EP1673836A1 - Contact surfaces for electrical contacts - Google Patents

Contact surfaces for electrical contacts

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Publication number
EP1673836A1
EP1673836A1 EP04762578A EP04762578A EP1673836A1 EP 1673836 A1 EP1673836 A1 EP 1673836A1 EP 04762578 A EP04762578 A EP 04762578A EP 04762578 A EP04762578 A EP 04762578A EP 1673836 A1 EP1673836 A1 EP 1673836A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
layer
graphite particles
contact surface
surface according
range
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP04762578A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1673836B1 (en
Inventor
Peter Rehbein
Volker Haas
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Robert Bosch GmbH
Original Assignee
Robert Bosch GmbH
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Robert Bosch GmbH filed Critical Robert Bosch GmbH
Publication of EP1673836A1 publication Critical patent/EP1673836A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1673836B1 publication Critical patent/EP1673836B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/02—Contact members
    • H01R13/03—Contact members characterised by the material, e.g. plating, or coating materials
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R4/00—Electrically-conductive connections between two or more conductive members in direct contact, i.e. touching one another; Means for effecting or maintaining such contact; Electrically-conductive connections having two or more spaced connecting locations for conductors and using contact members penetrating insulation
    • H01R4/58—Electrically-conductive connections between two or more conductive members in direct contact, i.e. touching one another; Means for effecting or maintaining such contact; Electrically-conductive connections having two or more spaced connecting locations for conductors and using contact members penetrating insulation characterised by the form or material of the contacting members
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10S428/00—Stock material or miscellaneous articles
    • Y10S428/922—Static electricity metal bleed-off metallic stock
    • Y10S428/9265—Special properties
    • Y10S428/929—Electrical contact feature
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10S428/00—Stock material or miscellaneous articles
    • Y10S428/922—Static electricity metal bleed-off metallic stock
    • Y10S428/9335—Product by special process
    • Y10S428/934—Electrical process
    • Y10S428/935—Electroplating
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T29/00—Metal working
    • Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
    • Y10T29/49002—Electrical device making
    • Y10T29/49117—Conductor or circuit manufacturing
    • Y10T29/49204—Contact or terminal manufacturing
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T29/00—Metal working
    • Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
    • Y10T29/49002—Electrical device making
    • Y10T29/49117—Conductor or circuit manufacturing
    • Y10T29/49204—Contact or terminal manufacturing
    • Y10T29/49224—Contact or terminal manufacturing with coating
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T428/00—Stock material or miscellaneous articles
    • Y10T428/12—All metal or with adjacent metals
    • Y10T428/12486—Laterally noncoextensive components [e.g., embedded, etc.]
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T428/00—Stock material or miscellaneous articles
    • Y10T428/12—All metal or with adjacent metals
    • Y10T428/12493—Composite; i.e., plural, adjacent, spatially distinct metal components [e.g., layers, joint, etc.]
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T428/00—Stock material or miscellaneous articles
    • Y10T428/12—All metal or with adjacent metals
    • Y10T428/12493—Composite; i.e., plural, adjacent, spatially distinct metal components [e.g., layers, joint, etc.]
    • Y10T428/12535—Composite; i.e., plural, adjacent, spatially distinct metal components [e.g., layers, joint, etc.] with additional, spatially distinct nonmetal component
    • Y10T428/12625—Free carbon containing component
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T428/00—Stock material or miscellaneous articles
    • Y10T428/12—All metal or with adjacent metals
    • Y10T428/12493—Composite; i.e., plural, adjacent, spatially distinct metal components [e.g., layers, joint, etc.]
    • Y10T428/12771—Transition metal-base component
    • Y10T428/12861—Group VIII or IB metal-base component
    • Y10T428/12896—Ag-base component
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T428/00—Stock material or miscellaneous articles
    • Y10T428/12—All metal or with adjacent metals
    • Y10T428/12493—Composite; i.e., plural, adjacent, spatially distinct metal components [e.g., layers, joint, etc.]
    • Y10T428/12771—Transition metal-base component
    • Y10T428/12861—Group VIII or IB metal-base component
    • Y10T428/12903—Cu-base component
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T428/00—Stock material or miscellaneous articles
    • Y10T428/26—Web or sheet containing structurally defined element or component, the element or component having a specified physical dimension
    • Y10T428/263—Coating layer not in excess of 5 mils thick or equivalent
    • Y10T428/264—Up to 3 mils
    • Y10T428/265—1 mil or less

Definitions

  • the invention relates to improved contact surfaces for electrical contacts according to the preamble of the independent claim.
  • Electrical connectors such as sockets and plugs are typically made from a copper-based alloy substrate that provides good electrical conductivity.
  • the substrate is made of a copper-based alloy with high strength and high stress relaxation resistance.
  • a cover layer is often applied to the substrate.
  • Typical cover layers consist of nickel, palladium / nickel alloys, tin or tin alloys.
  • Tin is often used to minimize costs, with mostly tin-plated or galvanically deposited layers in the range of a few ⁇ m. Tin is characterized by its ductility and its good electrical conductivity.
  • the substrate usually consists of copper-based alloys such as CuSity-Bronze, CuNiSi, etc., which are often used as the base material for electrical connectors. At elevated temperatures, copper can diffuse out of the substrate and combine with the tin to form intermetallic compounds such as Cu 6 Sn 5 and Cu 3 Sn. The formation of these intermetallic compounds reduces the Amount of unreacted or free tin on the surface. This worsens the electrical, corrosion and other performance characteristics.
  • copper-based alloys such as CuSity-Bronze, CuNiSi, etc.
  • a "tin layer” which is formed by hot aging and which consists 100% of intermetallic phases is known as thermal tin.
  • thermal tin has not proven to be a successful solution under all test conditions (e.g. chemical tests or abrasive loads) and therefore only has a negligible market share.
  • the plug forces are too high for many applications, such as multi-pin connectors)> 100 pins or contacts) due to the high tendency to adhere and the plastic deformation.
  • Surfaces based on tin and silver in particular tend to cold weld due to adhesion and are characterized by high friction values in self-pairings (coefficient of friction ⁇ ⁇ 1).
  • US-A-5, 028,492 describes a composite coating for electrical contacts that includes a ductile metal matrix and a uniformly distributed polymer component.
  • the polymer component is present in a concentration that reduces the frictional forces that occur when a contact is inserted into a corresponding socket.
  • the composite coating has less friction and improved friction oxidation in contrast to an electrodeposited tin coating.
  • US-A-5,916,695 discloses electrical contact with a copper-based substrate provided with a tin-based top layer.
  • a barrier layer is applied between the substrate and the cover layer.
  • This barrier layer contains 20 to 40% by weight of nickel and preferably consists mainly of copper (Cu-based).
  • the tin-based cover layer can contain additives such as SiO 2 , Al 2 O 3 , SiC, graphite or MoS 2 as lubricants.
  • the contact surfaces according to the invention have the advantage over the prior art that, with good electrical contacting, they require lower insertion forces.
  • antioxidants in the lubricant contained offers protection of the surface against corrosion.
  • FIG. 1 An embodiment of the invention is shown in the drawing and explained in more detail in the following description.
  • the figure shows the arrangement of the graphite particles in an Ag contact layer.
  • the core of the invention is the construction of an Ag cover layer with finely dispersed graphite particles embedded therein on a copper-based substrate for electrical contacts in the automobile, which allows lower plug-in forces to be required with consistently good contacting.
  • an Ag contact surface 12 is first produced on the electrical contact, i.e. on the copper-based substrate 10, by means of galvanic processes, for example baths or reel-to-reel processes.
  • the Ag layer can be used with or without intermediate layers as diffusion barriers, such as sub-nickel, as well as with or without flash made of precious metal, e.g. Au, Pt, Ru or Pd can be deposited.
  • precious metal e.g. Au, Pt, Ru or Pd
  • the layer thickness of the deposited Ag layer is between approximately 1.0 and approximately 10 ⁇ m, depending on the application.
  • Finely dispersed graphite particles 14 are introduced into the Ag layer, for example by swirling graphite and chemical auxiliaries for binding (wetting agents), the amounts of graphite in the range from 1 to 3% by weight carbon of the Ag layer or in the range from 3 up to 10 area% carbon.
  • the graphite particles are preferably in the form of flakes or flakes and have a length in the range from 1 to 10 ⁇ m, a thickness in the range from 0.05 to 2 ⁇ m and a width in the range from 0.05 to 2 ⁇ m. It is preferred if the maximum value, ie 2 ⁇ m, does not occur simultaneously with respect to thickness and width.
  • the graphite particles are arranged anisotropically along the habit plane of the Ag layer, ie along the longest axis of the layer plane (cf. FIG. 1).
  • the aspect ratio of the graphite particles i.e. the length to thickness ratio is preferably 1: 2 to 1:40.
  • the contact surfaces according to the invention allow lower plug-in capacities due to the graphite lubricant present. Good contacting is guaranteed due to the electrical conductivity of the lubricant. Antioxidants contained in the lubricant protect the surface from corrosion, high wear resistance and a high number of mating cycles are obtained.
  • the contact surfaces according to the invention are preferably used in electrical contacts in automotive plug connections close to the motor.

Landscapes

  • Contacts (AREA)
  • Electroplating Methods And Accessories (AREA)
  • Conductive Materials (AREA)

Abstract

Disclosed is a contact surface for electrical contacts, an Ag layer being deposited on a copper-based substrate by means of galvanic processes. Said Ag layer contains finely dispersed graphite particles at a quantity of 1 to 3 percent by weight of the Ag layer. The graphite particles have a length ranging between 0.5 to 20 µm.

Description

Kontaktoberflächen für elektrische Kontakte Contact surfaces for electrical contacts
Die Erfindung betrifft verbesserte Kontaktoberflächen für elektrische Kontakte nach dem Oberbegriff des unabhängigen Anspruchs.The invention relates to improved contact surfaces for electrical contacts according to the preamble of the independent claim.
Stand der Technik ,State of the art ,
Elektrische Verbinder wie Buchsen und Stecker werden typischerweise aus einem Substrat aus einer Legierung auf Kupferbasis, das für eine gute elektrische Leitfähigkeit sorgt, hergestellt. Wenn der elektrische Verbinder während des Betriebs erhöhter Temperatur ausgesetzt wird, wie bspw. unter der Motorhaube eines Kraftfahrzeugs, wird das Substrat aus einer Legierung auf Kupferbasis mit hoher Festigkeit und hohem Spannungsrelaxations- Widerstand hergestellt.Electrical connectors such as sockets and plugs are typically made from a copper-based alloy substrate that provides good electrical conductivity. When the electrical connector is exposed to elevated temperature during operation, such as under the hood of an automobile, the substrate is made of a copper-based alloy with high strength and high stress relaxation resistance.
Zur Verringerung des Anlaufens des Substrats auf Kupferbasis bei erhöhter Temperatur und zur Verbesserung der Lötbarkeit wird häufig eine Deckschicht auf das Substrat aufgebracht. Typische Deckschichten bestehen aus Nickel, Palladium/Nickel-Legierungen, Zinn oder Zinnlegierungen. Zur Kostenminimierimg wird häufig Zinn verwendet, wobei es sich meist um feuerverzinnte oder galvanisch abgeschiedene Schichten im Bereich weniger μm handelt. Hierbei zeichnet sich Zinn durch seine Duktilität sowie durch seine gute elektrische Leitfähigkeit aus.To reduce the tarnishing of the copper-based substrate at elevated temperature and to improve the solderability, a cover layer is often applied to the substrate. Typical cover layers consist of nickel, palladium / nickel alloys, tin or tin alloys. Tin is often used to minimize costs, with mostly tin-plated or galvanically deposited layers in the range of a few μm. Tin is characterized by its ductility and its good electrical conductivity.
Üblicherweise besteht das Substrat aus Kupfer-Basis-Legierungen wie z.B. CuSity-Bronze, CuNiSi, usw., die häufig als Grundwerkstoff für elektrische Steckverbindungen dienen. Bei erhöhten Temperaturen kann es dazu kommen, dass Kupfer aus dem Substrat heraus diffundiert und sich mit dem Zinn unter Bildung intermetallischer Verbindungen wie Cu6Sn5 und Cu3Sn vereinigt. Die Bildung dieser intermetallischen Verbindungen verringert die Menge an unreagiertem oder freiem Zinn an der Oberfläche. Dies verschlechtert die elektrischen, Korrosions- und andere Leistungsmerkmale.The substrate usually consists of copper-based alloys such as CuSity-Bronze, CuNiSi, etc., which are often used as the base material for electrical connectors. At elevated temperatures, copper can diffuse out of the substrate and combine with the tin to form intermetallic compounds such as Cu 6 Sn 5 and Cu 3 Sn. The formation of these intermetallic compounds reduces the Amount of unreacted or free tin on the surface. This worsens the electrical, corrosion and other performance characteristics.
Als Thermozinn ist eine durch Warmauslagerung entstehende "Zinnschicht" bekannt, die zu 100% aus intermetallischen Phasen besteht. Darüber hinaus werden häufig AuCo- Legierungen mit Untemickelung sowie Ag-Oberflächen, z.T. mit Unterkupferung oder Untemickelung, eingesetzt.A "tin layer" which is formed by hot aging and which consists 100% of intermetallic phases is known as thermal tin. In addition, AuCo alloys with sub-nickel plating as well as Ag surfaces, sometimes with copper or sub-copper.
Thermozinn hat sich bislang jedoch nicht unter allen Prüfbedingungen (z.B., chemische Tests oder abrasive Belastung) als erfolgreiche Lösung herausgestellt und hat daher nur einen vernachlässigbar kleinen Marktanteil.So far, however, thermal tin has not proven to be a successful solution under all test conditions (e.g. chemical tests or abrasive loads) and therefore only has a negligible market share.
Es ist weiterhin bekannt, dass Zinnlegierungen aufgrund ihrer geringen Härte bzw. ihres geringen Verschleißwiderstandes durch häufiges Stecken oder fahrzeug- bzw. motorbedingte Vibrationen im Steckverbinder leicht zur verstärkten Oxidation (Reibkorrosion) und zum Durchrieb neigen. Dieser Durchrieb bzw. die Reibkorrosion können zu einem Ausfall einer Komponente (Sensor, Steuergerät, elektrische Komponenten allgemein) führen.It is also known that, due to their low hardness or low wear resistance, tin alloys tend to increase oxidation (fretting corrosion) and wear through frequent plugging or vehicle or engine-related vibrations in the connector. This abrasion or fretting corrosion can lead to a failure of a component (sensor, control unit, electrical components in general).
Hinzu kommt, dass die Stecldcräfte aufgrund der hohen Adhäsionsneigung und der plastischen Verformung für viele Anwendungsfälle wie hochpolige Steckverbinder )> 100 Pins bzw. Kontakte) zu hoch sind. Speziell Oberflächen auf der Basis von Zinn und Silber neigen zur Kaltverschweißung aufgrund von Adhäsion und sind in Selbstpaarungen durch hohe Reibwerte gekennzeichnet (Reibungskoeffizient μ ~ 1).In addition, the plug forces are too high for many applications, such as multi-pin connectors)> 100 pins or contacts) due to the high tendency to adhere and the plastic deformation. Surfaces based on tin and silver in particular tend to cold weld due to adhesion and are characterized by high friction values in self-pairings (coefficient of friction μ ~ 1).
Auch bei herkömmlichen Silber- oder Goldschichten kann es bei einem Schichtdurchrieb oder Schichtabplatzem aufgrund schlechter Haftung zu tribologischen Verschleißmechanismen des Grundmaterials oder der Zwischenschicht (häufig Cu oder Ni) kommen.Even with conventional silver or gold layers, tribological wear mechanisms of the base material or the intermediate layer (often Cu or Ni) can occur due to poor adhesion if the layer is rubbed through or flaking off.
Aufgrund der Altautorichtlinie EG 2000/53 ist es untersagt, bleihaltige Zinnschichten zu verwenden. Da das Blei die Whiskerbildung (Whisker sind winzige haarförmige Kristalle) hemmt, kommt es bei galvanischem Reinzinn verstärkt zum Whiskerwachstum, was zu Kurzschlüssen führen kann. In der US-A-5, 028,492 wird eine Kompositbeschichtung für elektrische Kontakte beschrieben, die eine duktile Metallmatrix und eine gleichförmig verteilte Polymerkomponente beinhaltet. Dabei liegt die Polymerkomponente in einer Konzentration vor, die die beim Einstecken eines Kontakts in eine entsprechende Fassung auftretenden Reibkräfte reduziert. Die Kompositbeschichtung weist eine geringere Reibung und eine verbesserte Reiboxidation im Gegensatz zu einer galvanisch abgeschiedenen Zinnbeschichtung auf.Due to the end-of-life vehicle directive EG 2000/53 it is forbidden to use leaded tin layers. Since the lead inhibits the formation of whiskers (whiskers are tiny hair-shaped crystals), there is an increased whisker growth with pure galvanic tin, which can lead to short circuits. US-A-5, 028,492 describes a composite coating for electrical contacts that includes a ductile metal matrix and a uniformly distributed polymer component. The polymer component is present in a concentration that reduces the frictional forces that occur when a contact is inserted into a corresponding socket. The composite coating has less friction and improved friction oxidation in contrast to an electrodeposited tin coating.
Die US-A-5,916,695 offenbart einen elektrischen Kontakt mit einem kupferbasierten Substrat, das mit einer zinnbasierten Deckschicht versehen ist. Um die Diffusion des Kupfers aus dem Substrat in die Deckschicht und die damit verbundene Bildung von intermetallischen Schichten zu verhindern, wird zwischen dem Substrat und der Deckschicht eine Sperrschicht aufgebracht. Diese Sperrschicht enthält 20 bis 40 Gew.-% Nickel und besteht vorzugsweise hauptsächlich aus Kupfer (Cu-Basis). Die zinnbasierte Deckschicht kann u.a. Zusätze wie Si0 , Al2O3, SiC, Graphit oder MoS2 als Schmierstoffe enthalten.US-A-5,916,695 discloses electrical contact with a copper-based substrate provided with a tin-based top layer. In order to prevent the diffusion of the copper from the substrate into the cover layer and the associated formation of intermetallic layers, a barrier layer is applied between the substrate and the cover layer. This barrier layer contains 20 to 40% by weight of nickel and preferably consists mainly of copper (Cu-based). The tin-based cover layer can contain additives such as SiO 2 , Al 2 O 3 , SiC, graphite or MoS 2 as lubricants.
Vorteile der ErfindungAdvantages of the invention
Die erfindungsgemäßen Kontaktoberflächen haben gegenüber dem Stand der Technik den Vorteil, dass sie bei weiterhin guter elektrischer Kontaktierung niedrigere Stecldcräfte erfordern.The contact surfaces according to the invention have the advantage over the prior art that, with good electrical contacting, they require lower insertion forces.
Weiterhin ist vorteilhaft, dass sie durch den Gehalt an Antioxidanzien im enthaltenen Schmierstoff einen Schutz der Oberfläche vor Korrosion bieten.It is also advantageous that the content of antioxidants in the lubricant contained offers protection of the surface against corrosion.
Außerdem ergibt sich der Vorteil eines erhöhten Verschleißschutzes und somit einer Lebensdauererhöhung der Kontakte.There is also the advantage of increased wear protection and thus an increase in the service life of the contacts.
Vorteilhafte Weiterbildungen der Erfindung ergeben sich aus den in den Unteransprüchen genannten Maßnahmen. Kurze Beschreibung der ZeichnungAdvantageous developments of the invention result from the measures mentioned in the subclaims. Brief description of the drawing
Ein Ausführungsbeispiele der Erfindung ist in der Zeichnung dargestellt und in der nachfolgenden Beschreibung näher erläutert. Die Figur zeigt die Anordnung der Graphitteilchen in einer Ag-Kontaktschicht.An embodiment of the invention is shown in the drawing and explained in more detail in the following description. The figure shows the arrangement of the graphite particles in an Ag contact layer.
Ausführungsbeispieleembodiments
Kern der Erfindung ist der Aufbau einer Ag-Deckschicht mit darin eingebetteten feindispersen Graphitteilchen auf einem kupferbasierten Substrat für elektrische Kontakte im Automobil, die es erlaubt, dass bei gleichbleibend guter Kontaktierung niedrigere Steckkräfte erforderlich sind.The core of the invention is the construction of an Ag cover layer with finely dispersed graphite particles embedded therein on a copper-based substrate for electrical contacts in the automobile, which allows lower plug-in forces to be required with consistently good contacting.
Wie in der Figur gezeigt, wird zunächst auf dem elektrischen Kontakt, d.h., auf dem kupferbasierten Substrat 10 eine Ag-Kontaktoberfläche 12 mittels galvanischer Verfahren, bspw. Bäder oder reel-to-reel-Verfahren, erzeugt.As shown in the figure, an Ag contact surface 12 is first produced on the electrical contact, i.e. on the copper-based substrate 10, by means of galvanic processes, for example baths or reel-to-reel processes.
Die Ag-Schicht kann mit oder auch ohne Zwischenschichten als Diffusionsbarrieren, wie Untemickelung, sowie mit oder ohne Flash aus Edelmetall wie z.B. Au, Pt, Ru oder Pd abgeschieden werden.The Ag layer can be used with or without intermediate layers as diffusion barriers, such as sub-nickel, as well as with or without flash made of precious metal, e.g. Au, Pt, Ru or Pd can be deposited.
Die Schichtdicke der abgeschiedenen Ag-Schicht liegt erfindungsgemäß, je nach Anwendung zwischen etwa 1,0 und etwa 10 μm.According to the invention, the layer thickness of the deposited Ag layer is between approximately 1.0 and approximately 10 μm, depending on the application.
In die Ag-Schicht sind feindisperse Graphitteilchen 14 eingebracht, bspw. durch Verwirbelung von Graphit und chemischen Hilfsstoffen zum Einbinden (Netzmittel), wobei die Graphitmengen im Bereich von 1 bis 3 Gew.-% Kohlenstoff der Ag-Schicht bzw. im Bereich von 3 bis 10 Flächen-% Kohlenstoff liegen. Die Graphitteilchen liegen becorzugt als Plättchen oder Flakes vor und haben eine Länge im Bereich von 1 bis 10 μm, eine Dicke im Bereich von 0,05 bis 2 μm und eine Breite im Bereich von 0,05 bis 2 μm. Bevorzugt ist, wenn bzgl. Dicke und Breite nicht gleichzeitig der maximale Wert, also 2 μm, auftritt. In einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform sind die Graphitteilchen anisotrop entlang der Habitusebene der Ag-Schicht, d.h., entlang der längsten Achse der Schichtebene angeordnet (vgl. Fig.).Finely dispersed graphite particles 14 are introduced into the Ag layer, for example by swirling graphite and chemical auxiliaries for binding (wetting agents), the amounts of graphite in the range from 1 to 3% by weight carbon of the Ag layer or in the range from 3 up to 10 area% carbon. The graphite particles are preferably in the form of flakes or flakes and have a length in the range from 1 to 10 μm, a thickness in the range from 0.05 to 2 μm and a width in the range from 0.05 to 2 μm. It is preferred if the maximum value, ie 2 μm, does not occur simultaneously with respect to thickness and width. In a In a preferred embodiment, the graphite particles are arranged anisotropically along the habit plane of the Ag layer, ie along the longest axis of the layer plane (cf. FIG. 1).
Das Aspektverhältnis der Graphitteilchen, d.h., das Verhältnis Länge zu Dicke beträgt vorzugsweise 1:2 bis 1:40.The aspect ratio of the graphite particles, i.e. the length to thickness ratio is preferably 1: 2 to 1:40.
Die erfindungsgemäßen Kontaktoberflächen erlauben niedrigere Stecklαäfte aufgrund des vorhandenen Schmierstoffs Graphit. Aufgrund der elektrischen Leitfähigkeit des Schmierstoffes ist eine gute Kontaktierung gewährleistet. Im Schmiermittel enthaltene Antioxidanzien schützen die Oberfläche vor Korrosion, es wird eine hohe Verschleißbeständigkeit sowie eine hohe Steckzyklenzahl erhalten.The contact surfaces according to the invention allow lower plug-in capacities due to the graphite lubricant present. Good contacting is guaranteed due to the electrical conductivity of the lubricant. Antioxidants contained in the lubricant protect the surface from corrosion, high wear resistance and a high number of mating cycles are obtained.
Die erfindungsgemäßen Kontaktoberflächen finden bevorzugt Verwendung in elektrischen Kontakte in motornahen Automobilsteckverbindungen. The contact surfaces according to the invention are preferably used in electrical contacts in automotive plug connections close to the motor.

Claims

Ansprüche Expectations
1. Kontaktoberfläche für elektrische Kontakte, wobei auf einem kupferbasierten Substrat eine mittels galvanischer Verfahren abgeschiedene Ag-Schicht angeordnet ist, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Ag-Schicht feindisperse Graphitteilchen in einer Menge von 1 bis 3 Gew.-% der Ag-Schicht enthält, wobei die Graphitteilchen eine Länge im Bereich von 0,5 bis 20 μm aufweisen.1. Contact surface for electrical contacts, an Ag layer deposited by means of an electroplating process being arranged on a copper-based substrate, characterized in that the Ag layer contains finely dispersed graphite particles in an amount of 1 to 3% by weight of the Ag layer. wherein the graphite particles have a length in the range of 0.5 to 20 microns.
2. Kontaktoberfläche nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Graphitteilchen eine Länge im Bereich von 1 bis 10 μm aufweisen.2. Contact surface according to claim 1, characterized in that the graphite particles have a length in the range of 1 to 10 microns.
3. Kontaktoberfläche nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Graphitteilchen eine Dicke im Bereich von 0,05 bis 2 μm.3. Contact surface according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the graphite particles have a thickness in the range of 0.05 to 2 microns.
4. Kontaktoberfläche nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Verhältnis Dicke zu Länge der Graphitteilchen im Bereich von 1 :2 bis 1 :40 liegt.4. Contact surface according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the ratio of thickness to length of the graphite particles is in the range from 1: 2 to 1:40.
5. Kontaktoberfläche nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Graphitteilchen vorzugsweise anisotrop/statistisch entlang der Habitusebene der Ag- Schicht angeordnet sind.5. Contact surface according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the graphite particles are preferably arranged anisotropically / statistically along the habit plane of the Ag layer.
6. Kontaktoberfläche nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Schichtdicke der Ag-Schicht im Bereich von etwa 1 bis etwa 10 μm liegt.6. Contact surface according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the layer thickness of the Ag layer is in the range from about 1 to about 10 microns.
7. Kontaktoberfläche nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Graphitteilchen nicht gleichzeitig die maximale Dicke und Breite aufweisen. 7. Contact surface according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the graphite particles do not have the maximum thickness and width at the same time.
8. Verwendung der Kontaktoberfläche nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche für elektrische Kontakte in motomahen Automobilsteckverbindungen. 8. Use of the contact surface according to one of the preceding claims for electrical contacts in near-automotive automotive connectors.
EP04762578A 2003-10-06 2004-08-03 Contact surfaces for electrical contacts Expired - Lifetime EP1673836B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE10346206A DE10346206A1 (en) 2003-10-06 2003-10-06 Contact surface e.g. for motor vehicle electrical contacts in engine bay, has silver layer with finely dispersed graphite particles
PCT/DE2004/001733 WO2005046000A1 (en) 2003-10-06 2004-08-03 Contact surfaces for electrical contacts

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EP1673836A1 true EP1673836A1 (en) 2006-06-28
EP1673836B1 EP1673836B1 (en) 2010-10-13

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US (1) US7638721B2 (en)
EP (1) EP1673836B1 (en)
DE (2) DE10346206A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2005046000A1 (en)

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US20070275611A1 (en) 2007-11-29
EP1673836B1 (en) 2010-10-13
WO2005046000A1 (en) 2005-05-19
US7638721B2 (en) 2009-12-29
DE10346206A1 (en) 2005-04-28
DE502004011782D1 (en) 2010-11-25

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