DE102019210313A1 - Programming and test adapter - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a programming and / or test adapter (10) for a circuit board, which can be assembled from individual parts in the form of plates (34) that are technically easy to manufacture. In particular, it should essentially be possible to dispense with screw connections, gluing or the like. The plates (34) can be machined with known methods in order to obtain the corresponding recesses (18, 36, 48, 50, 54) and elevations (42, 44, 46). In this way, a spatial structure for the adapter (10) can be created from flat plates (34). The adapter (10) comprises a mechanism and test pins (22) in order to make electrically conductive contact with the circuit board at corresponding points in order to enable programming and / or testing of the circuit board. The invention also relates to a method for measuring and / or programming a circuit board with such an adapter (10).

Description

The invention relates to a device for contacting a circuit board and a method for measuring and / or programming a circuit board with such a device.

In the production of circuit boards in small series and the development of circuit boards, programming and measuring the circuit boards is associated with increased effort and increased costs, especially if the circuit boards cannot be contacted and measured with standardized test adapters or the like.

Small series and prototypes in particular are often not manufactured in standard sizes or with a standard design, so that no prefabricated testing machines, contacting devices or programming adapters can be used here.

Specially manufactured programming adapters are sometimes associated with considerable costs and long delivery times, which makes prototype development difficult. It is also known to manufacture such adapters in a time-consuming 3D printing process or by hand, which is also very time-consuming and costly.

The invention is therefore based on the object of creating a contacting device which can be manufactured cheaply and quickly and which enables reliable contacting of a printed circuit board at predetermined contact points. Furthermore, a method is to be provided in order to measure and / or program a circuit board with the above device.

This object is achieved in whole or in part by a device with the features of independent claim 1 and by a method with the steps of independent claim 10. Further preferred embodiments of the invention emerge from the other, in the dependent claims and in the further independent claims Features.

• - eine Grundplatte mit einer Aufnahme für die Leiterplatte, um die Leiterplatte in der Vorrichtung anzuordnen;
• - eine Plattform, umfassend Kontaktnadeln zum Kontaktieren der vordefinierten Kontaktpunkte an der Leiterplatte;
• - einen Hebel, um die Plattform mit den Kontaktnadeln entlang einer vordefinierten Kurve in eine Messposition auf die Leiterplatte hinzubewegen und die Kontaktnadeln in Kontakt mit den vordefinierten Kontaktpunkten an der Leiterplatte zu bringen; wobei die Vorrichtung aus Bauteilen mit einer zweidimensionalen (flachen) Geometrie zusammengesetzt ist.

The device according to the invention for contacting a circuit board with predefined dimensions and positions of contact points comprises:

• a base plate with a receptacle for the circuit board in order to arrange the circuit board in the device;
• - A platform comprising contact needles for contacting the predefined contact points on the circuit board;
• a lever to move the platform with the contact needles along a predefined curve into a measuring position on the circuit board and to bring the contact needles into contact with the predefined contact points on the circuit board; wherein the device is composed of components with a two-dimensional (flat) geometry.

• - Anordnen der Leiterplatte auf einer Aufnahme einer Grundplatte der Vorrichtung;
• - Bewegen einer Plattform mit Kontaktnadeln durch Betätigen eines Hebels der Vorrichtung, so dass die Kontaktnadeln in Kontakt mit vordefinierten Kontaktpunkten an der Leiterplatte anliegen; und
• - Messen und/oder Programmieren der Leiterplatte, vorzugsweise durch Leiten von Signalen in die Kontaktpunkte und Messen von Spannungen/Strömen an den Kontaktpunkten.

The object is also achieved by a method for measuring and / or programming a circuit board with a device above. The procedure consists of the following steps:

• - Arranging the circuit board on a receptacle of a base plate of the device;
• Moving a platform with contact needles by actuating a lever of the device so that the contact needles are in contact with predefined contact points on the circuit board; and
• - Measuring and / or programming the circuit board, preferably by routing signals into the contact points and measuring voltages / currents at the contact points.

Due to the two-dimensional, that is to say flat, geometry of the components for forming the device, manufacture of the device is simplified and therefore quick and cost-efficient. In particular, the shape-determining parameters can be reduced to a small number due to the relatively simple geometry. This makes it possible to have all the components for the complete device calculated with just a few details. The dimensions of the circuit board and / or the positions of the contact needles and / or contact points are preferably sufficient. Thanks to the two-dimensional layer structure, in particular the receptacle, unusual circuit board geometries can also be adapted. When calculating the contours of the components, depending on the processing method, a cutting width can be included so that all parts fit together after the cutting process and the play is reduced to a minimum. The device can assume a wide variety of dimensions. If necessary, a mechanism of the device can be distributed over one or more parts of the circuit board, for example a plurality of lever mechanisms can be provided. It is also conceivable to provide one or more frames for the device in order to dispense with connecting means, such as adhesive and / or screws, or at least to reduce their number. Due to the less complex structure of the device, it can also be used in small companies, schools, training centers and / or FabLabs.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention it is provided that the components comprise an arrangement of cut, milled or sawn plates, which is preferably automated are produced, in particular by means of processes that can remove contours from plates, preferably by CNC milling, laser, water and / or plasma cutting. As a result, the device can be manufactured quickly and cost-effectively.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the components have a guide groove and elevations that interact with one another in order to move the platform along the predefined curve. This means that expensive parts that are specially adapted to the application, such as bearings, axles and rollers, can be dispensed with. All the necessary mechanical properties and movement sequences are preferably implemented directly by means of the panel blank.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention it is provided that the guide groove has a square cross section and is preferably continuous and the predefined curve comprises a straight axis. A vertical movement of the platform preferably requires a guide groove in the lever in the form of a guide slot with a special shape, which takes into account an angle-dependent position of the lever. In this way, a forced guidance of the platform can be achieved in a technically simple manner. Furthermore, assembly of the device can be facilitated by a continuous guide groove. Tilting of the platform when the lever is operated can be counteracted.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention it is provided that the guide groove is arranged in such a way that the straight axis runs through a center of mass of the platform in order to enable a uniform contact pressure of the contact needles. This can improve the contacting of the contact points. The device becomes more efficient and less error-prone.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention it is provided that the platform has receptacles for plug connectors and / or sensors in order to bring them into contact with predefined sensor contact points on the circuit board in the measuring position. As a result, the device can be equipped with additional functions in a technically simple manner. A device that can be used flexibly and in a highly variable manner can be created.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention it is provided that the components have recesses and elevations in order to be connected to one another by means of a plug-in connection according to the tongue and groove principle in order to form the device. The connections between the components are preferably selected in such a way that they are created using different locking techniques implemented in the component geometry. This largely makes it possible to dispense with screws or bearings.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention it is provided that the base plate has a rack which interacts with a toothing on an underside of the lever in order to enable a horizontal movement of the base plate and / or platform. This allows the device to be expanded by a function. In particular, no additional components are required for this. The function can be created by suitable shaping of the components during manufacture.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention it is provided that the lever comprises a locking mechanism in order to lock the device in the measuring position and to fix the circuit board. This makes it technically easy to prevent the circuit board from slipping. The device is less susceptible to faults and can in particular withstand impacts and vibrations without interrupting the contact with the contact points. In particular when developing prototypes and in schools, vibrations due to inattentiveness can sometimes occur, especially when observing the measurement of a circuit board.

Further preferred embodiments of the invention result from the other features mentioned in the subclaims.

The various embodiments of the invention mentioned in this application can be advantageously combined with one another, unless stated otherwise in the individual case.

A printed circuit board, also known as a printed circuit board, circuit board or printed circuit, is a carrier for electronic components. It is used for mechanical fastening and electrical connection. Circuit boards are made of electrically insulating material with conductive connections adhering to them, the so-called conductor tracks. In particular, fiber-reinforced plastic and / or hard paper can serve as the insulating material. The conductor tracks are preferably etched from an approximately 35 µm thin layer of copper. The components are soldered on soldering surfaces, also known as pads or soldering pads, and / or in soldering eyes. This holds the components mechanically and connects them electrically.

Contact needles can in particular be spring contact pins, test pins, test probes, spring-loaded contacts, test pins, test needles or the like. They are used to establish an electrically conductive connection by touching or by placing or placing the contact needle on a conductive contact point.

Elevations can be extensions protruding from a surface, preferably to enable a plug connection and / or a guide. In particular, elevations can also include extensions on an edge of a surface, such as noses, tongues, pegs, etc.

• 1 eine schematische perspektivische Ansicht einer Vorrichtung zum Kontaktieren einer Leiterplatte;
• 2 eine weitere, in Bezug auf 1 um 90° gedrehte perspektivische Ansicht einer Vorrichtung zum Kontaktieren einer Leiterplatte;
• 3 schematisch Bauteile für eine Vorrichtung zum Kontaktieren einer Leiterplatte;
• 4 einen Hebelmechanismus für eine Vorrichtung zum Kontaktieren einer Leiterplatte;
• 5 eine schematische detaillierte Teilansicht einer drehbaren Befestigung eines Hebels des Hebelmechanismus der 4;
• 6A bis 6D schematische detaillierte Teilansichten einer Führung in einem Hebel für eine Plattform bei verschiedenen Hebelpositionen;
• 7 einen Hebelmechanismus mit einer Zahnstange für eine Vorrichtung zum Kontaktieren einer Leiterplatte; und
• 8 eine schematische Darstellung eines erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens.

The invention is explained below in exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Show it:

• 1 a schematic perspective view of a device for contacting a circuit board;
• 2 another, regarding 1 90 ° rotated perspective view of a device for contacting a circuit board;
• 3 schematically components for a device for contacting a circuit board;
• 4th a lever mechanism for a device for contacting a circuit board;
• 5 a schematic detailed partial view of a rotatable attachment of a lever of the lever mechanism of FIG 4th ;
• 6A to 6D schematic detailed partial views of a guide in a lever for a platform at different lever positions;
• 7th a lever mechanism with a rack for a device for contacting a circuit board; and
• 8th a schematic representation of a method according to the invention.

1 shows schematically an apparatus 10 for contacting a circuit board in a perspective view. The device 10 has a base plate 12 , a lever 14th , a carrier 16 for the lever 14th with a guide groove 18th as well as a platform 20th with contact needles 22nd on.

The lever 14th is on one of the base plates 12 facing end with a lever foot piece 24 connected by means of a plug connection. The lever 14th includes two main parts attached to one by the base plate 12 facing away end by means of a connecting plate 26th are connected to each other. On that of the base plate 12 facing the end are the two main parts by means of a bridge 28 connected with each other. The bridge 28 also has a socket 30th on. The socket 30th serves to connect a plug to the device 10 . It is also conceivable to use one or more contact needles 22nd with pins in the socket 30th to connect electrically.

For measuring and / or programming a circuit board, this is in the device 10 arranged. Then the lever 14th operated to the platform 20th with the contact needles 22nd to lower the circuit board so that the contact needles 22nd electrically conductively contact the circuit board at predefined contact points. This situation is in the 1 shown.

2 shows one relating to 1 Perspective view of the device rotated by 90 ° 10 . The same reference symbols relate to the same features and are therefore not explained again. In contrast to the in 1 situation shown is the lever 14th open, so in this example above. In this representation is a recording 32 for a circuit board shown. The recording 32 is in the example shown by a recess in the base plate 12 realized, the base plate 12 preferably consists of three individual plates, one of which has a recess for the circuit board.

Preferably holes can also be made in the receptacle 32 be provided which interact with corresponding elevations in the circuit board in order to prevent the circuit board from slipping. Further depressions can also be made in the receptacle 32 be provided, into which the electrical components of the printed circuit board can protrude, so that they do not have to be subjected to any mechanical stress when measuring. An adaptation to higher structures of a printed circuit board can be achieved by varying a thickness of the plate material and / or by adding additional plates.

3 shows schematically components 34 or component blanks for the device 10 . A mechanism of the device 10 from the components 34 be constructed. The components 34a to 34c can become the base plate 12 be put together. The component 34c forms the lowest part, the component 34b is in the middle and the component 34a forms the uppermost part of the base plate 12 . The component 34b for the middle and the component 34a have recesses 36 on that with corresponding structures of the other components 34 interact to form a connector when assembling the device 10 to accomplish. Furthermore, the components 34 Drilling 40 on to the components 34 additionally to be able to screw together. It goes without saying that the components 34 can also be glued or otherwise joined together. Furthermore, the recording 32 formed for the circuit board by a recess 36 'in the upper component 34a.

The component 34d is used to connect the components 34a-c, which the base plate 12 form, and for connecting the components 34e and 34f, which the lever foot piece 24 form.

The components 34g and 34h together form the platform 20th and also have holes 40 so that the components 34g and 34h can also be screwed together. The components 34g and 34h have an elevation at two opposite ends 42 in the form of a tongue with a guide groove 18th of the wearer 16 can interact to make the platform 20th to move in a kind of forced guidance along an axis. It goes without saying that the holes 40 they do not necessarily have to be drilled; they can also be milled or created by another method known in the prior art.

The carrier 16 can be represented by the components 34i and 34j. These components 34 also have surveys 44 in the form of pegs and / or pegs at one end to with corresponding recesses 36 on the base plate 12 to be connected.

The lever 14th is formed by means of the components 34k to 34m. The component 34k forms the connecting plate 26th and component 341 forms the bridge 28 . The components 34m and 34n form the two lever arms of the lever 14th . The components 34k and 341 also have elevations 46 in the form of tongues on to in recesses 48 of the components 34m and 34n to be inserted and the lever 14th to build.

The components 34m and 34n have round recesses 50 on to the tongues 52 of the component 34d. These tongues 52 run in the assembled device 10 also through recesses 54 on components 34e and 34f that make up the lever base 24 form.

For the sake of clarity, in particular in the case of essentially symmetrical and / or similar components 34 partially omitted reference numerals.

4th shows a lever mechanism 56 for a device 10 in a schematic perspective view. The same reference symbols relate to the same features and are not explained again. For the sake of clarity, some of the components 34 Not shown.

In the lever 14th is a recess 58 provided to have a bump in the shape of a tongue 52 the platform 20th when moving the lever up and down 14th to be able to lead. This allows the platform 20th , and especially the contact needles 22nd , be guided exactly to the predefined contact points on the circuit board. The movement of the platform preferably takes place 20th along an axis passing through a previously calculated center of gravity of the platform 20th runs. This allows contacting by means of the contact needles 22nd be improved as each contact needle 22nd exerts an essentially equal contact pressure on the predefined contact points. The pressure sufficient for conductive contact can thus be kept low. Mechanical stress on the circuit board when making contact is kept low.

5 shows a schematically detailed section of a fastening of the lever 14th the lever mechanism 56 the 4th .

As described above, the tongue becomes 52 through the round recess 50 guided and thus forms a rotatable attachment for the lever 14th . To the lever 14th to be able to move, has the base plate 12 a recess 36 "so that the lever 14th can at least partially protrude into the recess 36 ″ when moving up and down.

The 6A to 6D show schematically detailed partial views of a guide by means of a recess 58 in the lever 14th for the survey 42 in the form of a tongue of the platform 20th at different lever positions. The 6A corresponds to a position of the lever 14th where the lever 14th an angle of about 0 ° with the base plate 12 forms. The 6B corresponds to a position of the lever 14th where the lever 14th an angle of about 10 ° with the base plate 12 forms. The 6C corresponds to a position of the lever 14th where the lever 14th an angle of about 25 ° with the base plate 12 forms. The 6D corresponds to a position of the lever 14th where the lever 14th an angle of about 30 ° with the base plate 12 forms.

It goes without saying that the shape and geometry of the recess 58 depending on a geometry of the lever 14th , the platform 20th and / or the wearer 16 , especially the guide groove 18th in the carrier 16 , may differ from the shape shown. The geometry of the recess is preferably such that the tongue 52 the platform 20th always at at least two points of the recess 58 is performed and so there is essentially no game. The geometry of this recess can be determined using Euclidean geometry.

7th shows another lever mechanism 60 with a rack 62 for a device 10 . The rack 62 with a counter-toothing 64 that rotate with the lever 14th connected, interact and a vertical movement of the rack 62 trigger. With such a mechanism, contact needles 22nd , Connectors, special test adapters, pressing devices and / or a platform 20th be moved with a circuit board in the horizontal direction.

It goes without saying that such a mechanism can also be used in a device 10 , as described above, can be used to additionally realize a horizontal movement, so that contact points can be contacted on a circuit board both vertically and horizontally.

8th shows a schematic representation of a method according to the invention. The method can be carried out with the aforementioned embodiments of a device for contacting a printed circuit board. In a first step S1 the process is the circuit board on a base plate 12 the device 10 arranged. In a second step S2 becomes a platform with contact needles 22nd by operating a lever 14th the device 10 moved so that the contact needles 22nd in contact with predefined contact points on the circuit board. In a third step S3 the circuit board is measured and / or programmed, preferably by routing signals into the contact points and measuring voltages / currents at the contact points.

The invention has been described in detail. First and foremost, the teaching disclosed will offer itself as a solution for prototypes, laboratories or for programming / measuring circuit boards that are produced in small series. The technical structure is flexible and can be used quickly and cheaply for almost all printed circuit board geometries. With the teaching disclosed, the following advantages in particular can be achieved: The connections between the components are preferably selected in such a way that they are implemented using different locking techniques implemented in terms of geometry. This makes it possible to largely do without screws or bearings.

Due to the relatively simple geometry, the shape-determining parameters can be reduced to a small number. This enables the complete construction of the device to be calculated with just a few details. As a rule, the dimensions of the circuit board and the positions of the contact needles are sufficient.

Due to the layer structure of the receptacle, unusual circuit board geometries can also be adapted.

The structure of the platform can also be used to feed plug connectors or sensors, for example.

It goes without saying that a single element or a single unit can carry out the functions of several of the units mentioned in the patent claims. An element, a unit, an interface, a device and a system can be implemented partially or completely in hardware and / or in software.

List of reference symbols

10

contraption

12

Base plate

14th

lever

16

carrier

18th

Guide groove

20th

platform

22nd

Contact needle

24

Lever foot piece

26th

Connecting plate

28

bridge

30th

Rifle

32

admission

34

Component

36

Recess

40

drilling

42

Elevation in the shape of a tongue

44

Elevation in the form of a nose

46

Elevation in the shape of a tongue

48

Recess

50

Recess

52

tongue

54

Recess

56

Lever mechanism

58

Recess

60

another lever mechanism

62

Rack

64

Mating teeth

S1

first procedural step

S2

second process step

S3

third process step

Claims (10)

Device (10) for contacting a circuit board with predefined dimensions and positions of contact points, comprising: a base plate (12) with a receptacle (32) for the circuit board, in order to arrange the circuit board in the device (10); a platform (20) comprising contact needles (22) for contacting the predefined contact points on the circuit board; a lever (14) to the platform (20) with the contact needles (22) along a predefined curve in move a measuring position towards the circuit board and bring the contact needles (22) into contact with the predefined contact points on the circuit board; characterized in that the device (10) is composed of components (34) with a two-dimensional geometry. Device (10) after Claim 1 , characterized in that the components (34) comprise an arrangement of cut, milled or sawn plates, which are preferably produced automatically, in particular by means of methods which can extract contours from plates, preferably by CNC milling, laser, water and / or plasma cutting. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the components (34) have a guide groove (18) and elevations (42) which interact with one another in order to move the platform (20) along the predefined curve. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the guide groove (18) has a square cross section and is preferably continuous and the predefined curve comprises a straight axis. Device (10) after Claim 4 , characterized in that the guide groove (18) is arranged in such a way that the straight axis runs through a center of mass of the platform (20) in order to enable uniform contact pressure of the contact needles (22). Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the platform (20) has receptacles for plug connectors and / or sensors in order to bring them into contact with predefined sensor contact points on the circuit board in the measuring position. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the components (34) have recesses (36, 48, 50, 54) and elevations (42, 44, 46) in order to use a tongue and groove principle Plug connection to be connected to one another to form the device (10). Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base plate (12) has a rack (62) which interacts with a toothing on an underside of the lever (14) in order to move the base plate (12) horizontally and / or to enable platform (20). Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lever (14) comprises a locking mechanism in order to lock the device (10) in the measuring position and to fix the circuit board. Method for measuring and / or programming a circuit board with a device (10) above, comprising the steps: Arranging (S1) the circuit board on a receptacle (32) of a base plate (12) of the device (10); Moving (S2) a platform (20) with contact needles (22) by actuating a lever (14) of the device (10), so that the contact needles (22) are in contact with predefined contact points on the guide plate; and Measuring and / or programming (S3) the circuit board, preferably by routing signals into the contact points and measuring voltages / currents at the contact points.

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