Device for handling small components, especially electronic components for test purposes, has a handling mechanism that greatly reduces the contact force when a component is brought together with test contacts

摘要

Device comprises a gripping apparatus (3) for picking up one or more components (1) so that it can be placed in contact with a component contact arrangement (2). Force limiting elements (8, 15) are provided to limit the contact force between component and contact. Elements include a fluid spring arrangement (8) with a pressure controller and sensor (15) for detecting the contact of the component with the contact surface. An Independent claim is made for a method in which the operating behavior of the fluid spring can be controlled using the pressure controller so that contact forces are reduced.