Contact member and connector

A contact member which is resistant to contact failure even if the environment of use is bad. A film is affixed to the surface of a long plate-shaped elastic body which is disposed between two to-be-connected objects. A electrically-conducting path which electrically connects between terminal portions of two to-be-connected objects is provided on the surface of the film. A first conductor contact portion which is capable of being brought into contact with the terminal portion of one of two to-be-connected objects is disposed at one end of the electrically-conducting path, and a second conductor contact portion which is capable of being brought into contact with the terminal portion of the other of two to-be-connected objects is disposed at the other end of the electrically-conducting path. A plurality of holes are formed in the first and second conductor contact portions.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a contact member that electrically connects to-be-connected objects to each other, and a connector including the contact member.

2. Description of the Related Art

Conventionally, there has been proposed a connector comprised of contact members and a frame (see Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 2006-310140 (Paragraphs 0022 to 0025 and 0039 to 0041, and FIGS. 1 and 7)).

Each contact member includes an elastic body, a film, and a plurality of conductor portions.

The elastic body is substantially long plate-shaped, and includes a holding surface which holds the film, a lower surface which is parallel to the holding surface, and curved surfaces extending between the holding surface and the basic surface. The cross-section of the elastic body is substantially D-shaped.

The film is affixed to the elastic body in a manner covering the holding surface and the curved-faces thereof.

Each of the conductor portions is a substantially belt-shaped metal thin film. The conductor portions extend in the direction of width of the elastic body (in the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction and the direction of thickness of the elastic body), and are formed on the surface of the film at equally-spaced intervals along the longitudinal direction of the elastic body.

The frame is formed with holding holes. The contact members are inserted into the holding holes, respectively, and an intermediate portion of each contact member in the direction of width thereof is held by the frame.

When in use, the connector is sandwiched between two to-be-connected objects. At this time, the elastic body is elastically deformed, and the conductor portions are pressed against terminal portions of the to-be-connected objects by the restoring force of the elastic body for restoring the original shape, whereby the two to-be-connected objects are electrically connected via the conductor portions.

However, the conductor portions of the contact member are brought into surface contact with the terminal portions of the to-be-connected objects, and hence if an environment in which the connector is used is bad (for example, if dust falls, or if terminal portions of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) as a to-be-connected object are stained with silicone oil applied thereto for improvement of heat dissipation effects), silicone oil or dust is liable to be held between the conductor portions and the terminal portions, which can cause contact failure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been made in view of these circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a contact member which is resistant to contact failure even if the environment of use is bad, and a connector including the contact member.

To attain the above object, in a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a contact member comprising an elastic body that is substantially plate-shaped, a film that is affixed to a surface of the elastic body, and an electrically-conducting path that is disposed on the surface of the film, for electrically connecting between terminal portions of two to-be-connected objects, the electrically-conducting path including a first conductor contact portion that is capable of being brought into contact with a terminal portion of one of the two to-be-connected objects, and a second conductor contact portion that is capable of being brought into contact with a terminal portion of the other of the two to-be-connected objects, the first and second conductor contact portions having recesses formed therein.

With the arrangement of the contact member according to the first aspect of the present invention, recesses are formed in the first and second conductor contact portions. Therefore, when the conductor contact portions are brought into contact with the terminal portions of the to-be-connected objects, dust or the like attached to the conductor contact portions are caught in the recesses. Therefore, even if the environment of use is bad, the contact member is resistant to contact failure.

Preferably, the recesses are scattered over substantially whole of the first and second conductor contact portions.

To attain the above object, in a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a contact member comprising an elastic body that is substantially plate-shaped, a film that is affixed to a surface of the elastic body, and an electrically-conducting path that is disposed on the surface of the film, for electrically connecting between terminal portions of two to-be-connected objects, the electrically-conducting path including a first conductor contact portion that is capable of being brought into contact with a terminal portion of one of the two to-be-connected objects, and a second conductor contact portion that is capable of being brought into contact with a terminal portion of the other of the two to-be-connected objects, the first and second conductor contact portions having holes formed therein.

With the arrangement of the contact member according to the second aspect of the present invention, holes are formed in the first and second conductor contact portions. Therefore, when the conductor contact portions are brought into contact with the terminal portions of the to-be-connected objects, dust or the like attached to the conductor contact portions are caught in the holes. Therefore, even if the environment of use is bad, the contact member is resistant to contact failure.

Preferably, deformation acceleration holes opposed to the holes are formed in the film.

Preferably, a conductor layer continuing into the electrically-conducting path is formed on an inner peripheral surface of each of the holes.

Preferably, the holes are scattered over substantially whole of the first and second conductor contact portions.

To attain the above object, in a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connector comprising a contact member including an elastic body that is substantially plate-shaped, a film that is affixed to a surface of the elastic body, and an electrically-conducting path that is disposed on the surface of the film, for electrically connecting between terminal portions of two to-be-connected objects, the electrically-conducting path including a first conductor contact portion that is capable of being brought into contact with a terminal portion of one of the two to-be-connected objects, and a second conductor contact portion that is capable of being brought into contact with a terminal portion of the other of the two to-be-connected objects, the first and second conductor contact portions having recesses formed therein, and an insulating frame that holds the contact member.

With the arrangement of the contact according to the third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to obtain the same advantageous effects as provided by the first aspect of the invention.

To attain the above object, in a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connector comprising a contact member including an elastic body that is substantially plate-shaped, a film that is affixed to a surface of the elastic body, and an electrically-conducting path that is disposed on the surface of the film, for electrically connecting between terminal portions of two to-be-connected objects, the electrically-conducting path including a first conductor contact portion that is capable of being brought into contact with a terminal portion of one of the two to-be-connected objects, and a second conductor contact portion that is capable of being brought into contact with a terminal portion of the other of the two to-be-connected objects, the first and second conductor contact portions having holes formed therein, and an insulating frame that holds the contact member.

With the arrangement of the contact according to the third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to obtain the same advantageous effects as provided by the second aspect of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings showing preferred embodiments thereof.

FIG. 1is a perspective view of a connector according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

As shown inFIG. 1, a connector101is comprised of a plurality of contact members110, and an insulating frame117. The connector101is disposed between two to-be-connected objects (not shown), and electrically connects the to-be-connected objects to each other.

As shown inFIGS. 2 to 4, each contact member110includes an elastic body111, a film112, and a plurality of electrically-conducting paths113.

The elastic body111is made of an elastic material having insulation properties (e.g. gum or gel), and is substantially plate-shaped.

The elastic body111has cutouts111aformed in upper and lower ends thereof at equally-spaced intervals in a longitudinal direction L1of the elastic body111(seeFIG. 3).

The film112is affixed to the elastic body111in a manner covering an upper surface, a front surface, and a lower surface of the elastic body111. Polyimide, aramid or the like is suitable for the material of the film112.

The electrically-conducting paths113are formed on the surface of the film112at equally-spaced intervals along the longitudinal direction L1of the elastic body111. Each electrically-conducting path113is a substantially belt-shaped metal thin film. The electrically-conducting path113is formed e.g. by sputtering and etching. The electrically-conducting path113has a first conductor contact portion113a, and a second conductor contact portion113b. The first conductor contact portion113ais at one end of the electrically-conducting path113, and the second conductor contact portion113bis at the other end of the electrically-conducting path113.

When the film112is affixed to the elastic body111, the first conductor contact portion113ais located on the upper surface of the elastic body111. The first conductor contact portion113ais capable of being brought into contact with a terminal portion of one of the to-be-connected objects of the connector101.

When the film112is affixed to the elastic body111, the second conductor contact portion113bis located on the lower surface of the elastic body111. The second conductor contact portion113bis capable of being brought into contact with a terminal portion of the other of the to-be-connected objects of the connector101.

As shown inFIG. 4, a plurality of holes114are formed in the first and second conductor contact portions113aand113b. Each hole114has a rhombic shape. The holes114are arranged in a matrix, and hence the first conductor contact portion113aand the second conductor contact portion113bare substantially mesh-shaped.

As shown inFIGS. 5,6A, and6B, one opening of the hole114is closed by the film112.

The insulating frame117is made of an insulating material, and is formed to be substantially plate-shaped, as shown inFIG. 1. Three holding holes117aare formed through the insulating frame117. The holding holes117aextend in the longitudinal direction L17of the insulating frame117, and are arranged in three rows in a transverse direction S17of the insulating frame117. The contact members110are inserted in the holding holes117a, and the contact members110has intermediate portions thereof held in the insulating frame117. When the contact members110are held in the insulating frame117, the upper and lower ends of the contact members110protrude out of the holding holes117a.

To use the connector101, the connector101is sandwiched between two to-be-connected objects (e.g. between a circuit board and a circuit board, or between a circuit board and a semiconductor device) and the two to-be-connected objects and the connector101sandwiched therebetween are connected by appropriate connecting means (e.g. bolts and nuts).

When the connector101is sandwiched by the two to-be-connected objects, the elastic body111is deformed by compression, and the first and second conductor contact portions113aand113bare pressed against the terminal portions of the two to-be-connected objects, respectively, by the restoring force of the elastic body111, whereby the terminal portions of the to-be-connected objects are electrically connected to each other via the electrically-conducting paths113.

For example, as shown inFIG. 7, if a contaminant S having flowability, such as silicone oil/adheres to a terminal portion902aof a to-be-connected object, the contaminant S gets into holes114of the second conductor contact portion113bof the electrically-conducting path113, which enables the second conductor contact portion113bto be positively brought into contact with the terminal portion902a.

If the contaminant is hard dust, the first and second conductor contact portions113aand113bare deformed in a manner enveloping the contaminant. This is because the flexibility of the electrically-conducting path113has been improved by the holes114. Therefore, the first and second conductor contact portions113aand113bare positively brought into contact with the terminal portions902aof the mating to-be-connected object.

FIG. 8Ais a conceptual view of the conductor contact portion113aof theFIG. 2contact member110in a state before being brought into contact with a solder ball G of a ball grid array.FIG. 8Bis a conceptual view of the conductor contact portion113aof theFIG. 2contact member110in a state in contact with the solder ball G of the ball grid array.FIG. 8Cis a conceptual view of the conductor contact portion113aof theFIG. 2contact member110in a state moved away from the solder ball G of the ball grid array.

As shown inFIG. 8A, before the solder ball G of the ball grid array (terminal portion of the to-be-connected object, not shown) is brought into contact with the first conductor contact portion113aof the contact member110appearing inFIG. 2, the first conductor contact portion113ais substantially flat.

As shown inFIG. 8B, when the solder ball G of the ball grid array is brought into contact with the first conductor contact portion113a, the first conductor contact portion113ais elastically deformed such that it is brought into close contact with the spherical surface of the solder ball G of the ball grid array, since the first conductor contact portion113ais mesh-shaped. As a result, the first conductor contact portion113ais positively brought into contact with the solder ball G of the ball grid array.

Since the flexibility of the first conductor contact portion113ais improved by the holes114, when the first conductor contact portion113ais brought into close contact with the solder ball G of the ball grid array, the first conductor contact portion113ais not plastically deformed, so that when the solder ball G of the ball grid array is moved away from the first conductor contact portion113a, there remain no wrinkles.

Conventionally, there have been proposed a contact member having a conductor contact portion formed in a spiral shape and a contact member having a conductor contact portion formed with a cross-shaped cut, f or improved contact properties. In the conventional contact members, however, if a solder ball G of a ball grid array is brought into contact with the conductor contact portion off the center thereof, for example, the conductor contact portion is not sufficiently elastically deformed, so that the solder ball of the ball grid array cannot be brought into sufficient contact with the conductor contact portion. Further, wrinkles sometimes remain in a portion brought into contact with the solder ball of the ball grid array.

In contrast, in the connector according to the first embodiment, even if a solder ball G of a ball grid array is brought into contact with the first conductor contact portion113aoff the center thereof, the solder ball G of the ball grid array is positively brought into contact with the conductor contact portion113asince the first conductor contact portion113ahas a high flexibility. Further, wrinkles are difficult to remain in a portion brought into contact with the solder ball G of the ball grid array.

As shown inFIG. 8C, when the solder ball G of the ball grid array is moved away from the first conductor contact portion113a, the first conductor contact portion113areturns to its original flat state by the restoring force of the elastic body111. Even if the conductor contact portion113areturns to the original flat state, there are not wrinkles remaining in the first conductor contact portion113a.

It should be noted that the above-described relationship between the first conductor contact portion113aand the solder ball G of the ball grid array also holds true when a solder ball G of a ball grid array is brought into contact with the second conductor contact portion113b.

According to the present embodiment, since the holes114are formed in the first and second conductor contact portions113aand113b, even if a contaminant adheres to terminal portions of to-be-connected objects, the first and second conductor contact portions113aand113bare positively brought into contact with the associated terminal portions of the to-be-connected objects.

Further, the first and second conductor contact portions113aand113bhas the flexibility thereof improved by the holes114, and hence they are resistant to formation of wrinkles.

FIG. 9is a perspective view of a first variation of the first conductor contact portion of the electrically-conducting path of the contact member of the connector according to the first embodiment. The following description will be given of only main different parts from those of the first embodiment.

As shown inFIG. 9, as distinct from the first embodiment in which the rhombic holes114are formed in the first and second conductor contact portions113aand113bof the electrically-conducting path113of the contact member110, in this variation, circular or elliptic holes114′ are formed in the first conductor contact portion113aof the electrically-conducting path113of the variation. The circular holes114′ are also formed in the second conductor contact portion113bof the electrically-conducting path113, not shown.

According to this variation, it is possible to obtain the same advantageous effects as provided by the first embodiment.

FIG. 10is a perspective view of a second variation of the contact member110of the connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 11is an exploded perspective view of theFIG. 10contact member110.FIG. 12is a perspective view of a film112′ and electrically-conducting paths113of theFIG. 10contact member110, in a developed state.

Component parts identical to those of the contact member according to the first embodiment are denoted by identical reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted. The following description will be given of only main different parts from those of the first embodiment.

As shown inFIGS. 10 to 12, in this second variation, cutouts112aare formed in a film112′ of the contact member110. The cutouts112aare opposed to the cutouts111aformed in the upper end and the lower end of the elastic body111when the film112′ is affixed to the elastic body111.

According to this second variation, it is possible to obtain the same advantageous effects as provided by the first embodiment. Further, it is possible to improve followability (close contactness) of the first and second conductor contact portions113aand113bto the terminal portions of the to-be-connected objects.

FIG. 13is a perspective view of a film212and electrically-conducting paths113of a contact member of a connector according to a second embodiment of the present invention, in a developed state.FIG. 14Ais an enlarged plan view of a portion B appearing inFIG. 13.FIG. 14Bis a cross-sectional view taken on line XIVB-XIVB ofFIG. 14A.

Component parts identical to those of the contact member according to the first embodiment are denoted by identical reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted. The following description will be given of only main different parts from those of the first embodiment.

The second embodiment is distinguished from the first embodiment in the construction of a film212. As shown inFIG. 14B, deformation acceleration holes212bare formed in the film212, in a manner opposed to the holes114in the electrically-conducting path113. The shape of each deformation acceleration hole212bis the same as the shape of each hole114. The deformation acceleration holes212bmake the film212easier to be deformed.

According to the second embodiment, the first and second conductor contact portions113aand113bare made easier to be elastically deformed by the deformation acceleration holes212b, and hence the contact stability of the connector is improved.

FIG. 15Ais an enlarged plan view of a portion corresponding toFIG. 6Aof a film212and an electrically-conducting path113of a contact member of a connector according to a third embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 15Bis a cross-sectional view taken on line XVB-XVB ofFIG. 15A.

Component parts identical to those of the contact member according to the first and second embodiments are denoted by identical reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted. The following description will be given of only main different parts from those of the first and second embodiments.

As shown inFIGS. 15A and 15B, a conductor layer316is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the hole114of the electrically-conducting path113and on the inner peripheral surface of the deformation acceleration hole212bof the film212.

The conductor layer316prevents water or the like from seeping in between the electrically-conducting path113and the film112, and hence this makes it possible to prevent the electrically-conducting path113from peeling off or being corroded.

According to the third embodiment, it is possible to obtain the same advantageous effects as provided by the first and second embodiments, and at the same time improve the durability of the contact member.

FIG. 16Ais an enlarged plan view of a portion corresponding toFIG. 6Aof a film212and an electrically-conducting path413of a contact member of a connector according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 16Bis a cross-sectional view taken on line XVIB-XVIB ofFIG. 16A.

Component parts identical to those of the contact member according to the first embodiment are denoted by identical reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted. The following description will be given of only main different parts from those of the first embodiment.

As distinct from the first embodiment in which the holes114are formed in each electrically-conducting path113, in the fourth embodiment, recesses415are formed in each electrically-conducting path413in place of the holes114, as shown inFIGS. 16A and 16B.

According to the fourth embodiment, it is possible to obtain the same advantageous effects as provided by the first embodiment. Further, it is possible to prevent water or the like from seeping in between the electrically-conducting path413and the film112, and hence to prevent the electrically-conducting path413from peeling off or being corroded. Therefore, it is possible to improve the durability of the contact member.

FIG. 17Ais a front view showing circuit boards in a state before being connected to each other by a connector according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 17Bis a front view showing the circuit boards in a state connected to each other by the connector appearing inFIG. 17A.FIG. 18is a perspective view of a contact member510of the connector appearing inFIG. 17A.

As shown inFIGS. 17A and 17B, the connector501includes the contact member510, a first substrate517(insulating frame), a second substrate518(insulating frame), and a holding plate519.

As shown inFIG. 18, the contact member510includes an elastic body511, a film512, and a plurality of electrically-conducting paths513.

The elastic body511is made of an elastic material having insulation properties (e.g. gum or gel), and is substantially plate-shaped.

The film512is affixed to the elastic body511in a manner covering an upper surface of the elastic body511. Polyimide, aramid or the like is suitable for the material of the film512.

The electrically-conducting paths513are formed on the surface of the film512at equally-spaced intervals in a predetermined direction. Each electrically-conducting path513is a substantially belt-shaped metal thin film. The electrically-conducting path513is formed e.g. by sputtering and etching. The electrically-conducting path513includes a first conductor contact portion513aand a second conductor contact portion513b. The first conductor contact portion513ais at one end of the electrically-conducting path513, and the second conductor contact portion513bis at the other end of the electrically-conducting path513.

The first conductor contact portion513ais capable of being brought into contact with a terminal portion (not shown) of a first circuit board905which is one of objects to be connected to the connector501.

The second conductor contact portion513bis capable of being brought into contact with a terminal portion (not shown) of a second circuit board906which is the other of the objects to be connected to the connector501.

As shown inFIG. 18, a plurality of holes514are formed in the first and second conductor contact portions513aand513b. Each hole514has a rhombic shape. The holes514are arranged in a matrix, and hence the first conductor contact portion513ais substantially mesh-shaped.

Screw holes517aare formed through the first substrate517. The first substrate517holds the first circuit board905.

Screw holes518aare formed through the second substrate518. The second substrate518holds the second circuit board906.

Screw insertion holes519aare formed through the holding plate519.

To connect the first and second circuit boards905and906to each other by the connector501, first, the first and second circuit boards905and906are disposed on the first and second substrates517and518, respectively.

Next, the contact member510is disposed on the first and second circuit boards905and906. At this time, the contact member510is disposed in a manner forming a bridge between the first and second circuit boards905and906.

Then, the holding plate519is disposed on the contact member510.

When the contact member510is sandwiched by the first and second substrates517and518and the holding plate519, the elastic body511is compressed, so that the first and second conductor contact portions513aand513bare pressed against the terminal portions of the first and second circuit boards905and906, respectively, by the restoring force of the elastic body511. As a result, the terminal portions of the two circuit boards905and906are electrically connected to each other by the electrically-conducting paths513.

According to the fifth embodiment, it is possible to obtain the same advantageous effects as provided by the first embodiment.

FIG. 19is a front view showing circuit boards in a state connected to each other by a connector according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

Component parts identical to those of the contact member according to the fifth embodiment are denoted by identical reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted. The following description will be given of only main different parts from those of the fifth embodiment.

As distinct from the fifth embodiment in which the holding plate519is fixed to the first and second substrates517and518by the screws520, in the sixth embodiment, a holding plate619is fixed to the first and second substrates617and618by a lock mechanism, as shown inFIG. 19.

The holding plate619includes a pair of arms619ahaving elasticity, and lugs619bformed at front ends of the arms619a.

The first and second substrates617and618have holes617aand618aformed therethrough, respectively for having the arms619aand lugs619bpass therethrough.

When the arms619aand lugs619bof the holding plate619are inserted into the holes617aand618aof the first and second substrates617and618, respectively, the inner surfaces of the holes617aand618aand the lugs619bare engaged, and the arms619aare elastically deformed outward. When the lugs619bpass through the holes617aand618a, the inner surfaces of the holes617aand618aand the lugs619bare disengaged, and then the arms619aeach return to the original state. As a result, respective portions of the lugs619bare engaged with the lower surfaces of the first and second substrates617and618, respectively, whereby the holding plate619is locked to the first and second substrates617and618.

According to the sixth embodiment, it is possible to obtain the same advantageous effects as provided by the fifth embodiment. Further, it is possible to easily fix the holding plate619to the first and second substrates617and618, which improves workability.

FIG. 20is a perspective view of a contact member710of a connector according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

Component parts identical to those of the contact member according to the fifth embodiment are denoted by identical reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted. The following description will be given of only main different parts from those of the fifth embodiment.

As distinct from the fifth embodiment in which the elastic body511is comprised of one elastic member, in the seventh embodiment, as shown inFIG. 20, an elastic body711is comprised of a first elastic member711A which supports the first conductor contact portions513aof the electrically-conducting paths513, and a second elastic member711B which supports the second conductor contact portions513bof the electrically-conducting paths513.

According to the seventh embodiment, it is possible to obtain the same advantageous effects as provided by the fifth embodiment. Further, it is possible to increase the degree of freedom of the manner of contact between the two to-be-connected objects.

Although in the above-described embodiments, a plurality of holes114,114′, and514, or recesses415are formed in one conductor contact portion, this is not limitative, but one hole or one recess may be formed in the conductor contact portion.

Further, although in the above-described embodiments, the deformation acceleration holes212bare formed in a manner opposed to the holes114, the deformation acceleration holes212bare not necessarily required to be opposed to the holes114.

It should be noted that although in the second embodiment, one deformation acceleration hole212bis provided for one hole114, one large deformation acceleration hole may be provided for a plurality of holes114.

It is further understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing are the preferred embodiments of the present invention, and that various changes and modification may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope thereof.