JPH0732044B2 - Electrical connector - Google Patents

Description

Description: BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION It is often necessary to connect or disconnect a conductor (or contact) of one electrical component to a corresponding conductor (or contact) of another electrical component.

Further, it is desirable that such connection (or disconnection) can be performed simply and efficiently, and even in a place where preparation of a tool is difficult.

Furthermore, in many cases, it is desirable that no force is required for fitting (or detaching) for the connection (or disconnection). This is because it is often necessary to prevent damage to the components to be connected.

In many applications of electrical connectors, connections between conductors arranged close to each other in parallel, connections with high strength, or connections with high resistance to shock and vibration may be especially required. Many. Heretofore, there has been proposed a separate type coupling element for connecting each conductor of one electric component with a corresponding conductor of another electric component to be connected thereto. It was difficult to meet.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to the present invention, there is provided an electrical connector intended to achieve the above-mentioned requirements.

The electrical connector of the present invention comprises a first slip having an axially elongated hollow split tube with axially aligned splits for receiving a substrate; A heat-recoverable member forming a concentric layer portion, wherein the heat-recoverable member is formed of a shape memory metal having a deformable state below a transition temperature and a memory state above a transition temperature; The heat-restorable member can be deformed when the metal is in its deformable state corresponding to one dimension of the split, and the change from the deformable state to its memory state causes the heat-resilient member to move. Restoring to its undeformed shape corresponding to another dimension of the split; operative coaxial connection with said heat-resilient member In addition, the spring means and the heat-restoring member are also provided with a spring means that is in a state of being a concentric layer portion of the tube, and the spring means and the heat-restorable member are attached to the axis of the hollow split tube with respect to the base material that may be inserted into the split. And the spring means, when the metal is in its deformable state, contact the heat-resilient member and exert a radial force on the member to deform the heat-resilient member. And the heat-restorable member overcomes the radial force of the spring means to restore the heat-restorable member to its undeformed shape when the metal is changed from its deformable state to its memorized state. Changing the size of the split; and comprising a plurality of parallel spaced conductors extending along the first strip and extending substantially perpendicular to an axis of the split tube. The electrical conductor ends with a plurality of contacts, the contacts being capable of making electrical contact with a substrate adapted to be inserted into the split of the split tube. .

The present invention relates to an electrical connector, preferably having a plurality of pins, comprising: (a) a male member having a plurality of conductors extending parallel to the longitudinal direction, and (b) a split tube for receiving the male member. And a female member having the same. A plurality of parallel electrical conductors on the female member are configured to extend along an inner surface of the split tube that receives the male member. The plurality of conductors extending in parallel along the inner surface of the split tube of the female member are arranged at intervals corresponding to the conductors extending along the male member. The male member has a thicker end that can be inserted into the split tube, and each conductor provided along the inner surface of the split tube has a corresponding conductive member provided at the thicker end of the male member. It is facing the body. The split tube is made of Nitinol or other shape memory material, its memory shape is pre-opened (or closed) and inserted when it is heated to its transition temperature. It is designed to be deformed so as to be coupled (or released) with the male member.

The connector as described above has advantages that the force required for insertion becomes zero, the strength is high, the distance between the conductors can be narrowed, and the shock resistance is improved. When the split tube is closed, each of the conductors provided along the male member contacts the corresponding conductor provided along the split tube.

The invention preferably relates to an electrical connector for joining two strips together. In that case, the first strip has a split tube formed at one end thereof, the split of said tube being configured to be selectively openable and closable. A second strip is inserted into the split with the tube open, and the tube is closed when the two strips are to be joined.

According to the invention, said second strip has at least one conductor along it, said conductor being adapted to be coupled with a corresponding conductor provided along the first strip. ing. Typically, a plurality of parallel conductors on the upper and lower surfaces of the second strip are combined with corresponding conductors on the first strip by closing the split tube. .

In one embodiment, the conductors along the upper surface of the second strip are separate from the conductors along the lower surface and are independent of each other. Is configured as follows. Similarly, the conductors to be provided along the first strip are (a) provided so that the plurality of conductors on the upper side thereof face the conductors provided along the upper surface of the second strip. At the same time, (b) the lower conductors are arranged so as to face the conductors on the lower surface of the second strip independently of the upper conductors. Thus, a double style connector is provided in which a separate connection is formed on the upper surface as well as a separate connection from the connection formed on the lower surface. That is, if x conductors are provided along the upper surface of the second strip and x conductors are provided along the lower surface, 2x sets of connections can be made. Is.

In the second embodiment, the conductor provided along the upper surface of the second strip is configured to be continuously connected to the conductor provided along the lower surface. It Similarly, the plurality of conductors provided on the upper surface of the first strip is provided so as to be connected to the plurality of conductors provided on the lower surface thereof. This embodiment provides a single style connector. In this structure, an electrical connection is formed in the upper region and the lower region for each conductor.

It is also possible to provide a hybrid type connector by modifying the above two embodiments, that is, the single type connector and the double type connector. In that case, some of the conductors along the upper surface of the second strip are kept separate from the conductors of the lower strip, while other conductors of the upper strip are held. Extends in continuous connection with the conductors of the lower strip.

Alternatively, all conductors along the upper strip of the second strip are continuously connected to conductors along the lower strip while all of the plurality of conductors above the first strip are connected. It is also possible to discontinue all of the conductors below it. By doing so, the two groups of line rows respectively connected to the plurality of conductors on the upper side of the first strip and the plurality of conductors on the lower side thereof have the above-mentioned characteristics when the split tube is closed. It is connected to a second strip, which forms a connection between the conductors of the first and second strips.

In various embodiments, the split tube has at least one shape memory layer, preferably made of a shape memory metal such as a nickel-titanium alloy. More specifically, the split tube is a shape memory layer, a stainless steel layer provided around the shape memory layer,
The split tube is surrounded by a flexible plastic layer in which an electric conductor is embedded, and a plurality of coaxial layers. Depending on the heating means for the shape memory layer, a heater element is provided at a position close to the shape memory layer along the portion of the flexible plastic layer inscribed in the split tube.

In order to give the connecting portion of the connector a locking function, the end portion of the second strip inserted into the split tube is formed thicker.

In accordance with the present invention, closure of the connector is accomplished by heating the shape memory layer to its inherent transition temperature. However, it is also possible to configure the connector to open by heating the shape memory layer to its inherent transition temperature. Shape memory metals are known to exhibit high strength when they assume their memorized shape, and thus exhibit high strength even upon closure or opening to such memorized shapes. It is a thing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. I is a perspective view of a connector according to the present invention as seen from the upper left rear side thereof, and FIGS. II to V explain the operation of the connector shown in FIG. FIG. VI is an explanatory view showing an embodiment of an element which can be formed on the first strip as shown in FIG. I, and FIG. VII is a view as shown in FIG. An explanatory view showing an embodiment of an element which can be formed on the second strip, FIG. VIII is a diagram showing the first strip and the VII shown in FIG.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view from the upper left front side of the double type connector formed by the second strip shown in the figure, FIG. IX shows another element which can be formed in the second strip as shown in FIG. An explanatory view showing one embodiment, FIGS. X and XI are a perspective view and a side view of a connector having a cover according to the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION FIG. I illustrates one embodiment of an electrical connector 100 according to the present invention. The connector 100 has a first strip 102 formed at its end as a split tube 104. The split tube 104 has a plurality of coaxially formed layers, and a flexible plastic layer 106 is provided around the split tube 104 so as to inscribe and circumscribe it. That is, the flexible plastic layer 106 extends along the flat bilayer portion 107 of the first strip 102 and passes around the outer periphery of the upper lip 108, after which the split tube 104 of the split tube 104 is It extends along the inner surface and reaches the lower lip 110. Further, the plastic layer 106 is
It extends from the lower lip 110 along the lower outer circumference of the split tube 104 and returns to the flat portion 107 of the first strip 102. The flat portion 107 forms a laminated structure including two plastic layers that are in close contact with each other.

The split tube 104 has a shape memory layer 112 and yet another layer 114, which is preferably made of stainless steel. The shape memory layers 112 and 114 are surrounded by a flexible plastic layer 106.

A flexible heater 120 having a known structure is provided along the inscribed portion of the flexible plastic layer 106. Above heater 120
Is provided adjacent to the shape memory layer 112, and heat is applied to the shape memory layer 112. Along the flexible plastic layer 106, the upper layer 12 of the first strip 102
Parallel conductors 130, 132, and 134 (the number of which can be changed appropriately) are provided along the shape of 6. Also, parallel conductors 136, 138 along the lower layer 128 of the first strip 102.
And 140 are provided. The conductors 130-134 extend from the flat 107 along the outer periphery of the upper lip 108, and the conductors 136-140 extend along the lower layer 128 of the first strip 102. It extends along a similar path. As described below, the conductors 130 to 134 provided along the upper layer 126 are the lower layers 12 depending on the embodiment.
The conductors 136 to 140 provided along the line 8 may be extended correspondingly, or may be extended without being corresponded.

The conductors 130 to 140 are preferably provided by being embedded in the flexible plastic layer 106 like the heater 120, thereby improving durability, impact resistance, integral structure and strength, and at the same time, conductors It is desirable to keep the positional relationship between the heater and the heater constant. In that case, the conductors 130-140 and the heater 120 are covered by the plastic layer 106. A window is made in the plastic layer 106 at the point of contact to expose the conductor and allow electrical contact when other conductors are crimped against it. As will be described below, the window exposes at least the portions of electrical conductors 130-140 along the upper lip 108 and the lower lip 110 that are to be in electrical contact. In the space between them is formed a tube split 104 into which the second strip 150 can be inserted.

The second strip 150 has two flexible plastic layers 1
52 and 154, which extend in the same direction as each other. The upper layer 152 has conductors 160-164 extending therealong, and the lower layer 154 has conductor layers 166-170 (not shown) extending therealong. The above conductor
The upper layer 152 has a window 174 to expose 160-164.
Is provided. It is desirable to provide a similar window for the lower layer 154.

The end portion 176 of the second strip 150 is formed thicker so that it can be inserted into the split tube 104. (The end 176 can be thickened by inserting a rod or equivalent into the bent portion of the two layers 150 and 152.) By thickening the end 176 as described above. If the split tube 104 is closed with the end portion 176 inserted, the strips 102 and 150 cannot be separated even if they are separated. Specifically, the ends 176 are preferably configured to contact them when the upper lip 108 and the lower lip 110 are closed so that they perform the desired locking function.

The connector 100 in FIG.
Are shown closed. To insert the second strip 150, the split tube 104 must be deformed so that the split opens. Therefore, the shape memory layer 112 has a function of transforming the tube 104 from the closed state to the open state, or from the open state to the closed state. Whether the shape memory layer 112 operates to open or close the tube 104 depends on the layers described above.
It depends on the memory shape set in 112. The shape memory layer 112 is made of a material that can be formed into a predetermined memory shape or shape. After the shape to be memorized is given, the material is deformed, and it is possible to restore (or restore) the original memorized shape by bringing it into its intrinsic transition temperature. Although many plastics have heat-recoverable memory characteristics, the material of the shape memory layer 112 in the present invention is a nickel-titanium alloy, that is, Nitinol.
Metals with transition properties such as l) are recommended.

The action of Nitinol, or other alloys that exhibit the above-mentioned memory or restoration from the thermally unstable state,
It is shown in various references and will not be detailed here. However, U.S. Pat.
606,592 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,018,547 to Rogen
The article also describes the shape memory phenomenon, which is incorporated herein by reference. That is, in short, nitinol is capable of memorizing shape above a certain temperature. By maintaining a predetermined shape at such a temperature (eg, about 900 ° F for 55-Nitinol), the form to be memorized is set. At the same time, Nitinol has a transition temperature range.
ture range; hereinafter referred to as "TTR". ), And below this temperature the nitinol alloy is plastic and therefore plastically deformable, while above this temperature restoration takes place. Therefore, when the temperature of this alloy is raised to a temperature above the TTR, the atoms of the alloy that were in the displaced position in the deformed state return to their preset original position. Therefore, Nitinol or similar alloys with shape memory properties can be subjected to alternating deformation and restoration cycles by applying pressure to it at temperatures below the TTR and then heating it to the restoration temperature. It is possible to repeat. As is well known, the TTR or recovery temperature can be determined by selecting an appropriate alloy.
It can be set within the range of 60 ° F to + 300 ° F.

In the preferred embodiment, the shape memory layer 112 acts to open the tube 104. Tube 1 above
04 is adapted to be closed by the spring force provided by layer 114. The spring force is large enough to close the tube 104 when the shape memory layer 112 is plastic and flexible (eg, below the transition temperature of nitinol), but when the shape memory layer 112 restores. It is set to be weaker than its restoring force. Alternatively, although not always preferred,
If the layer 114 is not provided, the tube 104 may be deformed so as to be closed by using a tool or the like.

The dimensions of the connector 100 vary greatly depending on the purpose of use, but one example is as follows. ……… Outer diameter of tube 104 closed: 0.120 inch, layer 112 thickness: 0.020 inch, layer 114 thickness: 0.015 inch, tube 1
04 inner diameter (when open): 0.022 inch, plastic layer
Dimension 106: equivalent to the conventionally known flexible strip.

Thus, the operation of the connector 100 is shown in FIGS. In FIG. II, the above connector 100
Is closed (due to the action of layer 114) so that the upper lip 108 and the lower lip 110 of the tube 104 are in contact. No. II
In Figure I, the tube 104 is opened by heating the shape memory layer 112, which causes the thickened end 176 of the second strip 150 to be insertable as shown in Figure IV. The above heating is performed by the heater 120. It is also possible to use other heat sources for heating. When the heating is stopped, the upper lip 108 and the lower lip 110 are closed and the second strip 150 is sandwiched therebetween. With the insertion of the second strip and the closure of the tube, the window 174 (see FIG. I) of the second strip 150 has an upper lip 108.
And the corresponding window in the lower layer 154 (see FIG. I) is also aligned with the lower lip 110. By providing a window along the upper lip 108, the conductors 130-134 are crimped to the conductors 160-164, respectively, for electrical contact. Similarly, by providing a window along the lower lip 114, the conductors 136-140 are crimped to the conductors 166-170, respectively, again allowing electrical contact. FIG. VI shows one embodiment of the first strip 200 in its pre-assembled state as shown in FIG. FIG. VI shows two windows 201 and 202 formed along upper lip 108 and lower lip 110, respectively, when formed as shown in FIG. The conductors 204-216 are embedded in a flexible plastic 218. It is assumed that these conductors 204-216 are provided along the "upper" layer of the first strip, as shown in FIG. The conductors 204 to 216
Terminates slightly beyond window 201, and conductors 224 to 236 similarly terminate slightly beyond window 202. A heater element 240 is also embedded in the plastic 218 together with a terminal connectable thereto, so that the heater element 240 can be heated.

FIG. VII shows one embodiment of the second strip 300, which can be folded along the line K to obtain the structure shown in FIG. One window 301 exposes the conductors 304-318 embedded in the "upper" layer 320 of plastic 322. Conductors 324-338 are provided in the "lower" layer 340 and are exposed through the window 302.

FIG. VIII shows the first strip 200 shown in FIG.
7 is a perspective view of a connector assembled from the second strip 300 shown in FIG. VII. FIG. VIII shows a double type connector, whose conductors 206 ′ to 210 ′ are
Lower layer conductors, such as conductors 224 to 236 of FIG. VI.
Is not connected to and is separated, and the conductor 30
8 ′ to 312 ′ are also conductors provided along the lower layer,
For example, it is not connected to the conductors 324 to 338 shown in FIG. VII. Thus, the six conductors of the first strip 200 '(as shown) are connected to the six conductors of the second strip 300' separately from the lower conductors. That is, the connections in the upper layer (206 'and 326' pairs, 208 'and 328' pairs, 210 'and 330 pairs) and similar lower layer connections are formed. .

Referring now to FIG. IX, which shows a second strip 400 used in a single style connector. Specifically, each conductor 406 to 420 of the upper layer 422
Are provided so that when the second strip 400 is folded along the line L-L, it continuously extends to the lower layer 424. In a single style connector, each conductor of the first strip (not shown) also extends the entire length of the plastic layer, thereby providing two windows 430.
And conductors 406-420 exposed through 432
But is in electrical contact with the corresponding conductors of the first strip. In the case of a hybrid type embodiment different from the single type or double type connector as described above, some of the conductors in the upper layer of the second strip are left as they are, and the upper strip is Other conductors may be continuously extended and connected to the conductors of the lower strip. Alternatively, all of the conductors of the upper strip of the second strip are extended and joined to the conductors of the lower strip, while the conductors of the upper side of the first strip are It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which all are not necessarily connected to the plurality of lower conductors. In that case, two groups of line rows respectively connected to the plurality of conductors on the upper side of the first strip and the plurality of conductors on the lower side of the first strip are connected to each other when the split tube is closed. And is interconnected to a second strip, which provides a connection between the conductors of the first and second strips.

FIGS. X and XI show a connector in which a tube 500 composed of a shape memory layer 504, a stainless steel layer 506, a heater 508 and a plastic layer 510 is covered with a cover 500. The cover 500 has a slot 512 for receiving a second strip 514 having a locking end 516.

In accordance with the present invention, a conductor provided along the first strip mates with a corresponding conductor provided along the second strip, thereby forming an electrical connection therebetween. It If the conductor is embedded in or covered by the plastic layer, a window is required to allow the electrical contact. If the conductor is not completely embedded in the plastic layer, but projects from it or is provided on the surface of the plastic layer, such a window is not necessary.

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. An electrical connector comprising: a first strip having an axially elongated hollow split tube with an axially aligned split for receiving a substrate; said split. A heat-recoverable member forming a concentric layer portion of the tube for changing the radial dimension of the tube, the heat-recoverable member having a deformable state below the transition temperature and a memory state above the transition temperature. Formed from a shape memory metal, the heat-restorable member can be deformed when the metal is in its deformable state corresponding to one dimension of the split, and from its deformable state to its memorized state. A change to restore the heat recoverable member to its undeformed shape corresponding to another dimension of the split; Also provided is spring means in operative coaxial contact with the heat-recoverable member to be a concentric layer portion of the tube, the spring means and the heat-recoverable member being a base that may be inserted into a split. Giving the material free access to the axis of the hollow split tube, the spring means contacting the heat-restorable member in a radial direction relative to the member when the metal is in its deformable state. A force is applied to deform the heat-resilient member, the heat-resilient member overcoming the radial force of the spring means to restore heat when the metal is changed from its deformable state to its memorized state. Restoring the flexible member to its undeformed shape and changing the dimensions of the split; and a plurality of flat plates extending along the first strip and extending substantially perpendicular to the axis of the split tube. Spaced apart electrical conductors, the electrical conductors terminating in a plurality of contacts, the contacts making electrical contact with a substrate adapted to be inserted into a split of the split tube. Electrical connector characterized by; 2. The first slip has a coating layer in which an electric conductor is embedded, and the coating layer has a contact exposure window so that the contact can be exposed. The electrical connector according to claim 1. 3. The spring means is concentrically arranged around the heat-resilient member, the spring means being adapted to have the heat-resilient property when the metal is in a deformable state corresponding to the closed dimension of the split. A radially inward force is exerted on the member to deform the heat-recoverable member, the heat-recoverable member being configured to change the spring means when the metal is changed from its deformable state to its memorized state. The electrical connector of claim 1 wherein the split is capable of being opened to overcome its force to recover its undeformed shape. 4. A heater positioned adjacent to the heat-restorable member, wherein the heater provides sufficient heat to raise the temperature of the heat-restorable member above the transition temperature. The electrical connector according to claim 3, wherein the electrical connector can be transmitted to a member. 5. The split tube further comprises a second strip insertable into the split when the split is open, the second strip comprising a plurality of parallel spacings extending along the second strip. A conductor spaced apart, said conductor terminating in a plurality of corresponding contacts, said contacts of said second strip being provided when said heat-restorable member recovers to its undeformed shape. ,
The electrical connector according to claim 3, wherein the electrical connector is electrically connectable to the contacts of the first strip. 6. The first strip has an upper surface along which a first plurality of parallel conductors extends, the first plurality of conductors being exposed to the inside of the split tube. Terminating at a corresponding first plurality of contacts, the first strip having a lower surface along which the second plurality of parallel conductors extend, the second strip having a second plurality of conductors. Terminate in a second plurality of corresponding contacts exposed inwardly of the split tube, the second
The strip has an upper surface along which a third plurality of parallel electrical conductors extends, the third plurality of electrical conductors terminating at a third plurality of corresponding contacts. Each is capable of pressing a corresponding contact of the first plurality of corresponding contacts in response to closure of the split tube, the second strip having a fourth plurality of conductors attached thereto. Having a lower surface extending therethrough, the fourth plurality of electrical conductors terminating in a fourth plurality of corresponding contacts, each of the contacts responsive to closure of the split tube. The electrical connector according to claim 5, wherein a corresponding contact of the two corresponding contacts can be pressed. 7. The second strip has an enlarged end, the enlarged end being able to be placed inside the split tube when the second strip is inserted, The enlarged end secures the second strip to the split tube when the split is closed.
The electrical connector according to item. 8. The second strip has an enlarged end, and the enlarged end can be disposed inside the split tube into which the second strip is inserted. 7. The electrical connector according to claim 6, wherein the closed end secures the second strip to the split tube when the split is closed. 9. The first strip and the second strip each have a cover layer in which the conductor is embedded, and the cover layer has a contact exposure window for exposing the contact. It has, The electrical connector of Claim 5 characterized by the above-mentioned. 10. The electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein the shape memory metal is made of a nickel-titanium alloy. 11. The electrical connector according to claim 3, wherein the shape memory metal comprises a nickel-titanium alloy.