CN109387674B

CN109387674B - Maintenance tool

Info

Publication number: CN109387674B
Application number: CN201811209765.0A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 储飞; 吴强
Original assignee: Intel Products Chengdu Co Ltd; Intel Corp
Current assignee: Intel Products Chengdu Co Ltd; Intel Corp
Priority date: 2018-10-17
Filing date: 2018-10-17
Publication date: 2019-12-24
Anticipated expiration: 2038-10-17
Also published as: CN109387674A

Abstract

The invention relates to a service tool comprising: a first extractor, which can suck the first layer and the plurality of second needles of the contact module by vacuum so as to be operable by a user to detach the first layer and the plurality of second needles from the contact module; a first holder for storing the plurality of disassembled second needles and the first layer in such a manner that the plurality of second needles are placed in the contact module; a disassembly aid operable by a user to urge the first plurality of needles of the contact module out of the fourth layer of the contact module with compressed air; a second extractor operable by a user to grasp the plurality of first needles on a second tier side of the contact module and to remove and store the plurality of first needles and the plurality of springs of the contact module after the needle removal aid causes the plurality of first needles to disengage from the fourth tier; a detacher operable by a user to detach the second, third and fourth layers of the contact module from the layer alignment feature of the contact module. Waste can be reduced by using the maintenance tool.

Description

Maintenance tool

Technical Field

The invention relates to the field of maintenance, in particular to a maintenance tool.

Background

In a chip manufacturing plant, a contact module (contact module) having four layers and more than 1000 pins is used in a burn-in test of a manufactured chip.

In the burn-in test of the chip, the contact module needs to apply a large current, and thus, the layers and the pins in the contact module are easily burned out.

Currently, once at least one pin/layer in a contact module is burned out, the contact module is discarded from use. However, most of the layers and needles of the burned-out contact module are usually intact, and therefore, the disposal of the burned-out contact module is currently very wasteful.

Disclosure of Invention

Embodiments of the present invention provide a maintenance tool that can reduce waste.

A service tool according to an embodiment of the invention comprises: a first extractor that is operable by a user to vacuum a first layer and a plurality of second needles of a contact module so as to be operable to detach the first layer and the plurality of second needles from the contact module, wherein the contact module further comprises a second layer, a third layer, a fourth layer, a plurality of first needles, a plurality of springs, a plurality of bolts, and a layer alignment member, the first layer, the second layer, the third layer, and the fourth layer being connected together by the layer alignment member and defining a positional relationship therebetween, the plurality of first needles being placed through the second layer, the third layer, and the fourth layer and being caught by the fourth layer, the plurality of second needles being placed through the first layer and being caught by the first layer, each of the plurality of first needles and the plurality of second needles having a lengthwise internal through-hole, the respective internal through-holes of the plurality of first needles including a first through-hole that is remote from the second layer and a second through-hole that is close to the second layer A second through hole having a diameter larger than a diameter of the first through hole, each of the plurality of springs being placed within the second through hole of one of the plurality of first needles, each of the plurality of second needles also being inserted within the second through hole of one of the plurality of first needles and being in contact with a spring located therein, and the plurality of bolts connecting the first layer and the second layer together; a first holder for storing the plurality of second needles and the first layer detached from the first extractor in such a manner that the plurality of second needles are placed in the contact module; a detachment aid operable by the user to urge the plurality of first needles out of the fourth layer using compressed air; a second extractor operable by the user to grasp the plurality of first needles on a side of the second layer and to remove and store the plurality of first needles and the plurality of springs from the contact module after the needle detachment assist causes the plurality of first needles to disengage from the fourth layer; and a detacher operable by the user to detach the second layer, the third layer, and the fourth layer to disengage the layer alignment feature.

Wherein the first extractor has a first lumen and a third through hole, wherein the first lumen forms a first space with an outer surface of the first layer when the first extractor is placed on the outer surface of the first layer, and air of the first space can be drawn away from the third through hole to make the first space become a vacuum to suck the first layer and the plurality of second needles.

Wherein the first extractor further has a plurality of fourth through holes from which the plurality of bolts can be detached by the user when the first extractor sucks the first layer and the plurality of second pins of the contact module.

Wherein the first holder has a plurality of fifth holes corresponding to holes through which the plurality of second needles of the first layer pass, the first holder storing the plurality of second needles detached by the first extractor and the first layer in such a manner that the plurality of second needles are placed in the contact module being achieved by inserting the plurality of second needles into the plurality of fifth holes.

Wherein the detachment aid has a second lumen and a sixth through hole, wherein the second lumen forms a second space with the outer surface of the fourth layer when the detachment aid is placed on the outer surface of the fourth layer, and compressed air may be applied to the second space via the sixth through hole to urge the plurality of first needles away from the fourth layer.

Wherein the disassembly aid further has at least one air discharge through-hole, wherein a portion of the compressed air applied into the second space is discharged through the at least one air discharge through-hole to make the air pressure uniform throughout the second space.

Wherein the second extractor includes a first plate member, a second plate member spaced a predetermined distance from the first plate member, and a connector connecting the first and second plate members, the second plate member having a plurality of seventh through holes corresponding to holes through which the plurality of first needles on the second layer pass in a direction perpendicular to the first plate member, wherein the user can operate the second extractor such that the plurality of first needles on the side of the second layer are inserted into the plurality of seventh through holes to hold the plurality of first needles on the side of the second layer, the plurality of first needles abut on the first plate member with the plurality of springs being held at the second through holes of the plurality of first needles after the needle detaching assistant urges the plurality of first needles to disengage from the fourth layer, and, after the user turns the contact module such that the plurality of first needles are erected on the first flat plate member through the plurality of seventh through holes, the user may operate the second extractor to remove the plurality of first needles and the plurality of springs from the contact module and store the plurality of first needles and the plurality of springs in the second extractor.

Wherein the detacher comprises a second layer detacher operable by the user to detach the second layer detachment the layer alignment feature, a third layer detacher operable by the user to detach the fourth layer detachment the layer alignment feature, and a fourth layer detacher operable by the user to detach the fourth layer detachment the layer alignment feature, and, after the second layer and/or the fourth layer are detached from the layer alignment feature, the third layer detacher is operable by the user to detach the third layer detachment the layer alignment feature.

Wherein, the repair tools still include: a visual inspection tool for emitting light to the plurality of first needles to check whether springs are placed in the second through holes of the plurality of first needles.

The solution of the embodiment of the present invention provides a maintenance tool to maintain the burned-out contact module so that the burned-out contact module can be reused after maintenance instead of being discarded and not used again, and thus, the solution of the embodiment of the present invention can reduce waste compared to the prior art.

Drawings

The features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 1A-1C show front, top and bottom views, respectively, of a contact module according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 1D shows a schematic view of a first needle and a second needle in a contact module according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 1E shows a schematic view of a first layer of a contact module in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 1F shows a schematic view of a second layer of a contact module according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 1G shows a schematic view of a third layer and a fourth layer of a contact module according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 2A-2C illustrate top, side, and perspective views, respectively, of a first extractor in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2D-2F show a top view, a front view, and a perspective view, respectively, of a first holder according to one embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 2G-2I show top, front, and perspective views, respectively, of a second extractor, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2J-2K show top and perspective views, respectively, of a detachment aid, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2L-2O show schematic views of a second layer detacher, a third layer detacher, a fourth layer detacher, and a visual inspection tool, respectively, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows a flow diagram of a repair method according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 shows a schematic view of a service tool according to an embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description

The subject matter described herein will now be discussed with reference to example embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments are discussed only to enable those skilled in the art to better understand and thereby implement the subject matter described herein, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or examples set forth in the claims. Changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements discussed without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Various examples may omit, substitute, or add various procedures or components as needed. For example, the described methods may be performed in an order different from that described, and various steps may be added, omitted, or combined. In addition, features described with respect to some examples may also be combined in other examples.

As used herein, the term "include" and its variants mean open-ended terms in the sense of "including, but not limited to. The term "based on" means "based at least in part on". The terms "one embodiment" and "an embodiment" mean "at least one embodiment". The term "another embodiment" means "at least one other embodiment". The terms "first," "second," and the like may refer to different or the same object. Other definitions, whether explicit or implicit, may be included below. The definition of a term is consistent throughout the specification unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 1A-1G show schematic views of a contact module and its various components according to one embodiment of the invention. As shown in fig. 1A-1G, the contact module 10 includes a first layer 20, a second layer 23, a third layer 26, a fourth layer 29, a plurality of first pins 30, a plurality of second pins 40, a plurality of springs 50, a plurality of bolts 60, and a plurality of layer alignment members 70.

The first, second, third and fourth layers 20, 23, 26, 29 each have a plurality of apertures Ka through which the plurality of layer alignment members 70 pass through each of the plurality of apertures Ka of the first, second, third and fourth layers 20, 23, 26, 29 to connect the first, second, third and fourth layers 20, 23, 26, 29 together and to define the positional relationship of the first, second, third and fourth layers 20, 23, 26, 29 with respect to each other.

Each of the plurality of first needles 30i has a through hole Kb in a length direction, wherein the through hole Kb includes a through hole K1b located at one side of the needle 30i and a through hole K2b located at the other side of the needle 30i, and a diameter of the through hole K1b is greater than a diameter of the through hole K2 b.

Each of the plurality of second needles 40i has a through hole Kc along the length direction, and the outer diameter of the second needle 40i is smaller than the diameter of the through hole K1b, and therefore, the second needle 40i can be inserted into the through hole K1b of the first needle 30 i.

Each spring 50i of the plurality of springs 50 is disposed within the through hole K2b of one of the plurality of first needles 30.

The second layer 23, the third layer 26, and the fourth layer 29 also each have a plurality of holes Kd. The plurality of first needles 30 are placed in sequence through the plurality of holes Kd of each of the second, third and fourth layers 23, 26, 29 and are caught by the fourth layer 29 such that the plurality of first needles 30 cannot be removed from the contact module 10 along direction D1. Wherein the end of the plurality of first needles 30 having the through hole K1b is located at the side of the second layer 23, so that, in the contact module 10, the through holes K2b of the plurality of first needles 30 are far away from the second layer 23, and the through holes K1b of the plurality of first needles 30 are close to the second layer 23.

The first layer 20 also has a plurality of holes Ke. The plurality of second needles 40 are placed through the plurality of holes Ke of the first layer 20 and are caught by the first layer 20 such that the plurality of second needles 40 cannot be removed from the contact module 10 along direction D2. Further, each of the plurality of second needles 40 is inserted into the through hole K1b of one of the plurality of second needles 40 and is in contact with the spring placed inside the through hole K1 b.

The first layer 20 and the second layer 23 also each have a plurality of threaded holes Kf. The plurality of bolts 60 sequentially pass through the plurality of threaded holes Kf of the first and second layers 20 and 23 to securely connect the first and second layers 20 and 23 together.

The service tool M according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a first extractor 210, a first holder 220, a disassembly aid 230, a second extractor 240, a second tier detacher 250, a third tier detacher 260, a fourth tier detacher 270, and a visual inspection tool 280.

The first extractor 210 may suck the first layer 20 and the plurality of second needles 40 of the contact module 10 by vacuum so that a user operates the first extractor 210 to detach the first layer 20 and the plurality of second needles 40 from the contact module 10. Specifically, as shown in fig. 2A to 2C, the first extractor 210 has an inner cavity C1v, one through hole Kg, and a plurality of through holes Kh. When the first extractor 210 is placed on the outer side of the first layer 20, the plurality of through holes Kh are aligned with the plurality of bolts 60 of the contact module 10 passing through the first layer 20 and the second layer 30, and the cavity C1v covers the outer side of the first layer 20 and forms a space S1 with the outer side of the first layer 20. The user may operate the first extractor 210 to draw air of the space S1 from the through hole Kg so that the space S1 becomes a vacuum to suck the first layer 20 and the plurality of second needles 40. After removing the plurality of bolts 60 passing through the first and second layers 20 and 30 from the plurality of through holes Kh of the first extractor 210, the user may move the first extractor 210 to detach the first layer 20 and the plurality of second pins 40 from the contact module 10.

The first holder 220 serves to store the plurality of second needles 40 and the first layer 20 detached from the first extractor 210 in such a manner that the plurality of second needles 40 are placed in the contact module 10. Specifically, as shown in fig. 2D-2F, the first holder 220 has a plurality of holes Ki corresponding to the plurality of holes Ke through which the plurality of second needles 40 of the first layer 20 pass. The user may move the first extractor 210 to insert the plurality of second needles 40 detached into the plurality of holes Ki, each of which is inserted into one of the plurality of holes Ki, wherein a mutual positional relationship of the plurality of second needles 40 inserted into the plurality of holes Ki is the same as a mutual positional relationship of the plurality of second needles 40 when inserted into the plurality of holes Ke of the first layer 20 and the through holes K1b of the plurality of first needles 30 in the contact module 10, whereby the first holder 220 enables to store the plurality of second needles 40 detached from the first extractor 210 and the first layer 20 in such a manner that the plurality of second needles 40 are placed in the contact module 10.

The detachment aid 230 is operable by a user to utilize compressed air to urge the plurality of first needles 30 in the contact module 10 out of the fourth layer 29. Specifically, as shown in fig. 2J-2K, the detachment aid 230 has an inner cavity C2v, one through hole Kj, and at least one vent through hole Km (not shown). When the detachment aid 230 is placed on the outer surface of the fourth layer 29, the inner cavity C2v forms a space S2 with the outer surface of the fourth layer 29. The user may operate the detachment aid 230 to apply compressed air to the space S2 via the through hole Kj. The compressed air applied to the space S2 causes the plurality of first needles 30 to move toward the third layer 26, the second layer 23, and the first layer 20 and to disengage from the fourth layer 29. Further, a portion of the compressed air applied to the space S2 is discharged through the at least one air discharge through-hole Km to make the air pressure uniform throughout the space S2, so that the plurality of first needles 30 can be detached from the fourth layer 29.

The second extractor 240 is operable by a user to grasp the plurality of first needles 30 on the side of the second tier 23 and to remove and store the plurality of first needles 30 and the plurality of springs 60 from the contact module 10 after the detachment aid 230 urges the plurality of first needles 30 to disengage the fourth tier 29. Specifically, as shown in fig. 2G-2I, the second extractor 240 includes a first flat plate member P1, a second flat plate member P2 spaced apart from the first flat plate member P1 by a predetermined distance, and a connecting member P3 connecting the first and second flat plate members P1, P2. The second flat plate member P2 has a plurality of through holes Kn corresponding to the plurality of holes Kd through which the plurality of first needles 30 on the second layer 23 pass in a direction perpendicular to the first flat plate member P1, wherein a mutual positional relationship of the plurality of first needles 30 when inserted in the plurality of through holes Kn is the same as a mutual positional relationship of the plurality of first needles 30 when inserted in the plurality of through holes Kd. After the first layer 20 and the plurality of second needles 40 are detached, the user may operate the second extractor 240 such that portions of the plurality of first needles 30 on the side of the second layer 23 are inserted into the plurality of through holes Kn to grasp the plurality of first needles 30 on the side of the second layer 23, the plurality of first needles 30 colliding against the first plate member P1 with the plurality of springs 60 remaining at the through holes K1b of the plurality of first needles 30 after the detachment assistor 230 urges the plurality of first needles 30 to disengage from the fourth layer 29. Then, after the user turns the contact module 10 such that the plurality of first needles 30 are erected on the first plate member P1 through the plurality of through holes Kn, the user may operate the second extractor 240 to remove the plurality of first needles 30 and the plurality of springs 60 from the contact module 10 and to store the plurality of first needles 30 and the plurality of springs 60 in the second extractor 240.

Fig. 2L-2N show schematic views of a second layer detacher 250, a third layer detacher 260 and a fourth layer detacher 270. After the first layer 20, the plurality of second pins 40, the plurality of first pins 30, and the plurality of springs 60 are detached from the contact module 10, the second layer detacher 250 is operable by a user to detach the second layer 23 from the plurality of layer alignment members 70, the fourth layer detacher 270 is operable by a user to detach the fourth layer 29 from the plurality of layer alignment members 70, and, after the second layer 23 and/or the fourth layer 29 are detached from the plurality of layer alignment members 70, the third layer detacher 260 is operable by a user to detach the third layer 26 from the plurality of layer alignment members 70. For example, a user may push the plurality of tier alignment members 70 using the second tier detacher 250 with the second tier 23 secured to disengage the second tier 23 from the plurality of tier alignment members 70, push the plurality of tier alignment members 70 using the fourth tier detacher 270 with the fourth tier 29 secured to disengage the fourth tier 29 from the plurality of tier alignment members 70, and push the plurality of tier alignment members 70 using the third tier detacher 260 with the third tier 26 secured to disengage the third tier 26 from the plurality of tier alignment members 70.

Fig. 2O shows a schematic view of the visual inspection tool 280. The visual inspection tool 280 is used to emit light to the plurality of first needles 30 to check whether the springs 60 are placed in the through holes K1b of the respective plurality of first needles. Wherein, if the inspection finds that the light is emitted from the through hole K1b of a first pin of the plurality of first pins 30, it indicates that no spring 60 is disposed in the through hole K1b of the first pin. Because if the spring 60 is placed in the through hole K1b of one first pin, no light is emitted in the through hole K1b of the one first pin due to the blocking of the light by the spring 60.

FIG. 3 shows a flow diagram of a repair method according to an embodiment of the invention. The servicing method 300 of FIG. 3 is described in detail below in connection with the service tool M.

As shown in fig. 3, after determining that one or more pins/layers of the contact module 10 are burned out, the user operates the first extractor 210 to place it on the outer surface of the first layer 20 of the contact module 10 with the contact module 10 normally placed (i.e., with the fourth layer 29 below and the first layer 20 above), at block 302. In this case, the plurality of through holes Kh of the first extractor 210 are aligned with the plurality of bolts 60 of the contact module 10 passing through the first and second layers 20 and 30, and the inner cavity C1v of the first extractor 210 covers the outer surface of the first layer 20 and forms a space S1 with the outer surface of the first layer 20.

At block 306, the user operates the first extractor 210 to draw the air of the space S1 from the through hole Kg so that the space S1 becomes a vacuum. In this case, the first extractor 210 sucks the first layer 20 of the contact module 10 and the plurality of second needles 40 through the vacuum space S1.

At block 310, the user removes the plurality of bolts 60 penetrating the first and second layers 20 and 30 in the contact module 10 from the plurality of through holes Kh of the first extractor 210.

At block 314, after removing the plurality of bolts 60 from the contact module 10, the user moves the first extractor 210 to remove the first layer 20 and the plurality of second needles 40 from the contact module 10.

At block 318, the user operates the first extractor 210 to deposit the detached first layer 20 and the plurality of second needles 40 into the first holder 220.

At block 322, the user operates the first extractor 210 such that the space S1 is no longer a vacuum. In this case, the first extractor 210 no longer sucks the disassembled first layer 20 and the plurality of second needles 40.

At block 326, the user operates the first extractor 210 to move it away from the first layer 20 and the plurality of second needles 40 already stored in the first holder 220.

At block 330, the user operates the second extractor 240 such that portions of the plurality of first needles 30 of the contact module 10 on the side of the second layer 23 are inserted into the plurality of through holes Kn of the second flat plate member P2, so that the second extractor 240 grips the plurality of first needles 30 on the side of the second layer 23.

At block 334, the user places the removal aid 230 on the outer surface of the fourth layer 29 of the contact module 10. In this case, the inner cavity C2v of the detachment aid 230 forms a space S2 with the outer surface of the fourth layer 29.

At block 338, the user operates the disassembly aid 230 to apply compressed air to the space S2 from the through hole Kj of the disassembly aid 230. In this case, the compressed air applied to the space S2 causes the plurality of first needles 30 of the contact module 10 to move toward the third layer 26, the second layer 23, and the first layer 20 of the contact module 10 to be separated from the fourth layer 29, and then the plurality of first needles 30 pass through the second plate member P2 of the second extractor 240 and abut against the first plate member P1 of the second extractor 240 while maintaining the plurality of springs 60 at the through holes K1b of the plurality of first needles 30.

At block 342, the user flips the contact module 10 by 180 degrees so that the plurality of first needles 30 of the contact module 10 stand on the first plate member P1 of the second extractor 240 through the second plate member P2 of the second extractor 240.

At block 346, the user operates the detachment aid 230 to move it away from the contact module 10.

At block 350, the user operates the second extractor 240 to cause the plurality of first needles 30 and the plurality of springs 60 of the contact module 10 to move away from the fourth tier 29, the third tier 26, and the second tier 23 of the contact module 10 in a direction from the fourth tier 29 to the second tier 23 of the contact module 10 to detach the plurality of first needles 30 and the plurality of springs 60. The plurality of first needles 30 and the plurality of springs 60, which are disassembled, are stored in the second extractor 240.

At block 354, after removing the first layer 20, the plurality of second pins 40, the plurality of first pins 30, and the plurality of springs 60 from the contact module 10, the user operates the second layer detacher 250, the fourth layer detacher 270, and the third layer detacher 260, respectively, to detach the second layer 23, the fourth layer 29, and the third layer 26 of the contact module 10 to disengage the plurality of layer alignment members 70.

Removal of the contact module 10 is completed by block 302-354 above. The user may then replace the burned-out needles and/or layers with intact needles and/or layers. Next, the assembly of the contact module 10 is completed by the following blocks 358-398.

At block 358, the user uses the plurality of layer alignment members 70 to sequentially connect the second layer 23, the third layer 26, and the fourth layer 29 and define the relative positional relationship between the layers.

At block 362, the user sequentially passes the plurality of first needles 30 stored on the second extractor 240 through the plurality of holes Kd of each of the second layer 23, the third layer 26, and the fourth layer 29, which have been connected using the plurality of layer aligning members 70, and is caught by the fourth layer 29.

At block 366, the user flips the second layer 23, the third layer 26, and the fourth layer 29, which have been connected using the plurality of layer alignment members 70, and the second extractor 240 by 180 degrees so that the fourth layer 29 is below and the second layer 23 is above.

At block 370, the user operates the second extractor 240 to exit the plurality of first needles 30.

At block 374, the user operates the visual inspection tool 280 to emit light from below toward the plurality of first needles 30 located in the fourth layer 29 to check whether the spring 60 is placed within the through hole K1b of each of the plurality of first needles 30.

If the check reveals that there is a first needle having no spring 60 placed within its through hole K1b, the user may place a spring 60 within the through hole K1b of such first needle and proceed to block 378.

At block 378, the user operates the first extractor 210 to place it on the outer surface of the first layer 20 stored by the first holder 220. In this case, the plurality of through holes Kh of the first extractor 210 are aligned with the holes of the first layer 20 through which the plurality of bolts 60 pass, and the inner cavity C1v of the first extractor 210 covers the outer surface of the first layer 20 and forms a space S1 with the outer surface of the first layer 20.

At block 382, the user operates the first extractor 210 to draw air of the space S1 from the through hole Kg so that the space S1 becomes a vacuum. In this case, the first extractor 210 sucks the first layer 20 and the plurality of second needles 40 stored in the first holder 220 through the vacuum space S1.

At block 386, the user operates the first extractor 210 such that the first layer 20 sucked by the first extractor 210 is coupled to the plurality of layer alignment members 70 and the plurality of second needles 40 sucked by the first extractor 210 are inserted into the through holes K1b of the plurality of first needles 30 that have been placed through the second layer 23, the third layer 26 and the fourth layer 29.

At block 390, the user screws the plurality of bolts 60 through the plurality of through holes Kh of the first extractor 210 to connect the first layer 20 and the second layer 30 using the plurality of bolts 60.

At block 394, the user operates the first extractor 210 such that the space S1 is no longer a vacuum. In this case, the first extractor 210 no longer attracts the first layer 20 and the plurality of second needles 40.

At block 398, the user operates the first extractor 210 to move it away from the first layer 20 and the plurality of second needles 40.

The solution of the present embodiment provides a maintenance tool to maintain the burned-out contact module so that the burned-out contact module can be reused after maintenance, rather than being discarded and reused, and thus, the solution of the present embodiment can reduce waste.

Other variants

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that while in the above embodiments, service tool 200 includes visual inspection tool 280, the present invention is not so limited. In other embodiments of the present invention, service tool 200 may not include visual inspection tool 280.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that although the first extractor 210 includes the plurality of through holes Kh in the above embodiment, the present invention is not limited thereto. In other embodiments of the present invention, the first extractor 210 may not include the plurality of through holes Kh, in which case the plurality of bolts of the contact module 10 may be removed first, and then the first extractor 210 is operated to remove the first layer 20 and the plurality of second pins 40 of the contact module 10.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that although the disassembly aid 230 includes the air discharge through-hole Km to make the air pressure in the space S2 uniform in the above embodiment, the present invention is not limited thereto. In other embodiments of the present invention, the disassembly aid 230 may not include the vent holes Km.

FIG. 4 shows a schematic view of a service tool according to an embodiment of the invention. As shown in fig. 4, the service tool 400 includes a first extractor 402, a first holder 404, a disassembly aid 406, a second extractor 408, and a detacher 410.

A first extractor 402 may vacuum-grip a first layer and a plurality of second needles of a contact module so as to be operable by a user to detach the first layer and the plurality of second needles from the contact module, wherein the contact module further includes a second layer, a third layer, a fourth layer, a plurality of first needles, a plurality of springs, a plurality of bolts, and a layer alignment member, the first layer, the second layer, the third layer, and the fourth layer being connected together by the layer alignment member and defining a positional relationship therebetween, the plurality of first needles being placed through the second layer, the third layer, and the fourth layer and being caught by the fourth layer, the plurality of second needles being placed through the first layer and being caught by the first layer, each of the plurality of first needles and the plurality of second needles having a lengthwise inner through-hole, the plurality of first inner through-holes including a first through-hole distal to the second layer and a first through-hole proximal to the second layer A second through hole having a diameter greater than a diameter of the first through hole, each of the plurality of springs being positioned within the second through hole of one of the plurality of first needles, each of the plurality of second needles also being inserted within the second through hole of one of the plurality of first needles and in contact with a spring positioned therein, and the plurality of bolts connecting the first layer and the second layer together. For example, but not limiting of, the first extractor 402 may be implemented by the first extractor 210.

The first holder 404 is used to store the plurality of second needles and the first layer detached from the first extractor 402 in such a way that the plurality of second needles are placed in the contact module. For example, but not limiting of, first holder 404 may be implemented by first holder 220.

A detachment aid 406 is operable by the user to urge the plurality of first needles out of the fourth layer using compressed air. For example, but not limiting of, the disassembly aid 406 may be implemented by the disassembly aid 230.

A second extractor 408 is operable by the user to grasp the plurality of first needles on a side of the second layer and to remove and store the plurality of first needles and the plurality of springs from the contact module after the needle detachment assist 406 causes the plurality of first needles to disengage from the fourth layer. For example, but not limiting of, the second extractor 408 may be implemented by the second extractor 240.

A detacher 410 is operable by the user to detach the second, third, and fourth layers to disengage the layer alignment feature.

In a first aspect, the first extractor 402 has a first lumen and a third through hole, wherein the first lumen forms a first space with the outer surface of the first layer when the first extractor 402 is placed on the outer surface of the first layer, and wherein air of the first space can be drawn away from the third through hole to cause the first space to become a vacuum to suck the first layer and the plurality of second needles.

In the second aspect, the first extractor 402 further has a plurality of fourth through holes from which the user can detach the plurality of bolts when the first extractor 402 sucks the first layer and the plurality of second pins of the contact module.

In a third aspect, the first holder 404 has a plurality of fifth holes corresponding to the holes of the first layer through which the plurality of second needles pass, by inserting the plurality of second needles into the plurality of fifth holes the first holder 404 is realized to deposit the plurality of second needles and the first layer detached from the first extractor 402 in such a way that the plurality of second needles are placed in the contact module.

In a fourth aspect, the detachment aid 406 has a second lumen and a sixth through-hole, wherein the second lumen forms a second space with an outer surface of the fourth layer when the detachment aid 406 is placed on the outer surface of the fourth layer, and compressed air may be applied to the second space via the sixth through-hole to urge the plurality of first needles away from the fourth layer.

In the fifth aspect, the disassembly aid 406 further has at least one air discharge through-hole, wherein a part of the compressed air applied into the second space is discharged through the at least one air discharge through-hole to make the air pressure uniform throughout the second space.

In the sixth aspect, the second extractor 408 includes a first plate member, a second plate member spaced a predetermined distance from the first plate member, and a connector connecting the first and second plate members, the second plate member having a plurality of seventh through holes corresponding to holes through which the plurality of first needles on the second layer pass in a direction perpendicular to the first plate member, wherein the user can operate the second extractor 408 such that the plurality of first needles on the side of the second layer are inserted into the plurality of seventh through holes so as to hold the plurality of first needles on the side of the second layer, the plurality of first needles abut on the first plate member with the plurality of springs being held in the second through holes of the plurality of first needles after the needle detaching assistant 406 causes the plurality of first needles to disengage from the fourth layer, and, after the user turns the contact module such that the plurality of first needles are erected on the first flat plate member through the plurality of seventh through holes, the user may operate the second extractor 408 to remove the plurality of first needles and the plurality of springs from the contact module and store the plurality of first needles and the plurality of springs in the second extractor 408.

In a seventh aspect, detacher 410 comprises a second layer detacher operable by the user to detach the second layer decoupling layer alignment member, a third layer detacher operable by the user to detach the fourth layer decoupling layer alignment member, and a fourth layer detacher operable by the user to detach the third layer decoupling layer alignment member after the second layer and/or the fourth layer are detached from the layer alignment member.

In the eighth aspect, the service tool 400 further comprises: a visual inspection tool for emitting light to the plurality of first needles to check whether springs are placed in the second through holes of the plurality of first needles.

The detailed description set forth above in connection with the appended drawings describes exemplary embodiments but does not represent all embodiments that may be practiced or fall within the scope of the claims. The term "exemplary" used throughout this specification means "serving as an example, instance, or illustration," and does not mean "preferred" or "advantageous" over other embodiments. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing an understanding of the described technology. However, the techniques may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the described embodiments.

The previous description of the disclosure is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the disclosure. Various modifications to the disclosure will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other variations without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Thus, the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the examples and designs described herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A service tool, comprising:

a first extractor that is operable by a user to vacuum a first layer and a plurality of second needles of a contact module so as to be operable to detach the first layer and the plurality of second needles from the contact module, wherein the contact module further comprises a second layer, a third layer, a fourth layer, a plurality of first needles, a plurality of springs, a plurality of bolts, and a layer alignment member, the first layer, the second layer, the third layer, and the fourth layer being connected together by the layer alignment member and defining a positional relationship therebetween, the plurality of first needles being placed through the second layer, the third layer, and the fourth layer and being caught by the fourth layer, the plurality of second needles being placed through the first layer and being caught by the first layer, each of the plurality of first needles and the plurality of second needles having a lengthwise internal through-hole, the respective internal through-holes of the plurality of first needles including a first through-hole that is remote from the second layer and a second through-hole that is close to the second layer A second through hole having a diameter larger than a diameter of the first through hole, each of the plurality of springs being placed within the second through hole of one of the plurality of first needles, each of the plurality of second needles also being inserted within the second through hole of one of the plurality of first needles and being in contact with a spring located therein, and the plurality of bolts connecting the first layer and the second layer together;

a first holder for storing the plurality of second needles and the first layer detached from the first extractor in such a manner that the plurality of second needles are placed in the contact module;

a detachment aid operable by the user to urge the plurality of first needles out of the fourth layer using compressed air;

a second extractor operable by the user to grasp the plurality of first needles on a side of the second layer and to remove and store the plurality of first needles and the plurality of springs from the contact module after the detachment aid causes the plurality of first needles to disengage from the fourth layer; and

a detacher operable by the user to detach the second layer, the third layer, and the fourth layer to disengage the layer alignment feature.

2. The service tool of claim 1, wherein

The first extractor has a first lumen and a third through hole, wherein the first lumen forms a first space with an outer surface of the first layer when the first extractor is placed on the outer surface of the first layer, and air of the first space can be drawn away from the third through hole to make the first space become a vacuum to suck the first layer and the plurality of second needles.

3. The service tool of claim 2, wherein

The first extractor also has a plurality of fourth through holes from which the user can detach the plurality of bolts when the first extractor sucks the first layer and the plurality of second pins of the contact module.

4. The service tool of claim 1, wherein

The first holder has a plurality of fifth holes corresponding to the holes of the first layer through which the plurality of second needles pass, and is realized by inserting the plurality of second needles into the plurality of fifth holes to store the plurality of second needles and the first layer detached by the first extractor in such a manner that the plurality of second needles are placed in the contact module.

5. The service tool of claim 1, wherein

The detachment aid has a second lumen and a sixth through-hole, wherein the second lumen forms a second space with an outer surface of the fourth layer when the detachment aid is placed on the outer surface of the fourth layer, and compressed air may be applied to the second space via the sixth through-hole to urge the plurality of first needles to disengage from the fourth layer.

6. The service tool of claim 5, wherein

The disassembly aid also has at least one vent through hole, wherein a portion of the compressed air applied into the second space is vented through the at least one vent through hole to equalize air pressure throughout the second space.

7. The service tool of claim 1, wherein

The second extractor includes a first plate member, a second plate member spaced a predetermined distance from the first plate member, and a connector connecting the first and second plate members, the second plate member having a plurality of seventh through holes corresponding to holes through which the plurality of first needles on the second layer pass in a direction perpendicular to the first plate member,

wherein the user can operate the second extractor such that the plurality of first needles on the second floor side are inserted into the plurality of seventh through holes so as to hold the plurality of first needles on the second floor side, the plurality of first needles abut on the first plate member with the plurality of springs held in the second through holes of the plurality of first needles after the detachment assist causes the plurality of first needles to disengage from the fourth floor, and, after the user flips the contact module such that the plurality of first needles stand on the first plate member through the plurality of seventh through holes, the user can operate the second extractor to remove the plurality of first needles and the plurality of springs from the contact module and store the plurality of first needles and the plurality of springs in the second extractor.

8. The service tool of claim 1, wherein

The detacher comprises a second-layer detacher, a third-layer detacher and a fourth-layer detacher,

wherein the second layer detacher is operable by the user to detach the second layer detachment the layer alignment feature, the fourth layer detacher is operable by the user to detach the fourth layer detachment the layer alignment feature, and, after the second layer and/or the fourth layer are detached from the layer alignment feature, the third layer detacher is operable by the user to detach the third layer from the layer alignment feature.

9. The service tool of claim 1, further comprising:

a visual inspection tool for emitting light to the plurality of first needles to check whether springs are placed in the second through holes of the plurality of first needles.