WO2002041454A1

WO2002041454A1 - Contacting device for establishing an electrically conductive connection

Info

Publication number: WO2002041454A1
Application number: PCT/EP2001/000387
Authority: WO
Inventors: Herbert Amrhein; Rainer Rothe
Original assignee: Herbert Amrhein; Rainer Rothe
Priority date: 2000-11-18
Filing date: 2001-01-15
Publication date: 2002-05-23
Also published as: DE20019641U1; DE20121235U1; AU2001235418A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a contacting device for simultaneously establishing an electrically conductive connection on several adjacent conductors. The contacting device comprises several contact elements (1), which are adjacently fixed while insulated from one another inside a body and whose ends (1.1, 1.3, 1.3', 1.3'') protrude from both sides of said body. A reliable contacting on several conductors is achieved with a simple design, whereby the portions of the contact elements (1), which are arranged inside the one-piece body, pass through at least one simple elastic bend (1.2), and the body is made of an elastic insulating material.

Description

CONTACTING DEVICE FOR MAKING AN ELECTRICALLY CONDUCTIVE CONNECTION

The invention relates to a contacting device for producing an electrically conductive connection at the same time on a plurality of conductors arranged next to one another with a plurality of contact elements which are fixed next to one another in an elastomeric elastic body and are electrically insulated from one another and have contact points leading out of them at both ends.

Such a contacting device is specified in US 5,904,580 A. In this known contacting device, contact elements are embedded in an elastic molded body and have a trough-shaped in their central region

BESTATIGUNGSKOPIE Bulge, which serves for a positive fixation in the elastic molded body. The contact elements protrude from the molded body with angled

Contact tabs out, which run somewhat obliquely with respect to the surface of the cuboid shaped body, so that they are resiliently bent when making contact. The free end section of the spring tabs is further angled toward the associated upper side of the molded body, so that an edge is created. If (as shown in FIG. 3) the contact tabs are pressed together to such an extent that they rest on the associated surface of the body, then a further compression can take place with deformation of the body with simultaneous bulging of the entire clock element within the body. However, there is a risk of the contacting point being relocated, so that, in particular in the case of small, closely spaced, contacts to be contacted by today's ICs, exact contacting is not reliably guaranteed.

Another contacting device is known from DE 1 96 52 271 A1, the body with the contact elements being composed of a plurality of individual bodies and the tips being designed as clamping elements. This contacting device is particularly suitable for tapping or supplying signals on individual conductors lying close together in the form of IC connections and for fixing the contacting device at the connections of the component. Therefore, each individual contact element is equipped with actuating mechanisms provided inside and outside the housing.

Further contacting devices, which are designed as test clips or test probes, go, for example, from DE-AS 1 266 385 and from McAllister, MF: Marasch, MR: "Test probe with variable ground and constant impedance capabilities" in: IBM Technical Disclosure Bulletin, Vol. 18, No. 3, August 1975, pages 699 and 700. These contacting devices have a relatively complex structure and are not designed, for example, for contacting many conductors lying next to one another.

Resilient contact pins are also known with diameters of up to 0.25 mm and lengths of a few millimeters. As a result of the design of the contact tip, spiral spring and connecting sleeve, the overall length, the inductance, the capacitance, the frictional transfer resistance due to temperature, humidity, pressure etc. are variable and not constant, and their usability is particularly suitable for HF applications and for the transmission of analog signals and more precise current and resistance measurements.

Furthermore, silicone contact strips and mats are known. This elastic carrier material is filled with conductive particles in narrow contact areas. In the case of contact pressure, these reduce their contact resistance and thus represent a variable resistance dependent on pressure, temperature and current. For the use of measurements such as voltage, resistance, analog signals and RF applications, their use is restricted.

The invention has for its object to provide a contacting device of the type mentioned, which with a simple structure and easy handling also enables reliable contacting on several adjacent conductors, especially if the contact points and contact spacing in the order of tenths of a millimeter or even lie below. This object is achieved with the features of claim 1. According to this, it is provided that the sections of the contact elements arranged in the body are designed to be resilient in that they pass through at least one simple elastic bend in the body, which is shaped in such a way that the deflection of the contact points of the contact elements essentially only parallel to the direction of one at one Contacting applied contact pressure takes place, and that the body consists of elastic insulating material. That from the elastomer (from

Plastic, synthetic rubber, natural rubber or mixtures thereof) bodies formed of elastic insulating material and the contact elements accommodated therein with an elastic bend result overall in an elastic body with contact element parts emerging from the insulating material, which e.g. are designed as tips or curves and serve the metallic contact. If, for example, these narrow contact surfaces are placed on a large number of closely spaced conductor tracks for contacting with slight pressure, the elasticity of the body and the contact elements ensures that all contact points come into contact with the conductor tracks and, in the case of small contact surfaces, of the freely projecting contact element parts a high surface pressure can be achieved and contact contamination can be penetrated, so that a secure galvanic connection of all contact elements is obtained. In particular, the protruding contact element parts can be arranged in a row lying next to one another, wherein the formation of the resilient elastic bends also maintains a secure positioning in the contact area.

The elasticity of the contact elements is favored by the fact that the contact elements each have at least one made of elastic insulating material existing, one-piece body embedded opposing bend and further characterized in that the bends are transition sections of a meandering arrangement. For example, the opposing bends can be U-shaped and alternately arranged opposite one another. A zigzag arrangement with round transitions is also conceivable.

Likewise, in accordance with the minimization sought according to the invention

Geometry a design with a semicircular or semi-oval bend is possible.

In order to maintain the contact points in the area of the contacting points securely, it is also advantageous that the bends are oriented perpendicular to the direction of the contact elements arranged next to one another.

As in the previous exemplary embodiments, the contact elements are preferably arranged in parallel and spatially separated from one another with thin, highly elastic elastomer layers, wherein good insulation and good adhesion of the contact elements within the body are ensured.

An advantageous embodiment for contacting interconnects lying spatially next to one another is that the ends that are led out are likewise designed as tips.

The contacting device can furthermore be designed for taking off or supplying signals with connecting wires or the like in such a way that the ends brought out as a contact pin or as a connecting piece for connecting wires are trained. For better accessibility of the led-out ends, it can be provided that the body extends away from the area of the led-out

Widen the ends out and that the led out ends expand like a fan.

For handling and protection, the measure can furthermore be advantageous in that the body, apart from the contact element parts that are brought out, is fixed in an outer housing.

An advantageous use is that the contacting device with contact element parts led out on both sides is used for contacting the conductor tracks of two adjacent printed circuit boards or a printed circuit board with an adjacent liquid crystal display plate or the like.

Further advantageous possible uses are that the contacting device is used for contacting IC contacts, conductor tracks of printed circuit boards, contacts of adaptation devices or plug connectors with one another or in combination with one another.

The contacting device is essentially block-shaped and can be manufactured practically in any number of adjacent contact elements or contact element parts and suitable for use parallel to the

Contact elements are cut to length. It is also possible, for the contacting of ICs, with printed circuit boards and adapters, to design the contacting device with contact rows adapted to a contacting task in order to clock arrangements and contact routing of ICs, adapters or similar contact requirements.

In particular, it is possible to make contact with the connections of components, such as resistors, capacitors, coils, connectors, etc., both printed components and surface-mounted SMD components, both loose and soldered onto printed circuit boards, adapters and similar devices.

In addition to simple contacting of the connections of these components mentioned above, it is possible to carry out a 4-wire or Kelvin measurement as a result of the multiple-parallel contacting of even the smallest connection areas. These measures can also be carried out on components, ultra-fine conductor tracks, plated-through holes, IC connections and minimal contact points of possible other devices.

The invention is explained in more detail below on the basis of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings. Show it:

1 is a fragmentary perspective view of a contacting device with contact tips,

2 a contacting device with contact tips arranged on opposite sides in a perspective view, 3 shows a cut contacting device in the plane of a contact element,

4 possibilities of executing elastic bends of the contact element,

5 possibilities of the configuration of contact surfaces of contact element parts led out,

6 shows an exemplary embodiment of the contacting device, in which the ends that are brought out are fanned out,

7 a contacting device with an outer housing,

8 shows a contacting device with another outer housing,

9 the use of a contacting device for contacting an IC on a printed circuit board,

10 shows a use of the contacting device for contacting a circuit board with an adapter device,

1 1 the use of several contacting devices for contacting two different ICs with a circuit board, 12 shows the use of a plurality of contacting devices for contacting an IC with an adapter and

13 shows the use of a plurality of contacting devices for contacting two circuit boards lying next to one another at a distance.

1 shows a contacting device 10 with narrow metallic contact elements 1 embedded in parallel, which, with contact element parts 1 .1 formed as tips, are led out in a row from a cuboid body 2 made of highly elastic elastomer. The elastomer body is formed from individual layers or molded in one piece. The layers bring about a defined spatial separation, electrical insulation and sufficient adhesion of the contact elements 1 within the body. The points 1.1 of the contact elements 1 protruding from the body 2, due to their small contact surface cross section, bring about a high surface pressure even at low pressure, so that contact impurities are pierced and a reliable galvanic connection with the conductors of a test object is ensured.

In the contacting device 10 shown in FIG. 2, the free ends also protrude on the side of the body 2 opposite the tips 1 .1

1 .3 tips formed. With such a contacting device 10, it is possible, for example the connecting pins of an integrated electronic component (IC) with an adapter according to FIG. 9, a printed circuit board with an adapter according to FIG. 10, a printed circuit board 30 with ICs according to FIG. 11, an IC with an adapter according to FIG. 12 or to connect two printed circuit boards 30 aligned in parallel as shown in FIG. 13 next to each other.

In Fig. 3, a single contact element 1 is shown in a side sectional view. At the ends on both sides, the contact elements 1 are provided with triangular tips 1.1 in side view. In between, the contact element 1 is embedded in the body 2 in a meandering shape with alternating opposite U-shaped curvatures. This ensures a high elasticity together with the body made of elastomer material in the longitudinal direction of the contact element 1 and thus a reliable contacting of the tips 1 .1 even in the event of any unevenness in the tips or the conductors to be contacted even with slight pressure.

FIG. 4 shows possibilities for the configuration of the contact element, while maintaining the principle according to the invention, of allowing the elastic bend to be spring-elastic perpendicular to the contacting device, the contacting positions being precisely maintained. Depending on the size or small size and manufacturability, meandering, multiple, simple, parallel bends in the same or opposite direction are possible, which lead to an oval, semi-oval, circular or semi-circular configuration. The contact pressure when contacting results, for example, in an effective, positionally accurate elastic deflection of the contact points of the contact element due to bending regions oriented essentially at right angles to the pressure direction. 5 shows in detail possibilities for the configuration of the contact element parts of the contact element 1 that emerge. These are shown here, for example, as pointed 1 .1, rounded 1 .1 'or flat 1 .1 ".

Detail 1 .3 "shows a connection possibility of a contact element 1, which is provided with a hole at its free end in order to attach connecting wires to it.

Detail 1 .3 'shows a possibility of connecting one or more sockets to a contacting device 1. For this purpose, the free end 1 .3 'of each contact element 1 is shaped as a contact pin.

6 shows a possible embodiment of the housing shape of the contacting device 10. The housing of the contacting device 10 is formed by the elastomer body 2 itself. The shape of the housing is narrow and tapered in the longitudinal direction. The tips 1 .1 protrude on the narrow side make contact with the test object. The contact elements 1 are embedded in elastomer in the housing or body 2. On the side or on the top or bottom, the housing contour is provided with indentations, notches 5, depressions or elevations, so that, for example, an outer housing, a hood or the like can be positively fixed by latching and / or by gluing. The housing 4 is widened on the outlet side of the contact elements 1. The contact elements 1 run apart like a fan and are freely accessible. They allow cables, wires or pins to be connected at their ends. FIG. 7 shows a possibility of installing the contacting device 10 in an outer housing 6 with a rectangular basic shape. The positive and non-positive connection between the body 2 or housing 4 and also the contact elements 1 with the outer housing 6 can take place by means of hardening adhesive 7.

In the outer housing 6, a socket unit can also be provided for connecting external cables.

Another possibility of installing the contacting device 10 in a housing 6 'is shown in FIG. 8. Here, the outer housing 6 'has a round or oval shape in cross section. A round half-shell is shown, e.g. to form the front area of a probe. In the area of the body 2, the outer housing 6 'is shaped in such a way that it engages in the lateral notches 5 of the contacting device 1 and thus offers a defined form fit. The position and shape retention can be increased by the adhesive 7.

9 shows an exemplary embodiment for contacting an integrated component (IC) with a test device / adapter 40. In this case, the contact device 10 connects the connection pins of the IC on the one hand and on the other hand the contacts / contact surfaces of the adapter 40.

10 shows an exemplary embodiment of the contacting device 10, between fine and ultra-fine conductor tracks 30.1, a printed circuit board 30 and an adapter device 41. With a very small dimension of the contacting device 10, with a very short contact length of approx. 1 mm, excellent electrical and physical characteristics result, such as minimal volume resistance, self-inductance, capacitance zity, attenuation, etc., which is particularly advantageous for use in the high and ultra-high frequency range, for example for test and inspection purposes

To carry out comparative measurements, for example with firmly soldered components. Contacting can often be carried out here without thermally stressing pins or conductor tracks, as with repeated desoldering and soldering.

Fig. 1 1 shows an embodiment of a plurality of contact devices 10 to one

To enable connection of different IC connections and with the conductor tracks 30.1 of a printed circuit board 30. The advantages mentioned in relation to FIG. 10 must also be mentioned here.

12 shows an exemplary embodiment of the contact device 10 in order to connect an IC to a test / test adapter 42. The advantages mentioned in relation to FIG. 10 must also be mentioned here.

FIG. 13 shows an exemplary embodiment of the contact device 10 in order to connect printed circuit boards 30 arranged next to one another in parallel. Here, too, the advantageous physical and electrical properties with regard to RF applications mentioned in the description of FIG. 10 are to be particularly mentioned.

The measures described allow the contact distances to be minimized to below 0.1 mm. This is the miniaturization of the geometric

Dimensions of electronic components are taken into account, which are operated at ever higher clock frequencies, such as microprocessors and microcontrollers. With the formation of the contacting device, crosstalk between adjacent conductors or contact elements 1, which increases with the Signal frequencies and the minimized geometric distances can easily occur, largely avoided. The contact elements 1 are in the present

Contacting device 10 formed from a single metallic, solid material, so that contact resistances in the contact elements 1 are avoided. As a result of the selected material hardness of the metallic contact elements 1, impurities are pierced between the contacting device 10 and the conductors of the test object, so that a secure galvanic connection is ensured. Due to the resilient design of each individual contact element 1 and the body 2 from the highly elastic elastomer material, a suspension is achieved with which mechanical unevenness in the material is compensated for when used on the test specimen and enables reliable contacting, for example on IC connection pins or on thin conductor tracks.

The material of the contact elements 1 is preferably non-oxidizing metal, which can be galvanized to improve the contact.

The wedge-shaped shape of the tips 1 .1 pushes through dust and dirt, oil and grease films as well as slight surface corrosion and creates reliable galvanic contact. Any multiple contact is guaranteed. The bending of the contact elements 1 within the body 2 converts the axial contact forces into elastic bending forces, which allow the contact element to be shortened under suspension. Since the bending takes place in the elastic region of the contacting material, the individual contact is reset after the contact is released. During production, the individual elements can be inserted into a mold and then encased with the elastomer material. The shape of the embedding elastomer body 2 can be selected so that the size is easy to handle and the contacting device 10 can be provided with a suitable cover 6, 6 'in a positive or non-positive manner by gluing or clamping and also electrical lines can be fixed. Due to the embedding in the flexible elastomer material and the design of the contact elements 1, the tips 1 .1 can easily move relative to one another in order to compensate for unevenness. In order to enable the small distances between the contact elements 1 of less than 0.1 mm, the different material properties and physical limit values of the metallic contact elements 1 and the insulating materials are coordinated and optimized with one another. The bends and material cross sections of the contact elements 1 are also matched in accordance with the required spring travel of the contact elements 1 and the elastic body 2. In this way, for example, a spring force at the tips 1 .1 corresponding to a contact surface pressure of the wedge-shaped tips 1 .1 of a few Newtons / mm ² can be achieved.

With regard to the limit values of the electrical breakdown voltage of the insulating materials used, in particular the elastomers, for example 20 KV / mm, there is, for example, a sufficient breakdown voltage at an insulation spacing of 0.03 to 0.05 mm, for operating and test voltages of 50 V.

Allow DC voltage. With an insulation distance of, for example, 0.04 mm and a metal thickness of the contact elements 1 of 0.04 mm, the distance of the contact elements 1 is, for example, 0.08 mm. The contacting devices 10, which are accommodated and fixed therein, for example glued or cast, in the outer housings 6, 6 'enable a multitude of different shapes in coordination with the respective application. A versatile range with different contacting devices with different number of poles and dimensions can thus be made available.

The contacting devices 10 can be used not only for contacting on printed circuit boards,

Conductor tracks, plated-through holes and wired on electrical and electronic components or in SMD design also for contacting tissues, particles and the like can be used in physical, chemical and biological technology, e.g. Connect measuring devices.

Claims

Expectations

1 . Contacting device for establishing an electrically conductive connection at the same time on a plurality of conductors arranged next to one another with a plurality of conductors which are electrically insulated from one another in an elastomeric elastic body and from this at both ends (1 .1, 1 .3, 1 .3 ', 1 .3 ") Contact elements (1) which have led out contact points, characterized in that the sections of the contact elements (1) arranged in the one-piece body are designed to be resilient in that they pass through at least one simple elastic bend (1 .2) in the body which is shaped in this way is that the deflection of the contact points of the contact elements (1) takes place only parallel to the direction of an applied contact pressure.

2. Contacting device according to claim 1, characterized in that the contact elements (1) each have at least two opposing bends (1 .2) embedded in the one-piece body made of elastic insulating material.

3. Contacting device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the bends (1 .2) are transition sections of a meandering arrangement.

4. Contacting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that bends (1 .2) are aligned perpendicular to the direction of the adjacent contact elements (1).

5. Contacting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ends brought out as tips (1 .1), flat surfaces or curves are formed.

6. Contacting device according to one of claims 1 to 4,> characterized in that the led out ends (1 .3 ', 1 .3 ") are designed as a contact pin or as a connector for connecting wires.

7. Contacting device according to claim 6, characterized in that the body widens from the area of the led out ends and that the led out ends (1 .3 ") expand like a fan.

8. Contacting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the body is fixed except for the tips (1 .1) in an outer housing (6).

9. Use of a contacting device according to one of claims 1 to 5 for contacting the conductor tracks (9) of two adjacent

Printed circuit boards (30) or a printed circuit board (30) with an adjacent liquid crystal display plate (20).

10. Use of a contacting device according to one of claims 1 to 8 for contacting IC contacts, conductor tracks of printed circuit boards, contacts of adaption devices or plug connectors with one another or in combination with one another.