EP3716414B1 - Test adapter and method - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a test adapter and a method for testing a connector, in particular a USB connector and/or an RJ45 connector.

After manufacturing electronic connectors, it is often necessary to individually test the functionality of the connectors prior to incorporation into a device, separate sale, and/or use. For this purpose, the connector can be plugged into a so-called test device, which has a socket into which the connector is plugged. Since the socket of the testing device is usually used often, namely to check a plurality of connectors per day, the socket of the testing device experiences a high mechanical load.

Conventional testing devices therefore have a very high-quality and stable socket that is durable and withstands high loads.

The test device is used to check connectors, in particular connectors for serial interfaces, such as USB connectors. The testing device can also be designed to test RJ connectors, in particular RJ45 connectors, which are designed, for example, to establish an Ethernet connection and/or an ISDN connection.

The document US 6,869,312 B1 discloses a connector and module for mating at least two connectors with pin headers. The connectors feature a socket with reliable electrical contact and a pin socket with reliable pin alignment. A gimbal feature allows for easier connector self-alignment with mating pin structures.

The document EP 0 326 098 A1 discloses a contacting device for a testing device for testing test specimens for electrical freedom from defects. The test specimens each have a printed circuit board, wiring carrier or the like equipped with a plurality of male connectors and/or female connectors. It has at least one carrying device, which is used to carry test contacts that serve to contact the blades and/or sockets of male and/or socket strips arranged on a test specimen. The contacting device also has restoring spring means. EP 0 326 098 A1 discloses the preamble of claim 1.

The document US 5,687,213 B1 discloses a telephone line tester having a pin jack connector, a modular jack connector and multiple line outlets. The telephone line tester can be connected to a telephone line on a modular jack interface and alternatively on a pin-socket interface. Testing can be performed by accessing telephone line signals across multiple lines. Testing can also be performed by accessing telephone line signals through the modular jack.

It is the object of the invention to improve the checking of a plug connector, in particular to enable a more cost-effective checking of plug connectors.

This object is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

One aspect relates to a test adapter for testing a connector, in particular a USB connector and/or an RJ45 connector. The test adapter has a connector socket with electrical socket connections for making electrical contact with the connector. A test output with electrical test connections is used to make electrical contact with a test device for the connector. The socket connections of the connector socket are electrically connected and/or contacted with the test connections of the test output. The connector socket is unsoldered, unbonded and interchangeably mounted on the test adapter.

The test adapter can be designed as a link between the connector to be tested and the test device. Alternatively, the test adapter can be designed as part of the test device and/or have the test device. The test adapter is preferably attached to the test device in such a way that the connector can be plugged into the connector socket of the test adapter to check its function and directly into the test device, e.g. into a corresponding socket of the test device.

The test device is designed and configured to check the connector, in particular to check its electronic functionality. For checking, the test device can electronically test and/or check the individual signal connections within the connector and/or through the connector. In principle, test programs are already known for this, which can be geared to the individual type of connector.

The test adapter can be designed to check a very specific (connector) type, in particular to check a standardized type of connector. Suitable (connector) types can be, for example, USB connectors or RJ connectors, for example USB connectors of type USB-1, USB-2, or USB-3, micro-USB, mini-USB, USB-A, USB-B or USB-C. In general, the connector can be designed as any USB connector. Furthermore, the connector can also be designed as an RJ connector, in particular as an RJ45 connector.

The test adapter is usually designed to test exactly one type of connector, that is to say a plurality of connectors of the same type. However, since the connector socket of the test adapter required for this can be exchanged, the test adapter can also be designed to test different types of connectors. For example, it can be configured in conjunction with a micro USB connector socket to test micro USB connectors. The micro connector socket can be exchanged for an RJ45 connector socket. Then the test adapter becomes a test adapter for testing RJ45 connectors.

The connector socket is designed and configured to receive and/or to electrically contact the connector type to be checked. For this purpose, for example, it can be configured congruently with the connector, ie, for example, as a USB type C connector socket for checking a USB type C connector. The connector socket has electrical socket connections that make electrical contact with the plug connections of the connector.

The test output of the test adapter has electrical test connections with which the test output can make electrical contact with the test device. The socket terminals of the connector socket are electrically connected to the test terminals of the test output through and/or along the test adapter(s). If the testing device electrically contacts the electrical test connections at the test output of the test adapter with its test input, then it electrically contacts the plug connector via the test adapter, namely in particular via the electrical socket connections of the plug connector socket. The socket connections can be made in different ways within the test adapter Way to be routed to the test terminals, for example via at least one circuit board and / or other individual electrical contacts and / or lines.

The test adapter is designed in such a way that the connector socket is fastened or mounted on the test adapter in an unsoldered and unbonded manner. This makes it possible for the connector socket to be exchanged as simply as possible. Especially with USB plugs, the connector socket is a weak point because it is exposed to relatively high mechanical loads. When plugging and unplugging connectors frequently to check them, the connector socket can be so stressed that it has a defect. If there is now a defect in the connector socket, it is not necessary to dispose of the entire test device and/or the entire test adapter, but only the connector socket can be selectively replaced. This is particularly easy because the connector socket is not soldered and/or bonded to the test adapter, e.g. there is no material connection with it at all. Furthermore, the test adapter enables the use of an inexpensive standard connector socket. The adapter does not require a particularly high-quality connector socket, as the connector socket can be easily replaced in the event of a defect. To do this, the connector socket is removed from the test adapter, i.e. dismantled, and then replaced with a new connector socket. The new connector socket is also mounted unsoldered and unbonded on the test adapter, so that the new connector socket remains interchangeable.

As a result, plug connectors can be checked inexpensively using comparatively simple means.

According to one embodiment, the connector socket is additionally fastened to the test adapter in a form-fitting manner. A form-fitting connection can take place, for example, by means of engagements and/or projections. So some standardized connector sockets on mounting lugs, which in congruent Interventions of the test adapter can be introduced. The test adapter can have the corresponding, congruent interventions for the fastening lugs of the connector socket. According to the invention, a non-positive connection is already achieved in that the connector socket is fastened and/or mounted on the test adapter in a press fit. A connection by means of a clamp seat also has the advantage that the electrical socket connections of the connector socket can be pressed by the clamping force onto electrical contacts inside the test adapter, for example onto contact points on a circuit board.

Even without the connector socket being soldered to the test adapter, it is securely fastened to the test adapter in such a way that reliable electrical contact is provided between the socket connections and the test adapter. The connector socket can be separated from the rest of the test adapter in a non-destructive manner and is therefore easy to replace.

According to the invention, the test adapter has a contact module and a fastening module as components that can be separated from one another. The connector socket is clamped between the contact module and the attachment module. The contact module and the fastening module can be separated from one another in a non-destructive manner, ie the test adapter can be dismantled into at least two components. In this case, the contact module can have connections for making electrical contact with the electrical socket connections of the connector socket, and for example also the test connections at the test output. The fastening module can essentially be designed as a purely mechanical component without its own electrical contacts and/or contacting options. To form the clamping seat, the contact module and/or the fastening module can have, for example, fastening means that are matched to one another, so that the contact module is fastened to the fastening module in such a way that the connector socket is clamped between these two modules. The connector socket is friction-locked between the contact module and the fastening module.

According to the invention, the fastening module has at least one fastening module engagement and/or a fastening module projection, by means of which it is detachably fastened to at least one contact module projection and/or contact module engagement of the contact module. A positive connection between the fastening module and the contact module can be provided by the respective engagements and/or projections. In this case, the fastening module can in particular have at least two fastening module engagements and/or fastening module projections which interact with at least two contact module projections and/or contact module engagements and thus provide a more stable connection of the two modules to one another.

According to the invention, the fastening module is screwed to the contact module by means of at least one screw. A screw connection is particularly well suited to enabling and/or supporting a detachable connection between the contact module and the fastening module, so that the connector socket can be clamped between the two modules.

In a development of this embodiment, the fastening module is screwed onto the contact module by means of exactly one knurled screw. No additional screw is required for attaching the attachment module to the contact module, so this connection is designed without screws apart from the one knurled screw. The knurled screw enables tool-free assembly, ie tool-free attachment of the contact module to the attachment module. This will do that Replacing the connector socket simplified. The provision of a single screw to form the connection of the two modules is also simplified the replacement of the connector socket by reducing the operating effort required for this.

According to one embodiment, the connector socket has socket fastening means that form a positive connection with the test adapter. These socket fastening means can be designed as extensions (e.g. metallic and/or extending essentially orthogonally to the plug-in direction) on the connector socket. In the context of the invention, the plug-in direction refers to the direction in which the plug connector (or plug connectors) to be checked is (are) plugged into the plug connector socket. The socket fastening means can have at least one expansion component in a direction orthogonal to the plug-in direction, as a result of which the formation of a form-fitting fastening is supported and/or made possible.

According to one embodiment, the connector socket is designed as a standard socket. A standard socket is particularly inexpensive and can be mass-produced. This reduces the cost of the test adapter. A standard socket can be designed as a socket of a standardized plug connector. In particular, this can be a standard socket, which is sold as a catalog product, catalog product and/or mass-produced product and which can be obtained from different manufacturers. Since the use of such catalog products usually requires no investment in tools, etc., the favorable partial prices of mass and/or catalog products can be used without bearing their high investment costs. Alternatively, the contact could also be implemented using specially developed and/or designed test pins, but at a multiple of the cost.

According to one embodiment, the test adapter has a socket board, into which the connector socket is inserted in such a way that the socket connections make electrical contact with the socket board. The socket board can be mounted on a side of the test adapter and/or the Contact module be formed. The socket board enables the socket connections to be routed in a targeted manner along and/or through the test adapter(s).

According to one embodiment, the test output is designed as a test connector which has the test terminals. The test connector can be designed to be plugged into a congruent socket of the (e.g. external) test device, so that the test connections make electrical contact with the test device.

According to a development of this embodiment, the test connector is designed as a connector of the same type as the connector to be tested, e.g. standardized connector. In this embodiment, the test adapter serves, for example, as an extension and/or attachment of a conventional test device. The test plug connector of the test adapter can then only be plugged into the test device once, with electrical contact being established between the test connections and the test device. Then the test adapter can remain arranged as an extension and/or an extension of an input socket of the test device. The connectors to be tested are then no longer plugged directly into the (e.g. input socket of) the test device, but instead into the connector socket of the test adapter. As a result, the input socket of the test device is essentially only mechanically stressed once, namely when the test adapter is plugged in. The main mechanical stress when replacing the connector to be checked affects the connector socket of the test adapter. However, as described above, this is easily interchangeable and thus replaceable.

In one embodiment, the test connector is electrically connected to a test board of the test adapter such that the test terminals electrically contact the socket board. Here, the test board can be used to route the test connections. The test plug connector makes electrical contact with the test board, for example it can be bonded to it and/or soldered to it.

In one embodiment, the test connector is unsoldered, unbonded, and interchangeably mounted to the test adapter. Essentially the same applies to the test connector as to the connector socket. For this purpose, the test connector can, for example, also be clamped in a press fit between the contact module and the fastening module. Alternatively, in this embodiment, the test adapter can have a third module, for example a test attachment module. The test connector can be fastened and/or clamped between the third module and the contact module. In this case, the details described in connection with the interchangeable connector socket can also apply to the test connector. The test connector can also be easily replaced if it is defective.

According to one embodiment, the test adapter is designed without a test device. It is designed to make electrical contact with the external test device by means of the test connections. In this embodiment, the test adapter does not have its own test device for checking the standardized plug connector. The test adapter is only used for electrical contacting of both the (e.g. standardized) connector and a test input of the test device. The test adapter is designed in such a way that it makes electrical contact with the standardized plug connector with an input (ie, for example, an input socket) of the test device. The actual checking of the connector is carried out by the testing device.

In a further development of this embodiment, the test adapter has storage attachment means for forming a floating attachment on the test device. The bearing fastening means can have pins and/or spring means, for example, so that the test adapter can be fastened to the test device in a floating manner. This protects the mechanical connection between the test adapter and the test device, especially when plugging and unplugging the connector into the connector socket of the test adapter and at the same time occurring mechanical pressure transmission in the plugging direction on the test device.

This can improve or increase the longevity of the test fixture and/or test adapter.

In an alternative embodiment to this, the test device is designed as a component of the test adapter. In this case, the test adapter itself is designed as a test device on which the connector socket is mounted in an unsoldered, unbonded and interchangeable manner.

According to the invention, the test adapter can be designed as a test adapter system which includes both the test adapter according to the aspect described above and at least the one connector to be tested, in particular also a plurality of connectors to be tested.

One aspect relates to a method for producing a test adapter for testing a connector, in particular a USB connector and/or an RJ45 connector, having the features of claim 14.

In the context of this invention, the terms "substantially" and/or "approximately" can be used in such a way that they include a deviation of up to 5% from a numerical value following the term, a deviation of up to 5° from one to the Direction following the term and/or from an angle following the term.

Unless otherwise specified, terms such as above, below, above, below, etc. refer to the reference system of the earth in an operating position of the subject invention.

Fig. 1

einen Prüfadapter mit Steckverbinder in einer Explosionsdarstellung;

Fig. 2A

eine Steckverbinderbuchse des Prüfadapters in einer ersten perspektivischen Ansicht;

Fig. 2B

die Steckverbinderbuchse des Prüfadapters in einer zweiten perspektivischen Ansicht;

Fig. 3A

ein Kontaktmodul des Prüfadapters in einer ersten perspektivischen Ansicht;

Fig. 3B

das Kontaktmodul des Prüfadapters in einer zweiten perspektivischen Ansicht;

Fig. 4A

ein Befestigungsmodul des Prüfadapters in einer perspektivischen Ansicht;

Fig. 4B

das Befestigungsmodul des Prüfadapters in einer Seitenansicht;

Fig. 5

das Kontaktmodul des Prüfadapters ohne Steckverbinderbuchse in einer perspektivischen Ansicht; und

Fig. 6

den assemblierten Prüfadapter in einer perspektivischen Ansicht.

The invention is described in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments shown in figures. In this case, the same or similar reference symbols can identify the same or similar features of the embodiments. Individual features shown in the figures can be implemented in other exemplary embodiments. Show it:

1

a test adapter with connector in an exploded view;

Figure 2A

a connector socket of the test adapter in a first perspective view;

Figure 2B

the connector socket of the test adapter in a second perspective view;

Figure 3A

a contact module of the test adapter in a first perspective view;

Figure 3B

the contact module of the test adapter in a second perspective view;

Figure 4A

a fastening module of the test adapter in a perspective view;

Figure 4B

the attachment module of the test adapter in a side view;

figure 5

the contact module of the test adapter without connector socket in a perspective view; and

6

the assembled test adapter in a perspective view.

figure 1 shows an exploded view of an embodiment of a test adapter 1 for checking a connector 100. In the embodiment shown, the connector 100 is designed as a standardized connector, namely as a USB connector, more precisely as a USB-C connector, which is also known as a USB type C connector is called. After the connector 100 has been manufactured, its functionality can be checked for some processes and/or for quality control. For this purpose, the plug connector 100 is plugged into a test device that uses electrical signals to check whether the plug connector 100 is functioning in accordance with its requirements or whether it is defective.

In figure 1 the testing device itself is not shown. The testing device is typically embodied as an electronic device that applies electrical signals to the terminals of the connector 100 in order to test their functionality.

the inside figure 1 The test adapter 1 shown serves as a link between the connector 1 and the (in figure 1 not shown) test device. The test adapter 1 is made up of several parts and has several modules. In the embodiment shown, the test adapter 1 has a contact module 20 and a fastening module 30. The two modules 20 and 30 are shown in FIG figure 1 shown exploded view shown separately. Before it is used, the test adapter 1 is fitted and/or assembled, ie the contact module 20 and the fastening module 30 are fastened to one another. An assembled test adapter is, for example, in figure 6 shown.

the inside figure 1 The test adapter 1 shown is thus essentially constructed in two parts, namely with the contact module 20 and the fastening module 30. The two modules 20, 30 of the test adapter 1 can either be completely separable from one another (as in the exemplary embodiment of figure 1 shown), or only pivoted against each other via a joint, wherein they are at the joint with each other stay connected.

The test adapter 1 also has a connector socket 40 . The connector socket 40 is configured and designed to accommodate and/or electrically contact the connector 100 to be checked.

Within the scope of the present description, electrical contacting can also include mechanical contacting.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the connector socket 40 is designed as a USB-C connector socket, just like the standardized connector 100 . The connector socket 40 can be embodied as a male or as a female connector socket. In general, the connector socket 40 is designed as a male or female connector part, which can enter into a plug connection with the connector 100 . Thus, the connector socket 40 is configured to electrically contact connectors of a predetermined type.

in the in figure 1 shown embodiment, the connector socket 40 is placed on the contact module 20 that a socket opening 43 points away from the test adapter 1, in such a way that the connector 100 can be plugged into or onto the socket opening 43. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the connector socket 40 rests on a surface of the contact module 20, more precisely on a socket board 50 which is arranged on a top side of the contact module 20. The upper side of the contact module 20 is designed as a socket board support surface 24 on which the socket board 50 is arranged. Furthermore, two contact module projections 21 are formed on the socket board support surface 24, which in an assembled operating position of the test adapter 1 form a positive connection with fastening module engagements 31 of the fastening module.

As an alternative to this, the connector socket 40 can also be arranged on an outer surface of the contact module 20 other than on its surface.

In addition to the attachment module engagements 31 , the attachment module 30 also has a knurled screw 33 which completely penetrates the attachment module 30 . The knurled screw 33 can be screwed into a screw hole 23 of the contact module 20, which can be located on and/or in the same module side of the contact module 20 as the socket board support surface 24.

The fastening module 30 can, as in figure 1 shown, be designed as a purely mechanical component without electrical contacts. All electrical contacts of the test adapter 1 are arranged in the contact module 20 in the embodiment shown. The arrangement of all electrical contacts in a single module, namely the contact module 20, enables the electrical contacts to be routed through the test adapter 1 without interruption.

A test board 70 is arranged on an underside of the contact module 20, generally, for example, on an outer surface of the contact module 20 opposite the socket board bearing surface 24. The test board 70 is connected to the socket board 50 through a body of the contact module 20 . The test board 70 is designed and provided to route the electrical signals of the connector 100 to a test output of the test adapter 1, which can be connected to the (not shown) test device, in particular can be electrically contacted.

The test adapter 1 can be contacted not only electrically with the test device, but also mechanically. For this purpose, the test adapter 1, more precisely the contact module 20 in the exemplary embodiment, has at least one storage attachment means 22; in the exemplary embodiment shown, there are two storage attachment means 22. The storage attachment means 22 can be designed as screws and/or contact pins. Using the mounting fasteners 22, a floating mounting of the test adapter on the (in figure 1 not shown) test device are produced. For this purpose, spring means, for example coil springs, which penetrate the pins of the bearing fastening means 22 can be applied at least partially via the bearing fastening means 22 designed as pins. The spring means can enable a spring-loaded connection between the test adapter 1 and the test device, which is not shown.

the Figures 2A and 2B show the socket connector 40 from different perspective views. while showing Figure 2A the connector socket 40 from a direction of approximately obliquely above and approximately obliquely in a plug-in direction S, while Figure 2B shows the connector socket from a perspective direction from approximately obliquely below and approximately obliquely against the plug-in direction S. The connector socket 40 can be designed as a standard component and can therefore be inexpensive.

The connector socket 40 has a socket body 47 which specifies and/or defines the shape of the connector socket 40 . The socket body 47 can be made of metal and/or plastic. The connector socket 40 has the socket opening 43 at a first end. At this socket opening 43, the connector socket 40 has a cavity in which a plurality of socket terminals 41 are arranged. The number and arrangement of the socket connections 41 depends on the (e.g. standardized) type of the connector socket 40.

Socket fastening means 42 are formed on a socket fastening end 44 opposite socket opening 43 in plug-in direction S. In the exemplary embodiment shown, there are two socket fastening means 42. The socket fastening means 42 can be inserted into the socket board 50 in a direction orthogonal to the plug-in direction S (cf. figure 1 ) are inserted. As a result, by means of the socket fasteners 42, a positive connection between the Connector socket 40 and the socket board 50 and / or the contact module 20 are provided.

The connector socket 40 has a first socket side 45 which (at least in the exemplary embodiment shown) is designed as an underside of the connector socket 40 . The first socket side 45 is flat and designed to face the contact module 20 in the operating position and/or to rest at least partially on the contact module 20 and/or the socket board 50 .

A second socket side 46 is also flat and arranged on an outside of the connector socket 40 opposite the first socket side 45 . In the assembled operating position, the second socket side 46 can be formed as an upper side of the socket body 47, for example. The second socket side 46 is designed to make mechanical contact with the fastening module 30 when the test adapter 1 is in an operating position.

in the in figure 6 shown (assembled) operating position, so the assembled state of the test adapter 1, the connector socket 40 is arranged between the attachment module 30 and the contact module 20, for example clamped. In the assembled operating position, the socket connections 41, which protrude from the connector socket 40 at the fastening end 44, are placed on the socket board 50 (cf. figure 1 ) pressed and or pressed that an electrical contact between the socket board 50 and the socket terminals 41 of the connector socket 40 is made. For this purpose, the socket fastening means 42 preferably protrude from the connector socket 40 in a direction orthogonal to the plug-in direction S, into which the fastening module 30 is moved towards the contact module 20 when it is fastened to the latter. The socket fastening means 42 can also protrude from the connector socket 40 in a direction orthogonal to the plug-in direction S, which points in the direction of the socket board 50 (cf. figure 1 ).

Figures 3A and 3B show the contact module 20 with the connector socket 40 arranged thereon in two perspective views Figure 3A the contact module in a direction of approximately obliquely above and approximately obliquely against the plug-in direction S, while Figure 3B the contact module 20 shows from a direction from approximately diagonally below and approximately counter to the plug-in direction S.

The plug-in direction S corresponds to the direction in which the plug connector 100 to be checked is plugged into the plug connector socket 40 of the test adapter 1 (cf. figure 1 ). In the exemplary embodiment shown, this is the same plug-in direction S in which the test adapter 1 is connected to the test device, which is not shown. This means that both the storage fasteners 22 are aligned parallel to the plug-in direction S and a test connector 61 as a test output 60 of the test adapter 1.

The test connector 61 makes electrical contact with the test circuit board 70 and is arranged on a test output contact side 25 of the contact module 20 . In the embodiment shown, the test output support side 25 is formed as an underside of the contact module 20 which faces away from the socket board support surface 24 . The test circuit board 70 is fastened to the test output support side 25 of the contact module 20 (screwed here, cf. Figure 3B ), which in turn is electrically contacted by the test connector 61. The test connector 61 can be formed from the same connector type as the connector 100, here for example as a USB-C connector.

The test output 60 is electrically contacted with the test device, which is not shown. The test connector 61 has test terminals 62 which depend on the type of test connector 61 . In general, the test connector 61 can also be formed as a connector of a different type than that of the connector 100, for example as a USB-2 connector. The electrical test connections 62 are routed via the test board 70 through the contact module 20 to the socket board 50, ie electrically connected to it. Thus, the socket connections 41 of the connector socket 40 are through the contact module 20 routed through to the electrical test terminals 62 at test output 60 .

The contact module 20 also has a device side 26, from which the storage fasteners 22 protrude, here in the insertion direction S. Storage openings 28 can be arranged in the device side 26, through which the storage fasteners 22 penetrate. The device side 26 points away from the contact module 20 in the insertion direction S and faces the test device, which is not shown. Thus the device side 26 is opposite the direction in which the connector socket 40 and/or its socket opening 43 points away from the test adapter 1 . Therefore, when plugging in the connector 100 (cf. figure 1 ) A mechanical force is exerted in the connector socket 40, which acts in the plug-in direction S and can thus act from the device side 26 in the direction of the test device, which is not shown. This mechanical force can be cushioned via the bearing fastening means 22, in particular if a spring means, which is not shown in the figures and has a spring effect in this loading direction, is arranged on them.

in the in figure 6 shown assembled operating position of the test adapter 1, the attachment module 30 is connected to the contact module 20. This connection between the contact module 20 and the fastening module 30 takes place mechanically and in the exemplary embodiment shown both by means of a form-fitting connection and by means of an additional screw connection. For this purpose, the screw hole 23 is formed on the same outside of the contact module 20 on which the socket board support surface 24 is formed. As in Figure 3A shown, the screw hole 23 has a hole axis which, in the operating position, is aligned with the screw axis in figure 1 shown knurled screw 33 of the attachment module 30 coincides. The axis of the screw hole 23 is thus in the exemplary embodiment shown essentially orthogonal to the plug-in direction S and points from the contact module 20 to the fastening module 30 and vice versa.

In the embodiment shown, the connection is between Fastening module 30 and contact module 20 not exclusively by means of one knurled screw 33 (cf. figure 1 ), but additionally by means of a form fit by means of the two contact module projections 21. In other embodiments, this attachment can also only be done by screw connection(s).

Figure 3A shows the two contact module projections 21, which are arranged essentially adjacent to and on both sides of the connector socket 40 on the socket board support surface 24. Here, the contact module projections 21 initially have a first web, which protrudes essentially orthogonally away from the contact module 20 and out of the socket board support surface 24, and a second (transverse) web, which is arranged substantially parallel to the socket board support surface 24 plane. In the assembled operating state, this second web on the external end of the contact module projections 21 engages in the fastening module engagements 31 of the fastening module 30 (cf. also figure 1 ).

Figures 4A and 4B show once in a perspective view (cf. Figure 4A ) and once in a side view (cf. Figure 4B ) the fastening module 30.

The fastening module 30 is essentially flat with a contact module bearing surface 34 which faces the contact module 20 in the assembled state and/or rests at least partially on the latter. In the embodiment shown, the contact module support surface 34 is designed as an underside of the fastening module 30 (cf. Figure 4B ), which is arranged opposite a free outer surface 37 of the fastening module 30 . The free outer surface 37 points away from the contact module 20 and forms an outer surface of the assembled test adapter 1 (cf. also figure 6 ).

The knurled screw 33 penetrates the flat fastening module 30 essentially orthogonally to the direction of the plane of its surface orientation, here orthogonally to the insertion direction. The knurled screw 33 penetrates the fastening module 30 from the side of the free outer surface 37, with a Fastening end of the knurled screw 33 protrudes from the contact module support surface 34. An extended end of the knurled screw 33 protrudes (here: above) from the free outer surface 37 and can be easily operated and/or twisted with the fingers. In this case, no additional tool is required to tighten the knurled screw 33 in the screw hole 23 of the contact module 20 .

The fastening module 30 has two fastening skids 32 on the contact module bearing surface 34 , which protrude in the direction of the contact module 20 and/or orthogonally to the insertion direction S from the contact module bearing surface 34 . In addition, the fastening skids 32 each form a projection which defines the fastening module engagements 31 of the fastening module 30 . In the operating state, these fastening module engagements 31 interact with the contact module projections 21 of the contact module 20 (cf. also figures 1 , 3 and 6 ). The fastening skids 32 are approximately elongate and run essentially parallel to the insertion direction S.

A socket engagement 35 is also formed in the contact module bearing surface 34 and is formed as a recess in the contact module bearing surface 34 . The socket engagement 35 has an inner dimension which approximately corresponds to the outer dimension of the connector socket 40 at the socket attachment end 44 . The socket engagement 35 has socket engagement limitations 36 in the form of webs which delimit the socket engagement 35 in a number of spatial directions, here in precisely three spatial directions. The socket engagement limitations 36 limit the socket engagement 35 both in the insertion direction S and in two directions orthogonal to the insertion direction S. The socket engagement 35 is designed to be open against the insertion direction S. The socket engagement 35 is designed for supporting and/or engaging the connector socket 40 in such a way that the socket attachment end 44 is supported in the operating position in the socket engagement 35 in such a way that the socket opening 43 protrudes from the socket engagement 35 (cf. also figure 6 ).

figure 5 shows the contact module 20 without the connector socket 40 in one perspective view from approximately diagonally above. In the figure 5 Connector socket 40, not shown, is placed from above both on the socket board 50 and on a socket support 27, which is arranged on the socket board support surface 24 at an end of the contact module 20 facing away from the device side 26. The socket support 27 can be designed, for example, as a web, here as a web extending transversely to the direction S of insertion. In this case, the socket support 27 has a flat support surface which is formed approximately parallel to the socket board support surface 24 and/or socket board 50 . The socket support surface 27 is used to support the first socket side 45 of the connector socket 40. The flat support surface of the socket support 27 can be arranged essentially in the same plane as a flat outer side (here: top) of the socket board 50, so that together with the socket board 50 a safe Provide contact surface for the first socket side 45.

The socket circuit board 50 has circuit board recesses 51, in the exemplary embodiment shown at least two circuit board recesses 51. The circuit board recesses 51 are used to enter into a form-fitting connection with the socket fastening means 42 of the connector socket 40 (cf. e.g Figure 2B ). For this purpose, the circuit board recesses 51 are formed approximately congruently with the socket fastening means 42 and for their accommodation.

figure 6 shows the test adapter 1 in the operating position, ie in an assembled state. Here the connector socket 40 is placed on the socket support 27 and the (not shown) socket circuit board 50 in such a way that the socket fastening means 42 engage in the circuit board recesses 51 (cf. also Fig Figure 3A ).

Furthermore, the attachment module 30 is attached to the contact module 20 . The two modules 20 and 30 are positively connected to each other on both sides of the connector socket 40 via the contact module projections 21 and the fastening skids 32. The fastening skids 32 engage in an engagement space 29 (cf. figures 5 and 3A ), which between the end, second (transverse) webs of the contact module projections 21 and the socket board support surface 24 is formed. The contact module projections 21 engage in the fastening module engagements 31, which are formed by the fastening skids 32 (cf. e.g Figure 4A and 4B ).

In general, the fastening skids 32 can be designed as fastening module projections. The engagement spaces 29 can be designed as contact module engagements.

Furthermore, the knurled screw 33 is screwed through the fastening module 30 into the screw hole 23 of the contact module 20 (cf. also figure 5 ).

In this fastening position, the connector socket 40 is securely fastened to the test adapter 1 by means of a positive and non-positive connection. The positive and non-positive connection is provided both by the knurled screw 33 and by the fastening module engagements 31 in cooperation with the fastening skids 32 . In the assembled state, the connector socket 40 can no longer be separated from the test adapter 1 without destroying it as long as the knurled screw 33 remains screwed in. The connector socket 40 is securely connected via the fastening means 42 to the socket board 50, which is firmly attached to the contact module 20, for example screwed. Furthermore, the connector socket 40 is secure with its socket attachment end 44 and has approximately no play in the socket engagement 35 of the attachment module 30 (cf. Figure 4A ) arranged.

in the in figure 6 In the assembled state shown, the fastening module 30 holds the connector socket 40 securely, for example in a press fit. The socket contacts 41 are pressed onto the socket board 50 in such a way that they make electrical contact with the socket board 50 (cf. also Figure 3A ).

This provides a test adapter 1 in which the connector socket 40 can be easily replaced by unscrewing the knurled screw 33 and detaching the fastening module 30 from the contact module 20. The connector socket is here 40 is preferably connected unsoldered and/or unbonded to the socket board 50 in order to enable the connector socket 40 to be replaced in a particularly simple manner.

Reference List

1

test adapter

20

contact module

21

contact module projection

22

storage fasteners

23

screw hole

24

socket board support surface

25

test output support side

26

device side

27

bushing support

28

storage opening

29

procedure room

30

mounting module

31

attachment module engagement

32

fastening skids

33

knurled screw

34

contact module bearing surface

35

socket engagement

36

socket engagement limitation

37

free outer surface

40

connector socket

41

socket connections

42

socket fasteners

43

socket opening

44

socket attachment end

45

first socket side

46

second socket side

47

socket body

50

socket board

51

circuit board recess

60

test output

61

test connector

62

test connections

70

test board

100

connector

S

mating direction

Claims (14)

1. A test adapter (1) for checking a connector (100), in particular a USB connector and/or an RJ45 connector, having

   - a connector socket (40) with electrical socket connections (41) for electrically contacting the connector (100);

   - a test output (60) with electrical test connections (62) for electrically contacting a test device for the connector (100); and

   - a contact module (20) and a fastening module (30) as components which can be separated from one another;

   wherein

   - the socket connections (41) of the connector socket (40) are electrically connected to the test connections (62) of the test output (60),

   - the connector socket (40) is mounted in an unsoldered, unbonded and exchangeable manner on the test adapter (1); and

   - the fastening module (30) is screwed to the contact module (20) by means of at least one screw:
   characterized in that

   - the fastening module (30) has at least one fastening module engagement (31) and/or fastening module protrusion (32), by means of which it is detachably fastened to at least one contact module protrusion (21) and/or contact module engagement (29) of the contact module (20); and

   - the connector socket (40) is clamped between the contact module (20) and the fastening module (30).
2. The test adapter (1) according to Claim 1, wherein the connector socket (40) is additionally positively fastened to the test adapter (1).
3. The test adapter (1) according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the fastening module (30) is screwed to the contact module (20) by means of precisely one knurled screw (33).
4. The test adapter (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connector socket (40) has socket fastening means (42) which enter a positive connection with the test adapter (1).
5. The test adapter (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connector socket (40) is configured as a socket of a standardized connector.
6. The test adapter (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, having a socket board (50), into which the connector socket (40) is inserted such that the socket connections (41) electrically contact the socket board (50).
7. The test adapter (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the test output (60) is configured as a test connector (61) which has the test connections (62).
8. The test adapter (1) according to Claim 7, wherein the test connector (61) is configured as a connector of the same standardized type as the connector (100).
9. The test adapter (1) according to Claim 6 and according to Claim 7 or 8, wherein the test connector (61) is electrically connected to a test board (70) of the test adapter (1) such that the test connections (62) electrically contact the socket board (50).
10. The test adapter (1) according to any one of Claims 7 to 9, wherein the test connector (61) is mounted in an unsoldered, unbonded and exchangeable manner on the test adapter (1).
11. The test adapter (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the test adapter (1) is configured for electrically contacting an external test device by means of the test connections (62).
12. The test adapter (1) according to Claim 11, having bearing fastening means (22) for configuring a floatingly supported fastening to the test device.
13. A system having a test adapter (1) according to any one of Claims 1 to 12 and a test device for electrically contacting the test connections (62).
14. A method for producing a test adapter (1) for checking a connector (100), in particular a USB connector and/or an RJ45 connector, having the steps of:

    - providing a connector socket (40) with electrical socket connections (41) for electrically contacting the connector (100);

    - providing a test output (60) with electrical test connections (62) for electrically contacting a test device for the connector (100);

    - providing a contact module (20) and a fastening module (30) as components which can be separated from one another;

    - clamping the connector socket (40) between the contact module (20) and the fastening module (30);

    - electrically connecting the socket connections (41) of the connector socket (40) to the test connections (62) of the test output (60) through the test adapter (1) and/or along the test adapter (1);

    - mounting the connector socket (40) on the test adapter (1) in an unsoldered and unbonded manner in such a way that the connector socket (40) is fastened to the test adapter (1) in an exchangeable manner;

    - detachably fastening the fastening module (30) by means of at least one fastening module engagement (31) and/or fastening module protrusion (32) to at least one contact module protrusion (21) and/or contact module engagement (29) of the contact module (20); and

    - screwing the fastening module (30) to the contact module (20) by means of at least one screw.

Images