EP3204988A1 - Method for monitoring the state of a contact surface of a plug contact - Google Patents

Method for monitoring the state of a contact surface of a plug contact

Info

Publication number
EP3204988A1
EP3204988A1 EP15812938.7A EP15812938A EP3204988A1 EP 3204988 A1 EP3204988 A1 EP 3204988A1 EP 15812938 A EP15812938 A EP 15812938A EP 3204988 A1 EP3204988 A1 EP 3204988A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
contact
contact surface
sensors
surface coating
intermediate layer
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
EP15812938.7A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3204988B1 (en
Inventor
Stefanie DAMSCH
Lutz TRÖGER
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.)
Harting Electric Stiftung and Co KG
Original Assignee
Harting AG and Co KG
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 Harting AG and Co KG filed Critical Harting AG and Co KG
Publication of EP3204988A1 publication Critical patent/EP3204988A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3204988B1 publication Critical patent/EP3204988B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

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
    • H01R13/66—Structural association with built-in electrical component
    • H01R13/665—Structural association with built-in electrical component with built-in electronic circuit
    • H01R13/6683—Structural association with built-in electrical component with built-in electronic circuit with built-in sensor
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01B—CABLES; CONDUCTORS; INSULATORS; SELECTION OF MATERIALS FOR THEIR CONDUCTIVE, INSULATING OR DIELECTRIC PROPERTIES
    • H01B1/00—Conductors or conductive bodies characterised by the conductive materials; Selection of materials as conductors
    • H01B1/02—Conductors or conductive bodies characterised by the conductive materials; Selection of materials as conductors mainly consisting of metals or alloys
    • 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
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H1/00—Contacts
    • H01H1/02—Contacts characterised by the material thereof
    • H01H1/021—Composite material
    • H01H1/027—Composite material containing carbon particles or fibres
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R2201/00—Connectors or connections adapted for particular applications
    • H01R2201/20—Connectors or connections adapted for particular applications for testing or measuring purposes

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method for monitoring the state of a contact surface according to the preamble of independent main claim 1.
  • Such contact surfaces comprise a contact surface coating comprising at least one intermediate layer, which may be formed at least for the most part of nickel, and further comprising a surface layer arranged thereon, which may consist of a noble metal, for example of silver or gold, or also of an organic layer.
  • the contact surface coating, and more particularly its surface layer typically serves to enhance the conduction of an electrical connector contact to which it is applied and to protect that connector contact from oxidation.
  • the documents DE 10 2008 001 000 A1 and DE 10 2009 002 178 A1 disclose the production and use of embedded in a matrix carbon nanostructures as a material for electrodes with improved performance and as a strand-shaped composite conductor material.
  • the publication DE 10 2009 054 427 A1 likewise discloses a method for electronic applications in which the contact surface coating containing carbon and noble metal is applied to a substrate as a paste or in powder form.
  • the object of the invention is therefore to enable such a continuous condition monitoring of a contact surface of a connector contact with the least possible effort.
  • the contact surface comprises a contact surface coating comprising at least one intermediate layer and a surface layer disposed thereon.
  • the contact surface coating can be applied to a contact base material in several steps by first applying the interlayer to the contact base material and then applying the surface layer to the interlayer.
  • the intermediate layer may be at least largely made of nickel.
  • the surface layer may consist at least largely of a noble metal such as silver or gold or also of an organic layer.
  • the contact surface coating and in particular its surface layer can advantageously serve to improve the conductance of the electrical contact. Furthermore, the contact surface coating and especially the surface layer can protect the contact from oxidation.
  • the method according to the invention serves to monitor the wear of a connector contact during its operation in real time.
  • the connector contact may, for example, be a pin contact or a jack contact, which is arranged in an insulating body of the connector or intended to be arranged in such an insulating body.
  • the connector contact has at least the base material and the contact surface coating disposed thereon.
  • the said monitoring of the wear is particularly advantageous in order to avoid a so-called “over-engineering", that is, for example, in order not to unnecessarily make the contact surface coating unnecessarily strong due to uncertainty, because it is known with sufficient supply is, or at least can be, extrapolated from when a contact is expected to fail.
  • the invention makes it unnecessary to overdimension the contact surface coating which takes place due to uncertainty. Instead, it can be measured and further extrapolated from the measurements taken when a connector or its connector contacts are likely to fail. Thus, it is possible, if necessary, to replace the respective connector in good time, which is sufficient in many cases. This can save in some cases particularly valuable finishing material, possibly even silver or gold.
  • Another advantage is that maintenance and repair work can be planned ahead, so that the economic damage, which may be due to the failure of a connector, remains manageable. It is therefore particularly advantageous during the production in the contact surface, in particular in the intermediate layer, sensors, in particular to introduce sensor structures. In particular, it is advantageous if these sensors can be evaluated electronically with little effort, for example with a simple resistance measurement.
  • the intermediate layer has a matrix and if certain structures are incorporated as sensors in this matrix, which in particular influence the conductivity of the matrix.
  • nanostructures in particular nanofibers and / or nanotubes, can be introduced into the intermediate layer, wherein these nanostructures have a higher specific electrical conductance than the further intermediate layer.
  • optical fibers can be used as sensors.
  • the sensors are at least partially damaged.
  • At least one significant measure of the wear of the contact surface coating can be obtained from the resulting change in the electrical conductance via a resistance measurement / conductivity measurement.
  • a significant measure of the abrasion of the contact surface coating can be obtained from photometric variables, ie optical measurement variables.
  • Fig. 1 a a Steckverinderstance with an undamaged
  • Fig. 1b shows the connector contact with the contact surface coating already subject to abrasion
  • Figure 2a shows the undamaged connector contact with sensors in the contact surface coating
  • FIG. 2b shows the connector contact, with the sensors already partly destroyed, in the partially already abraded contact surface coating
  • 3a shows an indicated possible geometric course of a nanostructure in an intermediate layer
  • 3b shows the undamaged connector contact with sensors and a measuring device
  • 4a shows a possible embodiment of a profile of a sensor in the intermediate layer of a connector contact
  • 4b shows a second possible embodiment of a course of several
  • 4c shows a three-dimensional representation of a connector contact in whose contact surface coating an indicated network of sensors surrounds the contact base material.
  • Figures 1a and 1b respectively show an arrangement known from the prior art, namely a contact which is in particular a connector contact, i. is an electrical contact of a connector, e.g. to a pin or socket contact, which is arranged in an insulating body of the connector or is intended to be arranged in such an insulating body.
  • a contact which is in particular a connector contact, i. is an electrical contact of a connector, e.g. to a pin or socket contact, which is arranged in an insulating body of the connector or is intended to be arranged in such an insulating body.
  • the connector contact has a contact base material 1 onto which e.g. For corrosion protection and / or to improve the electrical conductivity of a contact surface coating 2 is applied, wherein the contact surface coating 2, in this case by a Jacobkon- taktzunge 3, undergoes abrasion and thereby initially abraded and destroyed long term.
  • the contact surface coating 2 consists of an intermediate layer 21 and a surface layer 22.
  • FIG. 1 a shows the connector contact with a contact base material 1 and the contact surface coating 2 applied thereto and a counter contact tongue 3.
  • Fig. 1 b shows the connector contact in a state in which the contact surface coating 2 is already partially rubbed off. The surface layer 22 is only present in fragments. Also, the intermediate layer 21 is already at least partially rubbed off in one area. It can easily be seen that the abrasion originates from the interaction of the contact with the counter-contact tongue 3.
  • sensors 4, 4 ' , 4 " show comparable arrangements in which, however, a plurality of sensors 4, 4 ' , 4 " are additionally incorporated in the contact surface coating, in particular in the intermediate layer 21.
  • These sensors 4, 4 ' , 4 " can be characterized in particular by this in that they have a higher specific electrical conductivity than the intermediate layer 21 into which they are optionally incorporated.
  • the sensors 4, 4 ' , 4 " could, for example, also be optical waveguides, eg glass fiber cables.
  • Fig. 2a introduced into the still undamaged contact surface coating 2 sensors 4, 4 ', "shown. It is understood that the sensors shown three 4,4 4', 4" representative of an existing in the intermediate layer 21 plurality of Sensors stand.
  • the sensors 4, 4 ' , 4 can be nanostructures which are introduced into the contact surface coating 2, in particular into the matrix of the intermediate layer 21.
  • FIG. 2b shows how the contact surface coating 2 has undergone such a strong abrasion that the sensors 4, 4 ' which are arranged in the outer region of the intermediate layer 21 and are representative of a first part of the sensors are at least partially destroyed, whereby their compared with the contact surface coating particularly good electrically conductive function is at least significantly reduced.
  • Another sensor 4 " which is arranged closer to the contact base material and is representative of a second part of the sensors, however, is undestroyed and thus maintains, for example, its high conductance.
  • FIG. 3 a indicates a more realistic profile of a nanostructure in the matrix of a contact surface coating 2.
  • a connected thereto measuring device 5 is shown. This includes in the present example means for electrical resistance measurement. Due to the significantly higher conductance, by which the sensor 4 differs from the contact surface coating 2, despite the comparatively long length of the sensor 4, a statement can be made by the measuring device 5 as to whether the sensor 4 is damaged or if the sensor 4 is undamaged is and thus represents an electrically conductive connection with the typical for him high conductance.
  • 3 b shows a schematic representation of an embodiment in which a plurality of sensors 4, 4 ' , 4 " are guided into the contact at different distances via the contact base material 1. From there, the sensors 4, 4 ' , 4 " penetrate. also different depths in the contact surface coating 2 a. In this way, they run over a relatively long range through the contact base material 1, whose conductance is once again significantly lower than the conductance of the contact surface coating 2, which improves the measurability.
  • the sensors could of course also be used exclusively in the context of Taktoberfestbe Anlagenung lie without the contact base material to happen.
  • the counter-contact tongue 3 is additionally shown, through which a part of the contact surface coating 2 is abraded. Accordingly, at least a first part of the sensors 4, 4 'is partially destroyed, ie interrupted, and thus has, compared to its original state, at least reduced electrical conductivity, while a further part of the sensors, represented here by the further sensor 4 " , is still intact and maintains its original conductivity.
  • sensors 4,4 ' , 4 " when using nanostructures such as nanofibers and / or nanotubes as sensors 4,4 ' , 4 " , with which the contact surface is interspersed, it can be easily understood that the sensors 4, 4 ' , 4 " shown are each exemplary for a large number of sensors Sensors show that their geometric distribution is also of a statistical nature, and that statistical measurements on the state of the totality of these sensors 4, 4 ' , 4 " are thus obtained during the measurements Simulations were found, significant conclusions about the state of the contact surface coating 2 to.
  • FIG. 4 a shows by way of example a sensor 4 in the indicated form of a nanostructure which essentially extends in the plugging direction within the contact surface coating 2 on two opposite sides of the contact and thus extends from one side of the contact to the other side of the contact and at the foot of the connector on each of the two sides for evaluation electrically conductively connected to the measuring device 5.
  • This embodiment has the advantage that the abrasion of the contact surface coating 2 over the entire contact length automatically with the same weighting is valued.
  • 4b exemplarily shows three such sensors 4, 4 ' , 4 " which are each connected to the measuring device 5 only on one side of the contact and therefore extend differently far in the direction of insertion according to their length
  • Abrasion at the top of the contact in the statistical evaluation is less weighted than abrasion at the area where the sensors 4, 4 ' , 4 "are connected to the measuring device 5. It is therefore advisable to increase the concentration of the sensors at those points where high frictional wear is to be expected. This presentation primarily serves the basic understanding of this process.
  • Fig. 4c shows a connector contact in a three-dimensional representation.
  • the contact base material is surrounded by a network of sensors.
  • the concentration of the sensors remains constant over the surface of the connector contact, apart from slight statistical fluctuations.

Abstract

In prior art, it is impossible to continuously monitor the state of a contact surface coating of individual contacts. The aim of the invention is to enable said type of continuous state monitoring of the contact surface coating as simply as possible. Said aim is achieved in that sensors (4, 4', 4'') are introduced into a contact surface coating (2) which is applied to a contact base material (1). The sensors (4, 4', 4'') are in particular nanostructures, the conductance thereof being significantly higher than the conductance of the contact surface coating (2). If the contact surface coating (2) is removed by wear and tear, for example due to the counter contact of a tongue (3), then at least some sensors (4, 4', 4'') are destroyed. The results of a corresponding conductivity measurement by means of the measurement device (5) provides a significant statistical indication on the state of the contact surface coating (2).

Description

Verfahren zur Überwachung  Procedure for monitoring
des Zustands einer Kontaktoberfläche eines Steckverbinderkontaktes  the state of a contact surface of a connector contact
Beschreibung description
Die Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren zur Überwachung des Zustands einer Kontaktoberfläche gemäß dem Oberbegriff des unabhängigen Hauptanspruchs 1. The invention relates to a method for monitoring the state of a contact surface according to the preamble of independent main claim 1.
Derartige Kontaktoberflächen umfassen eine Kontaktoberflächenbe- schichtung, aufweisend zumindest eine Zwischenschicht, die zumindest größtenteils aus Nickel gebildet sein kann, und weiterhin aufweisend eine darauf angeordnete Oberflächenschicht, die aus einem Edelmetall, beispielsweise aus Silber oder Gold, oder auch aus einer organischen Schicht bestehen kann. Die Kontaktoberflächenbeschichtung, und insbesondere ihre Oberflächenschicht, dient in der Regel dazu, das Leitverhalten eines elektrischen Steckverbinderkontaktes, auf den sie aufgebracht ist, zu verbessern und diesen Steckverbinderkontakt gegen Oxydation zu schützen. Such contact surfaces comprise a contact surface coating comprising at least one intermediate layer, which may be formed at least for the most part of nickel, and further comprising a surface layer arranged thereon, which may consist of a noble metal, for example of silver or gold, or also of an organic layer. The contact surface coating, and more particularly its surface layer, typically serves to enhance the conduction of an electrical connector contact to which it is applied and to protect that connector contact from oxidation.
Stand der Technik State of the art
Aus den Druckschriften US 2007 0158 619 A1 und US 2007 0199 826 A1 sind in einer Matrix eingelagerte Kohlenstoffnanoröhren (carbon na- notubes;„CNTs") sowie die Herstellung solcher Schichten mittels galvanischer Kontaktoberflächenbeschichtung bereits bekannt. The documents US 2007 0158 619 A1 and US 2007 0199 826 A1 already disclose carbon nanotubes ("carbon nanotubes", "CNTs") embedded in a matrix and also the production of such layers by means of galvanic contact surface coating.
Aus den Druckschriften DE 10 2008 001 000 A1 und DE 10 2009 002 178 A1 ist die Herstellung und Anwendung von in einer Matrix eingebetteten Kohlenstoffnanostrukturen als Material für Elektroden mit verbesserter Leistungsfähigkeit und als strangförmiges Kompositleitermaterial bekannt. Aus der Druckschrift DE 10 2009 054 427 A1 ist für Elektronikanwendungen ebenfalls ein Verfahren bekannt, bei welchem die kohlenstoff- und edelmetallhaltige Kontaktoberflächenbeschichtung als Paste oder in Pulverform auf ein Substrat aufgebracht wird. The documents DE 10 2008 001 000 A1 and DE 10 2009 002 178 A1 disclose the production and use of embedded in a matrix carbon nanostructures as a material for electrodes with improved performance and as a strand-shaped composite conductor material. The publication DE 10 2009 054 427 A1 likewise discloses a method for electronic applications in which the contact surface coating containing carbon and noble metal is applied to a substrate as a paste or in powder form.
Aus den Druckschriften EP 1 566 814 B1 und DE 603 15 063 T2 ist es bekannt, für Schleifkontakte Kohlenstoff nanofasern oder Kohlenstoff na- noröhren auf der Oberfläche von Metallpartikeln aufzubringen. It is known from EP 1 566 814 B1 and DE 603 15 063 T2 to apply carbon nanofibers or carbon nanotubes on the surface of metal particles for sliding contacts.
Die Druckschrift WO 2007 1 18 337 A1 schlägt vor, dass solche Kohlen- stoffnanofasern oder Kohlenstoffnanoröhren in eine Metallmatrix eingebracht werden um die thermische und elektrische Leitfähigkeit zu erhöhen. The publication WO 2007 1 18 337 A1 proposes that such carbon nanofibers or carbon nanotubes be introduced into a metal matrix in order to increase the thermal and electrical conductivity.
Im Stand der Technik existiert der Nachteil, dass bezüglich des aktuellen Zustandes der Oberfläche einzelner Kontakte im Betrieb eine ständige Unsicherheit besteht. Oft werden die Kontaktoberflächenbeschich- tungen bei der Herstellung der Kontakte zur Sicherheit unnötig stark ausgestaltet, was einen erhöhten Materialaufwand zu Folge hat. Im Einzelfall verbleibt trotzdem eine Restunsicherheit. In the prior art, there is the disadvantage that with respect to the current state of the surface of individual contacts in operation there is a constant uncertainty. Often, the contact surface coatings are made unnecessarily strong in the manufacture of the contacts for safety, resulting in an increased cost of materials. In individual cases, however, a residual uncertainty remains.
Aufgabenstellung task
Die Aufgabe der Erfindung besteht daher darin, eine solche kontinuierliche Zustandsüberwachung einer Kontaktoberfläche eines Steckverbinderkontaktes mit einem möglichst geringen Aufwand zu ermöglichen. The object of the invention is therefore to enable such a continuous condition monitoring of a contact surface of a connector contact with the least possible effort.
Die Aufgabe wird durch ein Verfahren der eingangs erwähnten Art durch die Merkmale des kennzeichnenden Teils des unabhängigen Anspruchs 1 gelöst. Vorteilhafte Ausgestaltungen der Erfindung sind in den Unteransprüchen angegeben. The object is achieved by a method of the type mentioned by the features of the characterizing part of independent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the subclaims.
Die Kontaktoberfläche umfasst eine Kontaktoberflächenbeschichtung, aufweisend zumindest eine Zwischenschicht sowie eine darauf angeordnete Oberflächenschicht. Bei der Herstellung kann die Kontaktoberflächenbeschichtung in mehreren Schritten auf ein Kontaktbasismaterial aufgebracht werden, indem zunächst die Zwischenschicht auf das Kontaktbasismaterial aufgebracht wird und danach die Oberflächenschicht auf die Zwischenschicht aufgebracht wird. Die Zwischenschicht kann zumindest größtenteils aus Nickel gebildet sein. Die Oberflächenschicht kann zumindest größtenteils aus einem Edelmetall wie Silber oder Gold oder auch aus einer organischen Schicht bestehen. Die Kontaktoberflächenbeschichtung und insbesondere deren Oberflächenschicht kann vorteilhafterweise dazu dienen, das Leitverhalten des elektrischen Kontaktes zu verbessern. Weiterhin kann die Kontaktoberflächenbeschichtung und insbesondere die Oberflächenschicht den Kontakt gegen Oxydation schützen. The contact surface comprises a contact surface coating comprising at least one intermediate layer and a surface layer disposed thereon. During manufacture, the contact surface coating can be applied to a contact base material in several steps by first applying the interlayer to the contact base material and then applying the surface layer to the interlayer. The intermediate layer may be at least largely made of nickel. The surface layer may consist at least largely of a noble metal such as silver or gold or also of an organic layer. The contact surface coating and in particular its surface layer can advantageously serve to improve the conductance of the electrical contact. Furthermore, the contact surface coating and especially the surface layer can protect the contact from oxidation.
Das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren dient dazu, den Verschleiß eines Steckverbinderkontaktes auch während seines Betriebs in Echtzeit zu überwachen. Bei dem Steckverbinderkontakt kann es sich beispielsweise um einen Pin- oder einen Buchsenkontakt handeln, der in einem Isolierkörper des Steckverbinders angeordnet ist oder dafür vorgesehen ist, in einem solchen Isolierkörper angeordnet zu werden. Der Steckverbinderkontakt weist zumindest das Basismaterial und die darauf angeordnete Kontaktoberflächenbeschichtung auf. The method according to the invention serves to monitor the wear of a connector contact during its operation in real time. The connector contact may, for example, be a pin contact or a jack contact, which is arranged in an insulating body of the connector or intended to be arranged in such an insulating body. The connector contact has at least the base material and the contact surface coating disposed thereon.
Die besagte Überwachung des Verschleißes ist besonders vorteilhaft, um ein sogenanntes„Over-Engineering" zu vermeiden, also z.B. um die Kontaktoberflächenbeschichtung nicht aus Unsicherheit unnötig stark ausgestalten zu müssen, weil mit einem ausreichenden Vorlauf bekannt ist, oder zumindest daraus extrapoliert werden kann, wann ein Kontakt voraussichtlich ausfallen wird. The said monitoring of the wear is particularly advantageous in order to avoid a so-called "over-engineering", that is, for example, in order not to unnecessarily make the contact surface coating unnecessarily strong due to uncertainty, because it is known with sufficient supply is, or at least can be, extrapolated from when a contact is expected to fail.
Mit Hilfe dieses Verfahrens wird eine Ermittlung der dazu benötigten Informationen über die Belastungshistorie des Steckverbinders auch in Echtzeit auf Einzelkontaktebene ermöglicht. With the help of this method, a determination of the required information about the load history of the connector is also possible in real time on single contact level.
Von besonderem Vorteil ist es, dass durch die Erfindung eine aus Unsicherheit stattfindende Überdimensionierung der Kontaktoberflächenbe- schichtung nicht mehr notwendig ist. Stattdessen kann gemessen und weiterhin aus den gewonnenen Messungen extrapoliert werden, wann ein Steckverbinder bzw. seine Steckverbinderkontakte voraussichtlich ausfallen werden. Somit ist es möglich, den jeweiligen Steckverbinder ggf. rechtzeitig auszutauschen, was in vielen Fällen ausreichend ist. Dadurch kann in einigen Fällen auch besonders wertvolles Veredelungsmaterial, möglicherweise sogar Silber oder Gold, eingespart werden. It is particularly advantageous that the invention makes it unnecessary to overdimension the contact surface coating which takes place due to uncertainty. Instead, it can be measured and further extrapolated from the measurements taken when a connector or its connector contacts are likely to fail. Thus, it is possible, if necessary, to replace the respective connector in good time, which is sufficient in many cases. This can save in some cases particularly valuable finishing material, possibly even silver or gold.
Besonders vorteilhaft ist es, dass bei der Anwendung unabhängig von Fertigungsschwankungen eine ständige individuelle Kontrolle des Zustande der Oberfläche des jeweiligen Steckverbinderkontaktes existiert. It is particularly advantageous that a constant individual control of the state of the surface of the respective connector contact exists in the application regardless of manufacturing variations.
Dies ist insbesondere für sicherheitsrelevante Anwendungen von großer Bedeutung, weil konkrete Aussagen über den Zustand des jeweils verwendeten Steckverbinders, d.h. seiner einzelnen Steckverbinderkontakte, gemacht werden können. This is particularly important for safety-relevant applications because concrete statements about the state of the connector used in each case, i. E. its individual connector contacts, can be made.
Ein weiterer Vorteil besteht darin, dass Wartungs- und Reparaturarbeiten vorausschauend geplant werden können, so dass der wirtschaftliche Schaden, der gegebenenfalls durch den Ausfall eines Steckverbinders besteht, überschaubar bleibt. Es ist daher besonders vorteilhaft, während der Fertigung in die Kontaktoberfläche, insbesondere in die Zwischenschicht, Sensoren, insbesondere Sensorstrukturen, einzubringen. Insbesondere ist es von Vorteil, wenn diese Sensoren mit geringem Aufwand elektronisch ausgewertet werden können, beispielsweise mit einer einfachen Widerstandsmessung. Another advantage is that maintenance and repair work can be planned ahead, so that the economic damage, which may be due to the failure of a connector, remains manageable. It is therefore particularly advantageous during the production in the contact surface, in particular in the intermediate layer, sensors, in particular to introduce sensor structures. In particular, it is advantageous if these sensors can be evaluated electronically with little effort, for example with a simple resistance measurement.
Insbesondere ist es vorteilhaft, wenn die Zwischenschicht eine Matrix aufweist und wenn in diese Matrix bestimmte Strukturen als Sensoren eingelagert werden, die insbesondere die Leitfähigkeit der Matrix beeinflussen. Beispielswiese können Nanostrukturen, insbesondere Nanofa- sern und/oder Nanoröhren in die Zwischenschicht eingebracht werden, wobei diese Nanostrukturen einen höheren spezifischen elektrischen Leitwert besitzen als die weitere Zwischenschicht. In particular, it is advantageous if the intermediate layer has a matrix and if certain structures are incorporated as sensors in this matrix, which in particular influence the conductivity of the matrix. For example, nanostructures, in particular nanofibers and / or nanotubes, can be introduced into the intermediate layer, wherein these nanostructures have a higher specific electrical conductance than the further intermediate layer.
Alternativ dazu können auch Lichtwellenleiter als Sensoren Verwendung finden. Alternatively, optical fibers can be used as sensors.
Beim Abrieb der Kontaktoberflächenbeschichtung, insbesondere der Zwischenschicht, werden die Sensoren, insbesondere die Nanostrukturen, zumindest teilweise beschädigt. During abrasion of the contact surface coating, in particular the intermediate layer, the sensors, in particular the nanostructures, are at least partially damaged.
Beispielsweise kann aus der daraus resultierenden Änderung des elektrischen Leitverhaltens über eine Widerstandsmessung / Leitfähigkeitsmessung zumindest ein signifikantes Maß für den Abrieb der Kontaktoberflächenbeschichtung gewonnen werden. Alternativ dazu kann, falls die Sensoren als Lichtwellenleiter ausgebildet sind, aus Photometrischen Größen, d.h. optischen Messgrößen, ein signifikantes Maß für den Abrieb der Kontaktoberflächenbeschichtung gewonnen werden. Ausführungsbeispiel For example, at least one significant measure of the wear of the contact surface coating can be obtained from the resulting change in the electrical conductance via a resistance measurement / conductivity measurement. Alternatively, if the sensors are designed as optical waveguides, a significant measure of the abrasion of the contact surface coating can be obtained from photometric variables, ie optical measurement variables. embodiment
Ein Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung ist in den Zeichnungen dargestellt und wird im Folgenden näher erläutert. Es zeigen: An embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the drawings and will be explained in more detail below. Show it:
Fig. 1 a einen Steckverinderkontakt mit einer unbeschädigten Fig. 1 a a Steckverinderkontakt with an undamaged
Kontaktoberflächenbeschichtung und eine Gegenkontakt- zunge;  Contact surface coating and a mating contact tongue;
Fig. 1 b den Steckverbinderkontakt, mit der Kontaktoberflächenbeschichtung, die bereits einen Abrieb erfahren hat; Fig. 1b shows the connector contact with the contact surface coating already subject to abrasion;
Fig. 2a den unbeschädigten Steckverbinderkontakt, mit Sensoren in der Kontaktoberflächenbeschichtung; Figure 2a shows the undamaged connector contact with sensors in the contact surface coating;
Fig. 2b den Steckverbiderkontakt, mit den zum Teil bereits zerstörten Sensoren in der teilweise bereits abgeriebenen Kontaktoberflächenbeschichtung; FIG. 2b shows the connector contact, with the sensors already partly destroyed, in the partially already abraded contact surface coating; FIG.
Fig. 3a einen angedeuteten möglichen geometrischen Verlauf einer Nanostruktur in einer Zwischenschicht; 3a shows an indicated possible geometric course of a nanostructure in an intermediate layer;
Fig. 3b den unbeschädigten Steckverbinderkontakt mit Sensoren und einer Messeinrichtung; 3b shows the undamaged connector contact with sensors and a measuring device;
Fig. 3c den teilweise abgeriebenen Steckverbinderkontakt mit Fig. 3c with the partially abraded connector contact with
Sensoren und einer Messeinrichtung;  Sensors and a measuring device;
Fig. 4a Eine mögliche Ausführung eines Verlaufs eines Sensors in der Zwischenschicht eines Steckverbinderkontaktes; Fig. 4b eine zweite mögliche Ausführung eines Verlaufs mehrerer4a shows a possible embodiment of a profile of a sensor in the intermediate layer of a connector contact; 4b shows a second possible embodiment of a course of several
Sensoren in der Zwischenschicht des Steckverbinderkontaktes; Sensors in the intermediate layer of the connector contact;
Fig. 4c eine dreidimensionale Darstellung eines Steckverbinderkontaktes, in dessen Kontaktoberflächenbeschichtung ein angedeutetes Netzwerk von Sensoren das Kontaktbasismaterial umgibt. 4c shows a three-dimensional representation of a connector contact in whose contact surface coating an indicated network of sensors surrounds the contact base material.
Die Figuren enthalten teilweise vereinfachte, schematische Darstellungen. Zum Teil werden für gleiche, aber gegebenenfalls nicht identische Elemente identische Bezugszeichen verwendet. Verschiedene Ansichten gleicher Elemente könnten unterschiedlich skaliert sein. The figures contain partially simplified, schematic representations. In part, identical reference numerals are used for the same but possibly not identical elements. Different views of the same elements could be scaled differently.
Die Fig. 1 a und 1 b zeigen jeweils eine Anordnung, die aus dem Stand der Technik bekannt ist, nämlich einen Kontakt, bei dem es sich insbesondere um einen Steckverbinderkontakt, d.h. um einen elektrischen Kontakt eines Steckverbinders, handelt, z.B. um einen Pin- oder Buchsenkontakt, der in einem Isolierkörper des Steckverbinders angeordnet ist oder dafür vorgesehen ist, in einem solchen Isolierkörper angeordnet zu werden. Figures 1a and 1b respectively show an arrangement known from the prior art, namely a contact which is in particular a connector contact, i. is an electrical contact of a connector, e.g. to a pin or socket contact, which is arranged in an insulating body of the connector or is intended to be arranged in such an insulating body.
Der Steckverbinderkontakt besitzt ein Kontaktbasismaterial 1 , auf das z.B. zum Korrosionsschutz und/oder zur Verbesserung der elektrischen Leitfähigkeit eine Kontaktoberflächenbeschichtung 2 aufgebracht ist, wobei die Kontaktoberflächenbeschichtung 2, in diesem Fall durch eine Gegenkon- taktzunge 3, einen Abrieb erfährt und dadurch zunächst abgerieben und langfristig zerstört wird. Die Kontaktoberflächenbeschichtung 2 besteht aus einer Zwischenschicht 21 und einer Oberflächenschicht 22. The connector contact has a contact base material 1 onto which e.g. For corrosion protection and / or to improve the electrical conductivity of a contact surface coating 2 is applied, wherein the contact surface coating 2, in this case by a Gegenkon- taktzunge 3, undergoes abrasion and thereby initially abraded and destroyed long term. The contact surface coating 2 consists of an intermediate layer 21 and a surface layer 22.
Die Fig. 1 a zeigt den Steckverbinderkontakt mit einem Kontaktbasismaterial 1 sowie der darauf aufgebrachten Kontaktoberflächenbeschichtung 2 und eine Gegenkontaktzunge 3. Die Fig. 1 b zeigt den Steckverbinderkontakt in einem Zustand, bei dem die Kontaktoberflächenbeschichtung 2 bereits teilweise abgerieben ist. Die Oberflächenschicht 22 ist nur noch in Fragmenten vorhanden. Auch die Zwischenschicht 21 ist zumindest in einem Bereich bereits teilweise abgerieben. Es ist leicht erkennbar, dass der Abrieb von dem Zusammenwirken des Kontaktes mit der Gegenkontaktzunge 3 stammt. 1 a shows the connector contact with a contact base material 1 and the contact surface coating 2 applied thereto and a counter contact tongue 3. Fig. 1 b shows the connector contact in a state in which the contact surface coating 2 is already partially rubbed off. The surface layer 22 is only present in fragments. Also, the intermediate layer 21 is already at least partially rubbed off in one area. It can easily be seen that the abrasion originates from the interaction of the contact with the counter-contact tongue 3.
Die Fig. 2a und 2b zeigen vergleichbare Anordnungen, bei denen jedoch zusätzlich in die Kontaktoberflächenbeschichtung, insbesondere in die Zwischenschicht 21 , mehrere Sensoren 4, 4', 4" eingebracht sind. Diese Sensoren 4,4', 4" können sich insbesondere dadurch auszeichnen, dass sie eine höhere spezifische elektrische Leitfähigkeit besitzen als die Zwischenschicht 21 , in die sie gegebenenfalls eingebracht sind. In einer alternativen Ausführung könnte es sich bei den Sensoren 4,4', 4" aber beispielsweise auch um Lichtwellenleiter, z.B. Glasfaserleitungen, handeln. 2a and 2b show comparable arrangements in which, however, a plurality of sensors 4, 4 ' , 4 " are additionally incorporated in the contact surface coating, in particular in the intermediate layer 21. These sensors 4, 4 ' , 4 " can be characterized in particular by this in that they have a higher specific electrical conductivity than the intermediate layer 21 into which they are optionally incorporated. In an alternative embodiment, the sensors 4, 4 ' , 4 " could, for example, also be optical waveguides, eg glass fiber cables.
In der Fig. 2a sind die in die noch unbeschädigte Kontaktoberflächenbeschichtung 2 eingebrachten Sensoren 4, 4', 4" dargestellt. Es ist selbstverständlich, dass die drei dargestellten Sensoren 4,4',4" stellvertretend für eine in der Zwischenschicht 21 existierende Vielzahl von Sensoren stehen. Insbesondere kann es sich bei den Sensoren 4, 4', 4" um Nano- strukturen handeln, welche in die Kontaktoberflächenbeschichtung 2, insbesondere in die Matrix der Zwischenschicht 21 , eingebracht sind. In Fig. 2a introduced into the still undamaged contact surface coating 2 sensors 4, 4 ', "shown. It is understood that the sensors shown three 4,4 4', 4" representative of an existing in the intermediate layer 21 plurality of Sensors stand. In particular, the sensors 4, 4 ' , 4 "can be nanostructures which are introduced into the contact surface coating 2, in particular into the matrix of the intermediate layer 21.
In der Fig. 2b ist dargestellt, wie die Kontaktoberflächenbeschichtung 2 einen so starken Abrieb erfahren hat, dass die im äußeren Bereich der Zwischenschicht 21 angeordneten Sensoren, 4,4', die stellvertretend für einen ersten Teil der Sensoren stehen, zumindest teilweise zerstört sind, wodurch ihre verglichen mit der Kontaktoberflächenbeschichtung besonders gut elektrisch leitende Funktion zumindest erheblich reduziert ist. Ein weiterer Sensor 4", der näher am Kontaktbasismaterial angeordnet ist und stellvertretend für einen zweiten Teil der Sensoren steht, ist dagegen unzerstört und erhält so beispielsweise seinen hohen Leitwert aufrecht. 2b shows how the contact surface coating 2 has undergone such a strong abrasion that the sensors 4, 4 ' which are arranged in the outer region of the intermediate layer 21 and are representative of a first part of the sensors are at least partially destroyed, whereby their compared with the contact surface coating particularly good electrically conductive function is at least significantly reduced. Another sensor 4 " , which is arranged closer to the contact base material and is representative of a second part of the sensors, however, is undestroyed and thus maintains, for example, its high conductance.
Die Fig. 3a deutet einen realistischeren Verlauf einer Nanostruktur in der Matrix einer Kontaktoberflächenbeschichtung 2 an. Weiterhin ist auch eine daran angeschlossene Messeinrichtung 5 dargestellt. Diese beinhaltet im vorliegenden Beispiel Mittel zur elektrischen Widerstandsmessung. Aufgrund des wesentlich höheren Leitwerts, durch den sich der Sensor 4 von der Kontaktoberflächenbeschichtung 2 unterscheidet, kann trotz der vergleichsweise großen Länge des Sensors 4 von der Messeinrichtung 5 eine Aussage darüber getroffen werden, ob der Sensor 4 beschädigt ist, oder ob der Sensor 4 unbeschädigt ist und somit eine elektrisch leitende Verbindung mit dem für ihn typisch hohen Leitwert darstellt. Doch auch bei einer teilweisen Beschädigung des Sensors 4 ist der dazugehörige Stromkreis nicht vollständig unterbrochen, sondern lediglich dessen Leitwert verringert, da seine an die Beschädigung grenzenden Enden über die Kotak- toberflächenbeschichtung 2 elektrisch leitend verbunden sind und auch die Kontaktoberflächenbeschichtung 2 elektrisch leitend ist, wenngleich ihr Leitwert auch geringer ist als der des Sensors 4, 4', 4". Bei einer Vielzahl solcher Sensoren 4,4',4" kann mittels einer statistischen Auswertung somit auch das Ausmaß der Zerstörung der Sensoren 4 Berücksichtigung finden. FIG. 3 a indicates a more realistic profile of a nanostructure in the matrix of a contact surface coating 2. Furthermore, a connected thereto measuring device 5 is shown. This includes in the present example means for electrical resistance measurement. Due to the significantly higher conductance, by which the sensor 4 differs from the contact surface coating 2, despite the comparatively long length of the sensor 4, a statement can be made by the measuring device 5 as to whether the sensor 4 is damaged or if the sensor 4 is undamaged is and thus represents an electrically conductive connection with the typical for him high conductance. However, even with a partial damage of the sensor 4, the associated circuit is not completely interrupted, but only its conductance is reduced, since its ends adjacent to the damage via the Kotak- toberflächenbeschichtung 2 are electrically connected and also the contact surface coating 2 is electrically conductive, albeit Their conductance is also lower than that of the sensor 4, 4 ' , 4 " . With a large number of such sensors 4, 4 ' , 4 " , the extent of destruction of the sensors 4 can thus also be taken into account by means of a statistical evaluation.
Die Fig. 3b zeigt in eine schematisierte Darstellung eine Ausführung, bei der mehrere Sensoren 4,4', 4", die über das Kontaktbasismaterial 1 unterschiedlich weit in den Kontakt hineingeführt werden. Von dort aus dringen die Sensoren 4,4',4" auch unterschiedlich tief in die Kontaktoberflächenbeschichtung 2 ein. Auf diese Weise verlaufen sie über einen relativ langen Bereich durch das Kontaktbasismaterial 1 , dessen Leitwert noch einmal deutlich geringer ist als der Leitwert der Kontaktoberflächenbeschichtung 2, was die Messbarkeit verbessert. In einer alternativen Ausführung könnten die Sensoren selbstverständlich auch ausschließlich in der Kon- taktoberflächenbeschichtung liegen ohne das Kontaktbasismaterial zu passieren. 3 b shows a schematic representation of an embodiment in which a plurality of sensors 4, 4 ' , 4 " are guided into the contact at different distances via the contact base material 1. From there, the sensors 4, 4 ' , 4 " penetrate. also different depths in the contact surface coating 2 a. In this way, they run over a relatively long range through the contact base material 1, whose conductance is once again significantly lower than the conductance of the contact surface coating 2, which improves the measurability. In an alternative embodiment, the sensors could of course also be used exclusively in the context of Taktoberflächenbeschichtung lie without the contact base material to happen.
In der Fig. 3c ist zusätzlich die Gegenkontaktzunge 3 dargestellt, durch die ein Teil der Kontaktoberflächenbeschichtung 2 abgerieben ist. Dementsprechend ist zumindest ein erster Teil der Sensoren 4,4' teilweise zerstört, d.h. unterbrochen, und besitzt somit, verglichen mit ihrem ursprünglichen Zustand, eine zumindest verringerte elektrische Leitfähigkeit, während ein weiterer Teil der Sensoren, hier dargestellt durch den weiteren Sensor 4", nach wie vor unzerstört ist und seine ursprüngliche Leitfähigkeit aufrecht erhält. In Fig. 3c, the counter-contact tongue 3 is additionally shown, through which a part of the contact surface coating 2 is abraded. Accordingly, at least a first part of the sensors 4, 4 'is partially destroyed, ie interrupted, and thus has, compared to its original state, at least reduced electrical conductivity, while a further part of the sensors, represented here by the further sensor 4 " , is still intact and maintains its original conductivity.
Es ist insbesondere beim Einsatz von Nanostrukturen wie Nanofasern und/oder Nanoröhren als Sensoren 4,4',4", mit denen die Kontaktoberfläche durchsetzt ist, leicht nachvollziehbar, dass die gezeigten Sensoren 4,4',4" jeweils exemplarisch für eine Vielzahl von Sensoren stehen, dass deren geometrische Verteilung ebenfalls statistischer Natur ist, und dass daher bei den Messungen statistische Erkenntnisse über den Zustand der Gesamtheit dieser Sensoren 4, 4', 4" gewonnen werden. Tatsächlich lassen diese statistischen Erkenntnisse jedoch, wie mit Hilfe von Messungen und Simulationen herausgefunden wurde, signifikante Rückschlüsse auf den Zustand der Kontaktoberflächenbeschichtung 2 zu. In particular, when using nanostructures such as nanofibers and / or nanotubes as sensors 4,4 ' , 4 " , with which the contact surface is interspersed, it can be easily understood that the sensors 4, 4 ' , 4 " shown are each exemplary for a large number of sensors Sensors show that their geometric distribution is also of a statistical nature, and that statistical measurements on the state of the totality of these sensors 4, 4 ' , 4 " are thus obtained during the measurements Simulations were found, significant conclusions about the state of the contact surface coating 2 to.
In der Fig. 4a ist exemplarisch ein Sensor 4 in der angedeuteten Form einer Nanostruktur dargestellt, der innerhalb der Kontaktoberflächenbeschichtung 2 an zwei gegenüberliegenden Seiten des Kontakts im Wesentlichen in Steckrichtung verläuft und sich somit von einer Seite des Kontaktes zur anderen Seite des Kontaktes erstreckt und der am Fuß des Steckverbinders an jeder der beiden Seiten zur Auswertung elektrisch leitend mit der Messeinrichtung 5 verbunden ist. Diese Ausführungsform besitzt den Vorteil, dass der Abrieb der Kontaktoberflächenbeschichtung 2 über die gesamte Kontaktlänge automatisch mit gleicher Gewichtung aus- gewertet wird. FIG. 4 a shows by way of example a sensor 4 in the indicated form of a nanostructure which essentially extends in the plugging direction within the contact surface coating 2 on two opposite sides of the contact and thus extends from one side of the contact to the other side of the contact and at the foot of the connector on each of the two sides for evaluation electrically conductively connected to the measuring device 5. This embodiment has the advantage that the abrasion of the contact surface coating 2 over the entire contact length automatically with the same weighting is valued.
In der Fig. 4b sind exemplarisch drei solche Sensoren 4,4', 4" dargestellt, die jeweils nur an einer Seite des Kontaktes an die Messeinrichtung 5 angeschlossen sind und daher entsprechend ihrer Länge unterschiedlich weit in Steckrichtung verlaufen. Es ist leicht erkennbar dass ein Abrieb an der Spitze des Kontaktes bei der statistischen Auswertung geringer gewichtet ist als ein Abrieb an demjenigen Bereich, an dem die Sensoren 4, 4', 4" an das Messeinrichtung 5 angeschlossen sind. Es empfiehlt sich also, die Konzentration der Sensoren an denjenigen Stellen, an denen ein hoher Reibverschleiß zu erwarten ist, zu erhöhen. Diese Darstellung dient in erster Linie dem prinzipiellen Verständnis dieses Vorgangs. 4b exemplarily shows three such sensors 4, 4 ' , 4 " which are each connected to the measuring device 5 only on one side of the contact and therefore extend differently far in the direction of insertion according to their length Abrasion at the top of the contact in the statistical evaluation is less weighted than abrasion at the area where the sensors 4, 4 ' , 4 "are connected to the measuring device 5. It is therefore advisable to increase the concentration of the sensors at those points where high frictional wear is to be expected. This presentation primarily serves the basic understanding of this process.
Die Fig. 4c zeigt einen Steckverbinderkontakt in einer dreidimensionalen Darstellung. Dabei ist das Kontaktbasismaterial von einem Netz von Sensoren umgeben. Die Konzentration der Sensoren bleibt, von geringfügigen statistischen Schwankungen abgesehen, über die Oberfläche des Steckverbinderkontaktes konstant. Fig. 4c shows a connector contact in a three-dimensional representation. The contact base material is surrounded by a network of sensors. The concentration of the sensors remains constant over the surface of the connector contact, apart from slight statistical fluctuations.
Bezugszeichenliste LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS
Kontaktbasismatenal Kontaktoberflächenbeschichtung1 ZwischenschichtContact base material Contact surface coating1 Interlayer
2 Oberflächenschicht 2 surface layer
Gegenkontaktzunge, 4', 4" Sensoren Counter-contact tongue, 4 ' , 4 " sensors
Messeinrichtung  measuring device

Claims

Ansprüche claims
1 . Verfahren zur Überwachung des Zustande einer Kontaktoberfläche eines Steckverbinderkontaktes, umfassend eine Kontaktoberflächenbeschichtung (2), die auf ein Kontaktbasismaterial (1 ) des Steckverbinderkontaktes in mehreren Schritten aufgebracht wird, indem zunächst eine Zwischenschicht (21 ) auf das Kontaktbasismaterial (1 ) aufgebracht wird und danach eine Oberflächenschicht (22) auf die Zwischenschicht (21 ) aufgebracht wird, dadurch gekennzeichnet, 1 . A method of monitoring the condition of a contact surface of a connector contact, comprising a contact surface coating (2) applied to a contact base material (1) of the connector contact in a plurality of steps by first applying an intermediate layer (21) to the contact base material (1) and thereafter applying a Surface layer (22) is applied to the intermediate layer (21), characterized
dass in die Kontaktoberflächenbeschichtung (2) Sensoren (4,4', 4") eingebracht werden. in that sensors (4, 4 ' , 4 " ) are introduced into the contact surface coating (2).
2. Verfahren gemäß Anspruch 1 dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass mittels der Sensoren (4,4', 4") der Zustand der Kontaktoberflächenbeschichtung (2) über eine elektrische Messgröße bestimmt wird. 2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that by means of the sensors (4,4 ' , 4 " ), the state of the contact surface coating (2) via an electrical parameter is determined.
3. Verfahren nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Zustand der Kontaktoberflächenbeschichtung (2) mittels einer Widerstandsmessung ermittelt wird. 3. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the state of the contact surface coating (2) is determined by means of a resistance measurement.
4. Verfahren nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass in eine Matrix der Zwischenschicht (21 ) eingelagerte Strukturen als Sensoren (4, 4', 4") verwendet werden. 4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in a matrix of the intermediate layer (21) embedded structures as sensors (4, 4 ' , 4 " ) are used.
5. Verfahren gemäß einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass in die Zwischenschicht (21 ) eingebrachte Nano- strukturen als Sensoren (4,4',4") verwendet werden. 5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the intermediate layer (21) introduced nano structures are used as sensors (4,4 ' , 4 " ).
Verfahren gemäß einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Zwischenschicht (21 ) aus Nickel gebildet wird. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the intermediate layer (21) is formed from nickel.
Verfahren gemäß Anspruch 6, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass in die aus Nickel gebildete Zwischenschicht (21 ) Nanostrukturen aus Kohlenstoff als Sensoren (4,4', 4") eingebracht werden. A method according to claim 6, characterized in that nanostructures of carbon are introduced as sensors (4,4 ' , 4 " ) into the intermediate layer (21) formed from nickel.
Verfahren gemäß einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Sensoren (4, 4', 4") einen höheren Leitwert besitzen als die Zwischenschicht (21 ) . Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensors (4, 4 ' , 4 " ) have a higher conductance than the intermediate layer (21).
Verfahren gemäß Anspruch 8, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass eine senkrecht zur Steckrichtung gemessene Querleitfähigkeit und/oder eine in Steckrichtung gemessene Leitfähigkeit der Kontaktoberflä- chenbeschichtung (2) ein Maß für die darin unbeschadet verlaufenden Sensoren (4, 4', 4") darstellt. Method according to claim 8, characterized in that a transverse conductivity measured perpendicular to the insertion direction and / or a conductivity of the contact surface coating (2) measured in the insertion direction represents a measure for the sensors (4, 4 ' , 4 " ) running undamaged therein.
Verfahren gemäß einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass sich durch einen Abrieb der Kontaktoberflä- chenbeschichtung (2) der Leitwert zumindest einiger Sensoren (4, 4', 4") signifikant ändert, und dass dieser Leitwert und/oder die Änderung dieses Leitwertes mit einer Messeinrichtung (5) gemessen und zur Analyse des Zustande der Kontaktoberflächenbe- schichtung (2) verwendet wird. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the conductance of at least some sensors (4, 4 ' , 4 " ) changes significantly by abrasion of the contact surface coating (2), and that conductance and / or change in this conductance measured with a measuring device (5) and used to analyze the condition of the contact surface coating (2).
1 1 Verfahren gemäß einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Oberflächenschicht (22) zumindest größtenteils aus Silber oder Gold gebildet wird. Verfahren gemäß Anspruch 1 , dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass mittels der Sensoren (4, 4', 4") der Zustand der Kontaktoberflächenbe- schichtung (2) über eine optische Messgröße bestimmt wird. 1 1 A method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the surface layer (22) is at least largely formed of silver or gold. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that by means of the sensors (4, 4 ' , 4 " ), the state of the Kontaktoberflächenbe- layering (2) via an optical measurement variable is determined.
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