JP7786408B2 - Inspection Connector - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an inspection connector used to measure high-frequency signals.

A known example of a conventional invention related to an inspection connector is the probe described in Patent Document 1. The probe described in Patent Document 1 includes a probe pin, a barrel, a bushing, a coaxial cable, and a plunger. The barrel has a cylindrical shape with a central axis extending vertically. Ground potential is connected to the barrel. The probe pin extends vertically within the barrel. High-frequency signals are transmitted to the probe pin. The bushing is located within the barrel and supports the probe pin. The coaxial cable has its outer conductor and center conductor exposed at its lower end. The lower end of the coaxial cable is inserted into the barrel from its upper end. The center conductor is fixed to the upper end of the probe pin with solder. The outer conductor is fixed to the inner surface of the barrel with solder. The plunger has a through-hole that passes vertically through the plunger. The barrel is inserted into the through-hole with the coaxial cable connected to it.

International Publication No. 2021/235082

However, there is a demand for an easier probe assembly for the probe described in Patent Document 1.

The object of the present invention is to provide an inspection connector that can be easily assembled.

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

The inspection connector of the present invention allows for easy assembly of the inspection connector.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

As shown in FIG. 4, openings Op1 and Op2 are provided between the upper surface SU of the plunger lower portion 102a and the plunger upper portion 102b so that the conductive bonding materials 138a to 138d (described below) can be seen when viewed from the front to back. Opening Op1 is located in the non-overlapping region A13. Opening Op2 is located in the non-overlapping region A14. Such a plunger 102 is made of a highly conductive metal. For example, the plunger 102 is made of SUS.

High-frequency signals are transmitted to probes 134a to 134d. Probes 134a to 134d are terminals to which high-frequency signals having relatively high frequencies are applied. Examples of high-frequency signals having relatively high frequencies include millimeter-wave signals or microwave signals having frequencies between 0.3 GHz and 0.3 THz. Probes 134a to 134d have a rod shape extending vertically. As shown in Figure 2, probes 134b to 134d are lined up in a row from left to right. Probe 134a is located behind probe 134b. Probes 134a to 134d have the same structure, so the following explanation will use the structure of probe 134d as an example.

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

As shown in FIG. 4, the probe 134d includes a tubular portion 1202d, a lower pin 1204d, and a spring 1208d. The tubular portion 1202d has a tubular shape that extends in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the tubular portion 1202d has a cylindrical shape with a central axis that extends in the vertical direction. The upper end of the tubular portion 1202d is closed. The lower end of the tubular portion 1202d is open. The diameter of the lower end of the tubular portion 1202d is smaller than the diameter of the remaining part of the tubular portion 1202d. In other words, the tubular portion 1202d has a shape in which the lower end of the tubular portion 1202d is slightly narrowed.

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

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

The insulating support members 136a-136d are provided within the first through-hole hd and support the probes 134a-134d so that the probes 134a-134d are insulated from the plunger 102. Because the probes 134a-134d have the same structure, the following description will use the structure of the probe 134d as an example.

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

As shown in Figure 1, the lower ends of coaxial cables 202b to 202d are lined up in a row from left to right. The lower end of coaxial cable 202a is located behind the lower end of coaxial cable 202b. Coaxial cables 202a to 202d have the same structure. The structure of coaxial cable 202d will be explained as an example.

As shown in FIG. 4, the coaxial cable 202d comprises a center conductor 204d, an outer conductor 206d, a first insulator 208d, and a second insulator 210d. The center conductor 204d is the core wire of the coaxial cable 202d. Therefore, the center conductor 204d is located at the center of the coaxial cable 202d. High-frequency signals are transmitted through the center conductor 204d. The center conductor 204d is made of a conductor with low resistance. For example, the center conductor 204d is made of copper.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The conductive bonding material 138d fixes a portion of the exposed outer conductor portion P2 to the plunger 102. More specifically, the conductive bonding material 138d is located outside the first through hole hd. The conductive bonding material 138d is located around the first through hole hd on the upper surface SU, thereby contacting the upper surface SU and the exposed outer conductor portion P2.

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

As shown in Figure 2, the housing 104 is a cylindrical member that extends in the vertical direction. The housing 104 has a through-hole that extends in the vertical direction. The through-hole penetrates the housing 104 from its top end to its bottom end. The bottom end of the housing 104 is inserted into the plunger upper part 102b. The housing 104 is fixed to the plunger upper part 102b with screws 110a and 110b. The coaxial cables 202a to 202d pass through the interior of the housing 104 in the vertical direction. The housing 104 is made of a highly conductive metal. For example, the housing 104 is made of SUS.

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

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

The above-described inspection connector is used to inspect connectors that have an outer conductor and four center conductors. Each of the probes 134a to 134d contacts one of the four center conductors. The lower surface SD of the plunger 102 contacts the outer conductor.

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

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

Inspection connector 10, openings Op1 and Op2 are provided between the upper surface SU of plunger lower portion 102a and plunger upper portion 102b so that the conductive bonding materials 138a-138d can be seen when viewed from the front to back. This allows the inspector to visually confirm whether the conductive bonding materials 138a-138d electrically connect the external conductors 206a-206d to the plunger 102.

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

As shown in FIG. 5, the housing 104 has a first slit SL1 and a second slit SL2 extending upward from the lower end of the housing 104. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the first slit SL1 is located to the left of the central axis C2 of the housing 104. The second slit SL2 is located to the right of the central axis C2 of the housing 104.

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

Screw 110b (second fastening member) secures plunger upper portion 102b to housing 104 in front of straight line L1 connecting central axis C1 of housing 104 and center c1 of first slit SL1 when viewed in the vertical direction. Screw 110b (second fastening member) is located in front of central axis C1 of housing 104 when viewed in the vertical direction.

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

In addition, the portion of the outer surface of the plunger upper part 102b that is located around the screw 110a (first fastening member) is a flat surface. The portion of the outer surface of the plunger upper part 102b that is located around the screw 110b (second fastening member) is a flat surface.

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

The inspection connector 10a makes it difficult for the plunger 102 and housing 104 to become misaligned. More specifically, in the inspection connector 10, the lower end of the housing 104 is inserted into the plunger upper part 102b. Screws 110a and 110b then secure the plunger upper part 102b to the housing 104. In this case, as shown in Figure 7, the outer diameter of the lower end of the housing 104 is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the plunger upper part 102b. In other words, when the screws 110a and 110b are not attached, there is a slight gap between the plunger upper part 102b and the housing 104.

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

The inspection connector 10a makes it even less likely that the positional relationship between the plunger 102 and the housing 104 will be misaligned. More specifically, the screw 110a is located behind the central axis C1 of the housing 104 when viewed in the vertical direction. The screw 110b is located in front of the central axis C1 of the housing 104 when viewed in the vertical direction. This makes the amount of width expansion in the front-to-back direction of the first slit SL1 and the amount of width expansion in the front-to-back direction of the second slit SL2 closer. This makes it easier for the outer surface of the lower end of the housing 104 to come into close contact with the inner surface of the plunger upper part 102b. This makes it even easier for the central axis C1 of the housing 104 to align with the central axis C2 of the plunger upper part 102b. As a result, the inspection connector 10a makes it even less likely that the positional relationship between the plunger 102 and the housing 104 will be misaligned.

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

In the inspection connector 10a, the housing 104 is surrounded by the spring 108, so force is easily applied to the housing 104. This makes the housing 104 prone to deformation, making it easy for misalignment to occur between the housing 104 and the plunger 102. Therefore, the first slit SL1 and the second slit SL2 are surrounded by the spring 108. This prevents misalignment between the housing 104 and the plunger 102.

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

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

The screw 110a (first fastening member) secures the plunger upper portion 102b to the housing 104 behind the straight line L2 connecting the central axis C2 of the plunger upper portion 102b and the center c1 of the first slit SL1 when viewed in the vertical direction. The screw 110a (first fastening member) is located behind the central axis C2 of the plunger upper portion 102b when viewed in the vertical direction.

The screw 110b (second fastening member) secures the plunger upper portion 102b to the housing 104 in front of the straight line L2 connecting the central axis C2 of the plunger upper portion 102b and the center c1 of the first slit SL1 when viewed in the vertical direction. The screw 110b (second fastening member) is located in front of the central axis C2 of the plunger upper portion 102b when viewed in the vertical direction.

In the inspection connector 10b described above, the front-to-rear width of the first slit SL1 and the front-to-rear width of the second slit SL2 are narrow. This allows the inner peripheral surface of the plunger upper portion 102b to tightly contact the outer peripheral surface of the lower end of the housing 104. The rest of the structure of the inspection connector 10b is the same as that of the inspection connector 10a, so a detailed description will be omitted.

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

As shown in Figure 11, the plunger upper part 102b is inserted into the lower end of the housing 104. As shown in Figures 12 and 13, the plunger upper part 102b has a first slit SL1 and a second slit SL2 extending downward from the upper end of the plunger upper part 102b. The first slit SL1 is located to the left of the central axis C2 of the plunger upper part 102b. The second slit SL2 is located to the right of the central axis C2 of the plunger upper part 102b.

The screw 110a (first fastening member) secures the plunger upper portion 102b to the housing 104 behind the straight line L2 connecting the central axis C2 of the plunger upper portion 102b and the center c1 of the first slit SL1 when viewed in the vertical direction. The screw 110a (first fastening member) is located behind the central axis C2 of the plunger upper portion 102b when viewed in the vertical direction.

The screw 110b (second fastening member) secures the plunger upper portion 102b to the housing 104 in front of the straight line L2 connecting the central axis C2 of the plunger upper portion 102b and the center c1 of the first slit SL1 when viewed in the vertical direction. The screw 110b (second fastening member) is located in front of the central axis C2 of the plunger upper portion 102b when viewed in the vertical direction.

In addition, the portion of the outer surface of the housing 104 surrounding the screw 110a (first fastening member) is a flat surface. The portion of the outer surface of the housing 104 surrounding the screw 110b (second fastening member) is a flat surface.

In the inspection connector 10c described above, the width of the first slit SL1 and the width of the second slit SL2 are increased in the front-to-rear direction. This allows the outer surface of the plunger upper portion 102b to tightly contact the inner surface of the lower end of the housing 104. The rest of the structure of the inspection connector 10c is the same as that of the inspection connector 10a, so a detailed description will be omitted.

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

As shown in Figure 14, the plunger upper part 102b is inserted into the lower end of the housing 104. As shown in Figures 15 and 16, the housing 104 has a first slit SL1 and a second slit SL2 extending upward from the lower end of the housing 104. The first slit SL1 is located to the left of the central axis C1 of the housing 104. The second slit SL2 is located to the right of the central axis C1 of the housing 104.

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

Screw 110b (second fastening member) secures plunger upper portion 102b to housing 104 in front of straight line L1 connecting central axis C1 of housing 104 and center c1 of first slit SL1 when viewed in the vertical direction. Screw 110b (second fastening member) is located in front of central axis C1 of housing 104 when viewed in the vertical direction.

In the inspection connector 10d described above, the front-to-rear width of the first slit SL1 and the front-to-rear width of the second slit SL2 are narrow. This allows the inner peripheral surface of the plunger upper portion 102b to be in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the lower end of the housing 104. The rest of the structure of the inspection connector 10d is the same as that of the inspection connector 10a, so a detailed description will be omitted.

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

Note that the number of probes in the inspection connectors 10, 10a to 10d is not limited to four. The number of probes may be between one and three, or may be five or more. However, it is preferable that the number of probes be two or more.

In addition, in the inspection connectors 10, 10a to 10d, the probes 134a to 134d do not have to be structured to be extendable in the vertical direction.

Note that the housing 104, flange 106, and spring 108 are not essential components of the inspection connector 10.

Note that the flange 106 and spring 108 are not essential components of the inspection connectors 10a-10d.

Note that the openings Op1 and Op2 are not essential components of the inspection connectors 10, 10a to 10d.

Note that the non-overlapping areas A13 and A14 do not necessarily have to exist in the inspection connectors 10, 10a to 10d.

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

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

The first and second fastening members may be members other than screws.

Note that the second slit SL2 is not an essential component of the inspection connectors 10a to 10d. However, the presence of the second slit SL2 makes it easier for the outer peripheral surface of the lower end of the housing 104 to come into close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the plunger upper portion 102b.

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

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

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

In addition, in the inspection connectors 10, 10a to 10d, rubber or a magnet may be provided as a repulsive force generating member instead of the spring 108.

10, 10a to 10d: Inspection connector 102: Plunger 102a: Lower plunger 102b: Upper plunger 104: Housing 106: Flange 108: Spring 110a, 110b: Screws 134a to 134d: Probes 136a to 136d: Insulating support members 138a to 138d: Conductive bonding materials 202a to 202d: Coaxial cable 204d: Center conductors 206a to 206d : Outer conductor 208d: First insulators 210a to 210d: Second insulator 1202d: Cylindrical portion 1204d: Lower pin 1208d: Spring A11: Area A12: Overlapping areas A13, A14: Non-overlapping areas Op1, Op2: Opening P1: Central conductor exposed portion P2: Outer conductor exposed portion SD: Lower surface SU: Upper surfaces ha to hd: First through holes C1, C2: Central axis SL1: First slit SL2: Second slit c1: Center

Claims (8)

a plunger connected to a ground potential and having a first through hole extending in the vertical direction;
a probe through which a high frequency signal is transmitted and extending in a vertical direction within the first through hole;
an insulating support member provided in the first through hole and supporting the probe so that the probe and the plunger are insulated from each other;
a coaxial cable including a central conductor, an outer conductor surrounding the central conductor when viewed in a vertical direction, a first insulator insulating the central conductor from the outer conductor, and a second insulator surrounding the outer conductor when viewed in a vertical direction;
A conductive bonding material;
Housing and
It is equipped with
the central conductor includes a central conductor exposed portion at a lower end of the coaxial cable, where the central conductor is exposed;
the outer conductor includes an exposed outer conductor portion at which the outer conductor is exposed above the exposed center conductor portion of the coaxial cable,
the central conductor exposed portion is located within the first through hole, a part of the outer conductor exposed portion is located within the first through hole, and the remainder of the outer conductor exposed portion is located outside the first through hole ,
the exposed center conductor portion is connected to an upper end of the probe,
the conductive bonding material fixes a part of the exposed outer conductor portion to the plunger,
The coaxial cable passes through the interior of the housing in a vertical direction,
The lower end of the housing is inserted into the upper part of the plunger,
The housing is provided with a slit extending upward from the lower end of the housing.
Inspection connector. a plunger connected to a ground potential and having a first through hole extending in the vertical direction;
a probe through which a high frequency signal is transmitted and extending in a vertical direction within the first through hole;
an insulating support member provided in the first through hole and supporting the probe so that the probe and the plunger are insulated from each other;
a coaxial cable including a central conductor, an outer conductor surrounding the central conductor when viewed in a vertical direction, a first insulator insulating the central conductor from the outer conductor, and a second insulator surrounding the outer conductor when viewed in a vertical direction;
A conductive bonding material;
Housing and
It is equipped with
the central conductor includes a central conductor exposed portion at a lower end of the coaxial cable, where the central conductor is exposed;
the outer conductor includes an exposed outer conductor portion at which the outer conductor is exposed above the exposed center conductor portion of the coaxial cable,
the central conductor exposed portion is located within the first through hole, a part of the outer conductor exposed portion is located within the first through hole, and the remainder of the outer conductor exposed portion is located outside the first through hole,
the exposed center conductor portion is connected to an upper end of the probe,
the conductive bonding material fixes a part of the exposed outer conductor portion to the plunger,
The coaxial cable passes through the interior of the housing in a vertical direction,
The lower end of the housing is inserted into the upper part of the plunger,
The plunger is provided with a slit extending downward from the upper end of the plunger.
Inspection connector. a plunger connected to a ground potential and having a first through hole extending in the vertical direction;
a probe through which a high frequency signal is transmitted and extending in a vertical direction within the first through hole;
an insulating support member provided in the first through hole and supporting the probe so that the probe and the plunger are insulated from each other;
a coaxial cable including a central conductor, an outer conductor surrounding the central conductor when viewed in a vertical direction, a first insulator insulating the central conductor from the outer conductor, and a second insulator surrounding the outer conductor when viewed in a vertical direction;
A conductive bonding material;
Housing and
It is equipped with
the central conductor includes a central conductor exposed portion at a lower end of the coaxial cable, where the central conductor is exposed;
the outer conductor includes an exposed outer conductor portion at which the outer conductor is exposed above the exposed center conductor portion of the coaxial cable,
the central conductor exposed portion is located within the first through hole, a part of the outer conductor exposed portion is located within the first through hole, and the remainder of the outer conductor exposed portion is located outside the first through hole,
the exposed center conductor portion is connected to an upper end of the probe,
the conductive bonding material fixes a part of the exposed outer conductor portion to the plunger,
The coaxial cable passes through the interior of the housing in a vertical direction,
The upper portion of the plunger is inserted into the lower end portion of the housing,
The plunger is provided with a slit extending downward from the upper end of the plunger.
Inspection connector. a plunger connected to a ground potential and having a first through hole extending in the vertical direction;
a probe through which a high frequency signal is transmitted and extending in a vertical direction within the first through hole;
an insulating support member provided in the first through hole and supporting the probe so that the probe and the plunger are insulated from each other;
a coaxial cable including a central conductor, an outer conductor surrounding the central conductor when viewed in a vertical direction, a first insulator insulating the central conductor from the outer conductor, and a second insulator surrounding the outer conductor when viewed in a vertical direction;
A conductive bonding material;
Housing and
It is equipped with
the central conductor includes a central conductor exposed portion at a lower end of the coaxial cable, where the central conductor is exposed;
the outer conductor includes an exposed outer conductor portion at which the outer conductor is exposed above the exposed center conductor portion of the coaxial cable,
the central conductor exposed portion is located within the first through hole, a part of the outer conductor exposed portion is located within the first through hole, and the remainder of the outer conductor exposed portion is located outside the first through hole,
the exposed center conductor portion is connected to an upper end of the probe,
the conductive bonding material fixes a part of the exposed outer conductor portion to the plunger,
The coaxial cable passes through the interior of the housing in a vertical direction,
The upper portion of the plunger is inserted into the lower end portion of the housing,
The housing is provided with a slit extending upward from the lower end of the housing.
Inspection connector. the plunger includes a lower plunger portion and an upper plunger portion located above and connected to the lower plunger portion;
The first through hole passes through the lower part of the plunger in the up-down direction,
The upper portion of the plunger has a cylindrical shape with a central axis extending in the vertical direction,
The area surrounded by the upper part of the plunger has, when viewed in the up-down direction, an overlapping area that overlaps with the lower part of the plunger and a non-overlapping area that does not overlap with the lower part of the plunger.
The inspection connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4 . The first through hole is located within the overlapping region when viewed in the up-down direction.
6. The inspection connector according to claim 5 . the plunger lower portion has an upper surface;
an upper end of the first through hole is located on the upper surface of the lower part of the plunger,
an opening is provided between the upper surface of the lower plunger portion and the upper plunger portion so that the conductive bonding material can be seen when viewed in the front-rear direction;
7. The inspection connector according to claim 6 . There is no material below the non-overlapping region.
8. The inspection connector according to claim 7 .