Contact unit and contact pin

Abstract

The invention relates to a contact unit (12, 40, 46, 60, 71) for releasable contacting of an electrically conductive contact partner (13), in particular a flat plug tongue (14), a round pin or the like, comprising a base body (18, 52, 68, 73), a contact device (20, 49, 63, 75) with at least two contact elements (22, 41, 48, 62, 74) for contacting the contact partner, and a clamping device (21, 57, 81) for fastening the contact elements at the base body, wherein the base body has a recess (29, 54) which extends at least axially in the direction of a longitudinal axis of the base body and constitutes a receiving space (30, 51, 67, 72) for receiving the contact partner, wherein the contact elements are arranged opposite one another at the base body and at least partially project into the receiving space, wherein the contact elements are each held at the base body by means of the clamping device. The invention further relates to the fact that the contact elements each comprise at least one roller (26, 42, 47, 61, 78, 83) which is rotatably mounted at the base body, wherein the roller constitutes a contact surface (28, 86) for contacting the contact partner.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a contact unit, a contact pin, and a testing system, wherein the contact unit is adapted to releasably contact conductive contact mating parts, particularly flat plug tongues, cylindrical pins, etc. Background Technology

[0002] Contact units or contact pins having contact units are well known from the prior art. For example, the contact element of the contact unit can be configured as a plate and directly disposed on the inner surface (Leibung) of the groove forming the storage space. Here, the disadvantage is that the perimeter of the contact mating part must precisely correspond to the extension of the storage space to ensure reliable contact between the contact element and the contact mating part.

[0003] A contact unit configured as a contact clamp is also known from DE202015102096U1, wherein each contact element of the contact unit is configured as a bent or kinked clamp made of a thin-walled metal plate, which is biased into a receiving space when contact mating members are introduced, such that the contact mating members are clamped between the contact elements. In this case, point-to-point contact of the contact mating members is only performed in the contact areas of the contact elements, wherein these contact elements do not constitute a large contact surface. This results in a relatively low current conductivity, typically not exceeding 40 amperes. Furthermore, when the contact mating members are introduced into the receiving space, undesirable scratching occurs as the contact mating members slide along the contact elements. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide an improved contact unit, contact pin, and testing system that overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art and at least partially eliminates or avoids these shortcomings.

[0005] This objective is achieved through a contact unit having features of the claimed content, a contact pin having features of the claimed content, and a test system having features of the claimed content.

[0006] The contact unit according to the invention is suitable for releasably contacting conductive contact mating elements, particularly flat plug tongues, cylindrical cylinders, etc., and comprises: a base, a contact device having at least two contact elements for contacting the contact mating elements, and a clamping device for fastening the contact elements to the base, wherein the base has a groove extending at least axially in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the base and forming a receiving space for receiving the contact mating elements, wherein the contact elements are arranged opposite to each other on the base and at least partially extended into the receiving space, wherein each contact element is held on the base by means of the clamping device, wherein each contact element includes at least one roller rotatably supported on the base, wherein the roller forms a contact surface for contacting the contact mating elements.

[0007] In the current context, the "relative" arrangement of the contact elements should be understood as the contact elements being arranged on two opposite sides of the storage space. Here, the contact elements can be arranged directly opposite or offset from each other relative to the direction in which the contact mating parts are introduced into the storage space.

[0008] The contact unit according to the invention can also be used to contact flat plug tongues, cylindrical cylinders, or other electrical conductors suitable as contact mating elements. Here, contact is made in a releasable manner, allowing for repeated establishment and severance of the conductive connection between the contact unit and the contact mating elements. Here, the contact mating elements are inserted into a groove in the substrate and then contact contact elements that do not inconspicuously extend into the receiving space. Here, a certain amount of gap can be provided between the contact elements in the substrate, thereby tolerating dimensional variations of the contact mating elements within the receiving space. Here, when inserted into the receiving space, the contact mating elements can slide along rollers that are components of the contact elements of the contact device, wherein each contact element may have one or more rollers. Here, the side surfaces of the rollers constitute contact surfaces for contacting the contact mating elements, wherein contact is made at the portions of the contact surfaces pointing towards the receiving space. Importantly, the rollers are rotatably supported and therefore can easily roll over the contact mating elements without causing the contact mating elements to be pressed in, scratched, or otherwise damaged. The rollers are preferably formed of a solid material. Here, the actual contact surface is configured to be relatively large, thereby enabling the transmission of higher current intensities, preferably greater than 40 amperes, and particularly preferably greater than 100 amperes. It can be specified that continuous currents up to 150 amperes or pulsed currents up to 400 amperes can be transmitted. Simultaneously, less wear on the contact mating parts and contact elements is expected, thus making the contact unit more durable overall.

[0009] Advantageously, each roller is configured with a retaining pin at at least one end and / or rotatably supported on the shaft of the contact element, wherein the retaining pin and / or the shaft is at least partially held in the base by means of the clamping device. Here, the roller is always rotatably supported and can be arranged in the base by the retaining pin or the shaft. Here, when the retaining pin is configured on the roller, it can be loosened by the clamping device, so as not to significantly affect the rotational movement of the roller. Alternatively or supplementarily, each roller may be configured with an axially through opening into which the shaft can be inserted, wherein the groove may have a certain clearance for the shaft, thereby allowing the roller to rotate easily on the shaft. Furthermore, the advantageously provided clearance enables a certain tolerance when the contact mating element is introduced, preferably at least in a direction orthogonal to the direction of introduction of the contact mating element. Rollers with one or two molded retaining pins and rollers with grooves and shafts introduced therein can be easily manufactured and installed.

[0010] The clamping device can be configured as at least one clamp, wherein the retaining pin and / or the shaft can be held elastically at the base by means of the clamp. For example, the clamp can be configured as L-shaped or U-shaped and can be held at the base of the clamp at the base of the base. The clamp can be made of, for example, metal or plastic and has a certain degree of elasticity, thereby allowing the retaining pin or shaft of the contact element to be held elastically at the base. This simplifies the installation of the contact element or clamping device and ensures the replaceability of the contact element at the base. Furthermore, the elastic design of the clamping device as a clamp allows for certain tolerances when holding the clamping element, thereby compensating for dimensional differences in the contact mating parts and facilitating the insertion of the contact mating parts into the storage space.

[0011] The retaining pin and / or the shaft can each form at least one circumferential groove for retaining the clamp. Here, a section of the clamp, which can also be bent, can be inserted into the circumferential groove. This allows for precise positioning of the clamp on the retaining pin or shaft, thereby ensuring reliable retention of the contact element at the base.

[0012] Furthermore, the retaining pin and / or the shaft can each be inserted into a slot or hole in the base corresponding to the retaining pin and / or the shaft, wherein the retaining pin and / or the shaft can be oriented substantially parallel to each other. The slots or holes in the base can also be oriented parallel to each other and formed circumferentially or segmentally in the base. The slots or holes can also be configured to have uniform or varying depths in the base. Importantly, the slots or holes can be easily formed in the base by milling, drilling, etc. Furthermore, inserting the retaining pin or shaft into the slot or hole simplifies the installation of the contact element at the contact unit. Here, the same number or more slots or holes can be provided compared to the contact elements in the base, so that the contact elements can be arranged at appropriately selected positions in the base.

[0013] The base may have radially extending recesses arranged between the opposing contact elements and leading to the receiving space, wherein the recesses may extend axially at least to the base of the receiving space. The base may be configured in a slotted manner, allowing for the reception of contact mating elements larger than the circumference of the base or having a greater radial extension. This is particularly advantageous when the contact mating element is a flat plug tongue or flat contact, which can be easily inserted into the slotted base and extend laterally from the base through the recesses. Advantageously, the base has two radially extending recesses that can be arranged opposite each other within the base. Furthermore, the base may have three or more recesses. The recesses can be arranged between the contact elements to achieve reliable contact with the contact mating elements. The recesses can extend all the way to the base of the receiving space, thereby maximizing the insertion of the contact mating elements into the receiving space.

[0014] Furthermore, the substrate has an axial hole at the base of the receiving space. The hole can extend in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the substrate and open into the receiving space. Here, the hole can be used to supply air, which can be actively blown in or passively introduced into the receiving space. This can be used, for example, to cool the receiving space and is particularly advantageous when heating the contact unit by a large transmission current. For this purpose, the hole is preferably connected to a compressed air connector at the opposite end, i.e., the end away from the receiving space. Additionally, the hole can serve as a contaminant collector to trap contaminant wear on the contact elements or contact mating parts, which may be generated, for example, by introducing the contact mating parts into the receiving space. Advantageously, a vacuum can be created at the hole here by a corresponding conveying device, such as a pump, compressor, etc., wherein the air drawn into the hole from the receiving space can also be used for cooling and to support the removal of contaminants from the receiving space.

[0015] Furthermore, the contact portion of the contact device can be inserted into the hole, and the contact mating member can be contacted through the contact portion in a manner close to the base, wherein the contact portion can be elastically supported in the hole. The contact portion is preferably configured to be conductive and arranged to be insulated from the base of the contact unit. This enables four-electrode measurement using the contact element and the contact portion. Additionally, the contact portion can act as a stop and intercept the introduced contact mating member to prevent it from colliding with the base of the receiving space. Furthermore, cooling air can be introduced into the receiving space through the hole and the contact portion.

[0016] The contact portion may have at least one notch for securing the contact mating member. The contact mating member can then be at least partially inserted into the notch and thus positioned within the storage space by means of the contact portion. Here, two or more notches may be provided in the contact portion; for example, two notches may be arranged in an X-shape, Y-shape, or V-shape. The notches ensure reliable positioning and contact of the contact mating member.

[0017] Furthermore, the contact device may have three, preferably four or more contact elements. The contact elements may be arranged opposite each other on the substrate or evenly distributed around the circumference of a groove in the substrate. In the case of three contact elements, these contact elements may be arranged offset from each other relative to the direction in which the contact pair is introduced into the receiving space, wherein two contact elements are arranged on one side of the receiving space and one contact element is arranged on the opposite side.

[0018] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the contact device has at least four contact elements, wherein two contact elements are arranged opposite each other on the base. The contact device may also have six, eight, ten, or more contact elements, wherein two contact elements may be arranged opposite each other. Here, the contact elements may be oriented parallel to each other or have shafts or retaining pins that can be oriented parallel to each other. Contact mating members can then be introduced between the opposing contact elements. The contact elements may also be configured to be identical or different.

[0019] Two contact elements can be arranged closer to the opening of the storage space, and can have a spacing equal to or larger than that of two contact elements arranged closer to the base of the storage space, wherein the contact element closer to the opening extends into the storage space a distance equal to or smaller than that of the contact element closer to the base. This allows for reliable contact with the contact mating member, even if the size of the contact mating member does not allow contact with the contact element closer to the opening, and contact is only possible through the contact element closer to the base. Here, current transmission can be achieved at least through the contact element closer to the base. Since each contact element can be maintained with a certain gap by a clamping device, contact with the contact mating member or its insertion into the storage area can be achieved even when the contact element closer to the base has a smaller spacing than the extension of the contact mating member. Furthermore, when the contact elements closer to the opening have a larger spacing, it is easier to insert the contact mating member into the storage space.

[0020] Advantageously, the rollers can each be configured as cylindrical, barrel-shaped, conical, double-conical, hourglass-shaped, spherical, or combinations thereof. Corresponding to the shape of the rollers, these rollers can be particularly suitable for contact with cylindrical objects, flat plug tongues, etc. Such shapes can be easily manufactured in the production of rollers, for example by injection molding or machining of roller blanks. Furthermore, it is advantageous that the contacting device has another set of rollers, wherein the rollers can be configured to be replaceable.

[0021] Each roller may have a surface with a profile, wherein the profiles of the rollers may be uniform or different, and wherein the surface at least partially constitutes the contact surface. Here, the profile enables reliable contact with the contact mating element. Furthermore, the profile may be introduced directly into the surface of the roller during manufacturing or subsequently. Advantageously, the profile is formed only in the area of ​​the surface that constitutes the contact surface for contact with the contact mating element.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the profile has at least one groove, preferably multiple grooves. Multiple grooves may also be provided, wherein the grooves can be arranged in a knurled pattern as a grid or lattice structure. Here, the grooves can be arranged radially around the circumference or axially along the longitudinal axis of the roller. Furthermore, the grooves can be configured to be straight, bend once, bend multiple times, etc. When multiple or many grooves exist in the same profile, the depth of the grooves can be configured to be the same or different. It can be specified that the contact unit has a set of rollers with different profiles, these rollers can be configured to be replaceable and alternatively or supplementarily have one of the shapes described above, wherein the rollers can be used corresponding to the contact mating parts to be contacted.

[0023] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a contact pin comprising a contact unit according to the invention. This contact pin can be selectively inserted into a contact plug sleeve configured for receiving the contact pin. The contact plug sleeve can be securely mounted in or selectively connected to a conventional test system or test equipment. The contact pin can be pressed into and / or screwed into the contact plug sleeve. The contact plug sleeve preferably has corresponding connectors for a contact element configured as an outer conductor, a contact portion configured as an inner conductor, and / or a compressed air connector, which enable the corresponding attachment or connection of the contact pin.

[0024] It can be specified that the contact unit is connected to the shaft of the contact pin by means of force fit, form fit, and / or material fit. Here, the connection can be configured accordingly to be releasable or non-releasable.

[0025] The shaft and the contact unit have a fixing device, preferably a latching connector, particularly preferably another groove and a rolled edge, or a plug connector for fixing the contact unit to the shaft, particularly preferably a tenon and a plug opening corresponding to the tenon. In this case, the shaft of the contact unit and the contact pin can be connected by force fit and / or form fit. The corresponding groove, rolled edge, tenon, or opening can be simply molded onto or introduced into the contact unit or shaft during manufacturing.

[0026] Alternatively or additionally, the contact pin may have a threaded arrangement, wherein the shaft may be threaded and the contact unit may be threaded. The shaft of the contact unit and the contact pin can then be screwed together, thereby ensuring particularly simple installation and replaceability of the contact unit on the shaft.

[0027] Alternatively, the contact unit or the base of the contact unit is integrally formed with the shaft of the contact pin.

[0028] Another advantageous implementation of the contact pin is given in the feature description of the claimed content.

[0029] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a testing system, particularly a testing device, which includes at least one contact pin as described above.

[0030] Here, it can be specified that the test system or test equipment has two or more contact pins. The contact pins can be installed in the test system or test equipment in a force-fit, form-fit, or material-fit manner. Thus, the contact pins can be arranged in the test system or test equipment in a releasable or non-releasable manner accordingly. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the corresponding contact pins are arranged in the test system or test equipment by means of corresponding contact plug sleeves and advantageously connected to separately provided connectors for measuring taps and / or for air supply. Further advantageous embodiments of the test system are given in the feature description of the claimed content. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0032] Figure 1 An isometric view of a contact pin having a contact unit according to a first embodiment is shown;

[0033] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a contact pin with a contact unit according to the first embodiment is shown;

[0034] Figure 3 A side view of a contact pin having a contact unit according to a first embodiment is shown in the region of the contact unit.

[0035] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of a contact pin having a contact unit according to a first embodiment is shown in the region of the contact unit.

[0036] Figure 5 An isometric view of a contact pin having a contact unit according to a first embodiment is shown, the contact pin being arranged in an associated contact plug sleeve;

[0037] Figure 6 It shows that according to Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the contact pin;

[0038] Figure 7 A top view of the contact unit according to the first embodiment is shown;

[0039] Figure 8 A top view of the contact unit according to the second embodiment is shown;

[0040] Figure 9 A side view of the contact unit according to the third embodiment is shown;

[0041] Figure 10 A perspective side view of the contact unit according to the fourth embodiment is shown;

[0042] Figure 11A side view of the contact unit according to the fifth embodiment is shown;

[0043] Figures 12 to 21 A side view of different embodiments of the rollers used for the contact unit is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0044] Figure 1 and Figure 2 A contact pin 10 is shown, comprising a shaft 11 and a contact unit 12 adapted to releasably contact a contact mating member 13, particularly a flat plug tongue 14. The shaft 11 and contact unit 12 can be integrally formed as shown herein or optionally comprise a fixing device 15. For example, the fixing device 15 may include threads at a base 18 and a corresponding threaded receptacle at the shaft 11, thereby selectively connecting the shaft 11 and contact unit 12. For contact with the contact mating member 13, the contact unit 12 has a contact device 20.

[0045] As from Figure 3 and Figure 4 The enlarged view of the contact unit 12 of the contact pin 10 shows that, in addition to the contact device 20, the contact unit 12 also includes a clamping device 21. The four contact elements 22 of the contact device 20 are held at the base 18 by means of the clamping device 21. Here, the clamping device 21 includes two clamps 23, which are fastened to the protrusions 24 of the base 18 and are able to hold the contact elements 22 in a resilient manner.

[0046] The four contact elements 22 of the contact device 20 each have a shaft 25 and a roller 26 rotatably supported on the shaft 25. Here, the surface 27 of the roller 26 forms a contact surface 28 with the contact mating member 13. For contact, the contact mating member 13 is inserted into a groove 29 of the base 18, which forms a receiving space 30 for receiving the contact mating member 13. Here, the contact elements 22 are arranged opposite to each other in the receiving space 30, wherein the roller 26 of the contact element 22 extends at least partially into the receiving space 30 with its contact surface 28. Here, it is stipulated that the shaft 25 of the contact element 22 is inserted into the groove 31 of the base 18 with a certain gap, so that differences in shape or extensions can be tolerated when in contact with the contact mating member 13. Here, reliable contact is always ensured by the clamp 23 of the clamping device 21 and the spring force generated by the clamp in the direction of the contact element 22 and thus in the direction of the contact mating member 13.

[0047] In addition to the contact element 22, the contact device 20 also has a contact portion 32, which is disposed at the base 33 of the receiving space 30 and preferably configured as an inner conductor insulated from the contact element 22 or the base 18. Here, the contact portion 32 is inserted into or guided into the hole 34 of the base 18 at the base 33 of the receiving space 30 and is used to contact the contact mating member 13 in a manner close to the base. In order to reliably position the contact mating member 13, the contact portion 32 has at least one notch 35.

[0048] Figure 5 An isometric view of a contact pin 10 having a contact unit 12 according to a first embodiment is shown, the contact pin 10 being arranged in an associated contact plug sleeve 16. Figure 6 An associated sectional view is shown.

[0049] The contact pin 10 can preferably be selectively inserted into the contact plug sleeve 16. Here, the contact pin 10 can be pressed and / or screwed into the contact plug sleeve 16. The contact plug sleeve 16 can be arranged in a conventional test system or test equipment in a securely mounted manner or configured to be selectively connected to it.

[0050] The contact plug sleeve 16 preferably has a contact element 22 configured as an outer conductor, a corresponding connector for a contact portion 32 configured as an inner conductor, and / or a compressed air connector, which enables the corresponding attachment or connection of the contact pin. In particular, the contact element 22 of the contact pin 10, which contacts the inner surface 16a of the contact plug sleeve 16, can be electrically connected to a rearwardly arranged cylindrical contact portion 16b of the contact plug sleeve 16, where a signal tap can be made. The centrally located contact portion 32 can be electrically connected to a correspondingly arranged contact element 16c of the contact plug sleeve 16, which is received when the contact pin 10 is inserted. Here, the contact element 16c can be guided to the rearward region of the contact plug sleeve 16 and can be connected, for example, to a plug coupler 17 for electrical contact. The contact plug sleeve 16 may also have a compressed air connector or a negative pressure connector 19, which is shown only schematically. The compressed air connector or negative pressure connector 19 is connected to the central hole 34 by fluid conduction through a corresponding connector or an integral fluid channel formed in the contact plug sleeve when the contact pin 10 is inserted.

[0051] from Figure 7The selected illustration shows that the shaft 25 in the region of the clamp 23 has a circumferential groove 36 into which the clamp 23 is at least partially inserted. Thus, the circumferential groove 36 ensures reliable positioning of the clamp 23 at the shaft 25. Furthermore, the base 18 has two radially extending recesses 37 arranged in the base 18 between opposing contact elements 22 and leading to the receiving space 30. Contact with the contact mating member 13 can be achieved via the recesses 37 by means of a contact unit 12, which extends beyond the receiving space 30 in size or extension. It can also be specified that the contact elements 22 closer to the base have a smaller pitch than the contact elements 22 closer to the opening, thereby facilitating the insertion and contact of the contact mating member 13.

[0052] For safe and reliable contact, the surface 27 of the roller 26 of the contact element 22 also has a profile 38, which includes a plurality of grooves 39 arranged in a grid shape.

[0053] Figure 8 A contact unit 40 is shown for a contact pin not further shown elsewhere, the contact unit 40 being connected to... Figures 1 to 5 The contact elements 41 are different from the cylindrical shape 43, and the rollers 42 of these contact elements 41 have a shape 44 that is different from the cylindrical shape 43, and the shape 44 has a concave curvature 45. The contact elements 41 are particularly suitable in the contact unit 40 for contacting contact mating parts with a circular cross-section (not shown in more detail), preferably cylindrical or the like.

[0054] exist Figure 9 The diagram shows a contact unit 46 for a contact pin that is not shown in detail elsewhere, wherein, similar to Figures 1 to 5 The roller 47 of the contact element 48 of the contact device 49 of the contact unit 46 has a profile 50. To facilitate the insertion of the contact mating member (not shown in detail) into the receiving space 51 of the base 52 of the contact unit 46, the inner surface 53 of the groove 54 constituting the receiving space 51 of the base 52 is curved in the region of the opening 55 of the receiving space 51. Furthermore, the clamp 56 of the clamping device 57 of the contact unit 46 is curved in the region of the shaft 58 of the contact element 48, so that the clamp 56 partially surrounds the axis 58. The shaft 58 is then inserted into a groove 59 in the base 52.

[0055] exist Figure 10The diagram shows a contact unit 60 of a contact pin, which, unlike the previously described embodiment, has radially extending grooves 64 in the rollers 61 of the contact element 62 of the contact device 63 of the contact unit 60, wherein these grooves 64 are each oriented parallel to each other. Furthermore, an axial hole 65 is shown at the base 66 of the receiving space 67 of the base 68 of the contact unit 60, wherein the contact portion 70 of the contact device 63 is inserted into the center 69 of the hole 65. The contact portion 70 is resiliently held within the hole 65 and arranged to be insulated from the contact element 62 or the base 68. The portion of the hole 65 not filled by the contact portion 70 can be used to introduce air and / or to receive dust or wear, such as dirt or wear on the contact element 62 or contact mating parts not shown in detail.

[0056] Figure 11 The contact unit 71 has a housing space 72 of its base 73 that extends so far that the contact elements 74 of the contact devices 75 of the contact unit 71, arranged opposite to each other in the housing space 72, have a larger spacing from each other compared to the previously shown embodiment. Furthermore, it is specified that the shaft 76 of the contact element 74 is inserted into a hole 77 or groove in the base 73. Importantly, the roller 78 of the contact element 74 extends only slightly into the housing space 72, thereby allowing a larger contact mating piece to be guided into and contacted. Here, the contact portion 79 of the contact device 75 serves not only for further contact with the contact mating piece (not shown in detail) but also as a stop for positioning the contact mating piece relative to the contact element 74. The base 73 also has at least one additional groove 82 for receiving a clamp 80 of the clamping device 81 of the contact unit 71.

[0057] exist Figures 12 to 21 An embodiment of roller 83 is shown, wherein the surface 84 of roller 83 has different profiles 85, wherein each profile 85 at least partially constitutes a contact surface 86 for contacting a contact mating member (not shown in detail). Profile 85 may have a plurality of grooves 87 ( Figure 12 , Figure 13 , Figure 16 , Figure 17 and Figure 18 The groove 87 can extend axially, radially, or laterally at the surface 84 of the roller 83 and can be configured in various ways such that the groove 87 can form a corresponding circular, angular, or rectangular recess 88. Here, the recess 88 can be made more or less deep. The roller 83 can also be configured as a cylinder. Figure 12 , Figure 15 , Figure 16 , Figure 17 and Figure 18 ), barrel-shaped ( Figure 13 and Figure 14 ), double cone or hourglass shape ( Figure 19 , Figure 20 and Figure 21 (or other shapes). Not only the profile 85 but also the shape of the roller 83 can achieve safe contact with contact mating parts of different shapes and ranges, such as flat plug tongues or cylindrical cylinders. For the present invention, other embodiments of the roller can be envisioned besides those shown in the selected figures, thereby... Figures 12 to 21 The rollers shown are not limited to the present invention. The rollers may be fitted onto the shaft of a contact element (not shown in detail) and thus have grooves (not shown in more detail) for receiving the shaft. Alternatively, the rollers themselves may constitute retaining pins for holding a substrate (not shown in more detail). Importantly, the rollers or contact elements are configured to be conductive.

[0058] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0059] 10 Contact pins

[0060] 11-axis

[0061] 12 contact units

[0062] 13 Contact mating parts

[0063] 14 Flat insert tongue

[0064] 15 Fixing devices

[0065] 16 Contact plug sleeve

[0066] 16a Inner surface

[0067] 16b Contact Section

[0068] 16c contact element

[0069] 17. Plug Coupler

[0070] 18 Matrix

[0071] 19 Compressed air connectors or negative pressure connectors

[0072] 20 Contact device

[0073] 21 Clamping device

[0074] 22 Contact elements

[0075] 23 Fixtures

[0076] 24. Protrusion

[0077] 25 axis

[0078] 26 rollers

[0079] 27 Surface

[0080] 28 Contact Surface

[0081] 29 Grooves

[0082] 30 Storage space

[0083] 31 slots

[0084] 32 Contact Department

[0085] 33 Base

[0086] 34 holes

[0087] 35 Notch

[0088] 36 Circumferential Grooves

[0089] 37 recess

[0090] 38 Outline

[0091] 39. Trench

[0092] 40 contact units

[0093] 41 Contact elements

[0094] 42 rollers

[0095] 43. Cylindrical shape

[0096] 44 Shape

[0097] 45° curvature

[0098] 46 contact units

[0099] 47 Rollers

[0100] 48 Contact elements

[0101] 49 Contact device

[0102] 50 Outlines

[0103] 51 Storage Space

[0104] 52 matrix

[0105] 53 Inner Surface

[0106] 54 Grooves

[0107] 55 Opening

[0108] 56 Fixtures

[0109] 57 Clamping device

[0110] 58 axes

[0111] 59 slots

[0112] 60 contact units

[0113] 61 Rollers

[0114] 62 Contact elements

[0115] 63 Contact device

[0116] 64. Trench

[0117] 65 holes

[0118] 66 Base

[0119] 67 Storage Space

[0120] 68 matrix

[0121] 69 Center

[0122] 70 Contact Department

[0123] 71 Contact Unit

[0124] 72 Storage Space

[0125] 73 Matrix

[0126] 74 Contact elements

[0127] 75 Contact device

[0128] 76 axes

[0129] 77 holes

[0130] 78 rollers

[0131] 79 Contact Department

[0132] 80 clamps

[0133] 81 Clamping device

[0134] 82 slots

[0135] 83 Rollers

[0136] 84 Surface

[0137] 85 Outline

[0138] 86 Contact Surface

[0139] 87. Trench

[0140] 88 recess

Claims

1. A contact unit (12, 40, 46, 60, 71) for releasably contacting a conductive contact mating member (13), comprising: A base (18, 52, 68, 73) has at least two contact elements (22, 41, 48, 62, 74) for contacting the contact mating members, and clamping devices (21, 57, 81) for securing the contact elements to the base. The base has grooves (29, 54) extending at least axially in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the base and forming receiving spaces (30, 51, 67, 72) for receiving the contact mating members. The contact elements are arranged opposite each other on the base and at least partially extend into the receiving spaces. Each contact element is held on the base by means of the clamping devices. The feature is that each of the contact elements includes at least one roller (26, 42, 47, 61, 78, 83) rotatably supported on the base, wherein the roller constitutes a contact surface (28, 86) for contacting the contact mating member. Each of the rollers (26, 42, 47, 61, 78, 83) forms a retaining pin at at least one end and / or is rotatably supported on the shaft (25, 58, 76) of the contact element (22, 41, 48, 62, 74), wherein the retaining pin and / or the shaft is at least partially held at the base (18, 52, 68, 73) by means of the clamping device (21, 57, 81). Furthermore, the clamping device (21, 57, 81) is configured as at least one clamp (23, 56, 80), wherein the retaining pin and / or the shaft (25, 58, 76) are held elastically at the base (18, 52, 68, 73) by means of the clamp.

2. The contact unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The retaining pin and / or the shaft (25, 58, 76) each form at least one circumferential groove (36) for retaining the clamp (23, 56, 80).

3. The contact unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The retaining pin and / or the shaft (25, 58, 76) are each inserted into a groove (31, 59) or hole (77) in the base (18, 52, 68, 73) corresponding to the retaining pin and / or the shaft, wherein the retaining pin and / or the shaft are oriented parallel to each other.

4. The contact unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The base (18, 52, 68, 73) has a radially extending recess (37) arranged between the opposing contact elements (22, 41, 48, 62, 74) and leading to the receiving space (30, 51, 67, 72), wherein the recess extends axially at least to the base (33, 66) of the receiving space.

5. The contact unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The substrate (18, 52, 68, 73) has an axial hole (34, 65) at the base (33, 66) of the receiving space (30, 51, 67, 72).

6. The contact unit according to claim 5, characterized in that, The contact portion (32, 70, 79) of the contact device is inserted into the axial hole (34, 65), and the contact mating member (13) is contactable through the contact portion (32, 70, 79) in a manner close to the base, wherein the contact portion is elastically supported in the hole.

7. The contact unit according to claim 6, characterized in that, The contact portion (32, 70, 79) has at least one notch (35) for fixing the contact pair (13).

8. The contact unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The contact device has three, four or more contact elements (22, 41, 48, 62, 74).

9. The contact unit according to claim 8, characterized in that, The contact device has at least four contact elements (22, 41, 48, 62, 74), wherein two contact elements are arranged opposite to each other on the substrate (18, 52, 68, 73).

10. The contact unit according to claim 9, characterized in that, Two contact elements (22, 41, 48, 62, 74) are arranged closer to the opening (55) of the storage space (30, 51, 67, 72) and have a spacing equal to or greater than that of two contact elements arranged closer to the base (33, 66) of the storage space, wherein the contact element closer to the opening extends into the storage space by the same or less distance than the contact element closer to the base.

11. The contact unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The rollers (26, 42, 47, 61, 78, 83) are each configured as cylindrical, barrel-shaped, conical, double-conical, hourglass-shaped, spherical, or combinations thereof.

12. The contact unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Each of the rollers (26, 42, 47, 61, 78, 83) has a surface (27, 84) with a profile (38, 50, 85), wherein the profiles of the rollers are configured to be uniform or different, and wherein the surface at least partially constitutes the contact surface (28, 86).

13. The contact unit according to claim 12, characterized in that, The profile (38, 50, 85) includes at least one groove (39, 64, 87).

14. A contact pin (10) comprising contact units (12, 40, 46, 60, 71) according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. The contact pin according to claim 14, characterized in that, The contact units (12, 40, 46, 60, 71) are connected to the shaft of the contact pin (10) in a force-fit, form-fit and / or material-fit manner.

16. The contact pin according to claim 15, characterized in that, The shaft and the contact unit (12) have a fixing device (15) or a plug connector for fixing the contact unit to the shaft.

17. The contact pin according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that, The contact pin (10) has a threaded arrangement, wherein the shaft forms a thread and the contact unit forms a mating thread.

18. The contact pin according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that, The base (18, 52, 68, 73) of the contact unit (12, 40, 46, 60, 71) is integrally formed with the shaft of the contact pin (10).

19. A testing system comprising at least one contact pin (10) according to any one of claims 14 to 18.

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