WO2016136496A1

WO2016136496A1 - Elastic connector

Info

Publication number: WO2016136496A1
Application number: PCT/JP2016/054111
Authority: WO
Inventors: 彬人竹内
Original assignee: ポリマテック・ジャパン株式会社
Priority date: 2015-02-26
Filing date: 2016-02-12
Publication date: 2016-09-01
Also published as: JP6782884B2; JPWO2016136496A1; CN107251339B; CN107251339A

Abstract

Provided is an elastic connector which has a simple configuration and is still able to be coaxially connected. A base 12 of this elastic connector 10, said base 12 being formed of a rubbery elastic body, is provided with a center conductor 13, an outer conductor 14 and a metal thin plate 15. The metal thin plate 15 is provided on an edge of the outer conductor 14, and is soldered to a circuit board thereat.

Description

Elastic connector

The present invention relates to an elastic connector. More specifically, the present invention relates to an elastic connector that can be used for a coaxial connection mounted on a circuit board used in an electronic device.

JP-A-2002-198137 (Patent Document 1) discloses a coaxial connector for connecting a coaxial cable and a circuit board as a conventional technique for a coaxial cable connector for transmitting a high-frequency signal. More specifically, the conductive rubber member, the spring connector and the outer conductive member are combined. The conductive rubber member has a structure in which a large number of fine metal wires plated with gold or the like are arranged at high density in a silicone rubber base material (FIG. 3, paragraph 0027).

Also, JP 2009-502014 A (Patent Document 2) discloses a coaxial connector for connecting a coaxial cable and a substrate. According to this, the elastic block (coaxial connector) is composed of an inner conductor made of a conductive elastomer, a dielectric made of an insulating elastomer, and a pair of conductive plates made of a conductive elastomer. Is made of an elastomer (paragraphs 0017 and 0018 of the publication).

JP 2002-198137 A Special table 2009-502014 gazette

However, the invention described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-198137 (Patent Document 1) uses a spring, and there is a possibility that the conductive connection may be momentarily interrupted when an impact is applied. Moreover, since the spring connector and the rubber connector are combined, the number of contact points increases, and the resistance value may increase. Furthermore, since a plurality of members are used, the configuration is complicated, and the thickness of the connector portion is increased, which is not suitable for electronic devices that require a reduction in thickness.

In addition, the invention described in JP-T-2009-502014 (Patent Document 2) does not use a spring connector as in Patent Document 1, but since a rubber connector cannot be mounted, a hollow conductor soldered to a substrate is used. This is also unsuitable for an electronic device in which the thickness of the connector portion is increased and a reduction in thickness is required.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an elastic connector that can be coaxially connected with a simple configuration. Another object of the present invention is to make it possible to easily mount an elastic connector capable of coaxial connection on a circuit board.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention includes a base made of a rubber-like elastic body, and the base includes a center conductor, an outer conductor surrounding the center conductor, and an insulating portion that separates the center conductor and the outer conductor. For the connector, the center conductor and the outer conductor are formed so as to penetrate from one surface of the base to the other surface, and a metal connection portion connected to the circuit board is provided at either end of the center conductor or the outer conductor. An elastic connector is provided.

Since the present invention has a center conductor and an outer conductor, the connection portion for the center conductor and the connection portion for the outer conductor provided on the end of the conductor of the coaxial cable, the connector attached to the end of the coaxial cable, or the contact of the circuit board Can be electrically connected to the part. The end of either the center conductor or the outer conductor has a metal connection that connects to the circuit board, and it can be soldered to the circuit board through the metal connection even though it has such a simple structure. It is. Accordingly, the elastic connector can be mounted on the circuit board by soldering by a surface mounting process using a reflow furnace, and the mounting operation of the elastic connector can be simplified.

The metal connection part of the present invention can be provided with a hole exposing the insulating part. The hole may allow the metal connection portion to conduct to the outer conductor and not to the central conductor. Further, it can be joined to the solder in a wide area other than the hole portion.

In the present invention, the distance from the center conductor to the hole provided in the metal connection portion and the inner diameter of the outer conductor can be equal. Since the distance from the center conductor with respect to the hole provided in the metal connection portion and the inner diameter of the outer conductor is equal, the elastic connector has the same impedance characteristics as the case without the metal connection portion even if the metal connection portion is provided. be able to. Moreover, since a desired impedance can be set between the center conductor and the outer conductor provided at an equal distance from the center conductor, it can be suitably used for high-frequency transmission.

In the present invention, the center conductor may have a protruding portion that protrudes more than the outer conductor. Since the protruding portion of the center conductor protrudes from the outer conductor, the center conductor can be reliably pressed against the object to be connected. More specifically, for example, when only the outer conductor of the elastic connector is soldered to the contact portion of the circuit board of the object to be connected, there is a gap between the center conductor and the contact portion of the circuit board by the thickness of the solder. Arise. However, since the elastic connector has a protruding portion from which the central conductor protrudes, the central conductor can be reliably compressed and deformed while eliminating such a distance by the protruding portion, and a reliable conductive connection can be realized. it can.

In the present invention, the insulating portion may have a recess recessed in the thickness direction of the base. By providing the insulating portion with the concave portion, the insulating portion (base) can be easily elastically deformed by the concave portion that can be softly deformed compared to the periphery of the concave portion. Thus, for example, the central conductor and the outer conductor can be elastically deformed independently by connecting the central conductor and the outer conductor with a recess that can be elastically deformed.

The elastic connector may have thin portions that are recessed in the thickness direction of the base on both the front and back surfaces of the insulating portion. Since the thin part which was dented in the thickness direction on both the front and back surfaces of the interposition part located between the outer conductor and the central conductor in the base is provided, the thin part is provided in the insulating part. The base) can be easily deformed. When only the outer conductor of the elastic connector is soldered to the contact portion of the circuit board of the connection target, the center conductor needs to be compressed by the thickness of the solder than the outer conductor. However, such a difference in the amount of compression between the center conductor and the outer conductor may induce unexpected deformation such that each conductor is inclined or twisted during compression, and the reliable conductive connection may be impaired. Therefore, if the thin portion is provided between the center conductor and the outer conductor as in the present invention, the thin portion is thin, so that it can be easily deformed as compared with other thick portions. Therefore, unintended deformation of the center conductor and the outer conductor due to such a difference in compression amount can be suppressed, and highly reliable conductive connection can be realized.

In the present invention, the surface of the metal connection portion and the surface of the central conductor or the outer conductor not provided with the metal connection portion can be flush with each other. Since the surface of the metal connection portion and the surface of the central conductor or the outer conductor that does not conduct to the metal connection portion are flush with each other, the metal connection portion can be embedded in the base, and the height of the elastic connector can be reduced. It can be turned upside down, and a large contact area with the base can be secured and firmly fixed to the base. Such a structure can be formed by inserting a thin metal plate into a flat molding die and integrally molding the same. Further, the structure of the molding die is simple and can be easily manufactured. Furthermore, it can be integrally formed by inserting a metal plate with a hole attached to a separator such as a resin film into a molding die. Even when manufactured in this way, a flat film can be used, so that it is not necessary to draw the film into a three-dimensional shape and it can be manufactured relatively easily.

In the present invention, the outer conductor may be an endless annular conductor surrounding the center conductor. Since the outer conductor has an endless annular shape surrounding the central conductor, the endless annular outer conductor shields electromagnetic leakage to the outside, thereby suppressing signal deterioration.

In the present invention, the outer conductor may be at least three columnar conductors disposed at positions surrounding the central conductor. If the outer conductor is composed of three or more columnar conductors, the compressive load can be made lower than when the outer conductor is formed in an endless ring shape. In addition, since the material used for forming the outer conductor can be reduced, an elastic connector with low cost can be provided.

The present invention further includes a base made of a rubber-like elastic body, the base including a center conductor, an outer conductor surrounding the center conductor, and an insulating portion separating the center conductor and the outer conductor, and the center conductor and the outer conductor. Is a method for manufacturing an elastic connector that penetrates from one surface of the base to the other surface, wherein a metal connecting member having a plurality of holes is disposed in a molding die and is a mixture of liquid rubber in which a magnetic conductor is dispersed Is injected into the molding die, and the magnetic conductor is magnetically oriented in the molding die so that the center conductor is located in the hole portion and the outer conductor is located in the portion excluding the hole, so that a plurality of the magnetic conductors are aligned. Provided is a method for manufacturing an elastic connector in which a central conductor and an outer conductor are formed, liquid rubber is cured to form a connector sheet, and then the connector sheet is cut into a predetermined shape.

The metal connecting member having a plurality of holes is formed, for example, by forming a metal connecting member provided with a hole having a size corresponding to the central conductor and the surrounding insulating portion by punching a thin metal sheet or sheet metal material. This metal connecting member can be easily formed integrally with the base, the central conductor and the outer conductor simply by inserting it into a molding die, and a plurality of desired elasticity can be obtained by dividing the connector sheet thus obtained. A connector can be obtained.

When manufacturing an elastic connector having a structure in which the central conductor and the metal connecting member are joined, it is necessary to insulate from the outer conductor surrounding the periphery, so a metal connecting member that forms a so-called island portion (a shape isolated from the surroundings) Need to form. Therefore, when the metal connecting member is obtained by the cutting process using the punching die, it is necessary to place the extracted metal connecting members one by one in the molding die, which is difficult. However, since the outer conductor is an elastic connector for soldering, the portion corresponding to the center conductor can be removed in the cutting process, and the surrounding frame portion can be inserted into the molding die. The metal connecting member can be placed in the molding die with a single operation.

The outer conductor is formed along the hole of the metal connecting member, and the central conductor is formed at the center of the hole. Since the outer conductor is formed along the hole of the metal connection member and the center conductor is formed at the center of this hole, even if the metal connection member is provided, an elastic connector having the same impedance characteristics as when there is no metal connection member is obtained. Can do.

It should be noted that the elastic connector of the present invention can be configured as an elastic connector for coaxial connection as well as an elastic connector for electrical connection other than coaxial connection.

According to the elastic connector of the present invention, although it is a simple configuration, it can be coaxially connected by the center conductor and the outer conductor, and can be soldered to the circuit board by the metal connection portion, and can be easily mounted on the circuit board. be able to. Moreover, according to the manufacturing method of the elastic connector of this invention, manufacture is easy.

The elastic connector of 1st Embodiment is shown, A part (A) is a top view, A part (B) is the SA-SA sectional view taken on the line (A), and a part (C) is a bottom view. The manufacturing process of the elastic connector of 1st Embodiment is shown, A part (A) is explanatory drawing which shows a mode that a metal thin plate is extracted by a punching die, and a metal thin plate with a hole is provided, and a part (B) is a molding metal. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state which has arrange | positioned the metal thin plate to a type | mold and inject | poured the mixture used as a base. The manufacturing process of the elastic connector of 1st Embodiment is shown, A part (A) is explanatory drawing which shows a mode that the center conductor and the outer side conductor were formed in the metal mold | die for shaping | molding, and a part (B) is the shape | molded elastic connector. It is explanatory drawing which shows the connected connector sheet | seat. The manufacturing process of the elastic connector of 1st Embodiment is shown, A division diagram (A) is explanatory drawing which shows a mode that a connector sheet | seat is divided | segmented with a die, and a partial drawing (B) is explanatory drawing which shows the divided | segmented elastic connector. . The elastic connector which is a modification of 1st Embodiment is shown, A part (A) is a top view, A part (B) is a sectional view taken along the line SB-SB of the part (A), and a part (C) is a bottom view. It is. The elastic connector of 2nd Embodiment is shown and it is sectional drawing equivalent to FIG. 1 (B). The process of adhering the elastic connector of the second embodiment to the printed circuit board and the crimping process are shown. A partial diagram (A) is an explanatory view showing a state before adhering, and a partial diagram (B) is compressed by the connected body on the opposite side. It is explanatory drawing which shows the initial state. The elastic connector of the second embodiment is fixed to the printed circuit board, and the crimping process is shown. FIG. (A) is an explanatory view showing the state where the center conductor is compressed until it contacts the circuit pattern, and FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state compressed until connected parts were connected. The elastic connector of the modification of 2nd Embodiment is shown, and it is sectional drawing equivalent to FIG. 1 (B). The elastic connector of 3rd Embodiment is shown and it is sectional drawing equivalent to FIG. 1 (B). The process of adhering the elastic connector of the third embodiment to the printed circuit board and the crimping process are shown. A partial diagram (A) is an explanatory view showing a state before adhering, and a partial diagram (B) is compressed by the connected body on the opposite side. It is explanatory drawing which shows the initial state. The elastic connector according to the third embodiment is fixed to the printed circuit board, and a crimping process is shown. FIG. (A) is an explanatory view showing a state in which the center conductor is compressed until it comes into contact with the circuit pattern, and FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state compressed until connected parts were connected. The elastic connector of the modification of 3rd Embodiment is shown, and it is sectional drawing equivalent to FIG. 1 (B). The elastic connector of 4th Embodiment is shown and it is sectional drawing equivalent to FIG. 1 (B). The process of fixing the elastic connector of the fourth embodiment to the printed circuit board and the crimping process are shown. The partial view (A) is an explanatory view showing the state before the fixation, and the partial view (B) is compressed by the connected body on the opposite side. It is explanatory drawing which shows the initial state. The process of fixing the elastic connector of the fourth embodiment to the printed circuit board and the crimping process are shown. FIG. (A) is an explanatory view showing the state in which the center conductor is compressed until it contacts the circuit pattern, and FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state compressed until connected parts were connected. The elastic connector of the modification of 4th Embodiment is shown, and it is sectional drawing equivalent to FIG. 1 (B). The elastic connector of 5th Embodiment is shown and it is sectional drawing equivalent to FIG. 1 (B). The elastic connector of the modification of 5th Embodiment is shown, and it is sectional drawing equivalent to FIG. 1 (B). The elastic connector of 6th Embodiment is shown and it is sectional drawing equivalent to FIG. 1 (B). The elastic connector of 7th Embodiment is shown and it is sectional drawing equivalent to FIG. 1 (B). The elastic connector of 8th Embodiment is shown and it is sectional drawing equivalent to FIG. 1 (B). The elastic connector of 9th Embodiment is shown, A divided view (A) is a top view, A divided view (B) is a sectional view taken along the line SC-SC of the divided view (A), and a divided view (C) is a bottom view. The elastic connector of the eleventh embodiment is shown, in which a partial view (A) is a plan view, a partial view (B) is a cross-sectional view taken along the SD-SD line of the partial view (A), and a partial view (C) is a bottom view.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, the description of the overlapping portions of common materials, manufacturing methods, effects, and the like is omitted.

First Embodiment [FIGS. 1 to 4] :
The elastic connector 10 of this embodiment is shown in FIG. The elastic connector 10 includes a base conductor 13, an outer conductor 14, and a metal thin plate 15 as a “metal connecting member” on a base 12.

The base 12 of the elastic connector 10 is made of an insulating rubber-like elastic body and has a circular shape in plan view. Moreover, the center conductor 13 and the outer side conductor 14 which make the thickness direction a conduction direction are provided in the inside. The lower surface s1 serving as “one surface” of the elastic connector 10 exposes the central conductor 13 and the surrounding base 12, and the outer conductor 14 serving as the outer side and the outer edge of the base 12 are covered with a thin metal plate 15. It has been broken. In particular, the inner periphery of the thin metal plate 15 coincides with the inner periphery of the outer conductor 14, and the entire insulating portion 12 b (a part of the base 12) located between the outer conductor 14 and the center conductor 13 is exposed. The exposed surface of the insulating portion 12b and the metal thin plate 15 are formed on the same flat surface. On the other hand, the central conductor 13 and the outer conductor 14 are exposed on the upper surface s <b> 2 serving as the “other surface” of the elastic connector 10, and forms a flat surface together with the surface of the base 12.

Examples of the rubber-like elastic body used for the base 12 include an insulating thermosetting rubber and an insulating thermoplastic elastomer. More specifically, among thermosetting rubbers, silicone rubber, natural rubber, isoprene rubber, butadiene rubber, acrylonitrile butadiene rubber, 1,2-polybutadiene, styrene / butadiene rubber, chloroprene rubber, nitrile rubber, butyl rubber, ethylene / propylene Examples thereof include rubber, chlorosulfone rubber, polyethylene rubber, acrylic rubber, epichlorohydrin rubber, fluorine rubber, and urethane rubber. Of these, silicone rubber is preferred because of its excellent moldability, electrical insulation, weather resistance, and the like. For thermoplastic elastomers, styrene thermoplastic elastomer, olefin thermoplastic elastomer, ester thermoplastic elastomer, urethane thermoplastic elastomer, amide thermoplastic elastomer, vinyl chloride thermoplastic elastomer, fluorinated thermoplastic elastomer, ion Examples thereof include cross-linked thermoplastic elastomers.

As will be described later, in order for the central conductor 13 and the outer conductor 14 (also referred to as “conductor” together) to have a structure in which particulate magnetic conductors are oriented in a chain, liquid rubber is used for the base 12. It is preferable to use a cured insulating rubber-like elastic body or an insulating rubber-like elastic body that can be heated and melted. For example, in rubber-like elastic bodies cured from liquid rubber, silicone rubber, natural rubber, isoprene rubber, butadiene rubber, 1,2-polybutadiene, styrene / butadiene rubber, nitrile rubber, butyl rubber, ethylene / propylene rubber, urethane rubber, fluorine For example, rubber. For rubber-like elastic bodies that can be heated and melted, styrene thermoplastic elastomer, olefin thermoplastic elastomer, ester thermoplastic elastomer, urethane thermoplastic elastomer, amide thermoplastic elastomer, vinyl chloride thermoplastic elastomer, fluorinated A thermoplastic elastomer, an ion-crosslinking thermoplastic elastomer, etc. are mentioned.

The viscosity of the liquid rubber or when melted by heating is preferably 1 Pa · s to 250 Pa · s, more preferably 10 Pa · s to 50 Pa · s, which is the viscosity with which the contained magnetic conductor can be moved by a magnetic field. In the case of high-frequency transmission, it is preferable to use a material having a low dielectric constant among these materials. Specifically, silicone rubber and fluorine rubber are suitable.

Each of the central conductor 13 and the outer conductor 14 is formed by dispersing magnetic conductive particles (magnetic conductor) in an insulating rubber-like elastic body serving as the base 12, and then applying a magnetic field to align the magnetic conductive particles in a daisy chain. Let it form. Examples of the material of the magnetic conductor include nickel, cobalt, iron, ferrite, or an alloy thereof, and the shape includes particles, fibers, strips, fine wires, and the like. Further, a material having a good electrical property, a resin, a ceramic coated with a magnetic conductor, or a material in which a magnetic conductor is coated with a electrically conductive metal can also be used. Examples of the electroconductive metal include gold, silver, platinum, aluminum, copper, iron, palladium, chromium, and stainless steel. A magnetic conductor having an average particle diameter of 1 μm to 200 μm is preferable because a chain state can be easily formed by magnetic field orientation and a conductor can be efficiently formed.

As the metal thin plate 15 as the “metal connecting member”, for example, a rolled metal plate or an electrolytically formed metal plate can be used. Examples of the metal include gold, silver, copper, iron, nickel, and alloys thereof. From the viewpoint of soldering adhesiveness and workability, a metal plate using gold, copper, or the like, or a metal plate obtained by performing gold or silver plating on copper or nickel is preferable. The thickness of the thin metal plate 15 is preferably 5 μm to 200 μm. If it is thinner than 5 μm, it will be difficult to place it in a molding die. On the other hand, if it exceeds 200 μm, the thickness of the elastic connector itself becomes thick.

As described above, since the elastic connector 10 has the metal thin plate 15, the metal thin plate 15 can be fixed to the circuit board as long as the metal thin plate 15 is fixed with solder, and the initial purpose can be achieved. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a thin metal plate in a portion corresponding to the central conductor 13, and there is no problem even if the thin metal plate in a portion corresponding to the central conductor 13 is removed by a cutting process using a punching die. Therefore, the manufacturing is easy and the cost can be kept low. Further, since a thin metal plate that is electrically connected to the central conductor 13 is not provided corresponding to the central conductor 13, if such a thin metal plate is provided, it is possible to avoid the anticipated problem that the area becomes small and easily peels off. Furthermore, since the metal thin plate 15 functions as a shape holding member for the flexible base 11, it has an effect of suppressing unintended deformation such as distortion of the elastic connector 10. Since the metal thin plate 15 is integrated so as to be embedded in the lower surface s2 of the elastic connector 10, the entire surface of the lower surface s2 of the elastic connector 10 is a flat surface, and the thickness of the metal thin plate 15 does not protrude. Can be lowered.

A method for manufacturing the elastic connector 10 will be described with reference to FIGS.

First, the metal plate 1 and the punching die 2a, which are the materials of the metal thin plate 15, are prepared, and the metal thin plate 15 having the holes 16 is produced (FIG. 2 (A)).

Also, a molding die 3 for molding the base and conductor is prepared. The molding die 3 is formed of a nonmagnetic material, and an orientation pin (not shown) made of a ferromagnetic material is embedded in order to form the center conductor 13 and the outer conductor 14. One end of the orientation pin is exposed on the cavity surface where the conductor is to be formed. A thin metal plate 15 is placed in the cavity of the molding die 3 and a mixture 4 made of liquid rubber in which a magnetic conductor is dispersed is injected (FIG. 2B).

Then, a magnetic field is applied to the molding die 3 to orient the magnetic conductor to form the central conductor 13 and the outer conductor 14, and then the liquid rubber is heated and cured to be integrated with the metal thin plate 15 simultaneously with the formation of the base 12. (FIG. 3A). Thus, a connector sheet 5 in which a plurality of elastic connectors 10 are connected is obtained (FIG. 3B). And this connector sheet | seat 5 is cut with the cutting blade 2b, and each elastic connector 10 is obtained (FIG. 4).

In the molding die 3 of the base 12 of this embodiment, one end of the orientation pin is exposed on the cavity surface, but the conductor is also used in the molding die where one end of the orientation pin is not exposed on the cavity surface. Can be formed. In the above description, the metal thin plate 15 is disposed on the lower surface of the molding die 3, but may be disposed on the upper surface. Moreover, although the example which has arrange | positioned the metal thin plate 15 independently was shown, a separator can also be bonded and arrange | positioned to the metal thin plate 15. FIG. If a separator is used, generation | occurrence | production of the thin burr | flash formed when liquid rubber flows into the clearance gap between the metal mold | die 3 and the metal thin plate 15 can be suppressed. In addition, although various materials can be used for the separator, a resin film having a slightly adhesive surface is preferable. In addition, a primer may be applied to the metal thin plate 15 in order to increase the adhesion between the metal thin plate 15 and the base 12.

Using the laminated film in which the separator and the metal layer are laminated without using the metal thin plate 15, the metal layer is etched to form a contact pattern, and then the target elastic connector is also inserted by the manufacturing method of inserting into the molding die. Obtainable. However, in the manufacturing method that undergoes this etching process, the formation of the contact pattern by etching becomes expensive, whereas in the manufacturing method that uses the metal thin plate 15, it can be formed into an electrode shape only by the cutting process by the die, The elastic connector 10 can be manufactured at a lower cost.

The mounting method of the elastic connector 10 will be described. Here, a circuit board will be described as an example of a member to be connected.

The circuit board is made of glass epoxy, and a circuit pattern made of copper foil is formed on the surface. An insulating layer made of a resist ink is formed in a portion other than the portion of the circuit pattern where electronic components are fixed. Paste solder is applied to the contact portion of the circuit pattern corresponding to the thin metal plate 15 on such a circuit board. Then, the elastic connector 10 is placed on the solder. By putting this in a reflow furnace, the elastic connector 10 is mounted on a circuit board. In the mounted elastic connector 10, the outer conductor 14 and the contact portion of the circuit pattern are electrically connected through a thin metal plate 15 fixed with solder.

A member to be connected on the opposite side of the circuit board across the elastic connector 10 includes a terminal end of a coaxial cable, a central conductor connecting portion and an outer conductor connecting portion provided in a connector attached to the end of the coaxial cable, It is a conductive connection portion such as a contact portion of a circuit board, and is fixed in advance to a casing of the device or other electronic components so that it can be joined to the elastic connector 10. Then, the casing of the device and other electronic components are coupled to the printed circuit board at a predetermined position, so that the other end of the conductive connector elastic connector 10 such as a coaxial cable is pressed into contact with the center. Each of the conductor 13 and the outer conductor 14 is electrically connected to the member to be connected.

According to such an elastic connector 10, the shape of the thin metal plate 1 is an endless ring having a hole 16 at the center as shown in FIG. 1C, and the inner diameters of the central conductor 13 and the thin metal plate 15 are matched. Even if the thin plate 15 is provided, the elastic connector 10 can be manufactured without changing the impedance depending on the distance between the center conductor 13 and the outer conductor 14 and the material of the base 12. Therefore, it is suitable for high-frequency transmission.

Further, since the metal thin plate 15 covering the entire surface other than the central conductor 13 and the insulating portion 12b is provided, it can be surface-mounted with solder on the contact portion of the circuit pattern of the circuit board by a reflow furnace. Furthermore, the shape of the base 12 can be held by the thin metal plate 15, unintended deformation (distortion, etc.) of the elastic connector 10 can be suppressed, and the handleability of the elastic connector 10 can be improved. Further, it is possible to realize the elastic connector 10 that is unlikely to be bent during manual work or to be dropped off by an automatic transfer machine.

In addition, since the endless annular outer conductor 14 surrounds the center conductor 13, electromagnetic wave leakage to the outside of the elastic connector 10 can be shielded and deterioration of the transmission signal of the center conductor 13 can be suppressed. Further, since the thin metal plate 15 is not conducted to the center conductor 13, the conduction resistance with the contact portion of the circuit pattern is small, and the conduction can be conducted with low resistance.

It is one preferred embodiment to form such an elastic connector 10 with a diameter of about 1.0 mm to 10 mm and a thickness of about 0.1 mm to 2.0 mm.

Modification 1-1 [FIG. 5] :
An elastic connector 10a, which is a modification of the elastic connector 10, is shown in FIG. Unlike the elastic connector 10, the elastic connector 10a is different in that the inner diameter of the thin metal plate 15a protrudes inward from the inner diameter of the outer conductor 14 (see the enlarged portion in FIG. 5B). Although it is easy to cause impedance changes as compared with the elastic connector 10a, the area of the metal thin plate 15 can be increased, and more solderable regions can be provided, thereby enabling more stable soldering.

Second Embodiment [FIGS. 6 to 8] :
The elastic connector 20 of this embodiment is shown in FIG. The elastic connector 20 is also the same as the previous embodiment in that it includes a base 22, a center conductor 23, an outer conductor 24, and a metal thin plate 25. However, the difference from the elastic connector 10 is that the elastic connector 20 has a protruding portion 27 in which the central conductor 23 protrudes outward from the outer conductor 33 on the upper surface s2 where the thin metal plate 25 is not provided. That is. The projecting portion 27 is formed at the center of the base 22 and is formed by the central conductor 23 and a thin film (rubber-like elastic body portion) that covers the side surface of the base conductor 23. It protrudes in the shape of a cylinder from its periphery.

In the elastic connector 20, the thin metal plate 25 is fixed to the circuit pattern (contact portion) 8 of the member 7 to be connected with the solder 9 (FIG. 7A), but the thin metal plate 25 and the central conductor 23 are flush with each other. Therefore, a gap T2 is formed between the center conductor 23 and the circuit pattern 8 by the thickness of the solder 9 (FIG. 7B). However, since the protrusion 27 is provided, the central conductor 23 is strongly compressed even if there is such a distance T2, and the circuit pattern 8 and the lower surface s1 of the central conductor 13 and the outer conductor 14 are surely pressed (FIG. 8A). )), And the upper surface s2 side of the center conductor 13 and the outer conductor 14 can also be pressed against the contact portion 6 of the member to be connected 7 with certainty (FIG. 8B).

Thus, the height T1 of the protrusion 27 is substantially the same as the interval T2 that is the same as the thickness of the solder 9, or in addition to the interval T2, the interval T3 that allows the center conductor 23 to be compressed and contracted. It is preferable to make the length slightly longer. This is to ensure reliable conduction of the center conductor 23.

In the above embodiment, the thickness of the solder is preferably about 10 to 100 μm. The height T1 of the protrusion 27 is preferably about 10 μm to 200 μm. The height T1 is 1% to 15% of the thickness of the elastic connector 20. If the thickness is less than 10 μm, the center conductor 23 may not be sufficiently pressed in consideration of the thickness of the solder. If it is higher than 200 μm, the outer conductor 24 may not be sufficiently pressed.

Modification 2-1 [FIG. 9] :
An elastic connector 20a, which is a modification of the elastic connector 20, is shown in FIG. Unlike the elastic connector 20, the elastic connector 20a is different in that the inner diameter of the thin metal plate 25a protrudes inward from the inner diameter of the outer conductor 14 (see the enlarged portion in FIG. 9). Although the impedance change is likely to occur as compared with the elastic connector 20, the area of the metal thin plate 25a can be widened, and more stable soldering is possible.

Third Embodiment [FIGS. 10 to 12] :
The elastic connector 30 of this embodiment is shown in FIG. The elastic connector 30 is also the same as the previous embodiment in that it includes a base 32, a central conductor 33, an outer conductor 34, and a thin metal plate 35. However, the difference from the elastic connector 10 is that the center conductor 33 has a protruding portion 37 that protrudes outward from the outer conductor 34, and is located between the outer conductor 34 and the center conductor 33 in the base 32. That is, the insulating portion 32 b has a recess 38 that is recessed from the surfaces of the center conductor 33 and the outer conductor 34.

By forming the recess 38, it becomes easier to deform in the thickness direction than in the case where it does not exist. Therefore, the stress which the outer conductor 34 receives can be relieved because the recessed part 38 deform | transforms largely with respect to the deformation | transformation which spreads outside when the center conductor 33 is pressed and compressed. With reference to FIGS. 11 to 12, this advantage when the concave groove 38 is provided will be described in detail.

In order to solder the elastic connector 30 to the circuit pattern 8 of the printed circuit board 7, solder 9 is applied in advance on the circuit pattern 8 corresponding to the outer conductor 34 (FIG. 11A). Since only the outer conductor 34 is fixed by the solder 9, an interval T2 corresponding to the thickness of the solder 9 is generated between the center conductor 33 and the corresponding circuit pattern 8 (FIG. 11B). In order to fill this interval T2, it is necessary to compress and deform the center conductor 33 more downward than the outer conductor 34 by the interval T2.

In the case where the recess 38 is not provided, there is a risk that unexpected deformation such as inclination or twisting of each conductor may be caused by the difference in the compression amount between the central conductor 33 and the outer conductor 34. However, since the concave portion 38 is provided between the central conductor 33 and the outer conductor 34, the concave portion 38 is easily deformed, and the central conductor 33 and the outer conductor 34 can be appropriately compressed (FIG. 12A). )). Therefore, unexpected deformation of each conductor due to the difference in compression amount can be suppressed.

Furthermore, the elastic connector 30 has a protruding portion 37 in which the central conductor 33 protrudes from the outer conductor 34 by a height T1 (FIG. 11A). It is preferable that the height T <b> 1 of the protruding portion 37 is longer than T <b> 2 corresponding to the thickness of the solder 9. This is because even if the thickness of the solder 9 may be thicker than T2, it is necessary to ensure that the center conductor 33 is in contact with the circuit pattern 8. Therefore, if the thickness of the solder 9 is T2, even if the central conductor 33 and the thin metal plate 35 are brought into contact with the circuit pattern 8 on the lower surface s1, the upper conductor s2 is between the outer conductor 34 and the contact part 6 of the connected component. An interval T3 occurs in FIG. 12 (A). Therefore, by further compressing the center conductor 33 in order to fill this interval T3, the center conductor 33 can be reliably connected (FIG. 12B).

The depth of the recess 38 is preferably 50% to 90% of the thickness of the elastic connector 30. If it is less than 50%, it is difficult to relieve the stress applied to the outer conductor 34 even if the recess 38 is provided. On the other hand, if it is deeper than 90%, the posture of each conductor in the thickness direction is not stable, and there is a possibility that it cannot be pressed properly. In addition, the height of the protrusion part 37 is the same as that of the previous example.

Modification 3-1 [FIG. 13] :
An elastic connector 30a, which is a modification of the elastic connector 30, is shown in FIG. Unlike the case where the recess 38 is formed on the upper surface s2 opposite to the surface on which the thin metal plate 35 is provided in the elastic connector 30 shown in the previous example, the elastic connector 30a has a lower surface s1 on which the thin metal plate 35 is provided. A recess 38a is provided. As with the elastic connector 30 a, the elastic connector 30 a can relieve the stress received by the outer conductor 34.

Fourth Embodiment [FIGS. 14 to 16] :
The elastic connector 40 of this embodiment is shown in FIG. The elastic connector 40 is also the same as the previous embodiment in that it includes a base 42, a central conductor 43, an outer conductor 44, and a thin metal plate 45. However, the difference from the elastic connector 10 is that the central conductor 43 has a protruding portion 47 that protrudes outward from the outer conductor 44, and is located between the outer conductor 34 and the central conductor 33 in the base 32. That is, the insulating portion 42b has thin portions 49 formed with concave grooves that are recessed from the surface of the center conductor 43 or the outer conductor 44 on both front and back surfaces. In other words, the thin portion 49 is a portion where the thickness in the thickness direction of the insulating portion 42b between the center conductor 43 and the outer conductor 44 is reduced.

By forming the thin portion 49, it becomes easier to deform in the thickness direction than when the concave portion 38 is provided on either one of the front and back surfaces. Therefore, the stress received by the outer conductor 44 when the center conductor 43 is pressed can be further relaxed. The advantages of providing the thin portion 49 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

In order to solder the elastic connector 40 to the circuit pattern (contact part) 8 of the printed circuit board 7, solder 9 is applied and formed in advance on the circuit pattern 8 corresponding to the outer conductor 44 (FIG. 15A). )). Since only the outer conductor 44 is fixed by the solder 9, an interval T2 corresponding to the thickness of the solder 9 is generated between the center conductor 43 and the corresponding circuit pattern 8 (FIG. 15B). This process is the same as that of the elastic connector 30.

Next, in order to fill the interval T2, it is necessary to compress and deform the central conductor 43 downward by an amount equal to T2 from the outer conductor 44. Here, since the thickness of the insulating portion 42b provided with the thin portion 49 in the elastic connector 40 is smaller than the thickness of the insulating portion 32b provided with the concave portion 38 in the elastic connector 30, the insulating portion 42b is formed as an insulating portion. The center conductor 43 and the outer conductor 44 can be appropriately compressed by being deformed more easily than 32b (FIG. 16A).

With respect to the elastic connector 40, the center conductor 43 has a protrusion 47 that protrudes by a height T1 with respect to the outer conductor 44, and even if the center conductor 43 and the metal thin plate 45 are brought into contact with the circuit pattern on the lower surface s1, The upper surface s2 is the same as the elastic connector 30 in the previous example in that a space T3 is generated between the outer conductor 44 and the contact part 6 of the connected component (FIG. 16A). However, when the center conductor 33 is further compressed in order to fill this interval T3 and the center conductor 43 is reliably conducted (FIG. 16B), the deformation of the insulating portion 42b is the elastic connector 30 of the third embodiment. This can be performed more easily than the deformation of the insulating portion 32b. As described above, the elastic connector 40 is more excellent in that the stress applied to the outer conductor 44 is reduced.

In the above aspect, the thickness of the thin portion 49 in the conduction direction is preferably about 10% to 50% with respect to the thickness of the elastic connector 40. If it is shorter than 10%, the posture in the thickness direction of each conductor is not stable and there is a possibility that it cannot be pressed properly. If it is thicker than 50%, the outer conductor 44 may not be sufficiently pressed.

Modification 4-1 [FIG. 17] :
An elastic connector 40a, which is a modification of the elastic connector 40, is shown in FIG. Unlike the elastic connector 40 shown in the previous example, the surface of the metal thin plate 45 and the surface of the central conductor 43 are formed flush with each other on the lower surface s1 provided with the metal thin plate 45. In the elastic connector 40a, the metal thin plate is used. The surface of the central conductor 43a is slightly recessed inward from the surface of 45. However, the length of the recess T4 is shorter than the protrusion height T1 of the protrusion 47. This is to prevent the conduction failure of the center conductor 43a.

In the elastic connector 40a, the center conductor 43 is recessed on the lower surface s1 from the surface on the outer conductor 44 side. Therefore, even if the solder should flow to the center conductor 43 side in the soldering process, the outer conductor 44 is provided. Can be avoided, and it is difficult for the center conductor 43 and the outer conductor 44 to communicate with each other.

Fifth Embodiment [FIG. 18] :
The elastic connector 50 of this embodiment is shown in FIG. The elastic connector 50 is also the same as the previous embodiment in that the elastic connector 50 includes parts such as a base 52, a center conductor 53, an outer conductor 54, and a metal thin plate 55. However, the difference from the elastic connector 10 is that the insulating portion 52 b located between the outer conductor 54 and the center conductor 53 in the base 52 has a recess 58 that is recessed from the surface of the center conductor 53 or the outer conductor 54. It is that. The elastic connector 50 does not have a protrusion.

Also in the elastic connector 50, since the recess 58 is provided and the thickness of the insulating portion 52b is thin, the stress received by the outer conductor 54 when the center conductor 53 is pressed can be relaxed.

Modification 5-1 [FIG. 19] :
An elastic connector 50a, which is a modification of the elastic connector 50, is shown in FIG. Unlike the elastic connector 50 shown in the previous example in which the concave portion 58 is formed on the upper surface s2 opposite to the surface on which the thin metal plate 55 is provided, the elastic connector 50a has a lower surface s1 on which the thin metal plate 55 is provided. A concave groove 58a is provided.

Also in the elastic connector 50a, the concave portion 58a is provided and the thickness of the insulating portion 52b is thin. Therefore, the stress received by the outer conductor 54 when the center conductor 53 is pressed can be relaxed. Further, even if the solder should flow toward the center conductor 43 in the soldering process, the contact with the outer conductor 54 can be avoided by the recess 58a.

Sixth Embodiment [FIG. 20] :
The elastic connector 60 of this embodiment is shown in FIG. The elastic connector 60 is also the same as the previous embodiment in that the elastic connector 60 includes parts such as a base 62, a center conductor 63, an outer conductor 64, and a thin metal plate 65. However, the difference from the elastic connector 10 is that concave portions that are recessed from the surface of the central conductor 53 or the outer conductor 54 are formed on both the front and back surfaces of the insulating portion 62 b located between the outer conductor 54 and the central conductor 53 in the base 52. That is, the thin portion 69 is formed.

Since the elastic connector 60 has the thin-walled portion 69, the stress applied to the outer conductor 64 when the center conductor 63 is pressed can be relieved rather than providing a recess on either the front or back surface. Further, even if the solder should flow toward the center conductor 63 in the soldering process, the thin portion 69 can avoid contact with the outer conductor 64.

Seventh Embodiment [FIG. 21]
The elastic connector 70 of this embodiment is shown in FIG. The elastic connector 70 is also the same as the previous embodiment in that it includes parts such as a base 72, a center conductor 73, an outer conductor 74, and a metal thin plate 75. However, the difference from the elastic connector 10 is that a thin metal plate 75 that conducts to the central conductor 73 is provided.

In this embodiment, it is preferable to provide the thin metal plate 75 in the same shape as the central conductor 73 from the viewpoint of impedance. Further, since the elastic connector 70 of this embodiment fixes the metal thin plate 75 to the central conductor 73 having a small surface area, it is more difficult to solder than the elastic connectors of other embodiments in that the area of the metal thin plate 75 is also reduced. Therefore, this is a preferable mode when a large-sized elastic connector is used.

Eighth Embodiment [FIG. 22]
The elastic connector 80 of this embodiment is shown in FIG. The elastic connector 80 is also the same as the previous embodiment in that the elastic connector 80 includes parts such as a base 82, a center conductor 83, an outer conductor 84, and a thin metal plate 85. However, the difference from the elastic connector 10 is that a metal thin plate 85 a conducting to the central conductor 83 is provided together with the metal thin plate 85 conducting to the outer conductor 84. The metal thin plate 85 and the metal thin plate 85a are insulated from each other.

In this embodiment, since the

thin metal plates

85 and 85a are provided on both the center conductor 83 and the outer conductor 84, the lower surface s1 is completely fixed to the connected component, and the conduction between the center conductor 83 and the outer conductor 84 is established. It is preferable in that it can be surely performed.

Modification 1 of each embodiment [FIG. 23] :
An elastic connector 100 of the present embodiment is shown in FIG. The elastic connector 100 is also the same as the previous embodiment in that the elastic connector 100 includes parts such as a base 102, a central conductor 103, an outer conductor 104, and a thin metal plate 105. However, the difference from the elastic connector of the previous example is the shape of the outer conductor 104, which is composed of four

columnar conductors

104a, 104b, 104c, and 104d.

In this elastic connector 100, since the outer conductor 104 is composed of a plurality of columnar conductors, the compressive load can be made lower than when it is formed in an endless annular shape. Further, since the conductive material used for forming the outer conductor 104 can be reduced, the material cost can be reduced.

In the first modification, an example in which the four columnar conductors 104a to 104d are provided is shown, but the number may be three, or may be five or more.

Modification 2 of each embodiment [FIG. 24] :
The elastic connector 110 of this embodiment is shown in FIG. The elastic connector 110 is also the same as that of the previous embodiment in that the elastic connector 110 includes parts such as a base 112, a center conductor 113, an outer conductor 114, and a thin metal plate 115. However, the difference from the elastic connector of the previous example is that the shape of the base 112 is rectangular, and the outer shape of the elastic connector 110 is rectangular.

The elastic connector that has been described so far has a circular outer shape in plan view, but the outer shape is not limited to a circular shape, such as a square or a rectangle like the elastic connector 110 shown in the present embodiment, Other polygonal shapes can be used. If it is rectangular, a plurality of elastic connectors 110 can be connected without waste, and since cutting is easy, there is an advantage that manufacturing is easy and waste of material is small.

Other variations :
This is because, in the example in which the outer edge shape of the metal thin plate conducting to the outer conductor is the same as the outer edge shape of the base, individual elastic connectors can be manufactured by cutting with the cutting blade 2b, but the shape of the metal thin plate is It is not limited to such a shape, but can be the following shapes. In other words, in the mode of conducting with the outer conductor, the outer shape is not limited as long as at least a part of the outer conductor is covered and a width (area) that can be fixed with solder is formed. For example, the outer conductor is not covered to the outer edge of the elastic connector, and the base can be exposed at the outer edge. Moreover, you may form a thin metal plate as what covers a part of outer conductor. Even in such a configuration, an elastic connector can be manufactured by forming an outer shape with a punching die, placing it in a molding die, and integrally molding the base and the metal thin plate. In addition, since a part of the outer conductor is in direct contact with the contact portion of the circuit pattern without going through the thin metal plate, the conduction resistance with the contact portion of the circuit pattern is small and can be conducted with low resistance.

In addition, although the elastic connector in which the center conductor and the outer conductor are configured as one set has been shown, an elastic connector including a plurality of sets of the center conductor and the outer conductor may be used. In that case, the thin metal plate fixed to each outer conductor does not need to be divided and can be integrated. This is because the outer conductor is generally used for ground connection in a coaxial cable.

The above embodiment is an example of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to such a form. The shape, material, manufacturing method, and the like of each member can be changed or replaced within the scope not departing from the gist of the present invention. is there. For example, the difference between the modes of the elastic connector 10 and the elastic connector 10a can be applied to other types of elastic connectors, and the recess provided by the elastic connector 40a can be applied to other modes.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Metal plate 2a Cutting die 2b Cutting blade 3 Molding die 4 Mixture 5 Connector sheet 6 Contact part 7 Object to be connected (circuit board)
8 Circuit pattern 9 Solder T1 Height T2 Interval T3 Interval T4 Recess s1 Lower surface (One surface of elastic connector)
s2 Top surface (the other side of the elastic connector)
10,10a, 20,20a, 30,40,50,60,70,80,90,100,110

Elastic connector

12,22,32,42,52,62,72,82,92,102,112

Base

12b, 22b, 32b, 42b, 52b , 62b, 72b, 82b, 92b, 102b,

112b Insulation

13,23,33,43,53,63,73,83,93,103,113

Center conductor

14,24,34,44,54,64,74,84,94,104,114

Outer conductor

15,15a, 25,25a, 35,45,55,65,75,85,95,95a, 105,115 Thin metal plate (metal connection part)
16 Hole (provided on thin metal plate) 27,37,47

Protruding part

38,38a, 58,58a

Concave part

49,69 Thin part

Claims

In an elastic connector including a base made of a rubber-like elastic body, the base including a center conductor, an outer conductor surrounding the center conductor, and an insulating portion separating the center conductor and the outer conductor.
The center conductor and the outer conductor are formed so as to penetrate from one surface of the base to the other surface,
An elastic connector comprising a metal connection portion connected to a circuit board at either end of a center conductor or an outer conductor.
2. The elastic connector according to claim 1, wherein the metal connection part has a hole exposing the insulating part.
The elastic connector according to claim 2, wherein the distance from the center conductor to the hole provided in the metal connection portion and the inner diameter of the outer conductor is equal.
The elastic connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the central conductor has a protruding portion protruding from the outer conductor.
The elastic connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the insulating portion has a recess recessed in the thickness direction of the base.
The elastic connector according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the insulating portion has thin portions recessed in the thickness direction of the base on both front and back surfaces.
The elastic connector according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a surface of the metal connection portion and a surface of a central conductor or an outer conductor not provided with the metal connection portion are flush with each other.
The elastic connector according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the outer conductor is an endless annular conductor surrounding the central conductor.
The elastic connector according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the outer conductor is at least three columnar conductors arranged at positions surrounding the central conductor.
A base made of a rubber-like elastic body, the base including a central conductor, an outer conductor surrounding the central conductor, and an insulating portion separating the central conductor and the outer conductor, the central conductor and the outer conductor being one of the bases; A method of manufacturing an elastic connector that penetrates from the direction to the other side,
A metal connecting member having a plurality of holes is placed in a molding die, a mixture made of liquid rubber in which a magnetic conductor is dispersed is injected into the molding die, and the central conductor is located in the hole portion. The magnetic conductor is magnetically oriented in the molding die so that the outer conductor is located in a portion excluding the portion to form the plurality of center conductors and outer conductors, and the liquid rubber is cured to form a connector sheet. Then, a method for manufacturing an elastic connector, in which the connector sheet is cut into a predetermined shape.
11. The method of manufacturing an elastic connector according to claim 10, wherein the outer conductor is formed along the hole of the metal connecting member, and the center conductor is formed at the center of the hole.