Printed circuit board for an electronic device and method for contacting at least one electrically conductive contact surface of a printed circuit board, as well as a positioning device for carrying out the method

Abstract

The invention relates to a printed circuit board (1) for an electronic device, with electrically conductive contact surfaces (2) and with at least one circular hole (3), which serves as an alignment aid for a positioning device for the contact-forming positioning of the electrically conductive contact elements to be contacted on the contact surfaces (2). According to the invention, it is proposed that the contact surfaces (2) are arranged on at least one common circular line (4) aligned concentrically to a center point (3a) of the hole (3). Furthermore, a method for contacting an electrical contact surface (2) of such a printed circuit board (1) and a positioning device for carrying out the method are proposed.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a printed circuit board for an electronic device with the features of the preamble of claim 1. The invention also relates to a method for contacting at least one electrically conductive contact surface of a printed circuit board with the features of the preamble of claim 10. Finally, the invention also relates to a positioning device for carrying out the method according to claim 13.

[0002] For programming microcontrollers on a printed circuit board for electronic devices, it is known to arrange pin-like electrical contact pads between a round and an oblong hole. A programming plug with corresponding contacts can then be manually inserted into the contact pads, with the round and oblong holes serving as alignment aids for the programming plug. Programming enables specific functions of the electronic device. A disadvantage of this solution is that the round and oblong holes, as well as the arrangement of the electrical contact pads in two rows, consume valuable space on the circuit board.

[0003] Furthermore, DE 10 2010 062 689 A1 discloses a device for contacting at least one contact surface of household appliance electronics by means of a contact element. The contact element is mounted on a holding device. A positioning device moves the holding device towards a target contact position. The device also includes a cover with a guide that at least partially covers the household appliance electronics. The guide pre-aligns the holding device as it moves into the target position by means of guide geometries on the holding device side. Finally, the contact element is finely aligned in the target position relative to the corresponding contact surface by a centering device.

[0004] The present invention is based on the objective of proposing a printed circuit board (PCB) that has a programming interface with contact pads which can be reliably approached and contacted by contact elements of a positioning device, in particular a robot. Furthermore, the interface should require little space. A further objective of the invention is to present a method that can be carried out using the PCB according to the invention. Finally, it is considered an objective of the invention to propose a positioning device for carrying out the method.

[0005] This problem is solved by a printed circuit board with the features of claim 1, a method with the features of claim 10, and a positioning device with the features of claim 13. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention are described in the dependent claims.

[0006] The invention relates to a printed circuit board for an electronic device, with electrically conductive contact surfaces and with at least one circular hole. The hole serves as an alignment aid for a positioning device for the contact-forming positioning of the electrically conductive contact elements to be contacted on the contact surfaces.

[0007] According to the invention, it is proposed that the contact surfaces are arranged on at least one common circular line aligned concentrically to a center point of the hole.

[0008] This design proposes a printed circuit board (PCB) that provides the basic requirement for reliable and secure contacting of its contact pads by contact elements using a positioning device for programming purposes. Furthermore, the interface requires minimal space on the PCB.

[0009] Following further training, several contact surfaces are arranged around the hole in the shape of a full circle. This allows for effective use of the available space around the hole in the circuit board.

[0010] Alternatively, several contact surfaces could be arranged around the hole in a semicircular pattern. This offers the advantage that an area around the hole can be kept free of contacts and used for other purposes. For example, a camera held by the positioning device could be moved into this cleared area, thus serving as an additional orientation aid for the positioning device.

[0011] Following a design phase, it is proposed that the contact surfaces be arranged around the hole in such a way that they form at least two concentric, semicircular, or full-circle contact areas. In this way, the number of available contact surfaces can be increased in a space-saving manner if required.

[0012] According to a highly advantageous further development, the contact surfaces are each designed as a segment of a circular ring, which is aligned concentrically to the center of the hole. This contributes to the reliability of the contact. In particular, reliable contact can thus be achieved even in the event of unintentional rotation of the positioning device or the contact elements.

[0013] If the contact surfaces are covered with a film-like, self-adhesive coating, it can be reliably prevented that they become dirty or covered with dust. This thus contributes to greater operational readiness of the electronic device equipped with the circuit board.

[0014] It is very advantageous if the self-adhesive cover is shaped like a circular ring. This makes it easier to mask off the contact surfaces on the circuit board.

[0015] For tamper protection, it is conceivable that the self-adhesive cover could be designed like a seal. Should an unauthorized person attempt to gain access to the covered contact surfaces, removing the cover would only be possible by destroying the seal-like structure. Specifically, the seal-like cover would have several predetermined breaking points and would shatter into multiple pieces if an attempt were made to remove it.

[0016] Following further practical refinement, it is proposed that the hole be a screw hole for mounting the circuit board. This offers the advantage that a separate hole, which, together with a pin of the positioning device, serves as an alignment aid during contacting, can be omitted. Thus, this design also contributes to a saving in circuit board size.

[0017] The invention also presents a method for contacting at least one electrically conductive contact surface of a printed circuit board designed according to the invention using at least one electrically conductive contact element. The contact element is brought into close proximity to the contact surface by means of a positioning device. Subsequently, the contact element is aligned with the contact surface using at least one alignment aid formed by the hole in the printed circuit board and a pin of the positioning device, and moved into a contact-forming position relative to the contact surface. In this contact-forming position, contact is established between the contact surface and the contact element. A cover is then applied to the contact surface using the positioning device. This ensures effective protection of the contact surface after programming.

[0018] If the cover is held against the positioning device using a vacuum, simple and reliable handling of the cover is possible without the risk of damaging the cover.

[0019] Covering the contact surface can be achieved particularly easily and reliably by using a self-adhesive cover.

[0020] Finally, the present invention also proposes a positioning device for carrying out the described method. Such a positioning device comprises a pin with a conically tapered end. A vacuum device, capable of being pressurized with a vacuum, is mounted on the pin in a height-adjustable manner. The vacuum device has a bore through which the pin projects. Additionally, a programming element comprising contact elements is mounted on the pin in a height-adjustable and horizontally adjustable manner.

[0021] The pin with the conically tapered end can serve as a positioning device for precisely aligning the contact elements to the contact surfaces of the circuit board when the pin enters the circular hole of the circuit board.

[0022] Preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the figures and are explained in more detail in the following description with reference to the figures. This also clarifies further features and advantages of the invention. Identical reference numerals, even in different figures, refer to identical, comparable, or functionally equivalent components. Corresponding or comparable properties and advantages are achieved even if no repeated description or reference is made to them. The figures are not, or at least not always, to scale. In some figures, proportions or distances may be exaggerated to more clearly emphasize features of an embodiment.

[0023] They show, schematically, each one Fig. 1 a programming area of ​​a printed circuit board, in a first version, Fig. 2 a programming area of ​​a printed circuit board, in a second version, Fig. 3 a workstation for programming a printed circuit board from a bird's-eye view and Fig. 4 a side view of the programming area of ​​the printed circuit board according to view IV from Fig. 3.

[0024] In Fig. Figure 1 shows an enlarged representation of a programming area P (interface) of a printed circuit board (PCB). The printed circuit board is intended for an electronic device (not shown here) and contributes to the proper functioning of that device.

[0025] The programming area P is used for the functional programming of one or more microcontrollers (not shown) on the circuit board 1. For this purpose, several contact pads 2 are provided, preferably four in this case, which must be contacted by contact elements of a programming component (not shown here). The contact pads 2 form a contacting area K1. The required accuracy is high, approximately one-tenth of a millimeter. Therefore, it is all the more important that the programming area P is designed in such a way as to contribute to the precise and reliable positioning of contact elements on the contact pads 2.

[0026] For this purpose, the programming area P additionally has a hole 3 with a center point 3a. The hole 3 serves for the alignment, in particular the centering, of a programming component, which will be explained later and contains contact elements. The contact surfaces 2 are all arranged on a circle 4, which runs concentrically to the center point 3a of the hole 3. In other words, the center point of the circle 4 and the center point 3a coincide. Furthermore, the contact surfaces 2 are arranged on the circle 4 in the manner of a full circle around the hole 3. The contact surfaces 2 thus form approximately a circle around the hole 3.

[0027] The hole 3 and the contact surfaces 2 arranged concentrically around it contribute to the precise positioning of a programming element within the programming area P and, in particular, to the reliable contacting of the contact surfaces 2 by contact elements of the programming element. Furthermore, the concentric arrangement of the contact surfaces 2 around the hole 3 enables a highly compact and space-saving design of the programming area P on the circuit board 1.

[0028] The positioning accuracy can be further increased by designing each of the contact surfaces 2 as a segment of a circular ring, which is aligned concentrically to the center point 3a of the hole 3. In this way, the programming area P becomes more tolerant of rotation of the programming part.

[0029] The contact surfaces 2 can be covered by a film-like, self-adhesive cover 6. This can serve as protection against contamination of the contact surfaces 2. Likewise, this also increases protection against tampering by third parties, as any damage to or absence of the cover 6 would be detectable. For this purpose, it is also conceivable to design the cover 6 in the manner of a warranty seal. In this case, the cover 6 has multiple predetermined breaking points that break when an attempt is made to remove it from the contact surfaces 2.

[0030] Preferably, the cover 6 is also designed as an annular surface in outline. This facilitates the automated application of the cover 6 to the contact surfaces 2.

[0031] Based on Fig. Figure 2 shows an alternative embodiment of a programming area P of a printed circuit board 1. In contrast to the previous embodiment, this embodiment has two contact areas, K1 and K2. Contact area K1 has several, for example, two contact surfaces 2, which are arranged on a circle 4. The circle 4 is oriented concentrically to the center point 3a of a hole 3. Contact area K2 also has several, for example, three contact surfaces 2. The contact surfaces 2 of contact area K2 are arranged on a circle 5, which runs concentrically around the circle 4 and thus also concentrically to the center point 3a of the hole 3.

[0032] In contrast to the exemplary embodiment, more than two contact areas K1 and K2 can also be present. By having two or more contact areas, the density of contact surfaces 2 can be significantly increased in a space-saving manner, if required. In this exemplary embodiment as well, the contact surfaces 2 can be covered by an annular cover 6. Alternatively, it is also conceivable to cover only the contact surfaces 2 of one of the contact areas K1 or K2 with the cover 2. This can be advantageous, for example, if one of the contact areas K1 or K2 has a higher priority than the other and therefore contamination is less tolerable than in the other.

[0033] The Fig. Figure 3 shows a workstation A for programming printed circuit boards 1 from a bird's-eye view. The printed circuit boards 1 are screwed into electronic devices G, which in this embodiment are designed as pulse inverters for electric vehicles.

[0034] Workstation A comprises a positioning device 7 designed as a robot, with an arm 7a and a head 7b held on the arm 7a. The arm 7a is pivotable about an unspecified vertical axis and is also adjustable in its longitudinal direction.

[0035] Furthermore, a conveyor system 10 is provided, through which the electronic devices G can be transported to the positioning device 7 for programming and, after programming has been completed, transported away from it, for example to a subordinate workstation (not shown).

[0036] Finally, a table 9 of workstation A is shown. On the table 9 are a number of annular covers 6. The covers 6 are self-adhesive and held on a carrier film 6a. For better visibility, the covers 6 are shown greatly enlarged compared to the other components of workstation 9.

[0037] In the figure, the circuit board 1 of the central, visible device G is being programmed by a programming element (not shown here) held at the head 7b of the positioning device 7, after the programming element has been positioned and aligned with the programming area P, in particular with the contact surfaces 2. If covering the contact surfaces 2 is desired, the arm 7a of the positioning device 7 can pivot towards the table 9 after programming has been completed (see dashed line). There, it picks up one of the covers 6 located on the carrier film 6a. Meanwhile, the conveyor 10 transports the electronic device G that has just been programmed and moves the next electronic device G to be programmed into the working area of ​​the positioning device 7.The head 7b, equipped with a cover 6, can then swivel again to the electronic device G to be programmed, program its circuit board 1 and subsequently cover the contact surfaces 2.

[0038] Finally, the aim is to use the Fig. 4. The process of programming a printed circuit board 1 will be explained in more detail. In the Fig. Figure 4 shows the circuit board 1 located under the head 7b of the positioning device 7. The electronic device G is not shown. A vertically extending pin 70, which is attached to the head 7b, has already been positioned above the hole 3. The pin 70 is vertically movable and has a conically tapered end 70a. In this way, the pin 70 and the hole 3 can serve as an alignment aid when the pin 70 is lowered.

[0039] A horizontally extending support strut 71 is also attached to the pin 70. The support strut 71 serves to movably hold a vertically extending rod 72, at the lower end of which a programming unit 73 equipped with corresponding electronics and pin-like contact elements 73a is attached. The programming unit 73 can be moved vertically and horizontally with the rod 72. Only two contact elements 73a are shown as an example. The number of contact elements 73a depends on the number of contact surfaces 2.

[0040] A horizontal retaining strut 74 can additionally be attached to the pin 70. The retaining strut 74 serves to secure a vertically extending and vertically adjustable tube 75, which is in air contact at its lower end with a plate-like, preferably circular, vacuum device 76. The vacuum device 76 has a central bore, not specified in more detail, through which the pin 70 passes.

[0041] After positioning the pin 70 over the hole 3, the next step involves lowering the pin 70 into the hole 3, thereby precisely aligning the contact elements 73a on the programming unit 73 with the contact surfaces 2. The programming unit 73 is then moved downwards until the contact elements 73a make contact with the contact surfaces 2, thus enabling data and current flow between the programming unit 73 and the circuit board 1. The actual programming then takes place. To compensate for any tilting, the contact elements 73a are flexibly mounted by means of spring elements 73b.

[0042] After programming is complete, the programming part 73 is moved back up. Additionally, the programming part 73 moves horizontally outwards until the vacuum device 76 can move downwards unimpeded along the pin 70. The vacuum device 76 can be vacuum-charged via the tube 75, which is connected to a vacuum source (not shown). This allows the vacuum device 76 to reliably remove a cover 6 from the carrier film 6a (see figure). Fig. 3) loosen and, secondly, hold securely by suction.

[0043] To cover the contact surfaces 2, the vacuum device 73 is lowered until it makes contact with the contact surfaces 2. The vacuum in the vacuum device 76 is then released. Because the cover 6 has a self-adhesive underside facing the contact surfaces 2, it remains adhered to the contact surfaces 2 after the vacuum device 73 is subsequently raised. Reference symbol list 1 circuit board 2 Contact surface 3 holes 3a Center 4 Circle line 5 Circle line 6 Cover 6a Carrier film 7 Positioning device, robot 7a Arm 7b Head 8 Support facility 9 Table 10 Funding facility 70 pens 70a conical tapered end 71 Support strut 72 bars 73 Programming section 73a Contact elements 73b Spring elements 74 Support strut 75 pipe 76 Vacuum device A workstation G electronic device K1 contact area K2 contact area P Programming area QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2010 062 689 A1

[0003]

Claims

[1] Printed circuit board (1) for an electronic device (G), with electrically conductive contact surfaces (2) and with at least one circular hole (3), which serves as an alignment aid for a positioning device (7) for the contact-forming positioning of the electrically conductive contact elements (73a) to be contacted on the contact surfaces (2), characterized by , that the contact surfaces (2) are arranged on at least one common circular line (4, 5) oriented concentrically to a center point (3a) of the hole (3). [2] Printed circuit board (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that several contact surfaces (2) are arranged around the hole (3) in the manner of a full circle. [3] Printed circuit board (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that several contact surfaces (2) are arranged in the manner of a semicircular line around the hole (3). [4] Printed circuit board (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the contact surfaces (2) are arranged around the hole (3) such that they form at least two concentric, semicircular or full-circle contact areas (K1, K2). [5] Printed circuit board (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the contact surfaces (2) are each formed as a circular segment of such a circular ring, which is aligned concentrically to the center point (3a) of the hole (3). [6] Printed circuit board (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the contact surfaces (2) are provided with a foil-like, self-adhesive cover (6). [7] Printed circuit board (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized by , that the self-adhesive cover (6) is designed as a circular ring surface. [8] Printed circuit board (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the self-adhesive cover (6) is designed in a seal-like manner. [9] Printed circuit board (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the hole (3) is a screw hole for fastening the circuit board (1). [10] Method for contacting at least one electrically conductive contact surface (2) of a printed circuit board (1) designed according to one of the preceding claims by means of at least one electrically conductive contact element (73a), wherein the contact element (73a) is brought into the immediate vicinity of the contact surface (2) by means of a positioning device (7), is aligned to the contact surface (2) by means of at least one alignment aid formed by the hole (3) of the printed circuit board (1) and a pin (70) of the positioning device (7) and is moved into a contacting position to the contact surface (2), wherein a cover (6) is applied to the contact surface (2) by means of the positioning device (7) after contacting. [11] Method according to claim 10, characterized by, that the cover (6) is held on the positioning device (7) by means of a vacuum. [12] Method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized by , that a self-adhesive cover (6) is used. [13] Positioning device (7) for carrying out the method according to one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the positioning device (7) has a pin (70) with a conically tapered end (70a) and a vacuum device (76) that can be pressurized with a vacuum is held height-adjustable on the pin (70), which has a bore through which the pin (70) projects, wherein a programming part (73) having contact elements (73a) is additionally arranged height-adjustable and horizontally adjustable on the pin (70).

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