arrangement direction to the middle part40and connected at the other end in the first arrangement direction to the second contact part30, and configured to deform elastically in a direction intersecting with the first arrangement direction; and

the second flexible part15deforms elastically in accordance with an external force applied to the second contact30part via the protrusion13whereby the second contact part rotates about a connection part16between the second flexible part15and the middle part40so that the second contact part30moves relative to the middle part40in a direction intersecting with the first arrangement direction.

A probe pin10according to the second embodiment can be easily implemented, with this probe pin10capable of contacting an inspection object in a direction that is different from the direction the probe pin contacts the inspection device.

In a third embodiment of the probe pin10described herein,

the protrusion13includes a third flexible part17provided in the direction the protrusion13extends at the end closer to the second contact part30and configured to deform elastically in the first arrangement direction and toward the first contact part20; and

the third flexible part17deforms elastically in accordance with an external force applied to the protrusion13in the first arrangement direction and toward the first contact part20.

For example, according to the third embodiment, the probe pin10may be provided in an inspection jig2. Here, an external force may be applied to the protrusion13and the second contact31on the second contact part30moves in a direction intersecting with the first arrangement direction and contacts the electrode111on the board-to-board connector110. Here, the probe pin10is prevented from damage when excess stress is applied to the second contact part30.

In a fourth embodiment of the probe pin10described herein,

the second contact part30

extends in the first arrangement direction while connecting to the second flexible part15at one end in the first arrangement direction and including a contact31at the other end in the first arrangement direction with the protrusion13therebetween in the first arrangement direction;

includes a fourth flexible part18between the contact31and the protrusion13in the first arrangement direction, the fourth flexible part18configured to deform elastically in a direction intersecting with the first arrangement direction; and

the fourth flexible part18deforms elastically in accordance with the movement of the contact31on the second contact part30in a direction intersecting with the first arrangement direction.

For example, according to the fourth embodiment, the probe pin10may be provided in an inspection jig2. Here, an external force may be applied to the protrusion13and the second contact31on the second contact part30moves in a direction intersecting with the first arrangement direction and contacts the electrode111on the board-to-board connector110. Here, the probe pin10is prevented from damage when excess stress is applied to the second contact part30.

In a fifth embodiment of the probe pin10described herein,

the second contact part30and the movable part12extend along a second arrangement direction that intersects with the first arrangement direction;

the movable part12includes a fifth flexible part60connected at one end in the second arrangement direction to the middle part40and connected at the other end in the second arrangement direction to the second contact part30, the fifth flexible part60configured to deform elastically in a direction intersecting with the first arrangement direction and the second arrangement direction; and

the fifth flexible part60deforms elastically in accordance with an external force applied to the second contact part30whereby the second contact part30rotates about a connection part16between the fifth flexible part60and the middle part40so that the second contact part30moves relative to the middle part40in a direction intersecting with the first arrangement direction and the second arrangement direction.

A probe pin10according to the fifth embodiment can be easily implemented, with this probe pin10capable of contacting an inspection object in a direction that is different from the direction the probe pin contacts the inspection device.

In a sixth embodiment of the probe pin10described herein,

the fifth flexible part60has a winding shape with continuously alternating linear strips601that intersect with the second arrangement direction, and curved strips602connected to the linear strips.

The sixth embodiment provides a probe pin10with a highly flexible design.

A seventh embodiment of the probe pin10described herein further includes:

a protrusion13extending from the second contact part30in a direction intersecting with the second arrangement direction, and the probe pin10configured so that the external force is added to the second contact part30via the protrusion13.

The seventh embodiment provides a probe pin10with a highly flexible design.

An eighth embodiment, which is an inspection jig2described herein includes:

the aforementioned probe pin10; and

a socket50including a receptacle53configured to receive the probe pin10;

the socket50including:

a stopper56; the stopper56preventing the middle part40of the probe pin10accommodated in the receptacle53from moving from the first contact part20toward the second contact part30along the first arrangement direction.

With the probe pin10, an inspection jig2according to the eighth embodiment can support a diverse set of inspection devices and inspection objects.

A ninth embodiment, which is an inspection jig described herein includes:

a probe pin10according to any one of the second through fourth embodiments; wherein

the socket50includes a movement limiter57that restricts the movement of the second contact part39in a direction intersecting with the first arrangement direction.

The movement limiter57in an inspection jig2according to the ninth embodiment prevents damage to the probe pins10when excess stress is added to the second flexible part15of the movable part12when an external force is applied to the protrusion13and the second contact31of the second contact part30moves in a direction intersecting with the first arrangement direction.

A tenth embodiment, which is an inspection jig2described herein includes:

the socket50including:

a first housing70configured to accommodate the first contact part20and the middle part40;

a second housing80configured to accommodate the second contact part30and to move relatively to the first housing70in a direction intersecting with the first arrangement direction; and

a cam90configured to move the second housing80in a direction intersecting with the first arrangement direction.

An inspection jig2according to the tenth embodiment has a highly flexible design, and can support a diverse set of inspection devices and inspection objects.

An eleventh embodiment, which is an inspection unit1described herein includes:

an inspection jig2according to any one of the eighth through tenth embodiments.

Further, the aforementioned inspection jig2allows implementation of the aforementioned inspection unit1according to the eleventh embodiment, which can thus support a diverse set of inspection devices and inspection objects.

A twelfth embodiment, which is an inspection device described herein includes:

an inspection unit1according to the eleventh embodiment.

The aforementioned inspection unit1allows implementation of an inspection device according to the twelfth embodiment, which can thus support a diverse set of inspection devices and inspection objects.

Note that the various above-described embodiments and modification examples may be combined as appropriate to obtain the results thereof. Additionally, the embodiments, working examples, or embodiments and example modifications may be combined; however, different embodiments and working examples with similar features may also be combined.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The probe pin described herein may be adopted in an inspection jig used, for example, in inspecting a liquid crystal panel.

The inspection jig described herein may be adopted in an inspection unit used, for example, in inspecting a liquid crystal panel.

The inspection unit described herein may be adopted in an inspection device used, for example, in inspecting a liquid crystal panel.

The inspection device described herein may be used, for example, in inspecting a liquid crystal panel.