CONTACT PIN AND SOCKET FOR INSPECTION

Provided are a contact pin and a socket for inspection that can improve contact reliability to an IC package. An embodiment includes: an electrically conductive electrical contact extending from a base end to a tip and having an elastic deformation part elastically expandable and compressible in the extending direction formed between the base end and the tip; and an electrically conductive thermal contact extending from a base end to a tip and having an elastic deformation part elastically expandable and compressible in the extending direction formed between the base end and the tip, and the electrical contact and the thermal contact are laterally stacked adjacent to each other and are movable independently of each other.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims foreign priority benefits under U.S.C. § 119 to Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-111827 filed on Jul. 12, 2022, the contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a contact pin and a socket for inspection.

BACKGROUND ART

Peripheral type IC packages such as a Quad Flat Package (QFP) or a Quad Flat Non-leaded package (QFN) have grounding pads called Exposed Pad (E-Pad) provided at the center on the back surface. Contact pins may be electrically contacted to such E-Pads for grounding and/or thermally contacted to the E-Pads for heat dissipation.

Since only a limited space is available for mounting such a contact pin, probe type contact pins (for example, Patent Literature 1) have been conventionally employed.

CITATION LIST

Patent Literature

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Technical Problem

However, since a probe type contact pin is formed of three or more components including a plunger, a barrel, and a coil spring, for example, and employs an internal contact system (a system in which the outer circumferential face of the plunger and the inner circumferential face of the barrel are contacted to each other), improvement on contact reliability is required.

Accordingly, the present invention intends to provide a contact pin and a socket for inspection that can improve the contact reliability to an IC package.

Solution to Problem

To achieve the above object, the contact pin and the socket for inspection of the present invention employ the following solutions.

That is, a contact pin according to the first aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of electrically conductive contacts, each of the contacts extending from a base end to a tip and having an elastic deformation part formed between the base end and the tip, and the elastic deformation part being elastically expandable and compressible in an extending direction, and the plurality of contacts are laterally stacked adjacent to each other and are movable independently of each other.

According to the contact pin of the present aspect, since the plurality of contacts are laterally stacked adjacent to each other and are movable independently of each other, the contact pin can be in contact with the IC package at multiple contact points when a single contact is viewed as a single contact point. Further, the plurality of contacts can compensate distortion or variation in the extending direction (in the level). This can improve the contact reliability of the contact pin to the IC package.

Further, when each component is molded by press machining from a plate material, structural simplification, a cost reduction, a shorter delivery time, or the like can be realized.

Further, the contact pin according to the second aspect of the present invention has: a compression interlock mechanism configured to, when one of the contacts is compressed by a predetermined amount, interlock the compressed contact and another contact adjacent to the compressed contact in a compression direction; and an expansion interlock mechanism configured to interlock one of the contacts and another contact adjacent to the one of the contacts in an expansion direction, in the contact pin according to the first aspect.

According to the contact pin of the present aspect, since the contact has the compression interlock mechanism that, when one of the contacts is compressed by the predetermined amount, interlocks the compressed contact and the contact adjacent thereto in the compression direction, the elastic force thereof and the elastic force of the adjacent contact work on the compressed contact, and the contact pressure of the contact against the IC package can be increased.

Further, since the contact has the expansion interlock mechanism that interlocks a contact and another contact adjacent thereto in the expansion direction, even when the adjacent contact is stuck for some reason, the stuck can be eliminated by the expanded contact.

As described above, the use of the compression interlock mechanism and the expansion interlock mechanism can improve the contact reliability of the contact pin to the IC package.

Further, in the contact pin according to the third aspect of the present invention, a contact of the plurality of contacts which has the base end at a higher height position in the extending direction and a contact of the plurality of contacts which has the base end at a lower height position in the extending direction are alternatingly aligned and laterally stacked, in the contact pin according to the second aspect.

According to the contact pin of the present aspect, since the contact having the base end at the higher height position in the extending direction and the contact having the base end at the lower height position in the extending direction are alternatingly aligned and laterally stacked, the elastic force of the shorter contact can be caused to work on the taller contact.

Further, the contact pin according to the fourth aspect of the present invention has at least one casing that bundles the plurality of laterally stacked contacts, in the contact pin according to any one of the first aspect to the third aspect.

According to the contact pin of the present aspect, since the casing that bundles the plurality of laterally stacked contacts is provided, the handleability of the laterally stacked contacts can be improved.

Further, the use of the casing as the function of a guide in expansion and compression of the contacts can improve the straightness of the contacts.

Further, in the contact pin according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the casing has a stopper configured to restrict an amount of compression of the contact, in the contact pin according to the fourth aspect.

According to the contact pin of the present aspect, since the casing has the stopper configured to restrict the amount of compression of the contact, it is possible to prevent the contact from being excessively compressed and damaged.

Further, in the contact pin according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the casing has a notch notched so as to expose a lower end of the elastic deformation part, in the contact pin according to the fourth aspect or the fifth aspect.

According to the contact pin of the present aspect, since the casing has the notch notched so as to expose the lower end of the elastic deformation part, even when solder wicking or flux wicking occurs, the melted solder or flux flows so as to avoid the lower end of the elastic deformation part. Accordingly, the lower end of the elastic deformation part is not stuck by solder or flux, and desired elasticity can be exerted.

Further, in the contact pin according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the casing has a region having a lower wettability than other portions formed in a part of a portion located below the elastic deformation part of the contacts, in the contact pin according to the fourth aspect or the fifth aspect.

According to the contact pin of the present aspect, since the casing has the region having a lower wettability than other portions formed in a part of a portion located below the elastic deformation part of the contacts, even when solder wicking or flux wicking occurs, the melted solder or flux is retained in the lower wettability region, and the elastic deformation part of the contact is not stuck by the solder or flux. Thus, desired elasticity can be exerted.

Further, in the contact pin according to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the contact has a region having a lower wettability than other portions formed in a portion below the elastic deformation part, in the contact pin according to any one of the first aspect to the seventh aspect.

According to the contact pin of the present aspect, since the contact has the region having a lower wettability than other portions formed in a portion below the elastic deformation part, even when solder wicking or flux wicking occurs, the melted solder or flux is retained in the lower wettability region, and the elastic deformation part is not stuck by the solder or flux. Thus, desired elasticity can be exerted.

Further, in the contact pin according to the ninth aspect of the present invention, each of the contacts has a protrusion protruding toward an adjacent contact of the contacts and configured to be contacted to the adjacent contact, in the contact pin according to any one of the first aspect to the eighth aspect.

According to the contact pin of the present aspect, since each of the contacts has the protrusion protruding toward an adjacent contact of the contacts and configured to be contacted to the adjacent contact, a clearance can be provided between the contacts by the protrusion.

Further, in the contact pin according to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the casing has a first plate-like part and a second plate-like part that face each other and between which the bundled contacts are arranged, the first plate-like part has a protrusion protruding toward the second plate-like part side, and the second plate-like part has a protrusion protruding toward the first plate-like part side, in the contact pin according to any one of the fourth aspect to the seventh aspect.

According to the contact pin of the present aspect, since the first plate-like part has a protrusion protruding toward the second plate-like part side, and the second plate-like part has a protrusion protruding toward the first plate-like part side, a clearance can be provided between the casing and the contact by the protrusions.

Further, the contact pin according to the eleventh aspect of the present invention has two casings, and in a state where both the casings overlap with each other, the first plate-like part of one of the casings faces the second plate-like part side of the other of the casings, and the second plate-like part of each of the casings faces the laterally stacked contacts, in the contact pin according to the tenth aspect.

According to the contact pin of the present aspect, since two casings are provided and, in a state where both the casings overlap with each other, the first plate-like part of one of the casings faces the second plate-like part side of the other of the casings and the second plate-like part of each of the casings faces the laterally stacked contacts, a clearance can be provided between the casing and the contact or between the casings by the protrusions.

Further, a socket for inspection according to the twelfth aspect of the present invention includes: contact pins according to any one of the first aspect to the eleventh aspect; and a housing configured to accommodate the contact pins.

Further, in the socket for inspection according to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the housing has an upper housing and a lower housing that define a space in which the elastic deformation parts of the contact pins are accommodated, and the contact pins are configured such that the elastic deformation parts are compressed by the upper housing and the lower housing, in the socket for inspection according to the twelfth aspect.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

According to the present invention, the contact reliability to an IC package can be improved.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

A contact pin and a socket for inspection according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[Configuration of Socket for Inspection]

A socket for inspection10is a device for electrically connecting an IC package20and a printed wiring board (inspection board) to each other.

The IC package20is of the peripheral type such as a QFP or a QFN, for example.

As illustrated inFIG.1toFIG.5, the socket for inspection10as an example has a lower housing11, an upper housing12, a stage13, a movable housing14, and a contact pin100.

The lower housing11is a component placed on an inspection board (not illustrated) and serves as a base of the socket for inspection10.

As illustrated inFIG.1andFIG.3toFIG.5, a lower recess11aand a lower through hole11bare formed inside the lower housing11.

The lower recess11ais a portion in which a part of the contact pin100is accommodated and is a hollow having an opening facing the upper housing12.

The lower through hole11bis a through hole extending downward from the bottom of the lower recess11aand reaching the outside of the lower housing11.

The upper housing12is a component installed from above the lower housing11. The upper housing12is configured to be able to vertically move closer to or away from the lower housing11. Note that the upper housing12is pushed upward by a pushing member (not illustrated), thus is most distant from the lower housing11when no load is applied (seeFIG.3andFIG.5), and comes closer to the lower housing11by being pushed downward (seeFIG.4).

An upper recess12aand an upper through hole12bare formed inside the upper housing12.

The upper recess12ais a portion in which the contact pin100described later is accommodated and is a hollow having an opening facing the lower housing11.

The upper through hole12bis a through hole extending upward from the top surface of the upper recess12aand reaching the outside of the upper housing12.

The stage13is a component on which the IC package20is placed, and the stage13is installed above the upper housing12.

The stage13is fixed to the lower housing11.

The movable housing14is a component installed above the stage13. The movable housing14is configured to be able to vertically move closer to or away from the lower housing11. Note that the movable housing14is pushed upward by a pushing member (not illustrated), thus is most distant from the lower housing11when no load is applied (seeFIG.3andFIG.5), and comes closer to the lower housing11by being pushed downward (seeFIG.4).

As illustrated inFIG.1toFIG.5, a package accommodating part14ais formed in the movable housing14.

The package accommodating part14ais an opening that enables access to the stage13from above.

As illustrated inFIG.5, the contact pin100is a component that is thermally and/or electrically contacted to a pad (E-Pad) provided at the center on the back surface of the IC package20.

As illustrated inFIG.3, the contact pin100is provided to the socket for inspection10in a state where the middle portion of the contact pin100is accommodated and held in an accommodating space15defined by the lower recess11aand the upper recess12aand the tip portion of the contact pin100protrudes out of the lower through hole11band in a state where the base end portion of the contact pin100protrudes out of the upper through hole12b.

The detailed configuration of the contact pin100will be described later.

As illustrated inFIG.1toFIG.5, a number of peripheral contact pins16held by the lower housing11are arranged around the stage13.

The tips (upper ends) of the peripheral contact pins16are configured such that, when the movable housing14is pushed into the lower housing11side, the tips are moved outward away from the circumferential edge of the stage13and accommodated in the circumferential wall of the lower housing11(seeFIG.4). Further, the tips of the peripheral contact pins16are configured such that, when the movable housing14is moved back to the original position, the tips come close to the circumferential edge of the stage13and protrude from the circumferential wall of the lower housing11(seeFIG.3andFIG.5).

Before the IC package20is placed on the socket for inspection10, first, the movable housing14is pushed into the lower housing11side to separate the tip of each peripheral contact pin16from the circumferential edge of the stage13, as illustrated inFIG.4. Accordingly, a width through which the IC package20can be accepted is ensured above the stage13.

Further, when the movable housing14is pushed into, the upper housing12is also pushed into the lower housing11side. In response, the accommodating space15in which the middle portion of the contact pin100is accommodated are vertically reduced in volume.

At this time, the contact pin100(in detail, elastic deformation parts112,122described later) is compressed in accordance with the reduction of the accommodating space15.

Next, as illustrated inFIG.5, after the IC package20is placed on the stage13, the movable housing14is moved back to the original position.

At this time, since the tip of each peripheral contact pins16is also moved back to the original position, the tip of each peripheral contact pin16is contacted to a lead wire extending from the circumferential edge of the IC package20. Further, at the same time, the IC package20is pushed against the stage13.

Further, when the movable housing14has moved back to the original position, the upper housing12has also moved back to the original position. In response, the accommodating space15in which the middle portion of the contact pin100is accommodated expands vertically (back to the original state).

Since the IC package20is installed on the stage13, however, the contact pin100(in detail, elastic deformation parts112,122described later) maintains the state compressed by the IC package20.

Note that the contact pin100is obviously also applicable to other forms of sockets for inspection than the socket for inspection10described above.

Herein, other forms of sockets for inspection are, for example, sockets for inspection having a form in which the probe type contact pin as a peripheral contact pin is located below the IC package20and, when the IC package20is pushed from above by a latch or a pusher, the contact pin100and the peripheral contact pin come into contact with terminals or lead wires of the IC package20.

[Details of Contact Pin]

As illustrated inFIG.6, the contact pin100has electrical contacts (contacts)110and thermal contacts (contacts)120, for example, which are alternatingly, laterally stacked to form the contact pin100.

Further, as illustrated inFIG.7, the contact pin100may have a casing140that bundles the electrical contacts110and the thermal contacts120.

Note that the terms of “electrical” and “thermal” are used for convenience in order to distinguish the types of contacts from each other and are not intended to limit the use thereof.

As illustrated inFIG.8, each electrical contact110is a thin plate-like component extending in a predetermined direction (the vertical direction inFIG.8).

The electrical contact110mainly has a function of conducting electricity in the contact pin100(electrical contacting).

The electrical contact110has electrical conductivity and is formed such that Ni plating as an undercoat is applied to a substrate of a Cu based material (for example, beryllium copper), and plating whose main component is an Au based material is applied to the surface of the Ni layer. Note that these materials are mere examples.

The electrical contact110has a base end side plate-like part111located on the upper end side, an elastic deformation part112located at the middle, and a tip side plate-like part113located on the lower end side.

The base end side plate-like part111is a portion that is contacted to the IC package20.

A rectangular wider part111ais formed in the lower part of the base end side plate-like part111, and the external shape thereof is substantially an inverse-T shape.

An upper claw111b, an upper notch111c, a lower claw111d, a lower notch111e, and contact protruding parts111fare formed in the portion of the base end side plate-like part111above the wider part111a.

The upper claw111bis a portion having a shape such that a part of a first side face of the base end side plate-like part111is bent in a direction orthogonal to the extending direction of the electrical contact110. In the case ofFIG.8, a part of the right face of the base end side plate-like part111is bent to the front, and thereby the upper claw111bis formed.

The upper notch111cis a portion having a shape such that a second side face of the base end side plate-like part111is partially notched. In the case ofFIG.8, the left face of the base end side plate-like part111is partially notched, and thereby the upper notch111cis formed.

The upper notch111cis formed at substantially the same height position as that of the upper claw111b.

The lower claw111dis a portion having a shape such that a part of the second side face of the base end side plate-like part111is bent to a direction orthogonal to the extending direction of the electrical contact110and a direction opposite to the upper claw111b. In the case ofFIG.8, a part of the left face of the base end side plate-like part111is bent to the backside, and thereby the lower claw111dis formed.

The lower claw111dis formed below the upper notch111c.

The lower notch111eis a portion having a shape such that the first side face of the base end side plate-like part111is partially notched. In the case ofFIG.8, the right face of the base end side plate-like part111is partially notched, and thereby the lower notch111eis formed.

The lower notch111eis formed at substantially the same height position as that of the lower claw111d.

The contact protruding parts111fare portions protruding in the extending direction of the electrical contact110from the top face of the base end side plate-like part111. InFIG.8, substantially triangular two contact protruding parts111fare formed on the top face of the base end side plate-like part111.

The contact protruding parts111fhave a function of physically contacting the IC package20in the electrical contact110.

Although the shape of the contact protruding part111for the number of contact protruding parts111fis not limited to that in the form ofFIG.8, it is preferable to form the contact protruding parts111fso as to have a small contact area with the IC package20in terms of increasing the contact pressure and ensuring the contact reliability.

Protrusions111gand protrusions111hare formed arranged in a staggered manner on the surface of the base end side plate-like part111.

Each of the protrusions111gis a portion protruding in the plate thickness direction from the surface of the base end side plate-like part111. The protruding amount of the protrusion111gis smaller than the plate thickness of the electrical contact110. The protrusion111gis a part that is contacted to the surface of the base end side plate-like part121of the adjacent thermal contact120.

Each of the protrusions111his a portion protruding in the plate thickness direction and the direction opposite to the protrusions111gfrom the surface of the base end side plate-like part111. The protruding amount of the protrusion111his substantially the same as that of the protrusion111g. The protrusion111his a part that is contacted to the surface of the base end side plate-like part121of the adjacent thermal contact120. Note that the thermal contact120to which the protrusions111his contacted is different from the thermal contact120to which the protrusions111gis contacted.

In the case ofFIG.8, although the protrusions111gprotrude on the front side and the protrusions111hprotrude on the backside, these protrusion directions are mere examples.

The elastic deformation part112is an elastically expandable or compressible portion. In the case ofFIG.8, the elastic deformation part112is a bellows-like plate spring having an upper end112aconnected to the bottom face of the wider part111aof the base end side plate-like part111and a lower end112bconnected to the tip side plate-like part113(in detail, the top face of the wider part113aof the tip side plate-like part113).

Note that the shape of the elastic deformation part112is not limited to a bellows-like plate spring.

The tip side plate-like part113is a portion that is contacted to an inspection board. A rectangular wider part113ais formed in the upper part of the tip side plate-like part113, and the external shape thereof is substantially a T shape.

An upper claw113b, an upper notch113c, a lower claw113d, a lower notch113e, and a press-fit claw113hare formed in a portion of the tip side plate-like part113below the wider part113a.

The upper claw113bis a portion having a shape such that a part of a first side face of the tip side plate-like part113is bent in a direction orthogonal to the extending direction of the electrical contact110. In the case ofFIG.8, a part of the right face of the tip side plate-like part113is bent to the front, and thereby the upper claw113bis formed.

The upper notch113cis a portion having a shape such that a second side face of the tip side plate-like part113is partially notched. In the case ofFIG.8, the left face of the tip side plate-like part113is partially notched, and thereby the upper notch113cis formed.

The upper notch113cis formed at substantially the same height position as that of the upper claw113b.

The lower claw113dis a portion having a shape such that a part of the second side face of the tip side plate-like part113is bent to a direction orthogonal to the extending direction of the electrical contact110and a direction opposite to the upper claw113b. In the case ofFIG.8, a part of the left face of the tip side plate-like part113is bent to the backside, and thereby the lower claw113dis formed.

The lower claw113dis formed below the upper notch113c.

The lower notch113eis a portion having a shape such that the first side face of the tip side plate-like part113is partially notched. In the case ofFIG.8, the right face of the tip side plate-like part113is partially notched, and thereby the lower notch113eis formed.

The lower notch113eis formed at substantially the same height position as that of the lower claw113d.

The press-fit claw113his a protrusion formed in at least one of the first side face and the second side face of the tip side plate-like part113below the wider part113aand above the upper notch113c. Note that the press-fit claw113hmay be formed below the upper notch113cin accordance with the space.

The press-fit claw113hhas a function of locking the electrical contact110to the lower housing11. Note that, when it is not required to lock the electrical contact110to the lower housing11, the press-fit claw113hmay be omitted.

Protrusions113iand protrusions113jare formed arranged in a staggered manner on the surface of the tip side plate-like part113.

Each of the protrusions113iis a portion protruding in the plate thickness direction from the surface of the tip side plate-like part113. The protruding amount of the protrusion113iis smaller than the plate thickness of the electrical contact110and substantially the same as that of the protrusion111gof the base end side plate-like part111. The protrusion113iis a part that is contacted to the surface of the tip side plate-like part123of the adjacent thermal contact120.

Each of the protrusions113jis a portion protruding in the plate thickness direction and the direction opposite to the protrusions113ifrom the surface of the tip side plate-like part113. The protruding amount of the protrusion113jis substantially the same as that of the protrusion113i. The protrusion113jis a part that is contacted to the surface of the tip side plate-like part123of the adjacent thermal contact120. Note that the thermal contact120to which the protrusions113jis contacted is different from the thermal contact120to which the protrusions113iis contacted.

In the case ofFIG.8, although the protrusions113iprotrude on the front side and the protrusions113jprotrude on the backside, these protrusion directions are mere examples.

The electrical contact110is molded by, for example, press machining from a plate material that becomes the substrate.

Accordingly, a large number of electrical contacts110can be produced with high accuracy and with suppressed variation among products.

As illustrated inFIG.9, each thermal contact120is a thin plate-like component extending in a predetermined direction (the vertical direction inFIG.9). The external shape of the thermal contact120substantially matches the external shape of the turned-over electrical contact110except for the upper part of the base end side plate-like part121.

The thermal contact120mainly has a function of transferring heat in the contact pin100(thermal contacting).

The thermal contact120has electrical conductivity and is formed such that Ni plating as an undercoat is applied to a substrate of a Cu based material (for example, beryllium copper), and plating whose main component is an Au based material is applied to the surface of the Ni layer. Note that these materials are mere examples.

The thermal contact120has the base end side plate-like part121located on the upper end side, an elastic deformation part122located at the middle, and a tip side plate-like part123located on the lower end side.

The base end side plate-like part121is a portion that is contacted to the IC package20.

A rectangular wider part121ais formed in the lower part of the base end side plate-like part121, and the external shape thereof is substantially an inverse-T shape.

An upper claw121b, an upper notch121c, a lower claw121d, and a lower notch121eare formed in the portion of the base end side plate-like part121above the wider part121a.

The upper claw121bis a portion having a shape such that a part of a first side face of the base end side plate-like part121is bent in a direction orthogonal to the extending direction of the thermal contact120. In the case ofFIG.9, a part of the left face of the base end side plate-like part121is bent to the backside, and thereby the upper claw121bis formed.

The upper notch121cis a portion having a shape such that a second side face of the base end side plate-like part121is partially notched. In the case ofFIG.9, the right face of the base end side plate-like part121is partially notched, and thereby the upper notch121cis formed.

The upper notch121cis formed at substantially the same height position as that of the upper claw121b.

The lower claw121dis a portion having a shape such that a part of the second side face of the base end side plate-like part121is bent to a direction orthogonal to the extending direction of the thermal contact120and a direction opposite to the upper claw121b. In the case ofFIG.9, a part of the right face of the base end side plate-like part121is bent to the front, and thereby the lower claw121dis formed.

The lower claw121dis formed below the upper notch121c.

The lower notch121eis a portion having a shape such that the first side face of the base end side plate-like part121is partially notched. In the case ofFIG.9, the left face of the base end side plate-like part121is partially notched, and thereby the lower notch121eis formed.

The lower notch121eis formed at substantially the same height position as that of the lower claw121d.

Note that no portion corresponding to the contact protruding part111fis formed on the top face of the base end side plate-like part121. That is, the top face of the base end side plate-like part121is formed planar.

A plurality of protrusions121gand a plurality of protrusions121hare formed arranged in a staggered manner on the surface of the base end side plate-like part121.

Each of the protrusions121gis a portion protruding in the plate thickness direction from the surface of the base end side plate-like part121. The protruding amount of the protrusion121gis smaller than the plate thickness of the thermal contact120. The protrusion121gis a part that is contacted to the surface of the base end side plate-like part111of the adjacent electrical contact110.

Each of the protrusions121his a portion protruding in the plate thickness direction and the direction opposite to the protrusions121gfrom the surface of the base end side plate-like part121. The protruding amount of the protrusion121his substantially the same as that of the protrusion121g. The protrusion121his a part that is contacted to the surface of the base end side plate-like part111of the adjacent electrical contact110. Note that the electrical contact110to which the protrusions121his contacted is different from the electrical contact110to which the protrusions121gis contacted.

In the case ofFIG.9, although the protrusions121gprotrude on the front side and the protrusions121hprotrude on the backside, these protrusion directions are mere examples.

Note that the shape of each protrusion, the number of protrusions, and the arrangement of the protrusions are not limited to the depicted form.

The elastic deformation part122is an elastically expandable or compressible portion. In the case ofFIG.9, the elastic deformation part122is a bellows-like plate spring having an upper end122aconnected to the bottom face of the wider part121aof the base end side plate-like part121and a lower end122bconnected to the tip side plate-like part123(in detail, the top face of the wider part123aof the tip side plate-like part123).

Note that the shape of the elastic deformation part122is not limited to a bellows-shaped plate spring.

The tip side plate-like part123is a portion that is contacted to an inspection board.

A rectangular wider part123ais formed in the upper part of the tip side plate-like part123, and the external shape thereof is substantially a T shape.

An upper claw123b, an upper notch123c, a lower claw123d, a lower notch123e, and a press-fit claw123hare formed in a portion of the tip side plate-like part123below the wider part123a.

The upper claw123bis a portion having a shape such that a part of a first side face of the tip side plate-like part123is bent in a direction orthogonal to the extending direction of the thermal contact120. In the case ofFIG.9, a part of the left face of the tip side plate-like part123is bent to the backside, and thereby the upper claw123bis formed.

The upper notch123cis a portion having a shape such that a second side face of the tip side plate-like part123is partially notched. In the case ofFIG.9, the right face of the tip side plate-like part123is partially notched, and thereby the upper notch123cis formed.

The upper notch123cis formed at substantially the same height position as that of the upper claw123b.

The lower claw123dis a portion having a shape such that a part of the second side face of the tip side plate-like part123is bent to a direction orthogonal to the extending direction of the thermal contact120and a direction opposite to the upper claw123b. In the case ofFIG.9, a part of the right face of the tip side plate-like part123is bent to the front, and thereby the lower claw123dis formed.

The lower claw123dis formed below the upper notch123c.

The lower notch123eis a portion having a shape such that the first side face of the tip side plate-like part123is partially notched. In the case ofFIG.9, the left face of the tip side plate-like part123is partially notched, and thereby the lower notch123eis formed.

The lower notch123eis formed at substantially the same height position as that of the lower claw123d.

The press-fit claw123his a protrusion formed in at least one of the first side face and the second side face of the tip side plate-like part123below the wider part123aand above the upper notch123c. Note that the press-fit claw123hmay be formed below the upper notch123cin accordance with the space.

The press-fit claw123hhas a function of locking the thermal contact120to the lower housing11. Note that, when it is not required to lock the thermal contact120to the lower housing11, the press-fit claw123hmay be omitted.

A plurality of protrusions123iand a plurality of protrusions123jare formed arranged in a staggered manner on the surface of the tip side plate-like part123.

Each of the protrusions123iis a portion protruding in the plate thickness direction from the surface of the tip side plate-like part123. The protruding amount of the protrusion123iis smaller than the plate thickness of the thermal contact120and substantially the same as that of the protrusion121gof the base end side plate-like part121. The protrusion123iis a part that is contacted to the surface of the tip side plate-like part113of the adjacent electrical contact110.

Each of the protrusions123jis a portion protruding in the plate thickness direction and the direction opposite to the protrusions123ifrom the surface of the tip side plate-like part123. The protruding amount of the protrusion123jis substantially the same as that of the protrusion123i. The protrusion123jis a part that is contacted to the surface of the tip side plate-like part113of the adjacent electrical contact110. Note that the electrical contact110to which the protrusions123jis contacted is different from the electrical contact110to which the protrusions123iis contacted.

In the case ofFIG.9, although the protrusions123iprotrude on the front side and the protrusions123jprotrude on the backside, these protrusion directions are mere examples.

Note that the shape of each protrusion, the number of protrusions, and the arrangement of the protrusions are not limited to the depicted form.

The thermal contact120is molded by, for example, press machining from a plate material that becomes the substrate.

Accordingly, a large number of thermal contacts120can be produced with high accuracy and with suppressed variation among products.

The thermal contact130described later also has the same configuration as the thermal contact120except for the dimension (the height position of the upper end) of the base end side plate-like part131.

The electrical contacts110and the thermal contacts120configured as described above are aligned alternatingly in the plate thickness direction as illustrated inFIG.10and laterally stacked as illustrated inFIG.6.

In this state, as illustrated inFIG.11toFIG.13, the contact pin100has the following structural features in a state where the electrical contacts110and the thermal contacts120are alternatingly, laterally stacked.

That is, the upper claw111bengages in the upper notch121cadjacent thereto in front, the upper claw121bengages in the upper notch111cadjacent thereto on backside, the lower claw111dengages in the lower notch121eadjacent thereto on backside, and the lower claw121dengages in the lower notch111eadjacent thereto in front.

In this state, as illustrated inFIG.13, the lower claw121dand the lower notch111eare designed in the dimensions so that the lower end of the lower claw121dis contacted to the lower end of the lower notch111eadjacent in front in a state where the positions of the top face of the wider part111aand the top face of the wider part121aare matched. InFIG.13, a contact part between a notch and a claw is indicated by a circle of a two-dot chain line.

Further, the upper claw111band the upper notch121care designed in the dimensions so as not to be contacted to each other in a state where the positions of the top face of the wider part111aand the top face of the wider part121aare matched.

Further, the upper claw121band the upper notch111care designed in the dimensions so as not to be contacted to each other in a state where the positions of the top face of the wider part111aand the top face of the wider part121aare matched.

Further, the lower claw111dand the lower notch121eare designed in the dimensions so as not to be contacted to each other in a state where the positions of the top face of the wider part111aand the top face of the wider part121aare matched.

As illustrated inFIG.11toFIG.13, in a state where the positions of the top face of the wider part111aand the top face of the wider part121aare matched, the upper end (the apexes of the contact protruding parts111f) of the base end side plate-like part111is located above the upper end (the top face) of the base end side plate-like part121. That is, the electrical contact110is designed to be taller than the thermal contact120.

Note that, inFIG.13, the cross-hatched region (component) represents the thermal contact120. Further, the white region (component) displayed in a part of the cross-hatched region represents a part of the electrical contact110in front of and adjacent to the cross-hatched thermal contact120. That is,FIG.13displays three components, namely, an electrical contact110, a thermal contact120, and another electrical contact110from back to front. The same applies toFIG.14.

As illustrated inFIG.3, in the contact pin100configured as described above, a portion from the wider part111ato the wider part113aof the electrical contact110and a portion from the wider part121ato the wider part123aof the thermal contact120(collectively, referred to as “middle portion of the contact pin100”) are accommodated in the accommodating space15defined by the lower recess11aand the upper recess12a.

In this state, the top face of each wider part111aand the top face of each wider part121aare in contact with the top surface of the upper recess12a, and the positions thereof are matched. Further, the bottom face of each wider part113aand the bottom face of each wider part123aare in contact with the bottom surface of the lower recess11a, and the positions thereof are matched.

Further, in this state, the elastic deformation part112of the electrical contact110and the elastic deformation part122of the thermal contact120are compressed, and the electrical contact110and the thermal contact120are shorter than the natural lengths thereof. That is, this is a state where a preload is applied to the electrical contact110and the thermal contact120.

Note that application of a preload is not essential. In such a case, each length of the elastic deformation part112of the electrical contact110and the elastic deformation part122of the thermal contact120is substantially the same as the natural length thereof when accommodated in the accommodating space15.

Further, when the middle portion of the contact pin100is accommodated in the accommodating space15, a portion of the base end side plate-like part111above the wider part111aand a portion of the base end side plate-like part121above the wider part121a(collectively, referred to as “base end portion of the contact pin100”) are inserted in the upper through hole12bof the upper housing12, and the ends thereof protrude out of the upper housing12.

Further, when the middle portion of the contact pin100is accommodated in the accommodating space15, a portion of the tip side plate-like part113below the wider part113aand a portion of the tip side plate-like part123below the wider part123a(collectively, referred to as “tip portion of the contact pin100”) are inserted in the lower through hole11bof the lower housing11, and the ends thereof protrude out of the lower housing11.

Further, when the press-fit claw113hand the press-fit claw123hhave been formed, the press-fit claw113hand the press-fit claw123hengage into the circumferential wall of the lower through hole11b, and thereby the contact pin100is locked to the lower housing11.

Next, the motion of the contact pin100will be described.

As illustrated inFIG.13, in a state where the position of the top face of the wider part111aand the top face of the wider part121aare matched, since the upper end of the base end side plate-like part111is located above the upper end of the base end side plate-like part121, the electrical contact110first comes into contact with the IC package20in the case where the IC package20is mounted in the socket for inspection10(seeFIG.5).

In the process after the electrical contact110has come into contact with the IC package20, the electrical contact110and the thermal contact120move as follows.

[When Electrical Contacts are Pushed Down (Contact Pins are Compressed)]

As illustrated inFIG.13andFIG.14, first, only the electrical contact110is pushed down by the IC package20, and the elastic deformation part112is compressed.

At this time, the electrical contact110is movable independently of the thermal contact120. That is, during the process in which only the electrical contact110is being pushed down by the IC package20, the electrical contact110slides against the thermal contact120.

Afterwards, when the electrical contact110has been pushed down by a predetermined amount, the lower end of the upper claw111bcomes into contact with the lower end of the upper notch121cadjacent thereto in front, and the upper end of the upper claw121bcomes into contact with the upper end of the upper notch111cadjacent thereto on backside. Further, in response to the electrical contact110being lowered, the lower end of the lower notch111eis spaced away from the lower end of the lower claw121dadjacent thereto on backside.

InFIG.14, a contact part between a notch and a claw is indicated by a circle of a two-dot chain line.

Note that the “predetermined amount” is determined by the distance between the lower end of the upper claw111band the lower end of the adjacent upper notch121c(the distance between the lower end of the upper claw121band the lower end of the adjacent upper notch111c) in a state where the positions of the top face of the wider part111aand the top face of the wider part121aare matched.

Further, the “predetermined amount” is smaller than the final displacement by which the electrical contact110is pushed down by the IC package20.

Next, when the electrical contact110has been further pushed down (that is, the electrical contact110has been pushed down beyond the predetermined amount), since the lower end of the upper claw111bis in contact with the lower end of the upper notch121cand the upper end of the upper notch111cis in contact with the upper end of the upper claw121b, the electrical contact110will be further pushed down while interlocked with the thermal contact120.

That is, when the electrical contact110has been pushed down beyond the predetermined amount, the electrical contact110and the thermal contact120are interlocked in the direction in which the electrical contact110is pushed down.

When the electrical contact110and the thermal contact120are interlocked, the electrical contact110is subjected not only to restoring force of the elastic deformation part112of its own but also to restoring force of the elastic deformation part122of the thermal contact120via the contact part. That is, the contact pressure of the electrical contact110against the IC package20increases, and this improves the electrical contact property.

[When Electrical Contacts are Moved Back to the Original Position (Contact Pins are Expanded)]

When the electrical contact110is moved back to the original position from being pushed down beyond the predetermined amount, the electrical contact110and the thermal contact120are usually expanded at the same time and moved back to the original position.

However, when the thermal contact120is stuck (which is a phenomenon of being caught) for some reason, only the electrical contact110continues to move back to the original position. Thus, in the process in which the electrical contact110is being expanded, the lower end of the lower notch111ecomes into contact with the lower end of the lower claw121dadjacent thereto on backside.

In response, the stuck thermal contact120is subjected to the restoring force of the elastic deformation part112of the electrical contact110via the contact part.

Thus, the thermal contact120is moved back to the original position while being interlocked with the electrical contact110. That is, the stuck state of the thermal contact120is eliminated.

Further, even when the electrical contact110is stuck for some reason, the lower end of the upper notch121cis in contact with the lower end of the upper claw111badjacent thereto on backside, and the upper end of the upper claw121bis in contact with the upper end of the upper notch111cadjacent on backside. Thus, the stuck electrical contact110is subjected to the restoring force of the elastic deformation part122of the thermal contact120via the contact part.

Thus, the electrical contact110is moved back to the original position while being interlocked with the thermal contact120. That is, the stuck state of the electrical contact110is eliminated.

To summarize the above, with the upper claw111bengaged in the upper notch121c, the upper claw121bengaged into the upper notch111c, the lower claw111dengaged into the lower notch121e, and the lower claw121dengaged into the lower notch111e, the followings are configured:(1) a mechanism (compression interlock mechanism) that interlocks the electrical contact110and the thermal contact120adjacent thereto in the compression direction when the electrical contact110is pushed down (compressed) by a predetermined amount, and(2) a mechanism (expansion interlock mechanism) that interlocks the electrical contact110and the thermal contact120adjacent thereto in the expansion direction when the electrical contact110is moved back to the original position from being pushed down beyond the predetermined amount.

Note that a similar interlock mechanism can be employed also for the tip side plate-like part113of the electrical contact110and the tip side plate-like part123of the thermal contact120.

In the process of the contact pin100being compressed or expanded, the laterally stacked electrical contacts110and thermal contacts120may slide against each other.

At this time, as illustrated inFIG.8andFIG.9, the protrusions111gand the protrusions111hprovided to the base end side plate-like part111, the protrusions121gand the protrusions121hprovided to the base end side plate-like part121, the protrusions113iand the protrusions113jprovided to the tip side plate-like part113, and the protrusions123iand the protrusions123jprovided to the tip side plate-like part123function as follows.

As illustrated inFIG.10, the base end side plate-like part111is in contact with the base end side plate-like part121adjacent on backside via the protrusions111h. Further, the base end side plate-like part111is in contact with the base end side plate-like part121adjacent in front via the protrusions111g. Further, the base end side plate-like part121is in contact with the base end side plate-like part111adjacent on backside via the protrusions121h. Further, the base end side plate-like part121is in contact with the base end side plate-like part111adjacent in front via the protrusions121g.

In the same manner to the above, the tip side plate-like part113is in contact with the tip side plate-like part123adjacent on backside via the protrusions113j. Further, the tip side plate-like part113is in contact with the tip side plate-like part123adjacent in front via the protrusions113i. Further, the tip side plate-like part123is in contact with the tip side plate-like part113adjacent on backside via the protrusions123j. Further, the tip side plate-like part123is in contact with the tip side plate-like part113adjacent in front via the protrusions123i.

Further, the protruding amounts of respective protrusions are substantially the same.

Note that, inFIG.10, the protrusion111hand the protrusion113jindicated by two-dot chain lines represent a view of the protrusion111hand the protrusion113jof the adjacent electrical contact110in contact. Further, the protrusion121hand the protrusion123jindicated by two-dot chain lines represent a view of the protrusion121hand the protrusion123jof the adjacent thermal contact120in contact.

The protrusions111h, the protrusions113j, the protrusions121h, and the protrusions123jare arranged so as not to interfere with each other when the electrical contacts110and the thermal contacts120are laterally stacked. Similarly, although not illustrated, the protrusions111g, the protrusions113i, the protrusions121g, and the protrusions123iare arranged so as not to interfere with each other when the electrical contacts110and the thermal contacts120are laterally stacked.

As described above, because such protrusions are provided, sliding parts are limited to these protrusions on the base end side plate-like part111and the base end side plate-like part121. Thus, sliding with a large face can be avoided, and the sliding area can be reduced.

Herein, in terms of reducing the sliding area, it is preferable that respective protrusions (in particular, the protrusion111g, the protrusion111h, the protrusion121g, and the protrusion121h) have a shape such that the contact part is close to a point as much as possible, such as being tapered in the protruding direction, being hemispherical, or the like.

Furthermore, because such protrusions are provided, a clearance is ensured between the electrical contact110and the thermal contact120. Further, the distance (the dimension of the clearance) between the electrical contact110and the thermal contact120can be determined by the protruding amount of these protrusions.

By suitably setting this clearance, that is, by suitably setting the protruding amount of each protrusion, it is possible to prevent melted solder or flux from rising in the clearance due to a capillary phenomenon when the socket for inspection10is mounted on the printed wiring board.

Further, because such a clearance is provided, the electrical contact110and the thermal contact120are spaced away from each other in the plate thickness direction, and therefore, a larger bending amount can be ensured for each claw (the upper claw111b, the lower claw111d, the upper claw113b, the lower claw113d, the upper claw121b, the lower claw121d, the upper claw123b, and the lower claw123d). A smaller bending amount may make it difficult to bend each claw in press machining and result in a poor machining property. Accordingly, the bending amount is ensured as large as possible, and thereby the machining property in press machining is improved.

Further, because such a clearance is provided, interference with a punching burr occurring on the thermal contact120or the electrical contact110facing the electrical contact110or the thermal contact120can be avoided.

Further, because such a clearance is provided, vibration (motion in the plate thickness direction) of the elastic deformation part112of the electrical contact110or the elastic deformation part122of the thermal contact120can be absorbed by the clearance.

Note that, when the protruding amounts are made equal for all the protrusions, the electrical contact110and the thermal contact120are made parallel. In detail, the base end side plate-like part111and the base end side plate-like part121are made parallel, and the tip side plate-like part113and the tip side plate-like part123are made parallel.

The electrical contact110and the thermal contact120configured as set forth are bundled and held by the casing140, as illustrated inFIG.7.

The casing140is formed such that Ni plating as an undercoat is applied to a substrate of a Cu based material (for example, beryllium copper), and plating whose main component is an Au based material is applied to the surface of the Ni layer. Note that, while these materials are mere examples, the casing140has substantially the same electrical conductivity as or preferably higher electrical conductivity than the electrical contact110and the thermal contact120.

As illustrated inFIG.15toFIG.17, the casing140has a first plate-like part141, a second plate-like part (stationary piece)142facing the first plate-like part141, and a connecting plate-like part143connecting these plate-like parts to each other.

The first plate-like part141is a plate-like portion extending in the same direction as the electrical contact110and the thermal contact120.

In the first plate-like part141, a movable piece141dis formed in the upper part, a wider part141band a press-fit claw141hare formed in the middle, and a protrusion141ais formed below the movable piece141d.

As illustrated inFIG.17, the movable piece141dhas a bent part located above the upper end of the second plate-like part142and being convex on the second plate-like part142side, and this bent part is elastically contacted to the base end side plate-like part111of the electrical contact110located at the outermost face or the base end side plate-like part121of the thermal contact120located at the outermost face.

As illustrated inFIG.15orFIG.16, the wider part141bis a portion where both side faces of the first plate-like part141are partially widened in the width direction.

As illustrated inFIG.15, the press-fit claw141his a protrusion formed on both side faces of the first plate-like part141below the wider part141b.

The press-fit claw141hhas a function of locking the casing140to the lower housing11. Note that, when it is not required to lock the casing140to the lower housing11, the press-fit claw141hmay be omitted.

The protrusion141ahas a vertically long shape formed from an area near the base end of the movable piece141dto the lower part of the first plate-like part141and protrudes toward the second plate-like part142side (backside ofFIG.15).

The protrusion141ais a portion that, when the casing140is overlapped with another casing140, is contacted to the second plate-like part142of another casing140.

The second plate-like part142is a plate-like portion extending in the same direction as the electrical contact110and the thermal contact120.

The second plate-like part142is arranged facing the first plate-like part141.

In the second plate-like part142, a base end holding part142dis formed in the upper part, a wider part142band a press-fit claw142hare formed in the middle, and a tip holding part142eis formed in the lower part.

As illustrated inFIG.15toFIG.17, the base end holding part142dis a claw-like portion protruding from both side faces of the second plate-like part142toward the first plate-like part141.

As illustrated inFIG.15orFIG.16, the wider part142bis a portion where both side faces of the second plate-like part142are partially widened in the width direction.

As illustrated inFIG.15toFIG.17, the tip holding part142eis a portion protruding from the first side face of the second plate-like part142to the first plate-like part141side (front side inFIG.15) and bent such that a part of the end face thereof is made parallel to the second plate-like part142.

As illustrated inFIG.16, the press-fit claw142his a protrusion formed on both side faces of the second plate-like part142below the wider part142b.

The press-fit claw142hhas a function of locking the casing140to the lower housing11. Note that, when it is not required to lock the casing140to the lower housing11, the press-fit claw142hmay be omitted.

The connecting plate-like part143is a plate-like portion connecting the first side face of the first plate-like part141and the first side face of the second plate-like part142to each other above the wider part141band the wider part142b.

As illustrated inFIG.17, a plurality of circular protrusions142aprotruding toward the first plate-like part141side (backside inFIG.17) are formed on a portion inside the second plate-like part142corresponding to the position of the tip side plate-like part113of the electrical contact110or the tip side plate-like part123of the thermal contact120. The protruding amounts of respective protrusions142aare substantially the same.

The protrusions142aare portions that are contacted to the tip side plate-like part113of the electrical contact110located at the outermost face or the tip side plate-like part123of the thermal contact120located at the outermost face.

Note that the shape of the protrusion142a, the number of protrusions142a, and the arrangement of the protrusions142aare not limited to the depicted form.

It is preferable to prepare two casings140each configured as described above, as illustrated inFIG.18.

Each casing140is fitted from the side of the electrical contact110and the thermal contact120so that the laterally stacked electrical contacts110and thermal contacts120are inserted between the first plate-like part141and the second plate-like part142. In this state, the second plate-like part142of the other casing140is overlapped with the inside of the first plate-like part141of one casing140, and the second plate-like part142of the one casing140is overlapped with the inside of the first plate-like part141of the other casing140.

Accordingly, each casing140holds the laterally stacked electrical contacts110and thermal contacts120so that the laterally stacked electrical contacts110and thermal contacts120are slidable against each other by each movable piece141d. Further, each casing140guides the laterally stacked electrical contacts110and thermal contacts120by the connecting plate-like part143, the base end holding part142d, and the tip holding part142eso that the laterally stacked electrical contacts110and thermal contacts120do not fluctuate.

Thus, as illustrated inFIG.7,FIG.19, andFIG.20, the laterally stacked electrical contacts110and thermal contacts120are bundled by the two casings140in a state where a moderate contact pressure is maintained in the lateral stacking direction. Further, since the casings140function as a guide for the laterally stacked electrical contacts110and thermal contacts120, the straightness in expansion and compression of the electrical contact110and the thermal contact120is improved.

In this state, the casing140is in contact with the electrical contact110and the thermal contact120so as to bypass the elastic deformation part112of the electrical contact110and the elastic deformation part122of the thermal contact120by the bent part of the movable piece141dand the protrusion142aof the second plate-like part142.

Accordingly, a path bypassing the elastic deformation part112and the elastic deformation part122having long paths and thus having high electrical resistance or thermal resistance can be formed by using the casing140, as indicated by the arrow illustrated inFIG.17.

Further, as illustrated inFIG.18andFIG.19, in a state where two casings140are overlapped with each other, the protrusion141aformed on the first plate-like part141of one casing140comes into contact with the second plate-like part142of the other casing140, and thereby a clearance is ensured between the first plate-like part141(the portion except for the protrusion141a) of the one casing140and the second plate-like part142of the other casing140. Further, the distance between the first plate-like part141of one casing140and the second plate-like part142of the other casing140can be determined by the protruding amount of the protrusion141a.

By suitably setting this clearance, that is, by suitably setting the protruding amount of the protrusion141a, it is possible to prevent melted solder or flux from rising in the clearance due to a capillary phenomenon.

Further, because such a clearance is provided, interference with a punching burr occurring on the second plate-like part142of another casing140facing the first plate-like part141can be avoided.

Further, when the protrusion141ais formed from a position closer to the movable piece141das much as possible, the protrusion141acan be contacted to the upper part (that is, a position close to the IC package20) of the second plate-like part142of another casing140that is the contact target. Further, with the protrusion141ahaving a vertically long shape, the contact area with the second plate-like part142can be increased. This can improve heat dissipation performance via the casing140.

Herein, inFIG.18, the protrusion141aindicated by a two-dot chain line in the second plate-like part142of the left casing140represents a contact part with the protrusion141aformed on the first plate-like part141of the right casing140.

Further, in a state where the casing140holds the laterally stacked electrical contacts110and thermal contacts120, when the protrusion142aformed on the second plate-like part142of the casing140comes into contact with the electrical contact110or the thermal contact120, a clearance is ensured between the second plate-like part142(the portion except for the protrusion142a) of the casing140and the electrical contact110or the thermal contact120. Further, the distance between the second plate-like part142and the electrical contact110or the thermal contact120can be determined by the protruding amount of the protrusion142a.

By suitably setting this clearance, that is, by suitably setting the protruding amount of the protrusion142a, it is possible to prevent melted solder or flux from rising in the clearance due to a capillary phenomenon.

Further, because such a clearance is provided, the second plate-like part142and the electrical contact110or the thermal contact120are spaced away from each other in the plate thickness direction, and therefore, a larger bending amount can be ensured for the tip holding part142ethat holds the electrical contact110or the thermal contact120. A smaller bending amount may make it difficult to bend the tip holding part142ein press machining and result in a poor machining property. Accordingly, the bending amount is ensured as large as possible, and thereby the machining property in press machining is improved.

Further, because such a clearance is provided, interference with a punching burr occurring on the electrical contact110or the thermal contact120facing the second plate-like part142can be avoided.

Further, because such a clearance is provided, vibration (motion in the plate thickness direction) of the elastic deformation part112of the electrical contact110or the elastic deformation part122of the thermal contact120facing the second plate-like part142can be absorbed by the clearance.

Herein, the protrusion142aindicated by a two-dot chain line in the front thermal contact120represents a contact part with the protrusion142aformed on the second plate-like part142of the left casing140.

Note that, although one casing140may be enough, it is preferable to provide two casings140in terms of stability of holding or the function as a guide.

Further, also in terms of ensuring a large sectional area of the bypass path, it is preferable to use two casings140.

The casing140is molded by, for example, press machining from a plate material that becomes the substrate.

Accordingly, a large number of casings140can be produced with high accuracy and with suppressed variation among products.

The contact pin100formed as described above may have at least any one of the following mechanisms.

<Mechanism for Preventing Excessive Compression>

As illustrated inFIG.7, the contact pin100may be configured such that, when the electrical contact110and the thermal contact120are pushed down, the bottom face of the wider part111aof the electrical contact110and the bottom face of the wider part121aof the thermal contact120come into contact with the top face of the connecting plate-like part143of the casing140. That is, the top face of the connecting plate-like part143may be used as a stopper against the bottom face of the wider part111aand the bottom face of the wider part121a.

This makes it possible to restrict the amount of compression of the electrical contact110and the thermal contact120and therefore prevent the electrical contact110and the thermal contact120from being excessively compressed and damaged.

As illustrated inFIG.15,FIG.16, andFIG.20, in the assembled contact pin100, the notch141cand the notch142cthat expose the lower end112bof the elastic deformation part112and the lower end122bof the elastic deformation part122may be provided in the first plate-like part141and the second plate-like part142of the casing140.

In the case ofFIG.20, the notch141cis formed in the first plate-like part141right above the wider part141b, and the notch142cis formed in the second plate-like part142right above the wider part142b.

Even when solder wicking or flux wicking occurs when the contact pin100is soldered, the notch141cand the notch142callow the melted solder or flux to flow so as to avoid the lower end112bof the elastic deformation part112and the lower end122bof the elastic deformation part122.

Accordingly, the elastic deformation part112and the elastic deformation part122are not stuck by solder or flux, and desired elasticity can be exerted.

As illustrated inFIG.21, a region R having a lower wettability than other regions may be provided on the surface of the tip side plate-like part113of the electrical contact110. In the case ofFIG.21, the region R is provided in a portion of the tip side plate-like part113below the wider part113a.

Accordingly, even when solder wicking or flux wicking occurs when the contact pin100is soldered, the melted solder or flux will be retained in the region R, and the elastic deformation part112are not stuck by the solder or flux. Thus, desired elasticity can be exerted.

Note that the region R may also be provided in the thermal contact120.

An example method of reducing wettability may be a method of applying masking to a portion corresponding to the region R in advance before applying plating of an Au based material to the electrical contact110and then exposing the Ni layer that is the undercoat in the region R.

Further, as illustrated inFIG.22andFIG.23, the region R having a lower wettability than other regions may be provided on the surface of the first plate-like part141and the second plate-like part142in the casing140in the same manner as with the electrical contact110.

It is preferable to provide the region R in a portion located below the elastic deformation part112and the elastic deformation part122, for example, a portion below the wider part141bof the first plate-like part141and a portion below the wider part142bof the second plate-like part142when the casing140bundles the electrical contacts110and the thermal contacts120.

[Combination of Contact Pins]

The example of two types of contacts, namely, the electrical contact110and the thermal contact120shorter than the electrical contact110has been described so far.

However, the contact pin100may be configured in accordance with the use by preparing a thermal contact130having the same vertical height as the electrical contact110, as illustrated inFIG.24, and then selecting and combining some of the listed contacts, as illustrated in the table ofFIG.25.

Note that “height (shorter/taller)” means the distance from the top face of the wider part111a,121a,131ato the upper end of the base end side plate-like part111,121,131, as illustrated inFIG.24.

Further, the thermal contact130may be denoted as “taller thermal contact130” for convenience.

As illustrated inFIG.26, the contact pin100may be formed of only the electrical contacts110for all the contacts.

This contact pin100is used when the primary purpose is to have electrical contact with the IC package20.

In such a configuration, all the electrical contacts110will be in contact with the IC package20.

In this state, since the electrical contacts110are movable independent of each other, even when the E-Pad of the IC package20has distortion or the heights of these electrical contacts110have slight variation, the levels can be compensated to absorb the distortion or the slight variation. As used herein, “slight variation” refers to variation within a smaller range than the distance between the lower end of the upper claw111band the lower end of the adjacent upper notch111c.

Note that, since all the electrical contacts110have the same height, the compression interlock mechanism does not function.

As already described, as illustrated inFIG.11, the contact pin100may be formed of the electrical contacts110and the shorter thermal contacts120in combination.

This contact pin100is used when the purpose is to have electrical contact and thermal contact with the IC package20.

In such a configuration, the electrical contacts110will be in contact with the IC package20.

In this state, since the electrical contacts110are movable independent of each other in a predetermined range of the pushed-down amount, even when the E-Pad of the IC package20has distortion or the heights of these electrical contacts110have slight variation, the levels can be compensated to absorb the distortion or the slight variation. As used herein, “slight variation” refers to variation within a smaller range than the distance between the lower end of the upper claw111band the lower end of the adjacent upper notch121c(the distance between the lower end of the upper claw121band the lower end of the adjacent upper notch111c).

Further, the contact pressure at the electrical contact110against the IC package20is increased by the compression interlock mechanism, and the electrical contact property is thus improved. Further, stuck prevention is realized by the expansion interlock mechanism.

Note that, although the thermal contact120is not contacted to the IC package20, heat of the IC package20is transferred to the thermal contact120via the electrical contact110. Thus, the thermal contact120has a function of increasing the sectional area of the heat transfer path, and as a result, the thermal performance is improved.

As illustrated inFIG.27, the contact pin100may be formed of the electrical contacts110and the taller thermal contacts130in combination.

This contact pin100is used when the purpose is to have electrical contact and thermal contact with the IC package20.

In such a configuration, all the electrical contacts110and all the thermal contacts130will be in contact with the IC package20.

In this state, since the electrical contacts110and the thermal contacts130are movable independent of each other, even when the E-Pad of the IC package20has distortion or the heights of these electrical contacts110have slight variation, the levels can be compensated to absorb the distortion or the slight variation. As used herein, “slight variation” refers to variation within a smaller range than the distance between the lower end of the upper claw111band the lower end of the adjacent upper notch131c.

Further, since the thermal contact130is directly contacted to the IC package20, the thermal performance is improved. Furthermore, the thermal contact130and the IC package are contacted to each other at the surfaces thereof, which is advantageous in efficiency of heat transfer.

Note that, since all the electrical contacts110and the thermal contacts130have the same height, the compression interlock mechanism does not function.

As illustrated inFIG.28, the contact pin100may be formed of the shorter thermal contacts120and the taller thermal contacts130in combination.

This contact pin100is used when the purpose is to have electrical contact and thermal contact with the IC package20.

In such a configuration, all the taller thermal contacts130will be in contact with the IC package20.

In this state, since the thermal contacts130are movable independent of each other in a predetermined range of the pushed-down amount, even when the E-Pad of the IC package has distortion or the heights of these thermal contacts130have slight variation, the levels can be compensated to absorb the distortion or the slight variation. As used herein, “slight variation” refers to variation within a smaller range than the distance between the lower end of the upper claw131band the lower end of the adjacent upper notch121c.

Further, the contact pressure at the thermal contact130against the IC package20is increased by the compression interlock mechanism, and the electrical contact property is thus improved. Further, stuck prevention is realized by the expansion interlock mechanism.

Note that, although the thermal contact120is not contacted to the IC package20, heat of the IC package20is transferred to the thermal contact120via the thermal contact130. Thus, the thermal contact120has a function of increasing the sectional area of the heat transfer path, and as a result, the thermal performance is improved.

For example, the contact pin100may be formed of only the shorter thermal contacts120for all the contacts.

This contact pin100is used when the primary purpose is to have thermal contact with the IC package20.

In such a configuration, all the thermal contacts120will be in contact with the IC package20.

In this state, since the thermal contacts120are movable independent of each other, even when the E-Pad of the IC package20has distortion or the heights of these thermal contacts120have slight variation, the levels can be compensated to absorb the distortion or the slight variation. As used herein, “slight variation” refers to variation within a smaller range than the distance between the lower end of the upper claw121band the lower end of the adjacent upper notch121c.

Note that, since all the thermal contacts120have the same height, the compression interlock mechanism does not function.

The same applies to a case where the contact pin100is formed of only the taller thermal contacts130for all the contacts.

[Modified Example of Casing]

Other than the casing140illustrated inFIG.18, for example, a casing240illustrated inFIG.29or a casing340illustrated inFIG.31may be used to bundle the electrical contacts110and/or the thermal contacts120.

As illustrated inFIG.29, the casing240has a first plate-like part241, a second plate-like part242facing the first plate-like part241, and a connecting plate-like part243connecting these plate-like parts to each other.

The first plate-like part241is a plate-like portion extending in the same direction as the thermal contact120.

In the first plate-like part241, a movable piece241ais formed in the upper part, and a wider part241bis formed in the middle.

The movable piece241ahas a tip part inclined to the second plate-like part242side, and this tip part is elastically contacted to the base end side plate-like part121of the thermal contact120located at the outermost face.

The wider part241bis a portion where both side faces of the first plate-like part241are partially widened in the width direction and is contacted to the wider part123aof the thermal contact120located at the outermost face.

The second plate-like part242is a plate-like portion extending in the same direction as the thermal contact120.

In the second plate-like part242, a movable piece242ais formed in the upper part, and a wider part242bis formed in the middle.

The movable piece242ahas a tip part inclined to the first plate-like part241side, and this tip part is elastically contacted to the base end side plate-like part121of the thermal contact120located at the outermost face.

The wider part242bis a portion where both side faces of the second plate-like part242are partially widened in the width direction and is contacted to the wider part123aof the outermost thermal contact120.

The connecting plate-like part243is a plate-like portion connecting the first side face of the first plate-like part241and the first side face of the second plate-like part242to each other below the wider part241band the wider part242b.

The casing240configured as set forth is fitted from the side of the thermal contact120so that the laterally stacked thermal contacts120are inserted between the first plate-like part241and the second plate-like part242, as illustrated inFIG.30.

In this state, the first plate-like part241is in contact with the thermal contact120so as to bypass the elastic deformation part122by the tip part of the movable piece241aand the wider part241b.

Further, the second plate-like part242is in contact with the thermal contact120so as to bypass the elastic deformation part122by the tip part of the movable piece242aand the wider part242b.

Accordingly, a path bypassing the elastic deformation part112and the elastic deformation part122having long paths and thus having high electrical resistance or thermal resistance can be formed by using the casing240. Further, variation in the thicknesses of the laterally stacked thermal contacts120can be efficiently absorbed.

Note that, in the contact pin100illustrated inFIG.30, the casing240bundles only the thermal contacts120but may bundle the electrical contacts110or the thermal contacts130or a combination thereof in the same manner as the casing140.

As illustrated inFIG.31, the casing340has a first plate-like part341, a second plate-like part342facing the first plate-like part341, and a connecting plate-like part343connecting these plate-like parts to each other.

The first plate-like part341is a plate-like portion extending in the same direction as the thermal contact120.

The first plate-like part341has a bent part convex to the second plate-like part342side at the tip, and this bent part is contacted to the tip side plate-like part123of the outermost thermal contact120.

The second plate-like part342is a plate-like portion extending in the same direction as the thermal contact120.

The second plate-like part342has a bent part convex to the first plate-like part341side at the tip, and this bent part is contacted to the tip side plate-like part123of the outermost thermal contact120.

The connecting plate-like part343is a plate-like portion connecting the top face of the first plate-like part341and the top face of the second plate-like part342to each other.

In this state, the first plate-like part341and the second plate-like part342are elastically connected to the connecting plate-like part343.

The casing340configured as set forth is fitted from above of the thermal contact120so that the laterally stacked thermal contacts120are inserted between the first plate-like part341and the second plate-like part342, as illustrated inFIG.32.

In this state, the connecting plate-like part343is in contact with the upper faces of all the thermal contacts120.

Note that, in the contact pin100illustrated inFIG.32, the casing340bundles only the thermal contacts120but may bundle the thermal contacts130or a combination thereof.

According to the present embodiment, the following effects and advantages are achieved.

That is, since the plurality of contacts (for example, the electrical contacts110and the thermal contacts120) are laterally stacked adjacent to each other and are movable independently of each other, the contact pin100can be contacted to the IC package20at multiple contact points when a single contact is viewed as a single contact point. Further, the plurality of contacts can compensate distortion or variation in the level. This can improve the contact reliability of the contact pin100to the IC package20.

Further, when each component is molded by press machining from a plate material, structural simplification, a cost reduction, a shorter delivery time, or the like can be realized.

Further, since the compression interlock mechanism is provided, the elastic force thereof and the elastic force of the adjacent thermal contact120work on the electrical contact110, for example, and the contact pressure of the electrical contact110against the IC package20can be increased.

Further, since the expansion interlock mechanism is provided, even when the electrical contact110or the thermal contact120, for example, is stuck for some reason, the stuck can be eliminated by the expanded electrical contact110or thermal contact120.

As described above, the use of the compression interlock mechanism and the expansion interlock mechanism can improve the contact reliability of the contact pin100to the IC package20.

Further, since the electrical contact110having the higher height position and the thermal contact120having the lower height position are alternatingly aligned and laterally stacked, the elastic force of the shorter thermal contact120can be caused to work on the taller electrical contact110.

Further, since the casing140is provided, the handleability of the laterally stacked electrical contacts110and thermal contacts120can be improved.

Further, the use of the casing140as the function of a guide in expansion and compression of the electrical contact110and the thermal contact120, the straightness of the electrical contact110and the thermal contact120can be improved.

Further, since the casing140has the notch141cand the notch142c, even when solder wicking or flux wicking occurs, the melted solder or flux flows so as to avoid the lower end112bof the elastic deformation part112and the lower end122bof the elastic deformation part122. Accordingly, the lower end112bof the elastic deformation part112and the lower end122bof the elastic deformation part122are not stuck by solder or flux, and desired elasticity can be exerted.

Further, since the region R having a lower wettability is formed in the electrical contact110and the thermal contact120, even when solder wicking or flux wicking occurs, the melted solder or flux is retained in the lower wettability region R, and the lower end112bof the elastic deformation part112and the lower end122bof the elastic deformation part122are not stuck by the solder or flux. Thus, desired elasticity can be exerted. The same applies to the casing140.

Further, since the protrusions111g,111h,113i,113jare formed on the electrical contact110and the protrusions121g,121h,123i,123jare formed on the thermal contact120, a clearance can be provided between the electrical contact110and the thermal contact120by respective protrusions. Further, it is possible to determine the distance between the electrical contact110and the thermal contact120by the protruding amount of each protrusion.

By suitably setting this clearance, that is, by suitably setting the protruding amount of each protrusion, it is possible to prevent melted solder or flux from rising in the clearance due to a capillary phenomenon.

Further, because such a clearance is provided, the electrical contact110and the thermal contact120are spaced away from each other in the plate thickness direction. Thus, a large bending amount of each claw can be ensured, and the machining property in press machining is improved.

Further, because such a clearance is provided, interference with a punching burr occurring on the thermal contact120or the electrical contact110facing the electrical contact110or the thermal contact120can be avoided.

Further, because such a clearance is provided, vibration (motion in the plate thickness direction) of the elastic deformation part112of the electrical contact110or the elastic deformation part122of the thermal contact120can be absorbed by the clearance.

Further, since the protrusion141ais formed on the first plate-like part141, a clearance can be provided between the first plate-like part141and the second plate-like part142of the other casing140by the protrusion141a. Further, it is possible to determine the distance between the first plate-like part141of one casing140and the second plate-like part142of the other casing140by the protruding amount of the protrusion141a.

By suitably setting this clearance, that is, by suitably setting the protruding amount of the protrusion141a, it is possible to prevent melted solder or flux from rising in the clearance due to a capillary phenomenon.

Further, because such a clearance is provided, interference with a punching burr occurring on the second plate-like part142of another casing140facing the first plate-like part141can be avoided.

Further, when the protrusion141ais formed from a position closer to the movable piece141das much as possible, the protrusion141acan be contacted to the upper part (that is, a position close to the IC package20) of the second plate-like part142of another casing140that is the contact target. Further, with the protrusion141ahaving a vertically long shape, the contact area with the second plate-like part142can be increased. This can improve heat dissipation performance via the casing140.

Further, since the protrusion142ais formed on the second plate-like part142, a clearance can be provided between the second plate-like part142and the electrical contact110or the thermal contact120. Further, it is possible to determine the distance between the second plate-like part142and the electrical contact110or the thermal contact120by the protruding amount of the protrusion142a.

By suitably setting this clearance, that is, by suitably setting the protruding amount of the protrusion142a, it is possible to prevent melted solder or flux from rising in the clearance due to a capillary phenomenon.

Further, because such a clearance is provided, the second plate-like part142and the electrical contact110or the thermal contact120are spaced away from each other in the plate thickness direction, and therefore, a larger bending amount can be ensured for the tip holding part142ethat holds the electrical contact110or the thermal contact120. A smaller bending amount may make it difficult to bend the tip holding part142ein press machining and result in a poor machining property. Accordingly, the bending amount is ensured as large as possible, and thereby the machining property in press machining is improved.

Further, because such a clearance is provided, interference with a punching burr occurring on the electrical contact110or the thermal contact120facing the second plate-like part142can be avoided.

Further, because such a clearance is provided, vibration (motion in the plate thickness direction) of the elastic deformation part112of the electrical contact110or the elastic deformation part122of the thermal contact120facing the second plate-like part142can be absorbed by the clearance.

Note that the contact target of the contact pin100is not limited as long as the contact pin100according to the present embodiment can be replaced with a conventional probe pin.

For example, the contact target of the contact pin100may be solder ball terminals when the IC package20is a Ball Grid Array (BGA) or land terminals when the IC package is a Land Grid Array (LGA).

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST