EP0859071B1 - Process for selective galvanic coating of electrical contact elements - Google Patents

Process for selective galvanic coating of electrical contact elements Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0859071B1
EP0859071B1 EP98101116A EP98101116A EP0859071B1 EP 0859071 B1 EP0859071 B1 EP 0859071B1 EP 98101116 A EP98101116 A EP 98101116A EP 98101116 A EP98101116 A EP 98101116A EP 0859071 B1 EP0859071 B1 EP 0859071B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
tip
electrolyte
galvanizing
contact
accordance
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EP98101116A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0859071A3 (en
EP0859071A2 (en
Inventor
Klaus-Günter Rösener
Kai Erik Liebisch
Hans-Joachim Dr.Rer.Nat. Neese
Uwe Liebig
Johannes Gündel
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Schempp und Decker Praezisionsteile und Oberflaechentechnik GmbH
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Schempp und Decker Praezisionsteile und Oberflaechentechnik GmbH
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Priority claimed from DE1997104369 external-priority patent/DE19704369C2/en
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Publication of EP0859071A2 publication Critical patent/EP0859071A2/en
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    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25D—PROCESSES FOR THE ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PRODUCTION OF COATINGS; ELECTROFORMING; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25D5/00—Electroplating characterised by the process; Pretreatment or after-treatment of workpieces
    • C25D5/02—Electroplating of selected surface areas

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method for the selective electroplating of electrical contact elements with which on at least one contact surface metallic base body of the contact elements, an electrolyte is applied to the contains more conductive material than the basic body (report volume on the 2nd EAST Congress, November 1991, Eugen G. Leuze Verlag, Saulgau, 1992, pages 30 to 37).
  • Such a method is used, for example, to coat the contact tips of electrical contact elements used.
  • bodies made of other metals such as bronze, nickel silver, copper beryllium or stainless steel.
  • Suitable metals are preferred Gold and palladium, but also platinum, ruthenium, rhodium, silver, nickel or copper. there In principle, it is always sufficient if only the direct contact area of one Contact element is coated with the more conductive material. Because this given problems for economic reasons with the coating material "gold" on are the most serious, will be - in the following - representative of all other possible materials - explains the galvanic coating of contact springs made of bronze with gold.
  • the invention is based on the object of the method described at the outset shape that the consumption of gold can be reduced.
  • the gold-containing electrolyte applies directly and only to that coating contact surface of the contact springs. This happens through the feed automatically from above with sufficient pressure.
  • the one for a usable one The required thickness of the contact surface is achieved by the elongated plating tip, through which the contact springs all the way along them with electrolyte be charged.
  • the supply of the electrolyte from above also leads to one simple structure of the whole arrangement and a simple way of working. Of It is particularly important that no covering elements or components are required become.
  • the electrolyte running down comes with the outer surface of the Contact springs hardly touch. There is also none in the interior of the contact springs essential gold plating instead.
  • the coating remains i. w. towards the coating contact point limited. Gold consumption is therefore almost to a minimum required measure limited.
  • a gold electrolyte is located in an electrolyte chamber 1 serving for distribution.
  • a plastic plating tip 3 located below the same, which is connected to the electrolyte chamber 1 is connected via passages, is a plastic plating tip 3 arranged, the more precise structure of which is apparent from FIGS. 3, 4 and 5. It is used for targeted supply of the electrolyte to a contact spring 4, which consists of gold Contact surfaces should be coated.
  • the contact spring 4 is the same with a large number Continuous contact springs attached to a carrier strip 5.
  • electrolyte chamber 1 is located above the plating tip 3 and the Contact spring 4 is arranged at the lower end thereof. The electrolyte becomes the Contact spring 4 thus supplied from above through the electroplating tip 3.
  • the contact spring 4 to be coated in the illustrated embodiment has two arms trained with the two spring halves or arms 6 and 7.
  • the curved Arms 6 and 7 have contact tips 8 and 9, which are to be coated with gold. The remaining surface of the contact spring 4 should not be coated.
  • the electroplating tip 3 is made of plastic films, for example Mylar consist. However, other chemically resistant plastics can also be used. 3, the electroplating tip 3 is composed of three foils 10, 11 and 12 lying one against the other built up. The middle film 11 is longer than the two side films 10 and 12. Im protruding area are outlet openings 13 for the electrolyte, which over the entire length or width of the plating tip 3 are present. In use position are the outlet openings 13 below.
  • the three foils 10, 11 and 12 close from Fig. 4 visible channel-like passages 14, at the lower ends of which Outlet openings 13 are located. They serve to supply the electrolyte to the Outlet openings 13.
  • a plating tip 3 consisting of three foils 10, 11 and 12 becomes, for example, like this made that 11 parts are first punched out of the film. The result Any gaps that arise result in the later passages 14. On both longitudinal edges of the film 11 continuous strips are left, so that the film 11 like a kind Double comb looks. Then the two films 10 perforated analogously to the film 11 and 12 laminated onto the perforated film 11 on different sides. Your punched out passages are congruent over the passages 14 of the film 11 4, however, partially cover the passages 14 of the film 11 in the lower region so that the outlet openings 13 remain free. The film 11 protrudes according to FIGS. 3 and 4 beyond slides 10 and 12. When using this plating tip 3, both Contact tips 8 and 9 wetted in the same way by the electrolyte. On both Contact tips 8 and 9 are thus deposited with a layer of approximately the same thickness.
  • the length of the plating tip 3 depends on the thickness of the layers to be deposited. It can be a few centimeters long, but also about 1.5 m long. An average value for the length of the plating tip 3 is 800 mm.
  • the contact springs 4 to be coated should - as a function of the layer thickness of the coating to be produced - be moved as quickly as possible. They are, for example, at a speed of more than 3 m / min, usually at 12 m / min, moved along the plating tip 3. However, higher take-off speeds are also possible if two or more or a larger number of plating tips 3 are used.
  • the plating tip 3 consists of five foils 10 and 12 and 15, 16 and 17.
  • the foils 15 and 16 gaps are punched out to form the passages 14.
  • the punched foils 15 and 16 are laminated to the inner film 17, while the outer one, too perforated films 10 and 12 are laminated back to the films 15 and 16.
  • the electroplating tip 3 are passages 14 on both sides of the film 17 and outlet openings 13 are present.
  • the electrolyte becomes the contact tips 8 and 9 fed in separate ways. With such an electroplating tip 3 can two contact tips 8 and 9 layers are deposited with different thickness. Separate electrolyte chambers and different current strengths can be used for this become.
  • the contact springs 4 are arranged during the galvanization so that their contact tips 8 and 9 are at the level of the outlet openings 13. So you will, for example, at their Movement in the direction of arrow 18 shown in FIG. 4 along the electroplating tip 3 constantly wetted by the electrolyte.
  • the contact springs 4 are preferred forced out. They slide with their carrier strip 5 on resiliently visible from FIG. 7 mounted rope pulleys 19 made of plastic and are also made of plastic existing rails 20 and 21 pressed. These are on the side of the electroplating tip 3 and are equipped according to FIG. 4 with elongated holes 22 for the passage of the electrolyte.
  • the contact springs 4 and 4 are above the contact springs 4 and 4 to be coated essentially also arranged above the plating tip 3. As shown in 1 and 6, the electroplating tip 3 protrudes into the electrolyte chamber 1, namely in the connected to the same holder 2.
  • the electroplating current flows between contact tips 8 and 9 between the two anodes 23 and 24 and the cathodically connected contact springs 4.
  • the anodes 23 and 24 have approximately in their central area elongated holes 25 (Fig. 4) for the passage of the electrolyte.
  • the contact springs 4 are operated by the pulleys 19 against the rails 20 and 21 pressed.
  • the electrolyte then becomes the one to be coated Contact tips 8 and 9 supplied in the same way and at the same current.
  • a 5 there is the possibility that To divide electrolyte chamber 1 into two separate chambers. It can then be for the two Chambers different power sources are used, so that the two Contact tips 8 and 9 are coated with different currents. Result it different layers on the two contact tips 8 and 9 can be used to further reduce gold consumption.
  • a thin layer of gold is also deposited on the outside of the contact tips 8 and 9 lying areas of the arms 6 and 7 generated, and also in the interior of the contact springs 4th These are due to the method used with the targeted supply of the electrolyte Layers but very thin. They can be removed by a simple stripping process. The gold can then be recovered using conventional techniques. Not quite avoiding thin coating of the contact springs 4 in places not desired can also be used, for example, only the contact tip 8 directly over the To coat outlet openings 13. Then there are none on the side of the contact tips 9 Outlet openings in a corresponding electroplating tip 3 or there is no electrolyte fed to this page. On the contact tips 9 is also after termination a thin layer of gold.
  • the electrolyte runs from the collecting container 26 into a storage tank 27 Carrying out the method, the electrolyte is pumped into the Pumped electrolyte chamber 1.
  • a Flow meter 30 may be arranged through which the supplied to the electrolyte chamber 1 Amount of electrolyte can be regulated via a valve 31.
  • the device for carrying out the method is shown in a schematic in FIG Reproduced side view.
  • Details are shown here contacting rollers 32 and 33, through which the Contact springs 4 connected to the cathode of a rectifier, not shown are.

Abstract

A process and apparatus for the selective electroplating of electrical contact elements, used for coating at least one contact surface of a metal base for the contact elements with an electrolyte, containing a material with a higher conductivity as compared to the base. The electrolyte is applied with a long stretched-out plastic electroplating tip which has a plurality of channel passages through which the electrolyte passes and which are arranged at a right angle to the tip. The plurality of channel passages terminates at and empties into at least one discharge opening which extends along the entire length of the tip. The electroplating tip, when it is in the operating position, is arranged such that the at least one discharge opening is positioned on the bottom and extends horizontally. The electrolyte is supplied to the electroplating tip from above. The base is moved at the lower end of the electroplating tip and parallel to said tip, in such a way that the region thereof, which is intended as contact surface, is located at a uniform distance from and at the level of the discharge opening.

Description

Die Erfindung bezieht sich auf ein Verfahren zum selektiven galvanischen Beschichten von elektrischen Kontaktelementen, mit welchem auf mindestens eine Kontaktfläche eines metallischen Grundkörpers der Kontaktelemente ein Elektrolyt aufgebracht wird, der ein gegenüber dem Grundkörper besser leitendes Material enthält (Berichtsband über den 2. EAST-Kongreß, November 1991, Eugen G. Leuze Verlag, Saulgau, 1992, Seiten 30 bis 37).The invention relates to a method for the selective electroplating of electrical contact elements with which on at least one contact surface metallic base body of the contact elements, an electrolyte is applied to the contains more conductive material than the basic body (report volume on the 2nd EAST Congress, November 1991, Eugen G. Leuze Verlag, Saulgau, 1992, pages 30 to 37).

Ein derartiges Verfahren wird beispielsweise zur Beschichtung der Kontaktkuppen von elektrischen Kontaktelementen eingesetzt. Hauptsächlich wird das Verfahren zum Vergolden der Kontaktkuppen von aus kupferhaltigen Werkstoffen bestehenden Federkontakten verwendet. Es kann aber grundsätzlich auch für Grundkörper aus anderen Metallen eingesetzt werden, wie beispielweise Bronze, Neusilber, Kupfer-Beryllium oder Edelstahl. Stets wird ein Grundkörper aus elektrisch weniger gut leitendem Metall an mindestens einer Kontaktfläche mit elektrisch besser leitendem Metall beschichtet. Dafür geeignete Metalle sind vorzugsweise Gold und Palladium, aber auch Platin, Ruthenium, Rhodium, Silber, Nickel oder Kupfer. Dabei reicht es grundsätzlich immer aus, wenn nur der direkte Kontaktbereich eines Kontaktelements mit dem besser leitenden Material beschichtet wird. Da die hierbei gegebenen Probleme aus wirtschaftlichen Gründen bei dem Beschichtungsmaterial "Gold" am gravierensten sind, wird im folgenden - stellvertretend für alle anderen möglichen Materialien - die galvanische Beschichtung von Kontaktfedern aus Bronze mit Gold erläutert.Such a method is used, for example, to coat the contact tips of electrical contact elements used. Mainly the process of gilding the contact tips of spring contacts made of copper-containing materials used. In principle, however, it can also be used for bodies made of other metals such as bronze, nickel silver, copper beryllium or stainless steel. Always one Base body made of less electrically conductive metal on at least one contact surface coated with electrically better conductive metal. Suitable metals are preferred Gold and palladium, but also platinum, ruthenium, rhodium, silver, nickel or copper. there In principle, it is always sufficient if only the direct contact area of one Contact element is coated with the more conductive material. Because this given problems for economic reasons with the coating material "gold" on are the most serious, will be - in the following - representative of all other possible materials - explains the galvanic coating of contact springs made of bronze with gold.

Bei dem bekannten Verfahren nach der eingangs erwähnten Zeitschrift "EAST-Report" werden aus einem Endlosband ausgestanzte und in demselben zusammenhängende Kontaktfedern im Durchlauf galvanisch beschichtet. Dabei wird der zu beschichtende Teil der Kontaktfedern mit einem sich um seine Achse drehenden, an seiner Oberfläche mit Elektrolyt benetzten Zylinder in Berührung gebracht. Es ist bei diesem Verfahren nicht zu vermeiden, daß die Enden der Kontaktfedern vollständig beschichtet werden. Der Verbrauch an Beschichtungsmaterial ist also relativ hoch. Das Verfahren ist daher insbesondere bei Verwendung von Gold als Beschichtungsmaterial unwirtschaftlich.In the known method according to the "EAST Report" magazine mentioned at the beginning are punched out of an endless belt and connected in the same Contact springs galvanically coated in the pass. The part to be coated becomes the Contact springs with a rotating around its axis, with electrolyte on the surface wetted cylinder brought into contact. This procedure cannot be avoided that the ends of the contact springs are completely coated. The consumption at Coating material is therefore relatively high. The procedure is therefore particularly at Use of gold as a coating material is uneconomical.

Der Erfindung liegt die Aufgabe zugrunde, das eingangs geschilderte Verfahren so zu gestalten, daß der Verbrauch an Gold gesenkt werden kann.The invention is based on the object of the method described at the outset shape that the consumption of gold can be reduced.

Diese Aufgabe wird gemäß der Erfindung dadurch gelöst,

  • daß zur Aufbringung des Elektrolyten eine langgestreckte, aus Kunststoff bestehende Galvanisierspitze verwendet wird, die mit mindestens einer, auf ihrer ganzen Länge vorhandenen Auslaßöffnung und mit einer Vielzahl von in dieselbe einmündenden, kanalartigen Durchlässen zum Durchtritt des Elektrolyten ausgerüstet ist,
  • daß die Galvanisierspitze in Gebrauchslage so angeordnet wird, daß die Auslaßöffnung sich mit horizontaler Erstreckung unten befindet, während die Durchlässe sich von der Auslaßöffnung ausgehend nach oben erstrecken,
  • daß der Elektrolyt der Galvanisierspitze von oben zugeführt wird und
  • daß der Grundkörper am unteren Ende der Galvanisierspitze parallel zu derselben derart bewegt wird, daß der für die Kontaktfläche vorgesehene Bereich desselben mit gleichbleibendem Abstand in Höhe der Auslaßöffnung liegt.
According to the invention, this object is achieved by
  • that an elongated, electroplating tip made of plastic is used to apply the electrolyte, which is equipped with at least one outlet opening that is present over its entire length and with a multiplicity of channel-like passages opening into the same for the passage of the electrolyte,
  • that the plating tip is arranged in the position of use in such a way that the outlet opening is at the bottom with a horizontal extension, while the passages extend upwards from the outlet opening,
  • that the electrolyte of the plating tip is supplied from above and
  • that the base body at the lower end of the electroplating tip is moved parallel to the same in such a way that the area provided for the contact surface lies at a constant distance from the outlet opening.

Mit diesem Verfahren trifft der Gold enthaltende Elektrolyt direkt und nur auf die zu beschichtende Kontaktfläche der Kontaktfedern auf. Das geschieht durch die Zuführung desselben von oben automatisch mit ausreichendem Druck. Die für eine brauchbare Kontaktfläche benötigte Schichtdicke wird durch die langgestreckte Galvanisierspitze erreicht, durch welche die Kontaktfedern auf ihrem ganzen Weg entlang derselben mit Elektrolyt beaufschlagt werden. Die Zuführung des Elektrolyten von oben führt außerdem zu einem einfachen Aufbau der ganzen Anordnung und zu einer einfachen Arbeitsweise. Von besonderer Bedeutung ist dabei, daß keinerlei abdeckende Elemente bzw. Bauteile benötigt werden. Der nach unten weglaufende Elektrolyt kommt mit der Außenfläche der Kontaktfedern kaum in Berührung. Es findet außerdem im Innenraum der Kontaktfedern keine wesentliche Beschichtung mit Gold statt. Die Beschichtung bleibt also i. w. auf die zu beschichtende Kontaktstelle begrenzt. Der Goldverbrauch ist damit nahezu auf das minimal erforderliche Maß beschränkt.With this method, the gold-containing electrolyte applies directly and only to that coating contact surface of the contact springs. This happens through the feed automatically from above with sufficient pressure. The one for a usable one The required thickness of the contact surface is achieved by the elongated plating tip, through which the contact springs all the way along them with electrolyte be charged. The supply of the electrolyte from above also leads to one simple structure of the whole arrangement and a simple way of working. Of It is particularly important that no covering elements or components are required become. The electrolyte running down comes with the outer surface of the Contact springs hardly touch. There is also none in the interior of the contact springs essential gold plating instead. The coating remains i. w. towards the coating contact point limited. Gold consumption is therefore almost to a minimum required measure limited.

Vorteilhafte Ausgestaltungen der Erfindung gehen aus den Unteransprüchen hervor.Advantageous embodiments of the invention emerge from the subclaims.

Das Verfahren nach der Erfindung wird anhand der Zeichnungen als Ausführungsbeispiel erläutert. The method according to the invention is based on the drawings as an embodiment explained.

Es zeigen:

  • Fig. 1 in schematischer Darstellung eine Vorrichtung zur Durchführung des Verfahrens nach der Erfindung.
  • Fig. 2 eine mit dem Verfahren beschichtbare Kontaktfeder.
  • Fig. 3 eine Einzelheit aus Fig. 1 in vergrößerter Darstellung.
  • Fig. 4 eine Seitenansicht von Fig. 1 mit teilweise entfernten Schichten ebenfalls in vergrößerter Darstellung.
  • Fig. 5 eine gegenüber Fig. 3 abgewandelte Ausführungsform der dort dargestellten Einzelheit.
  • Fig. 6 die Vorrichtung nach Fig. 1 in ergänzter Form und in verkleinerter Darstellung.
  • Fig. 7 eine Seitenansicht der Vorrichtung nach Fig. 6.
    • Show it:
  • Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of an apparatus for performing the method according to the invention.
  • 2 shows a contact spring that can be coated with the method.
  • Fig. 3 shows a detail of Fig. 1 in an enlarged view.
  • Fig. 4 is a side view of Fig. 1 with partially removed layers also in an enlarged view.
  • Fig. 5 shows a modified embodiment of FIG. 3 of the detail shown there.
  • Fig. 6 shows the device of FIG. 1 in an expanded form and in a reduced representation.
  • 7 is a side view of the device of FIG .. 6

    • Die Erfindung wird im folgenden weiter für eine mit Gold zu beschichtende Kontaktfeder aus Bronze erläutert, ohne daß dadurch eine Beschränkung auf diese Materialien erfolgt.The invention is further described below for a contact spring to be coated with gold Bronze explains, without being restricted to these materials.

    In einer der Verteilung dienenden Elektrolytkammer 1 befindet sich ein Goldelektrolyt. In einer unterhalb derselben befindlichen, kammerartigen Halterung 2, die mit der Elektrolytkammer 1 über Durchlässe verbunden ist, ist eine aus Kunststoff bestehende Galvanisierspitze 3 angeordnet, deren genauerer Aufbau aus den Fig. 3, 4 und 5 hervorgeht. Sie dient zur gezielten Zuführung des Elektrolyten zu einer Kontaktfeder 4, die mit aus Gold bestehenden Kontaktflächen beschichtet werden soll. Die Kontaktfeder 4 ist mit einer Vielzahl gleicher Kontaktfedern in Endlosausführung an einem Trägerstreifen 5 angebracht. Die Elektrolytkammer 1 befindet sich gemäß Fig. 1 oberhalb der Galvanisierspitze 3 und die Kontaktfeder 4 ist am unteren Ende derselben angeordnet. Der Elektrolyt wird der Kontaktfeder 4 also durch die Galvanisierspitze 3 von oben zugeführt.A gold electrolyte is located in an electrolyte chamber 1 serving for distribution. In a chamber-like holder 2 located below the same, which is connected to the electrolyte chamber 1 is connected via passages, is a plastic plating tip 3 arranged, the more precise structure of which is apparent from FIGS. 3, 4 and 5. It is used for targeted supply of the electrolyte to a contact spring 4, which consists of gold Contact surfaces should be coated. The contact spring 4 is the same with a large number Continuous contact springs attached to a carrier strip 5. The According to FIG. 1, electrolyte chamber 1 is located above the plating tip 3 and the Contact spring 4 is arranged at the lower end thereof. The electrolyte becomes the Contact spring 4 thus supplied from above through the electroplating tip 3.

    Die im dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiel zu beschichtende Kontaktfeder 4 ist zweiarmig ausgebildet, mit den beiden Federhälften bzw. Armen 6 und 7. Die gebogen verlaufenden Arme 6 und 7 haben Kontaktkuppen 8 und 9, die mit Gold beschichtet werden sollen. Die restliche Oberfläche der Kontaktfeder 4 soll nicht beschichtet werden.The contact spring 4 to be coated in the illustrated embodiment has two arms trained with the two spring halves or arms 6 and 7. The curved Arms 6 and 7 have contact tips 8 and 9, which are to be coated with gold. The remaining surface of the contact spring 4 should not be coated.

    Die Galvanisierspitze 3 ist aus Folien aus Kunststoff aufgebaut, die beispielsweise aus Mylar bestehen. Es können aber auch andere, chemisch beständige Kunststoffe eingesetzt werden. Gemäß Fig. 3 ist die Galvanisierspitze 3 aus drei aneinander liegenden Folien 10, 11 und 12 aufgebaut. Die mittlere Folie 11 ist länger als die beiden seitlichen Folien 10 und 12. Im überstehenden Bereich sind Auslaßöffnungen 13 für den Elektrolyten angebracht, die über die ganze Länge bzw. Breite der Galvanisierspitze 3 vorhanden sind. In Gebrauchslage befinden sich die Auslaßöffnungen 13 unten. Die drei Folien 10, 11 und 12 schließen aus Fig. 4 ersichtliche kanalartige Durchlässe 14 ein, an deren unteren Enden sich die Auslaßöffnungen 13 befinden. Sie dienen zur Zuführung des Elektrolyten an die Auslaßöffnungen 13.The electroplating tip 3 is made of plastic films, for example Mylar consist. However, other chemically resistant plastics can also be used. 3, the electroplating tip 3 is composed of three foils 10, 11 and 12 lying one against the other built up. The middle film 11 is longer than the two side films 10 and 12. Im protruding area are outlet openings 13 for the electrolyte, which over the entire length or width of the plating tip 3 are present. In use position are the outlet openings 13 below. The three foils 10, 11 and 12 close from Fig. 4 visible channel-like passages 14, at the lower ends of which Outlet openings 13 are located. They serve to supply the electrolyte to the Outlet openings 13.

    Eine aus drei Folien 10, 11 und 12 bestehende Galvanisierspitze 3 wird beispielweise so hergestellt, daß zunächst aus der Folie 11 Teile herausgestanzt werden. Die dadurch entstehenden Lücken ergeben die späteren Durchlässe 14. An beiden Längskanten der Folie 11 werden dabei durchgehende Streifen belassen, so daß die Folie 11 wie eine Art Doppelkamm aussieht. Danach werden die beiden analog zur Folie 11 perforierten Folien 10 und 12 auf unterschiedlichen Seiten auf die perforierte Folie 11 aufkaschiert. Ihre ausgestanzten Durchlässe liegen deckungsgleich über den Durchlässen 14 der Folie 11. Sie decken aber entsprechend Fig. 4 die Durchlässe 14 der Folie 11 im unteren Bereich teilweise so ab, daß die Auslaßöffnungen 13 frei bleiben. Die Folie 11 ragt gemäß den Fig. 3 und 4 über die Folien 10 und 12 hinaus. Bei Einsatz dieser Galvanisierspitze 3 werden beide Kontaktkuppen 8 und 9 in gleicher Weise vom Elektrolyten benetzt. Auf beiden Kontaktkuppen 8 und 9 wird also eine Schicht mit etwa gleicher Dicke abgeschieden.A plating tip 3 consisting of three foils 10, 11 and 12 becomes, for example, like this made that 11 parts are first punched out of the film. The result Any gaps that arise result in the later passages 14. On both longitudinal edges of the film 11 continuous strips are left, so that the film 11 like a kind Double comb looks. Then the two films 10 perforated analogously to the film 11 and 12 laminated onto the perforated film 11 on different sides. Your punched out passages are congruent over the passages 14 of the film 11 4, however, partially cover the passages 14 of the film 11 in the lower region so that the outlet openings 13 remain free. The film 11 protrudes according to FIGS. 3 and 4 beyond slides 10 and 12. When using this plating tip 3, both Contact tips 8 and 9 wetted in the same way by the electrolyte. On both Contact tips 8 and 9 are thus deposited with a layer of approximately the same thickness.

    Die Länge der Galvanisierspitze 3 richtet sich nach der Dicke der abzuscheidenden Schichten. Sie kann wenige Zentimeter, aber beispielsweise auch etwa 1,5 m lang sein. Ein mittlerer Wert für die Länge der Galvanisierspitze 3 liegt bei 800 mm. Die zu beschichtenden Kontaktfedern 4 sollen - wieder in Abhängigkeit von der Schichtdicke der zu erzeugenden Beschichtung - möglichst schnell bewegt werden. Sie werden beispielweise mit einer Geschwindigkeit von mehr als
    3 m/min, üblicherweise mit 12 m/min, an der Galvanisierspitze 3 entlang bewegt. Es sind aber auch höhere Abzugsgeschwindigkeiten möglich, wenn zwei oder mehr bzw. eine größere Anzahl von Galvanisierspitzen 3 eingesetzt werden.    The length of the plating tip 3 depends on the thickness of the layers to be deposited. It can be a few centimeters long, but also about 1.5 m long. An average value for the length of the plating tip 3 is 800 mm. The contact springs 4 to be coated should - as a function of the layer thickness of the coating to be produced - be moved as quickly as possible. They are, for example, at a speed of more than
    3 m / min, usually at 12 m / min, moved along the plating tip 3. However, higher take-off speeds are also possible if two or more or a larger number of plating tips 3 are used.

    In einer anderen, aus Fig. 5 ersichtlichen Ausführungsform besteht die Galvanisierspitze 3 aus fünf Folien 10 und 12 sowie 15, 16 und 17. Bei dieser Ausführungsform sind aus den Folien 15 und 16 Lücken zur Bildung der Durchlässe 14 herausgestanzt. Die gestanzten Folien 15 und 16 sind auf die innen liegende Folie 17 aufkaschiert, während die äußeren, ebenfalls perforierten Folien 10 und 12 wieder auf die Folien 15 und 16 aufkaschiert sind. Bei dieser Ausführungsform der Galvanisierspitze 3 sind auf beiden Seiten der Folie 17 Durchlässe 14 und Auslaßöffnungen 13 vorhanden. Der Elektrolyt wird dadurch den Kontaktkuppen 8 und 9 auf getrennten Wegen zugeführt. Mit einer solchen Galvanisierspitze 3 können auf den beiden Kontaktkuppen 8 und 9 Schichten mit unterschiedlicher Dicke abgeschieden werden. Es können dazu getrennte Elektrolytkammern und unterschiedliche Stromstärken eingesetzt werden. In another embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the plating tip 3 consists of five foils 10 and 12 and 15, 16 and 17. In this embodiment, the foils 15 and 16 gaps are punched out to form the passages 14. The punched foils 15 and 16 are laminated to the inner film 17, while the outer one, too perforated films 10 and 12 are laminated back to the films 15 and 16. At this Embodiments of the electroplating tip 3 are passages 14 on both sides of the film 17 and outlet openings 13 are present. The electrolyte becomes the contact tips 8 and 9 fed in separate ways. With such an electroplating tip 3 can two contact tips 8 and 9 layers are deposited with different thickness. Separate electrolyte chambers and different current strengths can be used for this become.

    Die Kontaktfedern 4 sind während der Galvanisierung so angeordnet, daß ihre Kontaktkuppen 8 und 9 in Höhe der Auslaßöffnungen 13 liegen. Sie werden also beispielweise bei ihrer Bewegung in Richtung des in Fig. 4 eingezeichneten Pfeiles 18 entlang der Galvanisierspitze 3 ständig vom Elektrolyten benetzt. Die Kontaktfedern 4 werden dabei vorzugsweise zwangsgeführt. Sie gleiten mit ihrem Trägerstreifen 5 an aus Fig. 7 ersichtlichen, federnd gelagerten Seilrollen 19 aus Kunststoff und werden gegen ebenfalls aus Kunststoff bestehende Schienen 20 und 21 gedrückt. Diese liegen seitlich an der Galvanisierspitze 3 an und sind gemäß Fig. 4 mit Langlöchern 22 zum Durchtritt des Elektrolyten ausgerüstet.The contact springs 4 are arranged during the galvanization so that their contact tips 8 and 9 are at the level of the outlet openings 13. So you will, for example, at their Movement in the direction of arrow 18 shown in FIG. 4 along the electroplating tip 3 constantly wetted by the electrolyte. The contact springs 4 are preferred forced out. They slide with their carrier strip 5 on resiliently visible from FIG. 7 mounted rope pulleys 19 made of plastic and are also made of plastic existing rails 20 and 21 pressed. These are on the side of the electroplating tip 3 and are equipped according to FIG. 4 with elongated holes 22 for the passage of the electrolyte.

    Die Elektrolytkammer 1 ist gemäß Fig. 6 oberhalb der zu beschichtenden Kontaktfedern 4 und im wesentlichen auch oberhalb der Galvanisierspitze 3 angeordnet. Gemäß der Darstellung in den Fig. 1 und 6 ragt die Galvanisierspitze 3 in die Elektrolytkammer 1 hinein, und zwar in die mit derselben verbundene Halterung 2. Beim Ablauf des Verfahrens zur Beschichtung der Kontaktkuppen 8 und 9 fließt der Galvanisierstrom zwischen den beiden Anoden 23 und 24 und den kathodisch geschalteten Kontaktfedern 4. Die Anoden 23 und 24 haben etwa in ihrem mittleren Bereich Langlöcher 25 (Fig. 4) zum Durchtritt des Elektrolyten. Während des Betriebes werden die Kontaktfedern 4 durch die Seilrollen 19 gegen die Schienen 20 und 21 gedrückt.6 is above the contact springs 4 and 4 to be coated essentially also arranged above the plating tip 3. As shown in 1 and 6, the electroplating tip 3 protrudes into the electrolyte chamber 1, namely in the connected to the same holder 2. When the procedure for coating the The electroplating current flows between contact tips 8 and 9 between the two anodes 23 and 24 and the cathodically connected contact springs 4. The anodes 23 and 24 have approximately in their central area elongated holes 25 (Fig. 4) for the passage of the electrolyte. During the The contact springs 4 are operated by the pulleys 19 against the rails 20 and 21 pressed.

    Bei der in Fig. 6 dargestellten Anordnung ist eine aus den drei Folien 10, 11 und 12 bestehende Galvanisierspitze 3 eingesetzt. Der Elektrolyt wird dann den zu beschichtenden Kontaktkuppen 8 und 9 in gleicher Weise und bei gleicher Stromstärke zugeführt. Wenn eine Galvanisierspitze 3 nach Fig. 5 verwendet wird, bietet sich die Möglichkeit, die Elektrolytkammer 1 in zwei getrennte Kammern zu unterteilen. Es können dann für die beiden Kammern unterschiedliche Stromquellen eingesetzt werden, so daß die beiden Kontaktkuppen 8 und 9 mit unterschiedlichen Stromstärken beschichtet werden. Es ergeben sich dadurch unterschiedlich dicke Schichten auf den beiden Kontaktkuppen 8 und 9. Das kann zu einer weiteren Senkung des Verbrauchs an Gold ausgenutzt werden.In the arrangement shown in FIG. 6, one of the three foils 10, 11 and 12 existing plating tip 3 used. The electrolyte then becomes the one to be coated Contact tips 8 and 9 supplied in the same way and at the same current. When a 5 is used, there is the possibility that To divide electrolyte chamber 1 into two separate chambers. It can then be for the two Chambers different power sources are used, so that the two Contact tips 8 and 9 are coated with different currents. Result it different layers on the two contact tips 8 and 9 can be used to further reduce gold consumption.

    Unabhängig von der Gestaltung der Galvanisierspitze 3 (drei oder fünf Folien) fließt der Elektrolyt jeweils durch die Kontaktfeder 4 in einen in Fig. 6 dargestellten Auffangbehälter 26. Dabei wird auch eine dünne Goldschicht auf den außerhalb der Kontaktkuppen 8 und 9 liegenden Bereichen der Arme 6 und 7 erzeugt, und zwar auch im Innern der Kontaktfedern 4. Aufgrund des eingesetzten Verfahrens mit der gezielten Zufuhr des Elektrolyten sind diese Schichten aber sehr dünn. Sie können durch einen einfachen Stripvorgang entfernt werden. Das Gold kann dann in herkömmlicher Technik zurückgewonnen werden. Die nicht ganz zu vermeidende dünne Beschichtung der Kontaktfedern 4 an an sich nicht gewünschten Stellen kann auch dazu ausgenutzt werden, beispielsweise nur die Kontaktkuppe 8 direkt über die Auslaßöffnungen 13 zu beschichten. Auf der Seite der Kontaktkuppen 9 bestehen dann keine Auslaßöffnungen in einer entsprechenden Galvanisierspitze 3 oder es wird kein Elektrolyt auf dieser Seite zugeführt. Auf den Kontaktkuppen 9 befindet sich aber auch nach Beendigung des Verfahrens eine dünne Goldschicht.Regardless of the design of the electroplating tip 3 (three or five foils), the flows Electrolyte in each case through the contact spring 4 into a collecting container 26 shown in FIG. 6. A thin layer of gold is also deposited on the outside of the contact tips 8 and 9 lying areas of the arms 6 and 7 generated, and also in the interior of the contact springs 4th These are due to the method used with the targeted supply of the electrolyte Layers but very thin. They can be removed by a simple stripping process. The gold can then be recovered using conventional techniques. Not quite avoiding thin coating of the contact springs 4 in places not desired can also be used, for example, only the contact tip 8 directly over the To coat outlet openings 13. Then there are none on the side of the contact tips 9 Outlet openings in a corresponding electroplating tip 3 or there is no electrolyte fed to this page. On the contact tips 9 is also after termination a thin layer of gold.

    Der Elektrolyt läuft gemäß Fig. 7 aus dem Auffangbehälter 26 in einen Vorratstank 27. Bei Durchführung des Verfahrens wird der Elektrolyt mittels einer Pumpe 28 in die Elektrolytkammer 1 gepumpt. In der entsprechenden Rohrleitung 29 kann ein Durchflußmeßgerät 30 angeordnet sein, durch welches die der Elektrolytkammer 1 zugeführte Menge an Elektrolyt über ein Ventil 31 geregelt werden kann.7, the electrolyte runs from the collecting container 26 into a storage tank 27 Carrying out the method, the electrolyte is pumped into the Pumped electrolyte chamber 1. In the corresponding pipeline 29, a Flow meter 30 may be arranged through which the supplied to the electrolyte chamber 1 Amount of electrolyte can be regulated via a valve 31.

    Die Vorrichtung zur Durchführung des Verfahrens ist in Fig. 7 in einer schematischen Seitenansicht wiedergegeben. Neben den aus den anderen Figuren bereits ersichtlichen Einzelheiten sind hier Kontaktierungsrollen 32 und 33 eingezeichnet, durch welche die Kontaktfedern 4 an die Kathode eines nicht mit dargestellten Gleichrichters angeschlossen sind.The device for carrying out the method is shown in a schematic in FIG Reproduced side view. In addition to those already apparent from the other figures Details are shown here contacting rollers 32 and 33, through which the Contact springs 4 connected to the cathode of a rectifier, not shown are.

    Claims (7)

    1. A process for the selective electroplating of electrical contact elements used to apply an electrolyte to at least one contact surface of a metallic basic body of the contact elements, said electrolyte containing a material with conductive properties superior to that of the basic body itself, characterized in that
      the electrolyte is applied by an elongated galvanizing tip (3) made of plastic, which is equipped with at least one outlet opening (13) present along its entire length and several channel-like ducts (14) which discharge into said opening for the passage of the electrolyte,
      a galvanizing tip (3) is arranged in the working position so that the horizontally elongated outlet opening (13) is located below, whilst the ducts (14) extend in an upwards direction from the outlet opening (13),
      the electrolyte of the galvanizing tip (3) is fed from above and
      the basic body at the lower end of the galvanizing tip (3) is moved parallel to the tip such that the area provided for the contact surface is positioned at a constant distance at the height of the outlet opening (13).
    2. Process in accordance with Claim 1, characterized in that to create two opposing contact cones (8, 9) positioned on the two arms (6, 7) of a two-arm contact spring (4), galvanizing tip (3) is arranged in the gap between the two arms (6, 7).
    3. Process in accordance with Claim 2, characterized in that different electrolyte chambers and different current strengths are used for the two contact cones (8, 9).
    4. Process in accordance with one of the Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the basic body is guided positively by galvanizing tip (3).
    5. Device for initiating the process in accordance with one of the Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that galvanizing tip (3) consists of at least three adjacent plastic foils surrounding the ducts (14) for the electrolyte.
    6. Device in accordance with Claim 5, characterized in that the electrolyte chamber (1) containing the electrolyte is arranged above the galvanizing tip (3).
    7. Device in accordance with Claim 6, characterized in that the upper part of the galvanizing tip (3) located in the working position projects into the electrolyte chamber (1).
    EP98101116A 1997-02-06 1998-01-23 Process for selective galvanic coating of electrical contact elements Expired - Lifetime EP0859071B1 (en)

    Applications Claiming Priority (2)

    Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
    DE19704369 1997-02-06
    DE1997104369 DE19704369C2 (en) 1997-02-06 1997-02-06 Process for the selective galvanic coating of electrical contact elements

    Publications (3)

    Publication Number Publication Date
    EP0859071A2 EP0859071A2 (en) 1998-08-19
    EP0859071A3 EP0859071A3 (en) 1999-10-27
    EP0859071B1 true EP0859071B1 (en) 2002-09-04

    Family

    ID=7819401

    Family Applications (1)

    Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
    EP98101116A Expired - Lifetime EP0859071B1 (en) 1997-02-06 1998-01-23 Process for selective galvanic coating of electrical contact elements

    Country Status (4)

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    US (1) US6149791A (en)
    EP (1) EP0859071B1 (en)
    AT (1) ATE223525T1 (en)
    DE (2) DE19758513C2 (en)

    Families Citing this family (5)

    * Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
    Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
    FR2792465B1 (en) * 1999-04-13 2001-06-15 Radiall Sa MULTICONTACT CONNECTOR ELEMENT WITH EARTH CONNECTION MEANS OF ITS HOUSING
    KR100544322B1 (en) * 2002-11-25 2006-01-23 주식회사 젯텍 Feeding Belt for Strip-Shaped Elements
    SG121961A1 (en) * 2004-10-19 2006-05-26 Jettech Ltd Feeder belt for strip-shaped parts
    FR2915495B1 (en) * 2007-04-30 2010-09-03 Snecma PROCESS FOR REPAIRING A TURBOMACHINE MOBILE DARK
    US8246808B2 (en) * 2008-08-08 2012-08-21 GM Global Technology Operations LLC Selective electrochemical deposition of conductive coatings on fuel cell bipolar plates

    Family Cites Families (10)

    * Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
    Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
    DE2504780A1 (en) * 1975-02-05 1976-08-19 Siemens Ag METHOD AND DEVICE FOR SPRAY GALVANIZATION
    DE3108358C2 (en) * 1981-03-05 1985-08-29 Siemens AG, 1000 Berlin und 8000 München Device for the partial electroplating of electrically conductive bands, strips or the like. Parts combined in a continuous process
    US4405410A (en) * 1982-01-15 1983-09-20 Northern Telecom Limited Masking of elongate three dimensional objects for the exposure of preselected areas for surface treatment
    DE3317970A1 (en) * 1983-05-13 1984-11-15 Schering AG, 1000 Berlin und 4709 Bergkamen DEVICE AND METHOD FOR GALVANIC DEPOSITION OF METALS
    FR2549336B1 (en) * 1983-06-23 1986-11-21 Telmec Spa Tec Elett Mecc MACHINE FOR THE CONTINUOUS GOLDING OF LAMELLAR CONNECTORS OF PRINTED CIRCUITS, WITH A TRANSPORT GROUP WHICH CAN MAKE A TRANSLATION
    US4597845A (en) * 1984-09-25 1986-07-01 Robbins & Craig Welding & Mfg. Co. Continuous contact plating apparatus
    US4595464A (en) * 1984-09-25 1986-06-17 Robbins & Craig Welding & Mfg. Co. Continuous contact method for electrolytic fluid working of parts
    JPS61250191A (en) * 1985-04-26 1986-11-07 Electroplating Eng Of Japan Co Brush plating method of connector terminal
    DE3683595D1 (en) * 1985-11-11 1992-03-05 Electroplating Eng DEVICE FOR SELECTIVE METAL COATING OF CONNECTOR CONTACT PINS.
    JPS62139895A (en) * 1985-12-16 1987-06-23 Electroplating Eng Of Japan Co Partial plating device

    Also Published As

    Publication number Publication date
    DE59805367D1 (en) 2002-10-10
    EP0859071A3 (en) 1999-10-27
    US6149791A (en) 2000-11-21
    ATE223525T1 (en) 2002-09-15
    EP0859071A2 (en) 1998-08-19
    DE19758513C2 (en) 2000-07-13

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