Test contact, machine device, test contact holding device and method for easily receiving test contact by electromagnetically actuated active pre-alignment

Abstract

The invention relates to a test contact (10) comprising a contact tip (11) and a contact body (12), the test contact (10) having a mounting direction (13) and the test contact (10) comprising a core (14) made of a ferromagnetic material, the core being arranged below a centre of gravity (15) of the test contact (10) in the mounting direction (13). The invention further relates to a machine device (20) for processing a test contact (10) and to a method for processing a test contact (10) by means of the machine device (20). The invention further relates to a test contact holding device comprising a test contact holder (40) for handling test contacts (10), and to a method for handling test contacts (10) by means of a test contact holding device comprising said test contact holder (40).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a test contact including a contact top and a contact body, a machine device for processing the test contact including the contact top and the contact body, a method for processing the test contact including the contact top and the contact body by the machine device for processing the test contact, a test contact holding device for processing the test contact including the contact top and the contact body, and a method for processing the test contact including the contact top and the contact body by the test contact holding device for processing the test contact. Background Art

[0002] According to the prior art, test contacts are known to connect two or more electronic components to each other, in particular for conducting electrical energy. Typically, the test contact is permanently connected to a first component, while the second component is mounted on a contact tip of the test contact that partially protrudes from the first component. In addition to the conductive connection, the test contact can also be used additionally or alternatively to mechanically stabilize the two or more components to each other. In order to ensure the stability of the mechanical connection and / or to produce two or more conductive connections to form a more complex circuit, two or more test contacts are usually used to connect the two components. In order to correctly arrange the test contact on the first component, it must be arranged to be correctly aligned on or in the first component. In this case, the lower side or another part of the test contact is arranged on or in the first component, while the contact tip faces away from the first component. Therefore, if the contact tip can be clamped approximately from above (in other words, from the direction in which the contact tip points), the handling of the test contact is the simplest in terms of procedure.

[0003] The problem here is that, due to the design, the test contacts rest on their sides under the influence of gravity. Particularly in the case of very small structures, such as in microtechnology, reliably clamping the test contacts at the contact tip is not possible or requires considerable effort. In general, multiple changes of the clamping method are required for correct clamping, either by means of two or more tools or manual correction. However, this means additional time in addition to the complex use of multiple tools. These tools must be carefully matched in terms of procedures to ensure damage-free handling.

[0004] Therefore, there is a great need for a test contact, a machine apparatus for handling a test contact and a method for handling a test contact by a machine apparatus, which overcome the problems known in the prior art and ensure fast, safe and reliable correct clamping of the test contact for further processing, in particular installation in an electronic component.

[0005] The invention relates to a test contact, a machine apparatus and a method which are intended to facilitate and accelerate, in particular, the clamping of the test contact and to minimize the use of tools and labor. In particular, the correct clamping of the test contact is ensured. Summary of the invention

[0006] The test contact according to claim 1 , the machine device for processing the test contact according to claim 6 and the method for processing the test contact by means of the machine device according to claim 13 are achieved in a surprisingly simple but effective manner.

[0007] The present invention provides a test contact, comprising a contact top and a contact body, wherein the contact body has a mounting direction. The test contact is characterized in that the test contact comprises a core composed of ferromagnetic material, wherein the core is arranged below the center of gravity of the test contact in the mounting direction.

[0008] The invention is based on the idea that, due to the core of ferromagnetic material arranged below the center of gravity, the test contact placed on its side is at least partially erected in the magnetic field so that the top of the contact is lifted off the ground and can be safely and reliably clamped with a tool. The erection occurs because the magnetic force pulls the core more strongly than the material surrounding the test contact. Erection is understood to mean that the test contact rests on the ground with one or more surfaces and is twisted under the influence of the magnetic pull of the magnetic field in such a way that the lower side of the test contact rests on the ground. Depending on the initial position and design of the test contact, erection may also involve tilting the test contact to one or more edges. In other words, the test contact operates in the same way as a tumbler toy, but not due to the pull of gravity, but due to the pull of a magnetic field. The ferromagnetic core moves the "magnetic center of gravity" of the test contact downwards, just as the heavier material in the tumbler toy moves the center of gravity downwards. The lifting of the contact tip creates a certain distance between the contact tip and the ground and enables the contact tip to be clamped from above when the tool fully closes the contact tip, allowing easy, fast, reliable and safe handling of test contacts.

[0009] The test contact comprises a contact tip and a contact body. The lower side of the contact body is partially, in particular with a lower area and / or completely mounted on or in the first electronic component. The contact body can also be used as a connection point for a circuit to be connected to a second electronic component. The assembly is preferably carried out in a form-fitting manner, in particular by overmolding, and / or in a material-bonded manner, in particular by welding. For this electronic and / or mechanical connection, the test contact has a contact tip, which is then preferably connected to the second electronic component during use by a form-fitting push-fit connection.

[0010] The lower side or lower region of the contact body is the side or region of the contact body that is arranged opposite the contact tip. The lower side is therefore "below" and the contact tip or the region of the contact tip that is indirectly arranged on the contact body is therefore "above". The lower region of the contact body does not necessarily have to be adjacent to the lower side of the contact body, but can also be at a certain distance therefrom, at least the largest part of the lower region being located below the geometric center of gravity of the contact body.

[0011] The test contact can generally have any geometric design; preferably, the contact body has a cylindrical or cuboid shape, in particular a cubic shape, and / or has a substantially cylindrical, cuboid and / or cubic shape. Preferably, the tip has the shape of a cone or pyramid or is substantially cone or pyramidal, the base of the cone or pyramid being arranged on the contact body or on an element between the contact body and the contact tip. Particularly preferably, the contact tip and the contact body are designed as one piece with the contact core.

[0012] The mounting direction extends from the lower side and / or the lower region toward the contact top or to a region where the contact top is indirectly arranged on the contact body, in other words, from the bottom to the top.

[0013] The test contact has a core consisting of a ferromagnetic material, to which a strong pulling force can be exerted by a magnetic field. It should be noted that, in addition to the core, the test contact consists of an electrically conductive material and / or an electrically conductive material with a lower relative magnetic permeability. This means that the pulling force of the magnetic field on the test contact outside the core is weaker than on the core itself. Preferably, in addition to the core, the test contact consists of one or more diamagnetic materials and / or one or more paramagnetic materials. Particularly preferably, in addition to the core, the test contact consists of copper, aluminum, gold, silver or a composite and / or alloy thereof. It is arbitrary where exactly the core is arranged in the test contact, as long as it is arranged below the center of gravity of the test contact when viewed from the mounting direction. Preferably, the core is arranged in the contact body.

[0014] By means of the test contact according to the invention, the test contact can be clamped in a simple, safe and reliable manner with a single tool and in this way a cost-effective and rapid handling, in particular clamping, of the test contact can be achieved.

[0015] The term "substantially" means that only minor, in particular insignificant changes, modifications and / or deviations from the relevant conditions exist. In particular, an "substantially cylindrical, cuboid, cubic, conical or pyramidal object" is essentially cylindrical, cuboid, cubic, conical or pyramidal, wherein insignificant changes, modifications and / or deviations of the shape occur, in particular depressions or protrusions in the surface or distortions or compressions in partial areas of the basic shape or in the complete basic shape.

[0016] The term "integral" relates to the manufacturability in a single manufacturing process, such as particularly but by no means exclusively in a single casting process, in particular molding the core with the material from which the test joint (except the core) is manufactured. In particular, no additional separate parts need to be attached subsequently. Subsequent correction work (such as filing) is not considered as a separate manufacturing process.

[0017] The term “ferromagnetic” relates to materials whose relative magnetic permeability is much greater than 1, in particular greater than 40.

[0018] The term “paramagnetic” relates to materials whose relative magnetic permeability is approximately 1 but greater than 1, in particular greater than 1 and less than 1.1.

[0019] The term "diamagnetic" refers to materials having a relative magnetic permeability less than or equal to 1 but greater than zero.

[0020] Advantageous embodiments of the invention which can be realized individually or in combination are described in the dependent claims.

[0021] It is conceivable that the core is arranged in the contact body, in particular on the bottom of the contact body, opposite the contact top. "On the bottom" means that the core forms the lower side of the contact body or the core is arranged in the lower region of the contact body, but at a distance from the lower side. Preferably, the core is arranged in the lower third and at a distance from the lower side. More preferably, multiple sides of the core are surrounded by the material of the rest of the contact body. Particularly preferably, the core is completely surrounded by the material of the rest of the contact body. The material of the rest of the contact body is the material of the contact body (except the core). In this way, the contact body is reliably erected by the magnetic field because the core is located below the center of gravity of the test contact. Even more preferably, the contact area is arranged in the contact body above the core. The contact area is an area connected to the first component when the test contact is installed in the first component, so that the current can flow from the first component to the contact top or from the contact top to the first component via the test contact in the region. With this arrangement, the current conducted from the first component to the second component through the test contact is not conducted through the core. Therefore, the electrical properties of the core material, especially the conductivity, can be ignored when designing the test joint.

[0022] The term "at a distance from the underside" relates to an arrangement in which at least one layer of material of the remainder of the contact body is arranged below the core.

[0023] In another embodiment of the invention, it is conceivable that the contact body comprises a mounting surface and that the core is formed flat and parallel to the mounting surface. The mounting surface is arranged at the bottom of the contact body. Due to the planar and parallel design of the core, the pulling force of the magnetic field creates a lever effect, placing the test contact on the mounting surface. The mounting surface ensures that the test contact stands firmly thereon when the magnetic field is activated. If the contact body has a cylindrical or cuboid shape (as described elsewhere), the mounting surface preferably corresponds to the lower end face of the cylinder or to the end face of the cuboid. The mounting surface is preferably planar.

[0024] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the core consists of iron, nickel or cobalt, has an iron, nickel and / or cobalt content, or consists of a ferromagnetic alloy, in particular a ferromagnetic, nickel and / or cobalt alloy. These materials are ferromagnetic materials whose magnetic permeability coefficient is high enough to ensure that the test joint is erected under the influence of the pulling force of the magnet.

[0025] In another embodiment of the invention, it is conceivable that the test contact comprises an arm, the contact body is arranged at one end of the arm, and the contact tip is arranged at the other end of the arm. Preferably, the contact tip is away from the arm at an angle of 90°. It is common and widespread to design a contact tip that protrudes laterally from the component and protrudes 90° upward and downward, especially for chips. An example of such an embodiment is a dual in-line package. For this design, it is also necessary to note that the center of gravity is usually located outside the contact body. Therefore, a test contact designed in this way will collapse under the influence of gravity. If the test contact has a ferromagnetic core according to the invention, the test contact can also be quickly and easily set up and handled. The design with an arm is a possible, but by no means the only indirect arrangement of the contact tip on the contact body, as described elsewhere.

[0026] Unless otherwise specified, it is assumed that the definitions and / or explanations of the above terms apply to all aspects described in the following description.

[0027] The present invention also provides a machine device for processing a test joint (as described above), the machine device comprising a plate. The machine device is characterized in that a magnetic field unit comprising at least one magnet is arranged on the plate, so that the magnetic field of the magnet appears substantially perpendicular to the plate.

[0028] As mentioned above, it has been recognized that it is advantageous to set up and arrange the test contacts for processing in this way, because the subsequent further processing of the test contacts can be carried out in a simple and reliable manner in terms of procedures. To this end, one or more test contacts are arranged on the plate. A magnetic field unit with at least one magnet is arranged so that the magnetic field of the magnet appears substantially perpendicular to the plate, and the magnetic field unit pulls the core of the test contact by the generated magnetic field, whereby the pulling force acts on the core. According to the invention, the test contact is set up because the core is arranged below the center of gravity of the test contact. Its operation is the same as that of a tumbler toy, except that it is the magnetic force instead of gravity that acts on the test contact. Once the test contact is placed in the set-up position, the test contact can then be handled in a quick, easy and uncomplicated manner. The plate can have any design. However, it should be horizontal and planar. It is conceivable that the magnetic field unit preferably comprises at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 or 100 magnets of the same or different designs. More preferably, the magnetic field unit comprises a control unit for enabling and disabling one or more magnets. Specifically, the magnet is an electromagnet, and the control unit closes a switch in an electrical conductor leading to or from the electromagnet to enable the electromagnet and opens a switch to disable the electromagnet.

[0029] In the context of the invention, “emerging substantially perpendicularly from the plate” means in particular that the field direction of the magnetic field in the region of the plate where the test contacts are to be placed deviates from the perpendicular to the plate by no more than 15°.

[0030] In another embodiment of the invention, it is conceivable that the magnet is arranged below, inside, beside and / or above the plate. This is advantageous because the forces acting on the test contacts act maximally in the intended direction. This ensures the desired effect, namely the erection of the test contacts. The shape, arrangement and / or design of the magnet must correspond to the corresponding arrangement. Obviously, the magnet arranged above the plate must be arranged at a distance from the plate that at least allows operation. In particular, it is conceivable that a bar magnet is arranged below, above, beside and / or in the center of the plate, with one pole at the top and the other pole at the bottom. As a result, the magnetic field emerges from the plate substantially vertically, whereby different magnetic field areas emerge from the plate, depending on the arrangement. In particular for a horseshoe magnet, it is conceivable that one support is arranged above and another support is arranged below, and a crossbeam connecting the supports is arranged beside the plate. The support is oriented parallel to the plate. In this way, the uniform part of the magnetic field of the horseshoe magnet emerges perpendicular to the plate.

[0031] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the magnet is an electromagnet or a permanent magnet. An advantage of an electromagnet is that it can be enabled and / or disabled. Thus, the magnet can be enabled only when the test contact has been placed on the board, so that the test contact can be easily positioned in the correct position. Furthermore, the electromagnet can be disabled after or during processing, so that once the test contact is processed, the magnetic force no longer acts on the test contact. For example, the test contact is clamped and lifted with a tool. If the electromagnet is disabled at the moment of lifting, less force acts on the test contact and / or less force is required to clamp the test contact. This can prevent the test contact from being damaged during processing, in particular bending. An advantage of a permanent magnet or a permanently enabled electromagnet is that the magnetic force permanently acts on the test contact placed on the board, so that the test contact is more securely held on the board and is less likely to be knocked off the board by external forces.

[0032] In one embodiment of the invention, it is conceivable that the machine device comprises at least one insert, which is arranged on or in the upper side of the plate. The insert is an area in which the test contacts can be placed. It is conceivable that the insert and the test contacts are placed together and / or placed on the plate. The insert serves as a container for transmitting the test contacts. For this purpose, the insert is preferably designed with an edge and / or a cover. In addition, the insert can be optimized for the placement of the test contacts, while the plate is optimized for the transmission of the magnetic field. For example, the insert can be particularly easy to clean and / or can be antistatic. Preferably, the insert consists of glass. Particularly preferably, the machine device comprises at least 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 or 100 inserts. In order to place the insert at the correct position in the plate, it is preferred that the plate has a corresponding recess so that the insert is arranged on the upper side of the plate. Particularly preferably, the machine device comprises at least two inserts, the magnetic field unit comprises a number of electromagnets corresponding at least to the number of inserts, each insert is assigned at least one electromagnet, and the assigned electromagnets are arranged so that the magnetic field of the designated electromagnet appears substantially perpendicular to the designated insert. In this way, two or more test contacts according to the present invention can be placed on the machine device and can be prepared separately for processing. In particular, this enables continuous and / or simultaneous processing or preparation of processing of test contacts, whereby different methods are located at different points or in different steps. This speeds up the processing speed.

[0033] The term "on the upper side of the plate" means that the insert rests on top of the plate and is form-fittingly connected and / or materially bonded thereto, if applicable.

[0034] The term “in the upper side of the plate” means that the insert is partially or completely sunk into the corresponding recess.

[0035] In another embodiment of the invention, it is conceivable that the plate consists of a paramagnetic material. If the relative permeability of the material from which the plate is made is too high, as is the case with ferromagnetic materials, the magnetic field is trapped by the plate in a shielding manner and cannot act on the core of the test contact placed on the plate. If it is a diamagnetic material, the magnetic field moves out of the plate and cannot or only weakly affects the core of the test contact. Paramagnetic materials have a sufficiently low, but not too low, relative permeability. When using electromagnets that are activated or deactivated during processing, they can also minimize losses, since only low hysteresis losses occur in the plate.

[0036] The present invention also provides a method for processing a test contact (described elsewhere) by a machine apparatus (described elsewhere), the method comprising the following steps:

[0037] a. Place the test contacts on the board of the machine device;

[0038] b. Set up the test contacts by activating the magnets.

[0039] The test contacts are set up so that they can be easily handled with simpler and fewer tools or by hand. This is because the test contacts have a predictable spatial orientation, in which the top of the test contacts is raised. If necessary, the tool only needs to be rotated around the axis for processing. The test contacts are set up by a ferromagnetic core, on which the magnetic field of an activated magnet acts (as described elsewhere), and the ferromagnetic core is arranged below the center of gravity. It is conceivable that step a is performed multiple times. This means that several test contacts, in particular at least two test contacts, are placed on a plate of the machine device. In addition, it is conceivable that several test contacts, in particular at least two test contacts, are set up by activating the magnet in step b. It is also conceivable that several methods and / or method steps are performed simultaneously or with a certain time delay.

[0040] In another embodiment, the method comprises a step c after step b, i.e. clamping the test contact by means of a processing unit. Particularly preferably, the fixture can be rotated about an axis, in particular about a Z axis. This enables the test contact to be clamped so as to be correctly aligned. It is conceivable to use a Cartesian coordinate system with a Z axis to move the fixture. To this end, a slider with the fixture is moved in an XY plane via a connecting rod, whereby the fixture can be moved on and / or with the slider along a Z axis, the Z axis being perpendicular to the XY plane. The XY plane is a plane parallel to the plate configuration. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the fixture is arranged on a robotic arm. After the robotic arm or the Cartesian coordinate system with a Z axis clamps the test contact, the test contact can be lifted and positioned at an arbitrary position. For example, the robotic arm or the Cartesian coordinate system with a Z axis can place the test contact at a previously determined position of the first electronic component, insert it into the component and / or fix it in place.

[0041] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the magnet is deactivated after it has been clamped and the processing unit is moved together with the fixture arranged thereon. This means that a robot arm or a Cartesian coordinate system with a Z-axis transports the test contact to a different position. By deactivating the magnet, the magnetic force no longer acts on the test contact, so that the fixture can be equipped with a weaker clamping force. This reduces the total force acting on the test contact and protects the test contact.

[0042] Furthermore, the invention proposes a test contact holding device comprising a test contact holder for handling test contacts as described elsewhere, the test contact holder comprising a magnetic field unit. The test contact holding device is characterized in that the test contact holder comprises a particularly vertical contact surface, and the magnetic field unit comprises at least one magnet, which is arranged such that the magnetic field of the magnet is substantially parallel to the contact surface.

[0043] As described above, it has been found that it is advantageous if the test contacts are mounted and arranged to be handled in this way, since the subsequent further handling of the test contacts can be carried out in a simple and reliable manner in terms of procedures. To achieve the mounting, the test contact holder is moved towards at least one test contact so that the test contact is within the operating range of the magnetic field unit. This means that the magnetic field of the magnet of the magnetic field unit can act on the test contact or several test contacts so that the test contact or several test contacts are mounted under the influence of the magnetic field. It is particularly advantageous if the test contacts are mounted at an angle so that they are parallel to the contact surface of the test contact holder to be fixed. For this purpose, the magnetic field lines of the magnetic field must be substantially parallel to the contact surface so that the forces acting on the test contacts are also substantially parallel to the contact surface. The magnet attracts the core of the test contact or the test contacts by means of the magnetic field generated, whereby a tensile force acts on the core. According to the invention, the test contacts are mounted because the core is arranged below the center of gravity of the test contacts. Its operation mode is the same as that of the tumbler toy, except that it is magnetic force instead of gravity that acts on the test contact. This effect or the substantially parallel route of the magnetic field parallel to the contact surface is achieved by properly arranging and aligning the magnetic field unit. Once the test contact has entered the erection position, the test contact can be subsequently processed in a fast, simple and uncomplicated manner, in particular by placing and maintaining the test contact on the contact surface. Receiving the test contact is preferably achieved by erecting it using a magnetic field and fixing it to the receiving surface. It is conceivable that the magnetic field unit preferably includes at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 or 100 magnets of the same or different designs. More preferably, the magnetic field unit includes a control unit for enabling and disabling one or more magnets. In particular, the magnet is an electromagnet, and the control unit closes a switch in an electrical conductor to or from the electromagnet to enable the electromagnet and opens a switch to deactivate the electromagnet. More preferably, the test contact holder can be moved in space so as to be able to pick up a test contact on a substantially vertical contact surface and transfer it to another location. Preferably, the test contact holder can rotate the test contact around one, two or three spatial axes. Particularly preferably, the test contact holder comprises a rail system and / or a connecting rod system and / or a mechanical arm to achieve the required mobility. Preferably, it is conceivable that the test contact holder is moved by a Cartesian coordinate system with a Z axis. To this end, a slider with the test contact holder is moved in an XY plane by a linkage device, whereby the test contact holder can be moved on the slider and / or moved along the Z axis with the slider, the Z axis being perpendicular to the XY plane. The XY plane is a plane parallel to the arrangement of the plate. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the test contact holder is arranged on a mechanical arm.After the robot arm or the Cartesian coordinate system with a Z-axis has gripped the test contact, it can lift the test contact and position it at any position. For example, the robot arm or the Cartesian coordinate system with a Z-axis can place the test contact at a previously determined position of the first electronic component, insert it into the component and / or fix it in place.

[0044] Particularly preferably, in particular when receiving a test contact, the contact surface is arranged perpendicular to the support surface on which the test contact rests before being received by the test contact holding device, or the contact surface is arranged at an acute angle, particularly preferably at an angle of not more than 45°, 40°, 35°, 30°, 25°, 20°, 15°, 10° and / or 5°.

[0045] In the present invention, the term "substantially parallel" relates to a parallel arrangement or an arrangement forming an acute angle, in particular an angle of not more than 15°.

[0046] In another embodiment of the invention, it is conceivable that the magnet is arranged above and / or behind the contact surface, forms part of the contact surface or forms the contact surface. This is advantageous because the forces acting on the test contact act maximally in the intended direction. This ensures the desired effect, namely that the test contact is set up parallel to the contact surface. The shape, arrangement and / or design of the magnet must correspond to the corresponding arrangement. Obviously, the magnet arranged within and / or behind the contact surface must be aligned in a manner according to the invention so that the field direction of the magnetic field is substantially parallel to the contact surface. If the magnet itself forms part of the contact surface or the surface of the magnet forms the contact surface, correct alignment must also be ensured during manufacture and / or arrangement to ensure that the magnetic field is substantially parallel to the contact surface according to the invention.

[0047] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the magnet is an electromagnet or a permanent magnet. An advantage of an electromagnet is that it can be enabled and / or disabled. Thus, the magnet can be enabled only when the test contact has been placed within the operating range of the test contact holder, so that the test contact can be easily positioned in the correct position. Furthermore, the electromagnet can be disabled after or during processing so that the magnetic force no longer acts on the test contact. For example, if the magnetic field holds the test contact on a substantially vertical contact surface, the test contact is released by deactivating the magnetic field. This allows the test contact holder of the test contact holding device to quickly and easily place the test contact at a specified position. This can prevent the test contact from being damaged, in particular bent, during processing. An advantage of a permanent magnet or a permanently enabled electromagnet is that the magnetic force acts as early as when the test contact holder approaches the test contact, so that the test contact has been set up and can therefore be clamped more quickly.

[0048] It is also conceivable that the test contact holding device comprises a clamp. In addition to or as an alternative to the magnetic field, the clamp can also hold the test contact on the contact surface. The clamp is preferably a clamp-type clamp, a two-finger, three-finger and / or four-finger clamp.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is conceivable that the test contact holding device comprises at least one transmission channel for transmitting heat energy and / or for transmitting negative pressure, the channel opening of which is arranged in the region of the contact surface. By means of the negative pressure, the test contact is held on the contact surface in a fast, simple and protected manner. The heat transfer heats the test contact in a targeted manner so that the test contact can be attached to the first electronic component by means of welding. Particularly preferably, the heat is introduced into the test contact by means of laser energy.

[0050] In another embodiment, the test contact holder comprises two parallel receiving side faces forming a receiving gap, the transmission channel being arranged above the receiving gap and terminating in the receiving gap, and at least one inner side of the receiving side faces forming the receiving gap, the receiving gap forming a contact surface. After reception, the test contact is placed in the receiving gap and is held by the negative pressure in the receiving gap. It is also conceivable that each of the two inner sides forms a contact surface. After reception, the test contact abuts against one of the contact surfaces or against both contact surfaces simultaneously.

[0051] In another preferred embodiment, the test contact holding device comprises a positioning unit having at least two positioning surfaces, a first of which comprises a contact surface. The test contact, in particular the absorption region of the test contact, is fixed in position on the positioning surface of the positioning unit. The two positioning surfaces ensure an exact positioning of the test contact on the test contact holding device. Particularly preferably, the positioning surfaces are arranged at right angles to each other.

[0052] In another embodiment of the invention, it is conceivable that the contact surface is formed by the side surface of the wedge. Preferably, the wedge consists of a paramagnetic material. If the relative permeability of the material constituting the wedge is too high, such as in the case of a ferromagnetic material, the magnetic field is bounded by the wedge in a shielding manner and cannot act on the core of the test contact located within the expected operating range of the test contact holder. If it is a diamagnetic material, the magnetic field is moved away from the wedge and cannot or can only weakly affect the core of the test contact. Paramagnetic materials have a sufficiently low but not too low relative permeability. When using electromagnets that are activated or deactivated during operation, they can also minimize losses, because only low hysteresis losses occur in the wedge.

[0053] The present invention also provides a method for handling a test contact (described elsewhere) by means of a test contact holding device (described elsewhere), the method comprising the following steps:

[0054] a. placing the test contact in a position accessible to the test contact holder;

[0055] b. moving the test contact bracket toward the test contact;

[0056] c. setting up the test contacts by enabling the magnet;

[0057] d. Receiving the test contacts by the test contact holder.

[0058] The test contact setup allows it to be handled in a simple manner by means of a test contact holding device or by hand. This is because the test contact has a predictable spatial orientation, in which the top end of the test contact is raised. If necessary, the test contact holder can be operated by simply moving it towards the test contact and rotating it around the axis. The setup of the test contact is achieved by a ferromagnetic core, on which the magnetic field of an activated magnet acts (as described elsewhere), and the ferromagnetic core is arranged below the center of gravity. It is conceivable that step a is performed multiple times. This means that several test contacts, in particular at least two test contacts, are placed in a position accessible to the test contact holder. It is also conceivable that the test contact holder is randomly arranged in such a way that it is not necessary to move the test contact holder towards one of the test contacts. In addition, it is conceivable that several test contacts, in particular at least two test contacts, are setup by activating the magnet in step c. It is also conceivable that several methods and / or method steps are performed simultaneously or delayed, in particular with the aid of several test contact holders. After the test contacts have been received by the test contact holder, the test contact holder may preferably place the test contacts at previously determined locations of the first electronic component, insert them into the component and / or secure them in place.

[0059] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the receiving in step d is achieved magnetically and / or mechanically, in particular by clamping. The magnetic field of the activated magnet holds the test contact on the contact surface and / or the test contact is received on the contact surface in a form-fitting and / or frictionally engaging manner.

[0060] In particular, it is conceivable to combine one, several and / or all steps of the previously described method for handling test contacts by means of a tooling device with one, several and / or all steps of the previously described method for handling test contacts by means of a test contact holding device. These steps can be performed consecutively, sequentially and / or simultaneously.

[0061] Further details, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred illustrative examples in conjunction with the appended claims. The individual features can be implemented individually or in combination with each other. The invention is not limited to the illustrative examples. The illustrative examples are schematically shown in the accompanying drawings. The same reference symbols in the various drawings represent similar elements, elements of similar functions or elements corresponding in terms of function. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0062] Figure 1 The test contacts according to the present invention are shown arranged on a first embodiment of a platform device according to the present invention;

[0063] Figure 2 Six test contacts according to the present invention are shown, which are arranged on a second embodiment of a platform device according to the present invention;

[0064] FIG. 3A to FIG. 3D shows a plurality of test contacts according to the present invention disposed on a third embodiment of a platform device according to the present invention, and the processing method according to the present invention is implemented by the platform device; and

[0065] FIG. 4A to FIG. 4C A plurality of test contacts according to the invention are shown, which are arranged within the operating range of a test contact holder according to a first embodiment of a test contact holding device according to the invention, by means of which the processing method according to the invention is implemented. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0066] Figure 1 A test contact 10 according to the present invention is shown, which is arranged in a first embodiment of a machine device 20 according to the present invention. The test contact 10 includes a contact top 11 and a contact body 12. Through the contact body 12, the test contact 10 is connected to a first component (not shown) so that a second component (not shown) can be subsequently mounted on the contact top 11. A vertical arm 17 is provided on the upper side of the contact body 12, and the contact top 11 is formed at the other end of the vertical arm 17. The test contact 10 has a center of gravity 15. In addition, the test contact 10 has a mounting direction 13, which extends from bottom to top. The contact top 11 is parallel to the mounting direction 13. In addition, the test contact 10 includes a core 14 composed of a ferromagnetic material and arranged below the center of gravity 15. Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, the core 14 has an elongated design and is arranged parallel to the mounting surface 16 on which the test contacts 10 are mounted. The test contacts 10 are arranged on an insert 26 of the platform device 20. The insert 26 is placed on a plate 21 of the platform device 20. A magnetic field unit 22 including a magnet 23 is located below the plate 21. In this embodiment, it is an electromagnet, which can be activated and / or deactivated by a control unit 25. Figure 1In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the magnet 23 is activated and thus applies a magnetic field 24 that appears substantially vertically through the plate 21 and the insert 26. The magnetic field 24 generates a force that acts on the core 14, thereby bridging the test contact 10 on the mounting surface 16.

[0067] Figure 2 Six test contacts 10 according to the invention are shown arranged on a second embodiment of a bench device 20 according to the invention. In principle, the second embodiment of the bench device 20 corresponds to Figure 1 The first embodiment of the machine platform device 20 according to the present invention is shown. Figure 1 The embodiment shown differs in that it comprises six inserts 26 on which six test contacts 10 can be arranged. The inserts 26 are evenly distributed on the plate 21. A magnetic field unit 22 is arranged below the plate 21, said magnetic field unit 22 comprising six magnets 23 which can be activated and / or deactivated by a control unit 25, although only in Figure 2 2 shows the first three magnets 23. Each insert 26 is associated with one magnet 23. The individual magnets 23 can be activated individually, so that parallel processing of the test joints 10 is possible.

[0068] Figure 3A The third embodiment of the machine platform device 20 according to the present invention is shown, and the machine platform device 20 comprises a plurality of inserts 26. Each insert 26 is provided with a test contact 10. A magnetic field unit 22 is arranged under the plate 21, and the magnetic field unit 22 comprises a controllable magnet 23, which is Figure 3A Step a., that is, placing the test contact 10 on the board 21 of the machine device 20, Figure 3A It has been executed many times.

[0069] Figure 3B Shows Figure 3A In the stage device 20 in the embodiment, the magnet 23 is activated so that a magnetic field 24 is emitted from the magnet 23. The magnetic field 24 sets the test contacts 10, 20 on the insert 26. This means that step b., i.e. setting the test contact 10 by activating the magnet 23, has been performed. Due to its set position, the test contact 10 can be clamped in a simple manner by a fixture 31 arranged on a Cartesian coordinate system 30. The Cartesian coordinate system 30 includes a slide on which the fixture 31 is arranged, which slide is moved by a connecting rod. The fixture 31 can rotate around the Z axis and can move along the Z axis.

[0070] Figure 3C An enlarged portion of the stage device 20 is shown, with the magnetic field unit 22 activated. Thus, the magnet 23 emits a magnetic field 24 , causing the test contact 10 to rest on the insert 26 in the board 21 .

[0071] Figure 3D An alternative embodiment is shown, in which the gripper 31 is arranged on a multi-axis robot arm 32. The gripper 31 can also rotate about an axis A.

[0072] Figure 4A A plurality of test contacts 10 according to the invention are shown, which are arranged within the operating range of a test contact holder 40 of a first embodiment of a test contact holding device according to the invention. The test contact holder 40 comprises a contact surface 41 formed by the side surface of a wedge. Furthermore, the test contact holder 40 comprises a magnetic field unit 42 having a magnet 43. In this case, the magnet 43 is an electromagnet that can be activated and deactivated. The test contact holder 40 has been moved towards one of the test contacts 10 so that the test contact is within the operating range of the magnet 43.

[0073] exist Figure 4B In the embodiment, the magnet 43 of the magnetic field unit 42 has been activated, so that a magnetic field 44 is generated. The test contacts 10 located within the striking distance of the contact surface 41 have been self-erected due to the magnetic field 44.

[0074] exist Figure 4C In the example, the test contact 10 has been picked up and passed through the magnetic field 44 of the magnet 43 ( Figure 4A The test contact holder 40 (not shown) is held on the contact surface 41. Subsequently, the test contact holder 40 can be moved together with the test contacts 41.

Claims

1. A test contact (10), comprising a contact top (11) and a contact body (12), The test contact (10) has a setting direction (13), characterized in that: The test contact (10) comprises a core (14) made of ferromagnetic material, which is arranged below the center of gravity (15) of the test contact (10) in the mounting direction (13).

2. The test contact (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that The core (14) is disposed in the contact body (12) opposite to the contact top (11).

3. The test contact (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The contact body (12) includes a mounting surface (16), and the core (14) is formed to be planar and parallel to the mounting surface (16).

4. The test junction (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The core (14) consists of iron, nickel or cobalt, has an iron, nickel and / or cobalt content, or consists of a ferromagnetic alloy, in particular a ferromagnetic, nickel and / or cobalt alloy.

5. The test junction (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The test contact (10) comprises an arm (17), the contact body (12) is arranged at one end of the arm (17), and the contact top (11) is arranged at the other end of the arm (17).

6. A machine device (20) for processing a test joint (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the machine device (20) comprises a plate (21), characterized in that: A magnetic field unit (22) comprising at least one magnet (23) is arranged on the plate (21) such that the magnetic field (24) of the magnet (23) appears substantially perpendicular to the plate (21).

7. The machine device (20) according to claim 6, characterized in that: The magnet (23) is arranged below, inside, beside and / or above the plate (21).

8. The machine device (20) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that: The magnet (23) is an electromagnet or a permanent magnet.

9. The machine device (20) according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that: The table device (20) comprises at least one insert (26), which is arranged on or in the upper side of the plate (21).

10. The machine device (20) according to claim 9, characterized in that: The insert (26) consists of glass.

11. The machine device (20) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that: The device comprises at least two inserts (26), and the magnetic field unit (22) comprises a number of electromagnets corresponding at least to the number of the inserts (26), wherein each insert (26) is assigned at least one of the electromagnets, wherein the assigned electromagnets are arranged so that the magnetic field (24) of the assigned electromagnets appears substantially perpendicular to the assigned insert (26).

12. The machine device (20) according to any one of claims 6 to 11, characterized in that: The plate (21) is made of paramagnetic material.

13. A method for processing a test joint (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5 by means of a tool apparatus (20) according to any one of claims 6 to 12, the method comprising the following steps: a. placing the test contact (10) on the plate (21) of the machine device (20); b. Setting up the test junction (10) by activating the magnet (23).

14. The method according to claim 13, comprising the following steps after step b.: c. Clamping the test contact (10) by a handling unit, in particular a clamp (31).

15. The method according to claim 14, comprising the following steps after step c.: d. Deactivating the magnet (23) and moving the processing unit, in particular the clamp (31).

16. A test contact holding device, comprising a test contact holder (40) for handling a test contact (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, the test contact holder (40) comprising a magnetic field unit (42), characterized in that: The test contact holder (40) comprises a particularly vertical contact surface (41), wherein the magnetic field unit (42) comprises at least one magnet (43) which is arranged such that the magnetic field (44) of the magnet (43) is substantially parallel to the contact surface (41).

17. The test contact holding device according to claim 16, characterized in that: The magnet (43) is arranged above and / or behind the contact surface (41), forms a part of the contact surface (41) or forms the contact surface (41).

18. The test contact holding device according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that: The magnet (43) is an electromagnet or a permanent magnet.

19. The test contact holding device according to any one of claims 16 to 18, characterized in that: The test contact support (40) comprises a clamp.

20. The test contact holding device according to any one of claims 16 to 19, characterized in that: The test contact holding device comprises at least one transmission channel for transmitting heat energy and / or transmitting negative pressure, wherein the channel opening of the transmission channel is arranged in the area of ​​the contact surface (41).

21. The test contact holding device according to any one of claims 16 to 20, characterized in that: The substantially vertical contact surface (41) is formed by the side surface of the wedge.

22. A method for handling a test contact (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5 by means of a test contact holding device according to any one of claims 16 to 19, the method comprising the following steps: a. placing the test contact (10) in a position accessible to the test contact holder (40); b. moving the test contact holder (40) toward the test contact (10); c. setting up the test contact (10) by activating the magnet (43); d. Receiving the test contact (10) through the test contact holder (40).

23. The method according to claim 22, wherein the receiving in step d. is performed magnetically and / or mechanically, in particular by clamping.

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