Pin extractor

A pin extractor is disclosed. The pin extractor can comprise a press to act against a clip securing a pin to be extracted. The press can have a clip interface feature at an end of the press configured to compress the clip radially inward upon application of a force against the clip. The pin extractor can also comprise a puller having a claw to engage the pin. The puller can be movable relative to the press to extract the pin as the press compresses the clip radially inward.

BACKGROUND

Electronic components often utilize one or more pins to facilitate an electrical connection. Some pins are designed to accommodate repeated connections and disconnections as electronic components are interchanged, such as in an electronic test station with a circuit card assembly. Due to repeated use, pin contacts can wear out necessitating replacement or repair of some pins. Accordingly, removal tools and compatible pins have been designed to provide for easy removal of the pins, which facilitates repair of the pin contacts and reuse of the pins without damaging the pins upon removal. However, some pins have been designed to be destructively removed, in that the pins include no features that facilitate removal without deformation of the pins. Such pins are typically removed with pliers or other gripping or clamping tools that can pull and twist the pins for removal. The old pins are then replaced with new pins since the old pins have been deformed beyond repair upon removal.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Although replacement pins for those that are destructively removed are often available, sometimes manufacturers cease production of particular models of such pins and no suitable replacements are available. In this case, it can be desirable to repair or refurbish old used pins for reuse. However, due to the destructive nature of the typical removal tools and processes, repair and reuse of these pins is not possible. Thus, pins that are typically destroyed when extracted can be salvaged and reused by an extraction tool that can remove these pins without damage.

Accordingly, a pin extractor is disclosed that facilitates removal of pins without damage in a manner that would permit repair and/or reuse of the pins. Prior related devices typically destructively remove such pins to the point that would prevent their repair and reuse. In one aspect, the pin extractor is operable to remove a “paddle” style pin, such as may be used in an electronic test station with a circuit card assembly. The pin extractor can include a press to act against a clip securing a pin to be extracted. The press can have a clip interface feature at an end of the press configured to compress the clip radially inward upon application of a force against the clip. The pin extractor can also include a puller that can have a claw to engage the pin. The puller can be movable relative to the press to extract the pin as the press compresses the clip radially inward.

In one aspect, a pin extraction system is disclosed. The system can include a pin to be extracted, a clip securing the pin, and a pin extractor. The pin extractor can include a press to act against the clip. The press can have a clip interface feature at an end of the press configured to compress the clip radially inward upon application of a force against the clip. The pin extractor can also include a puller that can have a claw to engage the pin. The puller can be movable relative to the press to extract the pin as the press compresses the clip radially inward.

One embodiment of a pin extractor100is illustrated inFIGS. 1A and 1B. In general, the pin extractor100can comprise a press110and a puller120. The press can be configured to act against a clip (not shown) securing a pin130to be extracted. In one aspect, the pin130can be a “paddle” style pin, which can be used in a test station among other things. The pin130does not typically include any features that are specifically designed to facilitate extraction of the pin130without damage. Thus, the pin130is typically not reused due to damage incurred upon extraction. The pin130can have a head131with a contact portion132adapted to mate with a curved or rounded contact (not shown). The pin130can also have a base133configured to interface with the clip and a neck134extending from the base133. The head131can be coupled to the neck134.

The puller120can have a claw121to engage the pin130. In one aspect, the claw121can be pivotally supported, such as with a pivot pin122supported by a base portion123of the puller120, to facilitate engagement with the pin130. For example, the pin130can be surrounded by other pins and/or a side wall to facilitate coupling the pin130with a contact. A lack of space about the pin130can limit the ability to maneuver the pin extractor100such that the claw121can engage the pin130. Thus, the ability to pivot the claw121bi-directionally in direction102can provide clearance for the claw121about the pin130and facilitate engagement with the pin130without requiring rotation or other significant maneuvering of the pin extractor100.

In another aspect, the claw121can be biased, such as by a spring151a,151b, toward an engaged position with the pin130. For example, once the claw121has been pivoted to clear the head131of the pin130, the claw121can be allowed to move under a biasing force to engage the pin130. The spring151a,151bcan be configured to interface with and act against the base portion123and the claw121. For example, the claw can be configured to interface with the spring151a,151b, such as with an opening or recess152a,152b, respectively, as shown inFIG. 3A. The opening152a,152bcan be suitably located by an extension153a,153b, respectively, which in this case is configured to interface with the spring151a,151bon lateral sides of the claw121.

As shown inFIG. 2, the base portion123of the puller120can include a feature124configured to facilitate a desired range of rotational motion for the claw121. For example, the feature124can be recessed or oriented at an angle103to facilitate rotation of the claw121about the pivot pin122sufficient to provide clearance for the claw121to engage the pin130. In one aspect, the feature124can be configured to provide a mechanical stop for the claw121.

FIGS. 3A and 3Billustrate aspects of the claw121that can facilitate engaging the pin130. For example, the claw121can comprise an opening140defined by protrusions141a,141b. The opening140can be configured to receive the neck134of the pin130and the protrusions141a,141bcan be configured to engage the head131of the pin130. In one aspect, the protrusions141a,141bcan be configured to include surfaces142a,142b, respectively disposed at an angle104. The angled surfaces142a,142bcan be configured to facilitate contact between the protrusions141a,141bwith the head131without interference with the neck134that would prevent such contact with the head131. In addition, the opening140can be defined by a back wall143offset105from an arm125engaging the head131of the pin130. This manner of engaging the pin130can preserve the contact portion132untouched by a potentially damaging surface. Thus, the geometry of the pin130can remain essentially intact upon removal, which facilitates reuse of the pin following refurbishment of the contact portion132, as needed.

With further reference toFIGS. 1A-2, the pin extractor100can be configured such that the puller120can be movable relative to the press110to extract the pin130as the press110acts against the clip, as described in more detail hereinafter. For example, the press110can include a handle113at an end114opposite the clip interface feature111to interface with a palm of a user to apply the force against the clip. Furthermore, the puller120can have a grasping feature126to interface with a finger of the user to move the puller120relative to the press110. In one aspect, the grasping feature126and the handle113can be biased away from one another, such as by a spring115, to move and/or return the puller120to a position relative to the press110in preparation to extract the pin130, thus reducing the time between pin extractions. The spring115can reside in an opening127of the puller120to seat against a land128in the puller120and can be disposed about the press110to seat against a shoulder116of the press110. The spring115can comprise any suitable type of spring, such as a coil spring, an elastomeric spring, etc. The press110can include a groove162configured to receive a clip163to secure the puller120to the press110and prevent unwanted separation of the puller120and press110, such as may be caused by a force of the spring115.

In one aspect, the press110and the puller120can be constrained to sliding relative movement by a pin117and channel129configuration. This can maintain the handle113and the grasping feature126in a consistent alignment with one another to facilitate ease of use of the pin extractor100. Although the pin117is shown associated with the press110and the channel129is shown associated with the puller120, it should be recognized that a pin can be associated with the puller120and a channel can be associated with the press110.

With reference toFIG. 4Aand further reference toFIGS. 1A and 1B, the press110can have an upper portion110aand a lower portion110b. The upper portion110acan include the handle113and the lower portion110bcan include the clip interface feature111. In one aspect, the upper portion110aand the lower portion110bcan be separate components configured to couple to one another. For example, the upper portion110acan include a socket160to receive the lower portion110b. The upper portion110aand the lower portion110bcan be secured to one another with a pin161. This can be beneficial to provide for interchangeability of clip interface features, such that a lower portion can be removed and replaced with another lower portion if the clip interface feature has been damaged or if a clip interface feature of a different size is needed to accommodate a different size clip and/or pin. It should be recognized that the upper portion110aand the lower portion110bcan be of a single unitary construction.

With further reference toFIGS. 1A, 1B, 3A, and 4A, in one aspect, the claw121and the press110can be configured to provide for pivotal rotation of the claw121as well as relative movement between the puller120and the press110. In one aspect, an end144of the claw121can be configured to protrude in order to contact the press110, such as at a ramp118, and provide a mechanical stop for the pivotal rotation of the claw121. In another aspect, the ramp118can be configured to interface with the end144of the claw121to accommodate relative movement between the puller120and the press110by facilitating sliding of the end144of the claw121along the ramp118. In one aspect, the end144of the claw121can be configured to interface with the ramp118to ensure pivoting of the claw121toward an engaged position with the pin130as the puller120moves relative to the press110. For example, the ramp118can force the claw121to pivot as the end144of the claw121slides along the ramp118and can be configured to position the claw121for engagement with the pin130. The surface119of the press110can maintain the claw121in the engaged position as the puller120moves relative to the press110and the end144of the claw121slides along the surface119after transitioning from the ramp118. In one aspect, the ramp118and surface119can work in conjunction with the spring151a,151bto move the claw121toward, and/or maintain the claw121in, the engaged position with the pin130.

FIG. 4Billustrates an upper portion210aof a press in accordance with another example of the present disclosure. In this case, an end of a ramp218is recessed or offset206to facilitate further pivotal rotation of a claw compared to the example illustrated inFIG. 4A. This can be useful to accommodate a longer protruding end of a claw, such as may be necessary to ensure contact between the protruding end of the claw and the surface219to maintain the claw in positive engagement with the pin during extraction.

With reference toFIGS. 5 and 6, and further reference toFIGS. 1A, 1B, and4A, the lower portion110bof the press110and the pin130are discussed in more detail. For example, an end170of the lower portion110bcan be configured to be received within the socket160of the upper portion110aand can include a hole171to receive the pin161to secure the upper and lower portions110a,110bto one another.

In addition, the end112of the lower portion110bof the press110can be configured to facilitate passage of the pin130about the press110upon extraction of the pin130. For example, the pin130can have an opening135configured to receive a clip operable to secure the pin130by contacting a land136a,136bof the pin130. During extraction of the pin130, the clip can be disengaged from the lands136a,136b, allowing the pin130to slide over the end112of the press110. Accordingly, an outer diameter107of the end112of the press110can be configured fit within the opening135of the pin130. In one aspect, the end112of the press110can comprise a cylindrical configuration, although any suitable configuration or shape can be used. In another aspect, the clip interface feature111can include a contact surface172, such as a rim, which at least partially defines an opening173.

With continued reference toFIGS. 1A, 1B, 5, and 6, certain aspects of the end112of the press110are shown inFIGS. 7A-7D, which are schematic illustrations of the pin extractor100in operation and detail the clip interface feature111acting against a clip180to extract the pin130. For example, as shown inFIG. 7A, the clip180can comprise a pin securing portion181biased outward to secure the pin130, such as by contacting lands136a,136b. The pin securing portion181can comprise a plurality of independently movable segments182a,182b. For example, the clip180can comprise a four-prong collet interface to secure the pin130.

As shown inFIGS. 7B-7D, the clip interface feature111can be configured to compress the clip180, such as the movable segments182a,182bof the pin securing portion181, radially inward108upon application of a force109against the clip180. In one aspect, the clip interface feature111, such as the contact surface172or rim, can be configured to contact and slide over the clip180to compress the clip180radially inward108upon the application of the force109against the clip180. The contact surface172or rim can be of any suitable configuration for contacting and sliding along or over the clip180, such as an angled, tapered, or rounded surface or edge. In another aspect, the opening173can be configured to receive at least a portion of the clip180as the clip interface feature111, such as the contact surface172or rim, slides over the clip180.

FIGS. 7B-7Dfurther illustrate that as the clip180is radially compressed, the pin130can be moved in direction106to extract or remove the pin130from the clip180. In one aspect, therefore, the pin extractor100can cause the pin130to move in direction106at the same time that the force109is applied to the clip180causing the clip180to move radially inward108. This simultaneous action or motion facilitated by the pin extractor100can be instrumental in extracting or removing the pin130from the clip180.FIG. 7Dshows the clip180remaining radially compressed until the pin130is removed from the clip180and disposed about the end112of the press110in order to ensure that the clip180does not interfere with the pin130when the pin extractor100is removed from the clip180. Thus, the pin extractor100can facilitate removal of the pin130from engagement with the clip180substantially undamaged, which can facilitate reuse of the pin130.

With further reference toFIGS. 1A-7D, primary reference is now made toFIGS. 8A-8D, which are schematic illustrations of the pin extractor100in operation showing the claw121of the puller120engaging the pin130and moving relative to the press110to extract the pin130as the press110compresses the clip180, as shown inFIGS. 7A-7D. The clip180is omitted fromFIGS. 8A-8Dfor clarity. In particular,FIG. 8Ashows the claw121pivoted outward in direction102ato facilitate positioning the lower portion110bof the press110to interact with the clip180, preparatory to engaging the pin130with the claw121. The lower portion110bof the press110is proximate the neck134of the pin130and can support the neck134upon engagement with the claw121.FIG. 8Bshows the claw121pivotally rotated in direction102bto engage the pin130, such as the neck134of the pin130. The puller120can be moved in a direction101relative to the press110to cause the claw121to engage the head131of the pin130, as shown inFIG. 8C. Simultaneously, the force109can be applied to the press110, causing the press110to act against the clip180and compress the clip180to facilitate release of the pin130from the clip180, as shown inFIGS. 7B-7D. The pin130is moved in a direction parallel to the direction101and to the force109. Thus, the simultaneous acts of pushing on the press110and pulling on the puller120can extract the pin130. As shown inFIG. 8D, the puller120can be moved further in direction101relative to the press110to extract or remove the pin130from the clip180as the press110compresses the clip180. The pin extractor100can therefore facilitate the simultaneous and combined operations of depressing the clip180and pulling the pin130away from the clip180. Since the pulling contact on the pin130is at the base of the head131, the pin base133, the neck134, and the contact portion132can remain substantially and functionally undamaged by the extraction process. Following extraction, the puller120can be moved back to its original position, such as by the spring-loaded return action of the spring115, the claw121can be pivoted to release the pin130, such as by acting against the spring151a,151b,and the pin130can be removed from the end112of the press110. The result is that the pin130can emerge functionally undamaged from the extraction process and therefore can be reconditioned and reused.

FIGS. 9A-9Dare schematic illustrations of a pin extractor200in operation, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. In general, the operation of the pin extractor200to extract a pin is similar to that shown and described relative toFIGS. 8A-8D. In this case, a press210of the pin extractor200includes the upper portion210aofFIG. 4B, which is configured to accommodate a long protruding end244of a claw221configured to ensure contact between the protruding end244of the claw221and the surface219of the press210to maintain the claw221in positive engagement with a pin during extraction. Thus, as shown inFIGS. 9C and 9D, the protruding end244of the claw221can slide along the surface219as the puller220to maintain the claw221in engagement with a pin as the puller220moves relative to the press210to extract the pin.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a method for facilitating extraction of a pin is disclosed. The method can comprise providing a pin extractor including a press to act against a clip securing a pin to be extracted, and a puller having a claw to engage the pin. The method can further comprise facilitating compression of the clip radially inward upon application of a force against the clip. Additionally, the method can comprise facilitating movement of the puller relative to the press to extract the pin as the press compresses the clip radially inward. It is noted that no specific order is required in this method, though generally in one embodiment, these method steps can be carried out sequentially.

In one aspect, the press can comprise a clip interface feature at the end of the press configured to compress the clip radially inward upon application of the force against the clip. In another aspect, the puller can be slidable relative to the press to extract the pin.