LOCKABLE BASIC MODULE FOR A MODULAR TEST SYSTEM FOR TESTING ELECTRICAL ASSEMBLIES

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a lockable basic module for a modular test system for testing electrical assemblies and a modular test system for testing electrical assemblies.

[0002] Test systems or test adapters are used to test electrical assemblies. The test system is designed to hold the electrical assembly under test and make electrical contact with it. Furthermore, the test system is electrically connected to a test fixture, thus establishing an electrical connection between the electrical assembly under test and the test fixture.

[0003] To test the electrical assembly, a test routine is executed using the test device. After completion of the test routine, the electrical assembly in the test system can be replaced with another electrical assembly. The other electrical assembly can then be subjected to a test, such as a functional test, using the test device.

[0004] As a rule, the electrical assemblies to be tested, for example semiconductor components or electrical assemblies containing semiconductor components, are sensitive to mechanical and electrical influences that can damage the electrical assembly.

[0005] Therefore, when arranging and replacing the electrical assembly under test within the test system, it is necessary to avoid improper mechanical stress on the electrical assemblies under test. Furthermore, the electrical assembly under test must be properly and safely electrically contacted by the test system to prevent damage to the assembly during testing.

[0006] Furthermore, DE 20 2011 107409 U1 relates to a test device for a test specimen, comprising a housing with a lower housing part and a housing upper part movable relative to the lower housing part for opening and closing the housing, wherein the housing forms a receiving space for the test specimen into which a plurality of contact pins project, which bear against the test specimen in the closed state of the housing, characterized in that at least one wall of the housing has a honeycomb structure.

[0007] US Patent 4,812,754 A relates to a device for connecting a printed circuit board to a test system. The device comprises a support structure that movably carries a pair of first and second test heads in an opposing relationship, wherein at least the first test head has a plurality of probes with which test points on a printed circuit board are contacted and tested. Actuating components enable movement of the test heads from a spaced-out loading position to a more closely spaced test position, in which each probe is forced into contact with one of the respective test points. An electrical bus couples a separate test system to at least the first test head.

[0008] DE 10 2015 119 181 A1 relates to a test device for a test object comprising a printed circuit board, with a first support providing a holder and / or support for the test object and a second support that can be pivoted by manual operation about a preferably horizontal pivot axis relative to the first support.

[0009] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a lockable base module for a modular test system for testing electrical assemblies, which enables the safe arrangement and exchange of the electrical assembly in the test system. Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a modular test system for testing electrical assemblies.

[0010] This task is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims.

[0011] Preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

[0012] One aspect concerns a lockable basic module for a modular test system for testing electrical assemblies, comprising: a first support element which provides a receiving space for a test module, wherein an electrical assembly to be tested can be arranged on the test module; a second support element which is pivotably mounted relative to the first support element and which is designed to receive a fixing module for fixing the electrical assembly to be tested to the test module; an operating unit which is pivotably mounted on the first support element and which is guided on the second support element, wherein by pivoting the control unit relative to the first support member, the second support member can be moved into an open position in which the electrical assembly to be tested is released by the fixing module, and into a closed position in which the electrical assembly to be tested is fixed to the test module by the fixing module, and wherein the second support member follows a movement from the open position to the closed position by pivoting the control unit in such a way that at the beginning of the movement of the second support member, the second support member is pivoted relative to the first support member, and at the end of the movement, the second support member is moved linearly in the direction of the first support member.

[0013] The proposed solution allows the user to conveniently replace the electrical assembly under test in the open position, as the pivotable arrangement of the second support element relative to the first allows the base module to be opened wide. Furthermore, the transition from pivoting the second support element relative to the first to moving it linearly in the direction of the first support element ensures that the fixing module presses the electrical assembly under test essentially orthogonally towards the test module. In other words, moving the second support element linearly in the direction of the first support element prevents the fixing module from displacing the electrical assembly under test perpendicular to the test module.Furthermore, the clamping module can uniformly fix the electrical assembly under test, ensuring that force is applied evenly. This prevents mechanical stress on the electrical assembly. It also prevents any impairment of the electrical contact between the test module and the electrical assembly.

[0014] Accordingly, the lockable base module can exhibit two movement phases of the second support element relative to the first support element when closing. In the first movement phase, the second support element pivots relative to the first support element. The first movement phase is complete when the test module and the fixation module are essentially parallel to each other or essentially parallel to each other. At the beginning of the first movement phase, the test module and the fixation module are not aligned parallel to each other or are not parallel to each other.

[0015] The first movement phase is preferably immediately followed by the second movement phase of the second support element relative to the first support element. Due to the arrangement of the test module on the first support element and the arrangement of the fixing module on the second support element, the test module and the fixing module are essentially parallel to each other at the beginning of the second movement phase. During the second movement phase, the second support element can be moved linearly in the direction of the first support element until the fixing module secures the electrical assembly under test to the test module.In other words, in the second phase of movement, a side of the fixing module facing the test module can be moved essentially perpendicularly in the direction of a side of the test module facing the fixing module, wherein the electrical assembly to be tested can be arranged on the side of the test module facing the fixing module and the side of the fixing module facing the test module is designed to fix the electrical assembly to be tested.

[0016] Preferably, the operating unit is locked in the closed position by the second support element. This prevents the base module from opening unintentionally or the operating unit from moving in a way that could cause the base module to open. Preferably, the operating unit must be actively moved or pivoted by a user to open the base module. In particular, the operating unit is designed to be pivoted by a user.

[0017] The second support member is provided to have a first cam guide in which a first cam element of the operating unit is mounted for guidance. Thus, the first cam guide and the first cam element determine the movement of the second support member relative to the first support member when the operating unit is pivoted with respect to the first support member. Furthermore, it can be provided that the first cam element is guided at least partially, preferably completely, along the first cam guide to move the operating unit from the open position to the closed position.

[0018] Preferably, the first cam element can be rotatably mounted on the control unit to reduce the force required to open and close the base module or to pivot the control unit. Furthermore, this can reduce wear on the first cam guide and / or the first cam element.

[0019] It is provided that the first cam guide has a curved section and a first linear section adjoining the curved section, and that when the second support member is moved from the opening position to the closing position, the first cam element is guided along the curved section and the first linear section.

[0020] In particular, guiding the first cam element along the curved section causes the second support element to pivot relative to the first support element, thus completing the first phase of movement. Furthermore, guiding the first cam element along the first linear section causes the second support element to move linearly in the direction of the first support element, thus completing the second phase of movement. Finally, guiding the first cam element in the opposite direction along the first cam track—that is, guiding the first cam element along the first linear section and then along the curved section—reverses the movement of the second support element.

[0021] Preferably, the first linear section is configured such that, during the second phase of movement, it extends substantially orthogonally to the normal vector of the side of the test module facing the fixing module. In other words, during the second phase of movement, the first linear section extends substantially parallel to the side of the test module facing the fixing module.

[0022] It is further provided that the first cam guide has a second linear section adjoining the first linear section, which extends from the first linear section towards the first support element, and that when the second support element moves from the open position to the closed position, the first cam element is guided along the second linear section. Furthermore, it may be provided that the curved section, the first linear section, and the second linear section of the first cam guide are interconnected.

[0023] In particular, the second linear section can be angled relative to the first linear section. Preferably, when moving the second support member from the open position to the closed position, the first cam element is guided at least partially, preferably completely, along the curved section, the first linear section, and the second linear section of the first cam guide.

[0024] Furthermore, it can be provided that, during the transition of the first cam element from the first linear section to the second linear section, the second support element locks the operating unit. This eliminates the need for a separate locking mechanism that secures the operating unit in the closed position. To lock the operating unit, the second support element can be spring-mounted on the first support element. During the transition of the first cam element from the first linear section to the second linear section of the first cam guide, the spring-mounted connection of the second support element to the first causes the second support element to move away from the first.Subsequently, the further movement of the first cam element along the second linear section causes the second support element to be guided linearly in the direction of the first support element. For this purpose, the second linear section can extend from the second linear section towards the first support element. The transition of the first cam element from the first linear section to the second linear section, and the spring-loaded mounting of the second support element on the first support element, thus creates a positive fit between the first cam element and the first cam guide, so that the operating unit is locked by the second support element. This positive fit can be released by actively operating the operating element, for example by a user, thereby releasing the locking mechanism of the operating element by the second support element.

[0025] It is further provided that by guiding the first cam element along the first linear section and the second linear section, the operating unit locks the second support element in the closed position.

[0026] Preferably, the second support member can be pivotably / rotatably mounted and spring-loaded at a mounting point of the first support member. In particular, the second support member can be pivotably mounted relative to the first support member at the mounting point of the first support member by means of an elongated hole, wherein the elongated hole preferably has a spring element which acts on the mounting point such that the mounting point is located at one end of the elongated hole.

[0027] Preferably, the mounting point is held at one end of the elongated hole by the spring element during the first phase of movement. Furthermore, with the onset of the second phase of movement, the mounting point shifts towards the other end of the elongated hole, so that by the end of the second phase, the mounting point is located at the opposite end of the elongated hole. The second support member can thus advantageously be spring-mounted and pivotably arranged at the mounting point of the first support member.

[0028] Preferably, the second support member may have a spring-loaded stop which, when the second support member moves from the open position to the closed position, is guided onto a support point located on the first support member. In particular, the spring-loaded stop may only contact the support point of the first support member at the beginning of the second movement phase. Furthermore, the spring-loaded stop may have a first stop position and a second stop position, wherein during the first movement phase the spring-loaded stop is in the first stop position and is moved to the second stop position during the second movement phase. Furthermore, the movement of the spring-loaded stop from the first stop position to the second stop position corresponds to a compression of the spring-loaded stop.In particular, the spring-loaded stop can have an elongated slot in which a stop element is spring-loaded and which is movable between the two ends of the elongated slot. Furthermore, during the second phase of movement, the spring-loaded stop and the spring mounting of the second support member can be actuated uniformly at the receiving point of the first support member, resulting in a uniform, and in particular linear, lowering of the second support member onto the first support member.

[0029] Preferably, it can be provided that when the second support member is moved or lowered linearly in the direction of the first support member, the spring-loaded stop and the spring element of the elongated hole are actuated.

[0030] Preferably, the second support member may also have a second cam guide in which a second cam element of the control unit is mounted for guidance. The second cam guide may, in particular, be designed to stabilize the second support member relative to the first support member during pivoting of the control unit.

[0031] Preferably, the second cam element can be rotatably mounted on the control unit, thereby reducing the force required to pivot the control unit. Furthermore, this reduces wear on the second cam guide and the second cam element.

[0032] Preferably, the first support member may have a spring support element connected to the second support member, the spring support element assisting the movement of the second support member. This advantageously supports the pivoting of the control unit. Furthermore, the spring support element may be configured to dampen the lowering of the second support member towards the first support member. The spring support element may, for example, be a gas spring.

[0033] Preferably, the operating unit can be designed as a stamped sheet metal component or a milled part. In particular, designing the operating unit as a stamped sheet metal component allows it to have the lowest possible weight and to be manufactured cost-effectively.

[0034] Another aspect concerns a modular test system for testing electrical assemblies, comprising: a previously described basic module; and a test module that can be arranged in the recording room.

[0035] Preferably, the test system can include a fixing module that can be arranged on the second support element. Furthermore, the base module, the test module, and the fixing module can be configured as described above.

[0036] One embodiment of the invention is described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying figures. It is understood that the present invention is not limited to this embodiment and that individual features of the embodiment can be combined to form further embodiments within the scope of the accompanying claims.

[0037] They show: Figure 1a perspective view of an open state of a modular test system in which a test module is arranged; Figure 2 a perspective view of the modular test system in its closed state; Figure 3 a perspective view of the modular test system without a test module; Figure 4 a perspective view of the test module; Figure 5 a side view of the test module; Figure 6 a front side of the modular test system; Figure 7 and 8 Each image shows a side view of the modular test system to illustrate the replacement of the test module; Figures 9 to 13 Each side view of the modular test system illustrates how to close the test system; Figure 14 and 15 a cross-section of the test system; Figure 16 and 17 another embodiment of the modular test system.

[0038] Figure 1Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a modular test system 10, which can be electrically connected to a test fixture 12. The modular test system 10 can comprise a base module 14, a test module 16 that can be arranged in or on the base module 14, and an interface module 18 that can be connected to the base module 14. The test fixture 12 can, in particular, be electrically connected to the interface module 18. Furthermore, the test fixture 12 can also be directly connected to the test module 16.

[0039] Figure 1 Figure 14 shows the base module in an open state, in which the test module 16 can be released. An electrical assembly to be tested (not shown) can also be attached to the test module 16.

[0040] In a first embodiment of the test module 16, the test module 16 can have a first contact section 20 on which the electrical assembly to be tested can be arranged when the base module 14 is open. The first contact section 20 is designed to electrically contact the electrical assembly to be tested.

[0041] Furthermore, the basic module 14 has a fixing module 22, which is located in the Figure 2 The closed state of the basic module 14 is shown, with the electrical assembly to be tested fixed to the first contact section 20.

[0042] Furthermore, in the closed state of the base module 14, the first contact section 20 can be positioned opposite the fixing module 22, with the electrical assemblies to be tested being arranged between them. In the Figure 1In the shown open state of the base module 14, the electrical assembly to be tested is released by the fixing module 22, so that the electrical assembly can be replaced.

[0043] For testing the electrical assembly, the interface module 18 can be electrically connected to the test module 16, so that the electrical assembly is electrically connected to the test device 12 via the test module 16 and the interface module 18. However, it is also possible to connect the test module 16 directly to the test device 12, i.e., without the interface module 18, so that the electrical assembly can also be tested without the interface module 18.

[0044] The basic module 14 also includes a first support element 24, which provides a reception area 26 (see Figure 3), in which the test module 16 can be arranged. Furthermore, the base module 14 has a second support element 28, which is pivotable relative to the first support element 24. The fixing module 22 is detachably connected to the second support element 28. By pivoting the second support element 28 relative to the first support element 24, the base module 14 can be opened and closed.

[0045] As in Figure 3As shown, the first support member 24 has two opposing side walls 30 and 32, which are connected at one end to a front wall 34 of the first support member 24 and at the other end to a rear wall 36 of the first support member 24. The first support member 24 thus forms an essentially rectangular frame, which provides the receiving space 26 for the test module 16. When the base module 14 is open, the test module 16 can be accessed. Figure 4 The test module 16 shown can be inserted into the first support element 24 from above, or removed from the first support element 24 to replace the test module 16. Furthermore, the first support element 24 is designed to be placed on a support, such as a table.

[0046] As in Figure 3As shown, the first support element 24 has recesses 38 formed in the rear wall 36. The recesses 38 allow for a second contact section 40 (see Figure 5 ) to electrically connect the test module 16 with the interface module 18 and / or the test device 12.

[0047] Furthermore, the test module 16 is movably mounted in the base module 14 and can be moved relative to the base module 14. In particular, the test module 16 is guided linearly and can be moved back and forth between the front wall 34 and the rear wall 38.

[0048] Figure 4Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the test module 16. The test module 16 has a housing 42, on the top 44 of which the first contact section 20 is arranged. The top 44 is the side of the housing 42 that, when the test module 16 is inserted into the receiving space 26, faces substantially upwards. It is assumed that the base module 14 is placed on a substantially horizontal support. Furthermore, when the base module 14 is closed, the top 44 faces the fixing module 22. Consequently, the top 44, or the first contact section 20, extends substantially horizontally. The test module 16 also has two handles 46 and 48, which allow the test module 16 to be removed from and inserted into the receiving space 26.The handles 46 and 48 can be recessed into the test module 16 and can be moved out of the test module 16 at least partially on the top 44.

[0049] Furthermore, the second contact section 40 is arranged on a rear side 50 of the test module 16. When the test module 16 is inserted into the receiving chamber 26, the rear side 50 faces the rear wall 36. Additionally, the rear side 50 has two spaced-apart openings 52 and 54 (see figure). Figure 5 ) provided, into which corresponding bolts 56 and 58 are inserted by moving the test module 16 in relation to the first support member 24 (see Figure 3The bolts 56 and 58 are arranged on the rear wall 36 and extend essentially towards the front wall 34. In other words, the bolts 56 and 58 are formed essentially perpendicularly to the rear wall 36. By means of the bolts 56 and 58 and openings 52 and 54, it is possible to physically lock the test module 16 in the receiving chamber 26 by sliding the test module 16 onto the bolts 56 and 58.

[0050] To move the test module 16 in the base module 14, a receiving element 60 can be used (see Figure 3The test module 16 is provided, which is movable with respect to the first support element 24. Furthermore, it is provided that the test module 16 is inserted into or placed onto the receiving element 60, with the test module 16 being fixed to the receiving element 60. To fix the test module 16 to the receiving element 60, the receiving element 60 can, for example, have projections 61 which engage in corresponding recesses 63 of the test module when the test module 16 is arranged on the receiving element 60. This prevents horizontal movement of the test module 16 with respect to the receiving element 60.

[0051] In particular, the receiving element 60 is movably mounted on the first support element 24 such that it can be guided linearly between the front wall 34 and the rear wall 36. The receiving element 60 further comprises a first receiving element 62 and a second receiving element 64, which are arranged opposite each other, with the test module 16 being positioned between the first receiving element 62 and the second receiving element 64 when inserted. Furthermore, the first receiving element 62 and the second receiving element 64 each have at least two of the aforementioned projections 61. The first receiving element 62 is also associated with the side wall 30 of the first support element 24, and the second receiving element 64 is associated with the side wall 32 of the first support element 24.

[0052] As in the Figure 7 and 8As shown, the first receiving element 62 and the second receiving element 64 each have substantially horizontally extending recesses 68 at their horizontally oriented ends 66, by means of which the first receiving element 62 and the second receiving element 64 are movably mounted in the horizontal direction on bearing elements 70 arranged on the first support member 24. It should be noted that in the Figure 7 and 8 The first recording element 62 is obscured because it is a side view. Furthermore, in the Figure 7 and 8 For the purpose of better understanding, only the most important elements have been shown and, in particular, the second supporting element 28 has been omitted.

[0053] As from the Figure 7 and 8As further shown, it is possible to move the first receiving element 62 and the second receiving element 64 back and forth in a plane of motion. During the intended use of the test system, the plane of motion is essentially horizontal, i.e., the first receiving element 62 and the second receiving element 64 can be moved back and forth in the direction of the front wall 34 and in the direction of the rear wall 36. Preferably, the first receiving element 62 and the second receiving element 64 are movable exclusively in the plane of motion.

[0054] To move the test module 16 or the receiving element 60, a first operating unit 72 can be provided on the base module 14 (see Figure 1 The first control unit 72 is pivotable relative to the first support member 24 and can be moved from a locking position (see Figure 8 ), in which the test module 16 is locked in the base module 14, into an unlocking position (see Figure 7), in which the test module 16 is unlocked in the base module 14, can be pivoted. The first control unit 72 can, in particular, be pivotably arranged on the first support member 24. The first control unit 72 can furthermore have a handle 73 by means of which the first control unit 72 can be pivoted relative to the first support member 24 by a user.

[0055] Furthermore, when the base module 14 is closed, the first operating unit 72 can only assume the locking position. In contrast, when the base module 14 is open, the first operating unit 72 can assume both the locking and unlocking positions. Unlocking the test module 16 is therefore only possible when the base module 14 is open. To move the receiving element 60, the first operating unit 72 has a first cam guide 74 for both the first receiving element 62 and the second receiving element 64. The first operating unit 72 can be essentially U-shaped and have two opposing legs 75 connected by the handle 73. Furthermore, a first cam guide 74 is formed in each leg 75, and the legs 75 are each arranged on the first support element 14 such that the first operating unit 72 is pivotable relative to the first support element 24.Furthermore, the first receiving element 62 and the second receiving element 64 each have a first cam element 71, which is mounted in the corresponding cam guides 74. The first cam guide 74 is also designed to have a curved profile, so that moving the first operating unit 72 from the locking position to the unlocking position moves the test module 16, located in the receiving element 60, towards the front wall 34. When moving the first operating unit 72 from the unlocking position to the locking position, the test module 16 moves in the opposite direction, towards the rear wall 36. Furthermore, in the unlocking position, the bolts 56 and 58 do not engage, or only minimally engage, in the openings 52 and 54. In the locking position, however, the test module 16 is pushed onto the bolts 56 and 58, so that the bolts 56 and 58 engage in the openings 52 and 54 respectively.

[0056] As mentioned above, the second contact section 40 of the test module 16 is designed to electrically contact the interface module 18. For this purpose, the interface module 18 can have a Figure 1 The interface module 18 has the corresponding base module-side contact section 76 shown, which is electrically connectable to the second contact section 40 of the test module 16. The interface module 18 can be arranged on the base module 14 such that, in the locked state of the test module 16, the base module-side contact section 76 is located opposite the second contact section 40 in the base module 14. For example, the interface module 18 can be arranged on the outside of the rear wall 36 (see Figure 1). Figure 8 Furthermore, it is provided that the interface module 18 is detachably connected to the basic module 14, so that the interface module 18 can be easily replaced.

[0057] The second contact section 40 and the base module-side contact section 76 can be configured as pylon connectors to electrically contact each other. In the locked position of the test module 16, the second contact section 40 is designed to electrically contact the base module-side contact section 76. By moving the operating unit 72 into the unlocked position, the test module 16 undergoes a relative movement with respect to the interface module 18 such that the test module 16 is moved away from the interface module 18, thereby electrically and / or physically disconnecting the test module 16 from the interface module 18. In particular, the electrical connection between the second contact section 40 and the base module-side contact section 76 is severed.Conversely, when the first operating unit 72 is moved from the unlocking position to the locking position, the second contacting section 40 is electrically connected to the contacting section 76 on the base module side.

[0058] Furthermore, it can be provided that the first contact section 20 is at least partially, preferably completely, electrically connected to the second contact section 40 by wire wrapping. In particular, the contact pins of the first contact section 20 and the second contact section 40 located inside the test module 16 are electrically connected to each other by wire wrapping. Likewise, it can be provided that the contact pins of the base module-side contact section 76 located inside the interface module 18 are electrically connected to a test-device-side contact section (not shown) of the interface module 18 by wire wrapping. The test-device-side contact section also makes it possible to electrically connect the test device 12 to the interface module 18.

[0059] As mentioned above, the base module 14 has a fixing module 22 that can be coupled to the base module 14. The coupling of the fixing module 22 to the base module 14 is described below with reference to the Figure 6 explained in more detail. As in Figure 6As shown, the fixing module 22 is essentially flat and plate-shaped. Furthermore, the fixing module 22 can be arranged on the second support member 28 such that, in the closed state of the base module 14, the fixing module 22 is positioned opposite and preferably parallel to the first contact section 20. The second support member 28 also has several receiving points 78 by means of which the fixing module 22 can be floatingly mounted on the second support member 28 via corresponding receiving openings 80 formed on the fixing module 22. The receiving openings 80 can, for example, be designed as keyhole openings, with the receiving points 78 being able to pass through the corresponding receiving openings 80.

[0060] Furthermore, the second support member 28 has a locking mechanism 82 by means of which the locking elements 84 and 86 can be moved into a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the locking elements 84 and 86 fix the fixing module 22 to the second support member 28 in such a way that the fixing module 22 cannot be released from the mounting points 78. In the unlocked position of the locking elements 84 and 86, the fixing module 22 is movable relative to the second support member 28, so that the fixing module 22 can be released from the mounting points 78. Thus, the fixing module 22 can be easily replaced.

[0061] Furthermore, basic module 14 shows, as in Figure 1The figure shows a second operating unit 100 pivotably mounted relative to the first support member 24. By moving or pivoting the second operating unit 100 relative to the first support member, the base module 14 can be opened and closed. In particular, the second operating unit 100 is pivotably mounted on the first support member 24, so that the second operating unit 100 is movable relative to the first support member 24. By pivoting the second operating unit 100 relative to the first support member 24, the second support member 28 can be moved into an open position (see figure). Figure 9 ), in which the electrical assembly to be tested is released by the fixing module 22 and is therefore interchangeable. Furthermore, by pivoting the second operating unit 100 relative to the first support element 24, the second support element 28 can be moved into a locking position (see Figure 2 and 13) are moved, in which the electrical assembly to be tested is fixed to the test module 16 by the fixing module 22. Furthermore, the base module 14 is closed in the closed position and open in the open position.

[0062] Referring to the Figure 1 and 9-13The opening and closing of the base module 14 is explained below. The second support member 28 is pivotally mounted on the first support member 24 so that it can move relative to the first support member 24. Furthermore, the second support member 28 has a second cam guide 102 in which a second cam element 104, arranged on the second control unit 100, can be guided. The second cam guide 102 also has a curved section 106, a first linear section 108 adjoining the curved section 106, and a second linear section 110 adjoining the first linear section 108.To move the second support member 28 from the open position to the closed position, the second cam element 104 is guided along the curved section 106, the first linear section 108, and the second linear section 110 (in that order) by pivoting the second control unit 100. In particular, the second cam element 104 is guided completely along the second cam guide 102.

[0063] As from the Figure 9 and 10As can be seen by guiding the second cam element 104 along the curved section 106 of the second cam guide 102, the second support member 28 pivots relative to the first support member 24, such that when the second cam element transitions from the curved section 106 into the first linear section 108, the test module 16 and the fixing module 22 are arranged essentially opposite each other. The guiding of the second cam element 104 along the curved section 106, or the pivoting of the second support member 28 relative to the first support member 24, is referred to as the first movement phase. The first movement phase ends when the second cam element 104 transitions from the curved section 106 into the first linear section 108.

[0064] By continuing to pivot or push down the second control unit 100 in the direction of the first support member 24, the second cam element 104 is guided along the first linear section 108 and preferably the second linear section 110, thereby lowering the second support member 28 in the direction of the first support member 24. In particular, the lowering of the second support member 28 in the direction of the first support member 24 is achieved by a linearly guided movement of the second support member 28. The guiding of the second cam element 104 along the first linear section 108 and the second linear section 110 is referred to as the second movement phase, which is characterized by the linearly guided movement of the second support member 28 in the direction of the first support member 24.A linearly guided movement of the second support element 28 in the direction of the first support element 24 is understood to be a movement in which the normal vector of the fixing module 22 runs essentially parallel to the normal vector of the test module 16. The normal vector of the fixing module 22 is referenced to the side of the fixing module 22 that, when the base module 14 is closed, faces the test module 16. Furthermore, the normal vector of the test module 16 is referenced to the side of the test module 16 that, when the base module 14 is closed, faces the fixing module 22.

[0065] To support the linearly guided movement of the second support member 28 in the direction of the first support member 24, the second support member 28 can be resiliently mounted on the first support member 24. In particular, the second support member 28 can be pivotably and resiliently mounted at a mounting point 112 of the first support member 24. For this purpose, the second support member 28 can be pivotably mounted relative to the first support member 24 at the mounting point 112 by means of a first elongated hole 114. A spring element 116 is arranged in the first elongated hole 114, which acts on the mounting point 116 such that the mounting point 116 lies at a first end 118 of the first elongated hole 114. Figure 14 shows a cross-section through basic module 14 along the in Figure 10 shown section plane A-A'. Figure 14the first elongated hole 114 in which the spring element 116 is arranged, which acts on the receiving point 112.

[0066] During the first phase of movement, the mounting point 112 is held at the first end 118 of the first elongated hole 114 by the spring element 116 of the first elongated hole. Furthermore, with the onset of the second phase of movement, the mounting point 112 shifts towards the second end 120 of the elongated hole 114, so that at the end of the second phase of movement, the mounting point 112 is located at the second end 120 of the elongated hole 118. The second support member 28 can thus be advantageously and simply spring-mounted at the mounting point 112 of the first support member 24 and be designed to pivot.

[0067] Furthermore, the second support member 28 can have a spring-loaded stop 122 which, when the second support member 28 moves from the open position to the closed position, is guided onto a support point 124 arranged on the first support member 24. The spring-loaded stop 122 only contacts the support point 124 of the first support member 24 at the beginning of the second movement phase. The spring-loaded stop 122 can also have a first stop position P1, see [reference]. Figure 10 , and a second stop position P2, see Figure 13, wherein during the first movement phase the spring-loaded stop 122 is in the first stop position P1 and during the second movement phase is moved to the second stop position P2. In other words, at the beginning of the second movement phase the spring-loaded stop 122 is in the first stop position P1 and at the end of the second movement phase in the stop position P2. Furthermore, the movement of the spring-loaded stop 122 from the first stop position P1 to the second stop position P2 corresponds to a compression of the spring-loaded stop 122.

[0068] Furthermore, the spring-loaded stop 122 can have a second elongated hole 126 in which a stop element 128 is spring-loaded and which is movable between the two ends of the second elongated hole 126 or the first stop position P1 and second stop position P2. Figure 15 shows a cross-section through basic module 14 along the in Figure 10shown section plane B-B'. Figure 15 The second elongated hole 126 contains a spring element 130, which acts on the stop element 128. At the beginning of the second movement phase, the stop element 128 is in the first stop position P1 and at the end of the second movement phase in the stop position P2.

[0069] During the second phase of movement, the spring-loaded stop 122 and the spring bearing of the second support member 28 are actuated uniformly at the receiving point 112 of the first support member 24, resulting in a uniform, and in particular linear, lowering of the second support member 28 onto the first support member 24. Consequently, the fixing module 22 is also lowered linearly onto the test module 16.

[0070] Preferably, the second linear section 110 is angled relative to the first linear section 108. In particular, at the beginning of the second movement phase, the first linear section 108 runs substantially parallel to a plane spanned by the top surface 44 of the test module 16. Furthermore, at the beginning of the second movement phase, the second linear section 110 points from the first linear section 108 towards the first support member 24. During the transition of the second cam element 104 from the first linear section 108 to the second linear section 110, the second support member 28 is pushed away from the first support member 24 by the spring mounting of the second support member 28 on the first support member 24. Subsequently, as the second cam element 104 moves along the second linear section 110, the second support member 28 is moved back towards the first support member 24.The second support element 28 locks the second control unit 100 through the transition of the second cam element 104 into the second linear section 110, preventing the second control unit 100 from pivoting independently. In particular, the second control unit 100 is locked by the second support element 28 when the second cam element 104 falls below the level of the first linear section 108 in the second linear section 110 (see ). Figures 11-13 ).

[0071] The second support member 28 can further comprise a third cam guide 132 in which a third cam element 134 of the second control unit 100 is mounted for guidance. The third cam guide 132 can be configured, in particular, to stabilize the second support member 28 relative to the first support member 24 during pivoting of the second control unit 100. The third cam guide 132 has a first section 136 to which a second section 138 is attached, the second section 138 being angled relative to the first section 136. Furthermore, the third cam element 134 is guided along the first section 136 during the first phase of movement and along the second section 138 during the second phase of movement.

[0072] The second control unit 100 can be U-shaped and have two opposing side sections 140 and 142, which are connected at one end by a handle 144. When the base module 14 is closed, the handle 144 of the second control unit 100 is located on the front of the base module 14. The side sections 140 and 142 are each arranged laterally on the outside of the base module 14 and can each have a second cam element 104 and a third cam element 134. Furthermore, the second control unit 100 is pivotably connected to the first support member 24 at the open ends of the side sections 140 and 142. In particular, the side section 140 can be pivotably arranged on the side wall 30 of the first support member 24, and the side section 142 can be pivotably arranged on the side wall 32 of the first support member 24.

[0073] Furthermore, the second support member 28 has two opposing side elements 146 and 148, each of which has a second cam guide 102 and a third cam guide 132. The side element 146 of the second support member 28 can also be pivotably mounted on the side wall 30 of the first support member 24, the side wall 30 providing a mounting point 112 for this purpose. Likewise, the side element 148 of the second support member 28 is pivotably mounted on the side wall 32 of the first support member 24, the side wall 32 also providing a mounting point 112 for this purpose. Furthermore, each side element 146 and 148 of the second support member 28 has a first elongated hole 114 and a spring-loaded stop 122.In a top view of the closed base module 14, the second support member 28 has a substantially rectangular shape, wherein the second support member 28 is spring-mounted at four points on the first support member 24 by means of the spring-loaded stops 122 and elongated holes 114.

[0074] Furthermore, a spring support element 150 is provided, which connects the second support member 28 to the first support member 24. The spring support element 150 can, for example, be a gas spring element.

[0075] Figure 16 and 17Figure 1 shows a further embodiment of the modular test system 10. In contrast to the previously described embodiment of the modular test system 10, the test module 16 has a base 218 on which the electrical assembly to be tested can be arranged. Furthermore, the fixing module 222 has a base cover 224 which, when the base module 14 is closed, fixes the electrical assembly to be tested to the base 218.

[0076] In particular, the base 218 is arranged on a side of the test module 216 which, when the base module 14 is closed, faces the fixing module 222. Likewise, the base cover 224 is arranged on a side of the fixing module 222 which, when the base module 14 is closed, faces the test module 216.

[0077] In the open state of the base module 14, i.e., when the second support member 28 is pivoted upwards relative to the first support member 24, or when the second support member 28 is at the beginning of the first movement phase, the electrical assembly to be tested is released through the base cover 224 in order to replace the electrical assembly to be tested.

[0078] As in Figure 17As shown, the test module 216 is placed onto the mounting element 60, so that, as described above for the test module 16, the test module 216 can be moved by pivoting the first operating unit 72 and can be locked and unlocked with the first support element 24. Furthermore, the test module 216 consists of a stable support layer 226, which is placed onto the mounting element 60. On a side of the support layer 226 facing the fixing module 222, a substrate layer 228, for example a printed circuit board, is arranged, to which the base 218 is connected.

[0079] Furthermore, the base 218 and / or the base cover 224 have electrical contact means configured to electrically contact the electrical assembly under test. These electrical contact means can also be connected to the test device 12, enabling the electrical assembly to be subjected to a test procedure. Preferably, the electrical contact means can have fine-pitch fields for electrically contacting the electrical assembly under test.

[0080] Furthermore, when the base module 14 is closed, the base 218 and the base cover 224 enclose a test chamber 230 in which the electrical assembly to be tested can be arranged. The test system 10 can also be configured to regulate or control an environmental parameter within the test chamber 230. This environmental parameter could, for example, relate to the temperature, humidity, and / or air pressure within the test chamber 30. Preferably, the base 218 and the base cover 224 are made of solid material, for example, aluminum. Furthermore, the base 218 and / or the base cover 224 can have cooling fins 232 to improve heat dissipation.

[0081] Furthermore, the base cover 224 and / or the base 218 can be arranged floatingly on the fixing module 222 or on the test module 216. Like the test module 16, the test module 216 can have two openings 52 and 54 on its rear side 50, which can be slid onto the bolts 56 of the rear wall 36 when the test module 216 is locked. Reference symbol list

[0082] 10 Modular test system 12 Test device 14 Base module 16 Test module 18 Interface module 20 First contact section of test module 22 Fixing module 24 First support element 26 Mounting chamber 28 Second support element 30, 32 Side walls of the first support element 34 Front wall of the first support element 36 Rear wall of the first support element 38 Recesses 40 Second contact section of test module 42 Housing of the test module 44 Top of the test module 46, 48 Handles 50 Rear of the test module 52, 54 Openings on rear 56 Bolts on rear wall 60 Mounting element 61 Projection of mounting element 62 First mounting element 63 Bulge of test module 64 Second mounting element 66 Horizontally lying ends 68 Recesses 70 Bearing elements 71 First cam element 72 First operating unit 73 Handle 74 First cam guide 75 Leg of first operating unit 76 Base module-side contacting section 78 Mounting points 80 Mounting opening 82 Locking 8486 Locking elements 100 Second operating unit 102 Second cam guide 104 Second cam element 106 Curved section 108 First linear section 110 Second linear section 112 Mounting point 114 First elongated hole 116 Spring element 118 First end of elongated hole 120 Second end of elongated hole 122 Spring-loaded stop 124 Support point 126 Second elongated hole, spring-loaded stop 128 Stop element 130 Spring element 132 Third cam guide 134 Third cam element 136 First section, third cam guide 138 Second section, third cam guide 140 Side section, second operating unit 142 Side section, second operating unit 144 Handle, second operating unit 146 Side element, second support member 148 Side element, second support member 150 Spring support element 216 Test module 218 Base 222 Fixing module 224 Base cover 226 Support layer 228 Substrate layer 230 Test chamber 232 Cooling fins P1 First stop position P2 Second stop position

Claims

1. A closable base module (14) for a modular test system (10) for testing electrical assemblies, comprising: - a first support member (24) which provides a receiving space (26) for receiving a test module (16), wherein an electrical assembly to be tested can be arranged on the test module (16); - a second support member (28) which is mounted so as to be pivotable relative to the first support member (24) and which is designed to receive a securing module (22) for securing the electrical assembly to be tested to the test module (16); - an operating unit (100) which is pivotably mounted on the first support member (24) and which is guidably mounted on the second support member (28), wherein, by pivoting the operating unit (100) with respect to the first support member (24), the second support member (28) can be moved into an open position, in which the electrical assembly to be tested is released by the securing module (22), and into a closed position, in which the electrical assembly to be tested is secured to the test module (16) by the securing module (22), and wherein the second support member (28), due to the pivoting of the operating unit (100), follows a movement from the open position into the closed position in such a way that, at the start of the movement of the second support member (28), the second support member (28) is pivoted in relation to the first support member (24) and, at the end of the movement, the second support member (28) is moved linearly in the direction of the first support member (24), characterized in that the second support member (28) comprises a first slotted guide (102) in which a first cam element (104) of the operating unit (100) is guidably mounted, wherein the first slotted guide (102) comprises a curved portion (106) and a first linear portion (108) which follows on from the curved portion, and wherein, when the second support member (18) moves from the open position into the closed position, the first cam element (104) is guided along the curved portion (106) and the first linear portion (108), wherein the first slotted guide (102) comprises a second linear portion (110) which follows on from the first linear portion (108) and which extends in the direction of the first support member (24) proceeding from the first linear portion (108), wherein, when the second support member (28) moves from the open position into the closed position, the first cam element (104) is guided along the second linear portion (110), and wherein the operating unit (100) locks the second support member (28) in the closed position due to the first cam element (104) being guided along on the first linear portion (108) and the second linear portion (110).

2. The closable base module (14) according to claim 1, wherein the operating unit (100) is locked in the closed position by means of the second support member (28).

3. The closable base module (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second support member (28) is spring-mounted on the first support member (24).

4. The closable base module (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second support member (28) is arranged in a pivotable and springloaded manner at a receiving point (112) of the first support member (24), and wherein preferably the second support member (28) is mounted via an elongate hole (114) on the receiving point (112) of the first support member (24) so as to be pivotable in relation to the first support member (24), wherein the elongate hole (114) comprises a spring element (116) which acts on the receiving point (112) in such a way that the receiving point (112) is located at one end (118) of the elongate hole (114).

5. The closable base module (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second support member (28) comprises a spring-mounted stop (122) which, when the second support member (28) moves from the open position into the closed position, is guided onto a bearing point (124) arranged on the first support member (24).

6. The closable base module (14) according to claim 5, as dependent on claim 4, wherein the spring-mounted stop (122) and the spring element (116) of the elongate hole (114) are actuated during the linear movement of the second support member (28) in the direction of the first support member (24).

7. The closable base module (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second support member (28) comprises a second slotted guide (132) in which a second cam element (134) of the operating unit (100) is guidably mounted.

8. The closable base module (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first support member (24) comprises a spring support element (150) which is connected to the second support member (28), wherein the spring support element (150) supports the movement of the second support member (28).

9. The closable base module (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the operating unit (100) is designed as a stamped sheet metal component or as a milled part.

10. A modular test system (10) for testing electrical assemblies, comprising: - a closable base module (14) according to any one of claims 1 to 9; and - a test module (16) that can be arranged in the receiving space (26).

11. The modular test system (10) according to claim 10, further comprising a securing module (22) that can be arranged on the second support member (28).