EP2815462B1 - Device for contacting a printed circuit - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a device for contacting a printed circuit board, which is to be connected at least temporarily with, for example, a measuring device or any circuit according to the preamble of claim 1.

At present, it is known to contact such circuit boards by plugging one or more connector heads, which, however, is regularly associated with the disadvantage of a relatively large insertion force, which essentially results from the mechanical locking of the connector heads by means of spring elements. A contact by Konnektorköpfen is therefore unsuitable, at least for printed circuit boards with flexible support plate. By plugging the individual Konnektorköpfe also incorrect connections can be made, which may be accompanied by damage to the circuit board or the associated electrical system.

The publication EP 0 131 410 A2 discloses an apparatus for reading an external memory card. The memory card is inserted into a receptacle of a housing part and then the receptacle is pressed about a rotation axis in a contact state.

The publication US 2006/0279317 A1 describes a device for testing a test object. The device has a movable pusher with a receptacle for receiving the test object for guiding the test object into an electrical contact position.

Based on this prior art, the present invention seeks to provide a device that allows a simple, fast contacting a circuit board and in particular avoids the use of high plug or contact forces, so that damage to the circuit board can be avoided even then when the circuit board is built on a flexible carrier plate.

This object is achieved by a device according to independent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the device according to the invention are the subject of the dependent claims and will become apparent from the following description of the invention.

The invention is based on the idea to contact a circuit board quickly, easily, safely and in particular under the action of low contact forces with mating contacts by first fixed the circuit board or the corresponding portion to be contacted the circuit board in a receptacle and then by a guided movement or Moving the circuit board or the relevant portion, preferably fixed in the receptacle, contacting of printed circuit board and contact elements is effected.

• ein oder mehrere HF-Kontaktelemente zur Übertragung von Hochfrequenzsignalen, die vorzugsweise unbeweglich positioniert in der Vorrichtung und insbesondere innerhalb eines (Teils eines) Gehäuses der Vorrichtung angeordnet sind;
• (mindestens) eine Aufnahme, in die zumindest ein Abschnitt der Leiterplatte steckbar ist; die Aufnahme umgreift die Leiterplatte bzw. den Abschnitt der Leiterplatte vorzugsweise möglichst großflächig und lässt insbesondere lediglich den Abschnitt der Leiterplatten frei, auf dem diejenigen (Abschnitte der) Leiterbahnen angeordnet sind, die kontaktiert werden sollen;
• Mittel zum Bewegen der Leiterplatte relativ zu den Kontaktelementen bis zu einem Kontaktieren mit den Kontaktelementen; durch das geführte Bewegen der Leiterplatte wird sichergestellt, dass sich diese definiert auf die Kontaktelemente zubewegt, wodurch Fehlkontaktierungen ausgeschlossen werden und zudem ein Verkanten der Leiterplatte relativ zu den Kontaktelementen vermieden werden kann, das mit höheren Kontaktkräften einhergehen könnte; und
• Mittel zum Fixieren der Leiterplatte in der die Kontaktelemente kontaktierenden Position, wodurch die dauerhafte Kontaktierung sichergestellt werden kann.

Accordingly, a device according to the invention for contacting a printed circuit board comprises at least the following elements:

• one or more RF contact elements for transmitting radio-frequency signals, which are preferably arranged immovably positioned in the device and in particular within a (part of) a housing of the device;
• (At least) a receptacle into which at least a portion of the circuit board is pluggable; the receptacle preferably surrounds the printed circuit board or the section of the printed circuit board over as large a surface as possible and, in particular, exposes only the section of the printed circuit boards on which those (sections of) interconnects to be contacted are arranged;
• Means for moving the circuit board relative to the contact elements until contacting with the contact elements; the guided movement of the printed circuit board ensures that it moves toward the contact elements in a defined manner, thereby precluding misconnections and, moreover, avoiding tilting of the printed circuit board relative to the contact elements, which could be accompanied by higher contact forces; and
• Means for fixing the circuit board in the contact elements contacting position, whereby the permanent contact can be ensured.

In a preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention it is provided that the device further comprises (at least) a centering element, through which the circuit board is centered before contacting the contact elements. This is preferably done by the guided movement or displacement of the printed circuit board relative to the contact elements.

For example, (at least) one (preferably tapered in at least one section) centering be provided on which an opening of the circuit board is pushed, whereby it is centered. This can ensure that the conductor tracks of the printed circuit board are aligned exactly with the associated contact elements.

Particularly preferably, at least two centering pins can be provided, which differ with respect to their shape, arrangement and / or dimensioning and can engage in correspondingly arranged and / or dimensioned openings of the printed circuit board. As a result, a coding can be created that can prevent incorrect insertion of the circuit board.

Preferably, it can be provided that the circuit board is moved or moved together with the receptacle to contact the contact elements. As a result, it is possible to apply the forces to be applied for moving to exercise the recording and not on the circuit board. The transmission of these forces from the recording on the circuit board can then take place over a relatively large area and consequently with less pressure.

Further preferably, it can be provided that the receptacle is resiliently mounted. This can be achieved on the one hand, that the recording in the unloaded state, i. if it is not acted upon by the means for moving with a force causing a movement, is acted upon by the resilient mounting in an initial position in which the circuit board does not contact the contact elements. This can ensure that the circuit board does not make contact with the contact elements when plugged into the receptacle. The displacement of the printed circuit board including the receptacle with the aim of contacting the contact elements can then take place counter to the reaction force of the resilient mounting of the recording. The spring preload generated thereby can also be used to fix the circuit board in the contact elements contacting position (contact position).

The device according to the invention has a housing with a first housing part forming the receptacle and a second housing part comprising the contact elements, wherein the two housing parts are rotatable relative to one another. The two housing parts are connected to each other such that in a first rotational position inserted into the recording circuit board would contact the contact elements and contacted and in a second rotational position inserted into the recording circuit board contact elements would not contact or kontaktiert.Weiterhin are the both housing parts acted upon by means of a spring element in the first rotational position. For insertion of the printed circuit board, the two housing parts would then rotated relative to each other in the second rotational position (eg manually), so that insertion of the circuit board without contacting the contact elements can be done. Relieving the two housing parts can then cause the two housing parts are automatically moved due to the spring load in the first rotational position and are fixed in this by the spring load.

Since plugging the printed circuit board into the receptacle in the first rotational position could damage the contact elements and / or the printed circuit board, it can furthermore preferably be provided that means which prevent insertion of the printed circuit board into the receptacle in the first rotational position are provided. These means may preferably be the one or more centering pins, which are arranged in the first rotational position in an insertion slot of the receptacle and thereby prevent insertion of the circuit board into the receptacle.

In a further preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention, at least one DC contact element can be provided for the transmission of direct current. In this case, the HF contact element may advantageously comprise a center contact part which is arranged coplanar between two outer contact parts.

Since coaxial cables are advantageously suitable for the transmission of high-frequency signals, it may furthermore be preferred for the center contact part to be electrically connected to an inner conductor and the outer contact parts to be electrically connected to an outer conductor of a coaxial cable which leaves the device. By means of the coaxial cable, the device or the RF contact element (s) can be connected, for example, to a measuring device.

Advantageously, on the other hand, the DC contact element can be electrically connected to a preferably flat flexible conductor which leads away from the device. This can be characterized by low costs and a small footprint. A direct contact with one or more copper strands is also possible.

By contacting the circuit board with the contact elements of the device according to the invention in particular high-frequency signals (RF signals) are to be transmitted.

Fig. 1 bis Fig. 3:

verschiedene Schritte bei der Verwendung einer nicht beanspruchten Vorrichtung zur Kontaktierung einer Leiterplatte;

Fig. 4:

einen Abschnitt der Vorrichtung gemäß den Fig. 1 bis 3 in einem isometrischen Längsschnitt;

Fig. 5:

ein Aufnahmeelement der Vorrichtung gemäß den Fig. 1 bis 4 in einer isometrischen Darstellung;

Fig. 6:

eine erste Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung (ohne Leiterplatte) im geschlossenen Zustand in einer perspektivischen Darstellung;

Fig. 7:

die Vorrichtung gemäß Fig. 6 im geschlossenen Zustand;

Fig. 8:

eine Leiterplatte zur Verwendung mit der Vorrichtung gemäß den Fig. 6 und 7 in einer perspektivischen Darstellung;

Fig. 9:

die Vorrichtung gemäß den Fig. 6 und 7 mit teilweise eingesteckter Leiterplatte gemäß Fig. 8 in einer perspektivischen Darstellung;

Fig. 10:

einen perspektivischen Längsschnitt durch die Vorrichtung gemäß der Fig. 9 mit vollständig eingesteckter Leiterplatte;

Fig. 11:

ein Unterteil der Vorrichtung gemäß den Fig. 6 und 7 in einer perspektivischen Darstellung;

Fig. 12:

das Unterteil gemäß der Fig. 10 mit integriertem Kontaktfederkamm; und

Fig. 13:

ein Oberteil der Vorrichtung gemäß den Fig. 6 und 7 in einer perspektivischen Darstellung.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to embodiments shown in the drawings. In the drawings shows:

Fig. 1 to Fig. 3:

various steps in the use of an unclaimed device for contacting a printed circuit board;

4:

a portion of the device according to the Fig. 1 to 3 in an isometric longitudinal section;

Fig. 5:

a receiving element of the device according to the Fig. 1 to 4 in an isometric view;

Fig. 6:

a first embodiment of a device according to the invention (without circuit board) in the closed state in a perspective view;

Fig. 7:

the device according to Fig. 6 when closed;

Fig. 8:

a printed circuit board for use with the device according to the 6 and 7 in a perspective view;

Fig. 9:

the device according to the 6 and 7 with partially inserted circuit board according to Fig. 8 in a perspective view;

Fig. 10:

a perspective longitudinal section through the device according to the Fig. 9 with fully inserted circuit board;

Fig. 11:

a lower part of the device according to the 6 and 7 in a perspective view;

Fig. 12:

the lower part according to the Fig. 10 with integrated contact spring comb; and

Fig. 13:

an upper part of the device according to the 6 and 7 in a perspective view.

The in the Fig. 1 to 5 Device shown comprises a housing 1. Within the housing 1, a support plate 2 is arranged, on the surface of which a plurality of electrical contact elements 3 are arranged. Each of these contact elements 3 is connected to a signal line 4, which are led out through an opening on one side of the housing 1 from this. The signal lines 4 may, for example, lead to a measuring device (not shown) via which a functional test of a printed circuit board 5 is to take place. For the functional test is provided to contact the printed circuit board 5 defined with the contact elements 3, so that each of the contact elements 3 a e predetermined position on one of Conductors of the circuit board 5 contacted.

For contacting with the contact elements 3, one end of the printed circuit board 5 is inserted into a receptacle 6 which is formed by a receiving element 7 arranged inside the housing 1. The receiving element 7, which is preferably made of plastic, comprises two parts (cf. Fig. 5 ), the receptacle 6 and a resiliently connected mounting plate 8, which is fixed immovably within the housing 1. The receptacle 6 is designed so that it at least partially encloses the inserted therein portion of the circuit board 5 on five sides (plug-side end, top, both side surfaces and bottom) and in particular leaves free only a portion on its underside, on which the to be contacted interconnects are located. The circuit board 5 is inserted so far into the receiving slot formed by the receptacle 6 until its end abuts the bottom of the receiving slot.

The device further comprises an actuating element in the form of a slider 9. The slider 9 forms a survey 10, which is guided in a corresponding recess of the housing 1. By means of the elevation 10, the slider 9 can be moved manually in the directions defined by the recess of the housing 1. Parallel grooves in the surface of the survey 10 ensure sufficient slip resistance when the slide is operated, for example, with the thumb of one hand.

When moving the slider 9, this slides on the top of the receiving plate 7. By moving the slider 9, starting from the in the Fig. 1, 2 and 4 illustrated starting position, in which the bottom of the slider 9 only touches the top of the mounting plate 8 of the receiving element 7, slides the front end of the slider 9 on the top of the receptacle 6. Thus, the receptacle 6, the top in the unloaded initial position is not coplanar to the top of the mounting plate 8, but - in the direction of movement of the slider 9 - slightly rising, pivoted downwards. This is done against a restoring force resulting from a deformation of the resilient connection of the receptacle 6 on the mounting plate 8. By pivoting the receptacle 6, this is taken together with the recorded therein section of Printed circuit board 5 on the contact elements 3 moves.

In the course of this movement, the circuit board 5 is first positioned exactly to the contact elements 3 by several s pitz tapered positioning pins (not shown) in corresponding positioning holes of the circuit board 5 (see. Fig. 1 ) intervene. Only after the intervention of the positioning pins in the positioning and the resulting positioning of the circuit board 5, ie after a further pivoting of the receptacle 6 and the recorded portion of the circuit board 5, contacting the arranged on the underside of the circuit board 5 interconnects with the contact elements 3. This ensures that the contacting takes place exactly at the intended positions of the tracks.

In the in the Fig. 3 shown position of the slider 9, that is, if this is shifted as far as possible in the direction of the free end of the receptacle 5, contacted the circuit board 5, the underlying contact elements 3. In this contact position of the device, the slider 9 is fixed non-positively (self-locking), so that a cancellation of the contact must actively take place by a manual pushing back of the slide 9.

The frictional fixing of the slide 9 is effected by the friction which prevails between contact surfaces of the slide 9 and associated contact surfaces of the housing 1 and the receiving element 7. This friction can readily be chosen so large that the desired non-positive fixation is achieved, since the slider 9 is clamped by the resilient loading of the receptacle 6 between this and the housing 1. This resilient load not only results from the deformation of the connection of the receptacle 6 to the mounting plate 8, but in addition from restoring forces that transmit the contact elements 3 on the circuit board 5 and this in turn on the receptacle 6. For this purpose, the contact elements 3 can be resiliently mounted or in the form of spring contact pins, in which at least two parts against the bias of a spring element (in particular telescopically) are mutually displaceable, be formed.

If 3 HF signals are to be transmitted by means of the contacting of printed circuit board 5 and contact elements, the contact elements 3 may be formed, for example, as conventional coplanar LIGA contacts. If, on the other hand, a transfer of direct current takes place, the contacts may in particular be conventional Fe derkontaktstifte. Of course, a combination of different contact elements (e.g., LIGA contacts and spring contact pins) may also be used.

The in the Fig. 6 to 13 illustrated embodiment of a device according to the invention comprises a two-part housing. A main body 11 (second housing part) of the housing is part of a lower part of the device. A cover 12 (first housing part) of the housing is part of an upper part of the device. Base body 11 and lid 12 are pivotally connected to each other via two cylindrical dowel pins 13.

The main body 11 of the housing forms a receiving recess, in which two (electrically conductive) RF contact elements 14 are arranged. The RF contact elements 14 are formed as coplanar contact elements made of metal and each comprise a center contact part 15 and two laterally adjacent to the center contact part 15 arranged outer contact parts 16 in coplanar alignment. The middle and outer contact parts 16, which may have been produced for example by means of a so-called LIGA method, form between electrically insulating air gaps. Their position relative to one another is secured by two respective insulation bodies 17 which are fastened to the RF contact elements 14 in the vicinity of the cable end (for example by gluing). By means of one of the insulation bodies 17 in each case, the HF contact elements 14 are connected to the base body 11 of the housing (for example adhesively bonded).

The portion of the RF contact elements 14, which is located between its respective contact-side end and the associated insulating bodies 17, projects freely into the room. As a result, the contact points of the HF contact elements 14 formed on the contact-side end can be in contact with associated contact points of a printed circuit board 18 to be tested (cf. Fig. 8 ) Dodge spring loaded. This provides for a defined contact pressure and for one Tolerance compensation.

At their cable-side ends, the RF contact elements 14 are each connected to a coaxial cable 19. For this purpose, an end tapered inner conductor 20 of each coaxial cable 19 contacts the center contact part 15 of the associated RF contact elements 14, while the two outer contact parts 16 of each of the RF contact elements 14 (via the electrically conductive base body 11) with an outer conductor 39 of the associated coaxial cable 19 electrically are conductively connected.

High-frequency signals are to be transmitted between the printed circuit board 18 and a measuring device (not shown) via the HF contact elements 14 and the coaxial cables 19. For a good shielding of the high-frequency signals, it is provided to form the main body 11 of the housing in an electrically conductive manner, for example made of metal or else of a metallised (for example metallic coated) plastic. The design of the RF contact elements 14 as Koplanarkontaktelemente and the transmission by means of the coaxial cable 19 contributes to a good shielding of the high-frequency signals.

The main body 11 also comprises two positioning pins 21, which engage in associated positioning openings 22 of the printed circuit board 18 in order to position them exactly in the device and to fix them therein. Different diameters of the two positioning pins / positioning pairs ensure that the printed circuit board 18 is inserted into the device in the correct orientation.

The lower part of the device further comprises a spring element in the form of a spring comb 23 (see. Fig. 11 ). This has a base body, via which the spring comb 23 is fixed to the base body 11 of the housing. A plurality of spring fingers 24 extend from the base body. The spring comb 23 is intended to ensure reliable contacting of the printed circuit board 18 with contact regions (DC contact elements) formed by the upper part of the device. Two lateral support arms 25 prevent tilting of the spring comb 23 at a load of the spring fingers 24. The spring comb 23 may advantageously be formed of plastic.

The cover 12 of the housing forms a receptacle 26 for the printed circuit board 18. Two lateral guide slots 27 lead the insertion and withdrawal movement of the printed circuit board 18. A flex board 28 (flat conductor) protrudes with one of its ends into the receptacle 26. On the lower part or the inserted printed circuit board 18 facing side of the flex board 28 are a plurality of interconnects 29th arranged, the end contact areas (DC contact elements 30) form. These should contact the associated contact areas of printed conductors 31 of the printed circuit board 18. By way of the printed conductors 29, 31, only direct currents are to be transmitted during operation of the device, so that no expenditure for a shielding has to be made. The cover 12 of the housing can therefore also advantageously be made of plastic (for example thermoplastic). The flexplate 28 has positioning openings for its positioning and fixing, in which positioning pins 32 of the cover 12 protrude. The attachment of the flex board 28 to the cover 12 is also carried out by a distortion between the lid 12 and a spring element 33 with the interposition of an elastomeric element 34. The connection of these elements with the lid 12 can be done for example by formed by the lid 12 rivet dome 35, which extend through attachment openings of the spring element 33. The free ends of the rivet domes 35 can then be deformed thermally or by pressure, thereby increasing their diameter in the end region. This results in a positive connection with the spring element 33. Preferably, the deformation of the rivet mandrel 35 takes place with simultaneous application of pressure to the spring element 33 and consequent compression of the elastomeric element 34, which remains at least partially upright after forming the rivet mandrel 35. This results in a largely play-free attachment of the flex board 28 to the cover 12th

In the assembled state of the device acts as a leg spring spring element 33, the housing or the device in its closed position (first rotational position), as shown for example in the Fig. 1 is shown. In this position, the circuit board 18 can not be inserted into the receptacle 26, since the positioning pins 21 protrude into the receptacle 26.

An insertion of the circuit board 18 in the receptacle 26 is only in the in the FIG. 7 shown, open position of the device (second rotational position) possible. To open the device, it must be manually compressed at the end from which the coaxial cable 19 and the flex board 28 depart. As a result, the base body 11 and the cover 12 of the housing at the insertion-side end move a distance apart, whereby the positioning pins 21 release the receptacle 26. The printed circuit board 18 can then be inserted into the receptacle 26 up to an axial abutment, wherein two tapered notches 37 in the front edge of the circuit board 18 in cooperation with the positioning pins 32 of the cover 12 ensure the correct angular orientation of the circuit board 18. The asymmetrical arrangement of the notches 37 with respect to the longitudinal axis of the printed circuit board 18 as well as the positioning pin 21 prevents a reversed (complete) insertion of the printed circuit board 18 in the receptacle 26th

After a complete insertion of the circuit board 18, the housing can be relieved. The spring element 33 then moves the two housing parts back into their closed position and holds (fixes) it in this position. The positioning pins 21 of the lower part engage in the positioning openings 22 of the printed circuit board 18. The printed circuit board 18 is thereby accurately positioned and fixed in the device. At the same time contact the RF contact elements 14 corresponding RF pads 38 on the underside of the circuit board 18, while the RF contact elements 14 are slightly elastically deformed to produce a sufficient contact pressure and tolerance compensation. Two stop pins 36 rest against the printed circuit board 18 and thus limit the elastic deformation of the RF contact elements 14, whereby their damage can be avoided. For this purpose, the RF contact elements 14 protrude beyond the stop pins 36 by a defined amount. Similarly, contact the DC contact elements 30 of the flex board 28, the associated traces 31 on the top of the circuit board 18 (DC contact pairs). The elastically deformed by the closing of the device spring fingers 24 of the spring comb 23 provide for a sufficient contact pressure and a tolerance compensation. In the present embodiment, a spring finger 24 is provided per DC contact pair. This can ensure that each DC contact pair loaded even with a flexible support plate 38 of the circuit board 18 with the required contact pressure and for each individual tolerance compensation is achieved.

A corresponding functionality can also be achieved by a (not shown) spring element as a substitute for the spring comb 23 having a common spring body (eg in the form of a leg spring), wherein on the circuit board 18 facing edge (as a continuous pressure edge) individual contact knobs an elastic material are applied. The spring body can then provide substantially for the contact pressure, while the contact knobs ensure the individual tolerance compensation.

Claims (12)

1. Device for contacting a circuit board (18) comprising

   - one or more HF contact elements (14), for the transmission of high frequency signals,

   - an intake (26) into which at least one section of the circuit board (18) can be inserted,

   - a housing comprising a first housing part forming the intake (26) and a second housing part containing at least one of the contact elements (14), whereby the two housing parts can be moved relative to one another,

   - means for moving the intake (26) together with the circuit board (18) relative to the contact elements (14) until the contact elements (14) are contacted, and

   - means for fixing the circuit board (18) in the position in which the contact elements (14) are contacted,

   whereby the two housing parts can rotate relative to one another, whereby in a first rotary position a circuit board (18) plugged into the intake (26) contacts the contact elements (14) and in a second rotary position the circuit board (18) plugged into the intake (26) does not contact the contact elements (14), characterised in that the two housing parts are biased in the first rotary position by means of a spring element (33).
2. Device according to claim 1, characterised in that on being moved the circuit board (18) is centred before contacting the contact elements (14).
3. Device according to claim 2, characterised through a centring pin (21) onto which an opening in the circuit board (18) is pushed.
4. Device according to claim 3, characterised through at least two centring pins (21) which differ in their form and/or dimensioning.
5. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the intake (26) is spring-mounted.
6. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised through means which prevent the circuit board (18) from being plugged into the intake (26) in the first rotary position.
7. Device according to claims 3 or 4 and 6, characterised in that the centring pin or pins (21) prevent the circuit board (18) from being plugged into the intake (26) in the first rotary position.
8. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised through at least one DC contact element (30) for the transmission of direct current.
9. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the HF contact element (14) comprises a central contact part (15) which is arranged in coplanar alignment between two outer contact parts (16).
10. Device according to claim 9, characterised in that the central contact part (15) is electrically connected with an inner conductor (20) and the outer contact parts (16) are electrically connected with an outer conductor of a coaxial cable (19) leading away from the device.
11. Device according to claim 8, characterised in that the DC contact element (30) is electrically connected with a ribbon conductor leading away from the device.
12. System which includes a device according to one of the preceding claims and a circuit board (18).

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