connector

Abstract

The connector (10) is provided with a spring structure (11) composed of a wire wound in a spiral shape so as to have elasticity and function as a coil having an inductive component; a support member (12) supporting one end of the spring structure (11) and connecting the one end of the spring structure (11) to a wiring pattern (42) provided on a substrate (41); and a support member (13) supporting the other end of the spring structure (11) and electrically connecting the other end of the spring structure (11) to an electric wire (51).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to connectors. Background Technology

[0002] Connectors are components used to connect the flow of electrical power or signals. Such connectors, for example, electrically connect wires to electronic devices. Therefore, there is a possibility that electrical noise can be transmitted from the wires through the connector to the electronic device. In this case, the electronic device that has received the noise may malfunction.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for reducing noise transmitted to electronic devices. The technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 reduces noise transmitted to electronic devices by placing a coiled wire between the electrical device and the coaxial cable.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 53-78701 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0008] Connectors electrically connect wires to electronic devices and also mechanically connect them. Therefore, there is a possibility that mechanical vibrations can be transmitted from the wires to the electronic device, or vice versa. In such cases, the electronic device or the connector may be damaged. The technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 cannot absorb mechanical vibrations.

[0009] This invention was made to solve the aforementioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a connector that can simultaneously absorb vibration and remove noise using a single spring structure.

[0010] Methods for solving problems

[0011] The connector of the present invention comprises: a spring structure consisting of a spirally wound wire, thereby having elasticity and functioning as a coil having an inductive component; a one-end support member supporting one end of the spring structure and connecting one end of the spring structure to a wiring pattern provided on a substrate; and a other-end support member supporting the other end of the spring structure and electrically connecting the other end of the spring structure to a wire. The spring structure is composed of a pair of wires spirally wound together, each end of the pair of wires being connected to a pair of wiring patterns provided on a substrate, and the other end of each pair of wires being connected to a pair of wires encased in a cable. The pair of wires are arranged coaxially and in the same winding direction, and an insulator is applied to each of their outer peripheral surfaces.

[0012] Invention Effects

[0013] According to the present invention, a single spring structure can be used to both absorb vibration and remove noise. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a top view showing the structure of the connector according to Embodiment 1.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a side view showing the structure of the connector according to Embodiment 1.

[0016] Figure 3 This diagram illustrates the state of the connector and wire in Embodiment 1, both when they are not mechanically connected and when they are electrically connected.

[0017] Figure 4 This is a top view showing the structure of the connector according to Embodiment 2.

[0018] Figure 5 This is a side view showing the structure of the connector according to Embodiment 2.

[0019] Figure 6 In Figure 6 A is an axial view of the double spring structure. Figure 6 In Figure 6 B is an external view of the double spring structure viewed from the radial outside.

[0020] Figure 7 This is a top view showing the structure of the connector according to embodiment 3. Detailed Implementation

[0021] Hereinafter, in order to illustrate the present invention in more detail, the embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0022] Implementation Method 1

[0023] use Figures 1 to 3 The connector 10 of Embodiment 1 will be described.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a top view showing the structure of the connector 10 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 2 This is a side view showing the structure of the connector 10 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the state in which the connector 10 and the wire 51 are not mechanically connected and are electrically connected in Embodiment 1.

[0025] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, in Embodiment 1, the connector 10 mechanically and electrically connects a substrate 41 to a wire 51. One end of the connector 10 is mechanically and electrically connected to the substrate 41, and the other end of the connector 10 is mechanically and electrically connected to the wire 51.

[0026] The substrate 41 has a wiring pattern 42. This wiring pattern 42 is formed, for example, of copper, and is disposed on the upper surface of the substrate 41. Furthermore, the substrate 41 is fixed to the housing 43 of an electronic device (not shown). That is, the substrate 41 is used to control the electronic device.

[0027] The wire 51 is made by covering the signal wire 51a, which is a conductor, with an insulator 51b. A socket 15, which will be described later, is provided at one end of the wire 51.

[0028] The connector 10 includes a spring structure 11, support components 12 and 13, a plug 14, and a socket 15.

[0029] The spring structure 11 is supported between the support members 12 and 13. The spring structure 11 has the function of absorbing mechanical vibration and removing electrical noise.

[0030] Specifically, the spring structure 11 is formed by spirally winding a single wire. Therefore, the spring structure 11 is elastic; that is, the spring structure 11 can elastically deform in its axial direction. Furthermore, the spring structure 11 functions as a coil with an inductive component.

[0031] Furthermore, although the conductor may have a circular cross-section, it can also be elliptical or rectangular. Additionally, the spring structure 11 is constructed from a conductor wound in a spiral shape, thus giving it a circular cross-section. Moreover, the conductor constituting the spring structure 11 is preferably made of a metal with high tensile strength and high conductivity. The conductor is formed from at least one metal material selected from materials such as aluminum, copper, nickel, and silver.

[0032] The support member 12 constitutes an end-side support member. This support member 12 is formed, for example, of an insulator. The support member 12 supports one end of the spring structure 11. One end of the spring structure 11 passes through the support member 12. Furthermore, the support member 12 is fixed to the upper surface of the substrate 41 in such a way that it covers one end of the wiring pattern 42. In this case, the end of the spring structure 11 that passes through the support member 12 is connected to the end of the wiring pattern 42 that is covered by the support member 12.

[0033] Support member 13 constitutes a support member on the other end side. This support member 13 is formed, for example, by an insulator. Support member 13 supports the other end of spring structure 11. The other end of spring structure 11 passes through support member 13.

[0034] A plug 14 is disposed on the support member 13. The plug 14 has a connecting portion 14a inside. This connecting portion 14a is connected to the other end of the spring structure 11 that passes through the support member 13. Conversely, a socket 15 is disposed on one end of the wire 51. The socket 15 has a connecting portion 15a. This connecting portion 15a is disposed inside the receiving port of the socket 15. Furthermore, the plug 14 can be inserted into the receiving port of the socket 15. Additionally, the connecting portion 14a of the plug 14 can contact the connecting portion 15a of the socket 15.

[0035] That is, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, when the plug 14 is inserted into the socket 15, the connecting portion 14a of the plug 14 contacts the connecting portion 15a of the socket 15. Conversely, when the plug 14 is pulled out of the socket 15, the spring structure 11 is mechanically and electrically connected to the base plate 41, and is not mechanically and electrically connected to the wire 51.

[0036] When the plug 14 is inserted into the socket 15, if the housing 43 vibrates and this vibration is transmitted from the housing 43 to the wire 51 through the spring structure 11, the vibration is attenuated by the elastic deformation of the spring structure 11. On the other hand, when the plug 14 is inserted into the socket 15, if the wire 51 vibrates and this vibration is transmitted from the wire 51 to the housing 43 through the spring structure 11, the vibration is attenuated by the elastic deformation of the spring structure 11.

[0037] Furthermore, when the plug 14 is inserted into the socket 15, if noise is generated in the wiring pattern 42 of the substrate 41 and this noise is transmitted from the wiring pattern 42 through the spring structure 11 toward the signal line 51a of the wire 51, the noise is removed by the inductive component of the spring structure 11. On the other hand, if noise is generated in the signal line 51a of the wire 51 and this noise is transmitted from the signal line 51a through the spring structure 11 toward the wiring pattern 42, the noise is removed by the inductive component of the spring structure 11.

[0038] As described above, the connector 10 of Embodiment 1 includes: a spring structure 11, which is composed of a spirally wound wire, thus possessing elasticity and functioning as a coil with an inductive component; a support member 12 on one end side, which supports one end of the spring structure 11 and connects one end of the spring structure 11 to a wiring pattern 42 provided on the substrate 41; and a support member 13 on the other end side, which supports the other end of the spring structure 11 and electrically connects the other end of the spring structure 11 to a wire 51. Therefore, the connector 10 can achieve both vibration absorption and noise removal using only one spring structure 11.

[0039] Furthermore, the connector 10 includes: a plug 14 disposed on the support member 13 and connected to the other end of the spring structure 11; and a socket 15 disposed on the wire 51, allowing the plug 14 to be inserted. Therefore, mechanical and electrical connections between the connector 10 and the wire 51 can be easily made.

[0040] Implementation Method 2

[0041] use Figures 4 to 6 The connector 20 of Embodiment 2 will be described. Furthermore, structures that have the same function as those described in the connector 10 of Embodiment 1 will be labeled with the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will be omitted.

[0042] Figure 4 This is a top view showing the structure of connector 20 according to embodiment 2. Figure 5 This is a side view showing the structure of connector 20 according to embodiment 2. Figure 6 A is an axial view of the appearance of the double spring structure 21. Figure 6 B is an external view of the double spring structure 21 viewed from the radial outside.

[0043] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, in Embodiment 2, the connector 20 electrically connects a substrate 41 to a cable 61 via a pair of transmission lines. One end of the connector 20 is mechanically and electrically connected to the substrate 41, and the other end of the connector 20 is mechanically and electrically connected to the cable 61.

[0044] The substrate 41 has a pair of wiring patterns 42. These wiring patterns 42 are arranged in parallel.

[0045] Cable 61 is formed, for example, by covering a pair of wires 51 with a sheath 61a. The sheath 61a is formed, for example, from a resin material. A socket 25 is provided at one end of cable 61.

[0046] The connector 20 includes a spring structure 21, support components 22 and 23, a plug 24, and a socket 25.

[0047] The spring structure 21 is supported between the support components 22 and 23. The spring structure 21 has the function of absorbing mechanical vibration and removing electrical noise.

[0048] Specifically, such as Figure 6 A and Figure 6 As shown in Figure B, the spring structure 21 is formed by overlapping two spring structures 11. In other words, the spring structure 21 is composed of a pair of wires wound together in a spiral shape. Thus, the pair of wires, which are double spiral structures, are arranged coaxially and in the same winding direction, and an insulator (not shown) is applied to each of their outer peripheral surfaces.

[0049] Therefore, the spring structure 21 is elastic. That is, the spring structure 21 can elastically deform in its axial direction. Furthermore, the spring structure 21 functions as a coil with an inductive component. In addition, an insulator is applied to the outer peripheral surface of each conductor of the spring structure 21, thereby ensuring that it is not conductive even if the conductors come into contact with each other.

[0050] Furthermore, the insulator applied to the outer periphery of each conductor is elastic. Therefore, even if a pair of conductors in the spring structure 21 elastically deform, the insulator can follow that elastic deformation.

[0051] The support member 22 constitutes an end-side support member. This support member 22 is formed, for example, of an insulator. The support member 22 supports one end of each pair of wires of the spring structure 21. That is, the support member 22 supports one end of each spring structure 11. Each end of the pair of wires of the spring structure 21 passes through the support member 22.

[0052] Furthermore, the support member 22 is fixed to the upper surface of the substrate 41 such that it covers one end of each of the pair of wiring patterns 42. At this time, one end of a wire passing through the support member 22 is connected to the end of a wiring pattern 42 covered by the support member 22. On the other hand, one end of another wire passing through the support member 22 is connected to the end of another wiring pattern 42 covered by the support member 22.

[0053] Support member 23 constitutes another end support member. This support member 23 is formed, for example, of an insulator. Support member 23 supports the other ends of each pair of wires of the spring structure 21. That is, support member 23 supports the other end of each spring structure 11. The other ends of each pair of wires of the spring structure 21 pass through support member 23.

[0054] A plug 24 is disposed on a support member 23. The plug 24 has a pair of connecting portions 24a inside. One end of one connecting portion 24a is connected to the other end of a wire passing through the support member 23. Furthermore, one end of the other connecting portion 24a is connected to the other end of another wire passing through the support member 23.

[0055] In contrast, a socket 25 is located at one end of the cable 61. The socket 25 has a pair of connecting portions 25a. The pair of connecting portions 25a are located inside the receiving port of the socket 25.

[0056] Furthermore, the plug 24 can be inserted into the receiving port of the socket 25. Additionally, one connecting part 24a can contact another connecting part 25a. On the other hand, another connecting part 24a can contact another connecting part 25a.

[0057] That is, when the plug 24 is inserted into the socket 25, a pair of connecting portions 24a of the plug 24 and a pair of connecting portions 25a of the socket 25 respectively come into contact. Conversely, when the plug 24 is pulled out of the socket 25, the spring structure 21 is mechanically and electrically connected to the base plate 41, and is not mechanically and electrically connected to the cable 61.

[0058] When the plug 24 is inserted into the socket 25, if the housing 43 vibrates and this vibration is transmitted from the housing 43 to the cable 61 through the spring structure 21, the vibration is attenuated by the elastic deformation of the spring structure 21. On the other hand, when the plug 24 is inserted into the socket 25, if the cable 61 vibrates and this vibration is transmitted from the cable 61 to the housing 43 through the spring structure 21, the vibration is attenuated by the elastic deformation of a pair of wires in the spring structure 21.

[0059] As described above, a pair of transmission lines are formed between the substrate 41 and the cable 61. One transmission line consists of a wire 51 in the cable 61, a conductor in the spring structure 21, and a wiring pattern 42 in the substrate 41. The other transmission line consists of another wire 51 in the cable 61, another conductor in the spring structure 21, and another wiring pattern 42 in the substrate 41.

[0060] Furthermore, when the current flows in the same direction relative to the pair of wires of the spring structure 21, each wire reinforces the magnetic field of the current flowing through it. Therefore, the noise generated from the substrate 41 or the cable 61 is removed by the inductive component of each wire. In addition, the above-mentioned noise is referred to as common-mode noise.

[0061] In the connector 20 of Embodiment 2, the spring structure 21 is composed of a pair of wires wound in a spiral shape. One end of each pair of wires is connected to a pair of wiring patterns 42 provided on the substrate 41. The other end of each pair of wires is connected to a pair of wires 51 encased in a single cable 61. The pair of wires are coaxial and wound in the same direction, and each has an insulator applied to its outer peripheral surface. Therefore, the connector 20 can achieve both vibration absorption and common-mode noise removal using only one spring structure 21.

[0062] Furthermore, in connector 20, the insulator applied to the outer peripheral surfaces of each pair of wires of spring structure 21 is elastic. Therefore, even if the pair of wires of spring structure 21 elastically deform, the insulator can follow the elastic deformation.

[0063] Implementation Method 3

[0064] use Figure 7The connector 30 of Embodiment 3 will be described. Furthermore, structures that have the same function as those described in the connector 20 of Embodiment 2 will be labeled with the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will be omitted.

[0065] Figure 7 This is a top view showing the structure of connector 30 according to embodiment 3.

[0066] like Figure 7 As shown, in Embodiment 3, the connector 30, for example, uses the same number of transmission lines as the number of cables 61 to electrically connect one substrate 41 to multiple cables 61. One end of the connector 30 is mechanically and electrically connected to the substrate 41, and the other end of the connector 30 is mechanically and electrically connected to the cables 61. Furthermore, Figure 7 An example is shown where the number of cables 61 is set to 2.

[0067] When a pair of wiring patterns 42 are considered as a group, the substrate 41 has two groups of the wiring patterns 42. These wiring patterns 42 are arranged in parallel. In addition, a socket 35 is provided at one end of the two cables 61.

[0068] The connector 30 has two spring structures 21, one support member 32, two support members 23, one plug 34, and one socket 35.

[0069] Two spring structures 21 are arranged in parallel. These spring structures 21 are supported between support members 32 and 23. The number of spring structures 21 is the same as the number of sets of a pair of wiring patterns 42 and the number of cables 61.

[0070] The support member 32 constitutes an end-side support member. This support member 32 is formed, for example, of an insulator. The support member 32 supports one end of each pair of wires of each spring structure 21. Each end of each pair of wires of each spring structure 21 passes through the support member 32.

[0071] Furthermore, the support member 32 is fixed to the upper surface of the substrate 41 such that it covers one end of each of the two sets of wiring patterns 42. At this time, one end of the support member 32 through one of the wires in each pair is connected to the end of the wiring pattern 42 in each set that is covered by the support member 32. On the other hand, one end of the support member 32 through the other wire in each pair is connected to the end of the other wiring pattern 42 in each set that is covered by the support member 32.

[0072] A support member 23 supports the other ends of a pair of wires of a spring structure 21. Another support member 23 supports the other ends of a pair of wires of another spring structure 21. The other ends of a pair of wires of one spring structure 21 pass through a support member 23. The other ends of a pair of wires of another spring structure 21 pass through another support member 23.

[0073] The plug 34 is disposed across the two support members 23. When a pair of connectors 34a are arranged as one set, the plug 34 has two sets of connectors 34a inside. One end of each of the two sets of connectors 34a is connected to the other end of a pair of wires passing through one support member 23. One end of each of the two sets of connectors 34a is connected to the other end of a pair of wires passing through the other support member 23.

[0074] In contrast, the socket 35 is disposed across one end of the two cables 61. When a pair of connectors 35a are considered as one group, the socket 35 has two groups of connectors 35a. Each group of connectors 35a is disposed inside the receiving port of the socket 35.

[0075] Furthermore, the plug 34 can be inserted into the receiving port of the socket 35. Additionally, one set of connecting parts 34a and another set of connecting parts 35a can each make contact. On the other hand, another set of connecting parts 34a and another set of connecting parts 35a can each make contact.

[0076] That is, when the plug 34 is inserted into the socket 35, the two sets of connecting portions 34a of the plug 34 are connected to the two sets of connecting portions 35a of the socket 35 respectively. Conversely, when the plug 34 is pulled out of the socket 35, the two spring structures 21 are mechanically and electrically connected to the base plate 41, and are not mechanically and electrically connected to the two cables 61.

[0077] In the connector 30 of embodiment 3, the spring structure 21, which is composed of a pair of wires spirally wound together, is provided in the same number of groups as when a pair of wiring patterns 42 are grouped together, and the same number of cables 61 are provided. Therefore, even if multiple spring structures 21 are used, the connector 30 can simultaneously absorb vibration and remove common-mode noise.

[0078] Furthermore, within the scope of its disclosure, the present invention allows for free combination of various embodiments, modification of any constituent element in each embodiment, or omission of any constituent element in each embodiment.

[0079] Industrial availability

[0080] The connector of the present invention has a spring structure made of a spirally wound wire, which can both absorb vibration and remove noise, and is suitable for use in connectors and the like.

[0081] Label Explanation

[0082] 10, 20, 30: Connectors; 11, 21: Spring structures; 12, 13, 22, 23, 32: Support components; 14, 24, 34: Plugs; 15, 25, 35: Sockets; 14a, 15a, 24a, 25a, 34a, 35a: Connecting parts; 41: Substrate; 42: Wiring pattern; 43: Housing; 51: Wire; 51a: Signal line; 51b: Insulator; 61: Cable; 61a: Sheath.

Claims

1. A connector, characterized in that, The connector includes: A spring structure, which is made of a spirally wound wire, thus having elasticity and functioning as a coil with an inductive component; A one-end support member supports one end of the spring structure and connects one end of the spring structure to a wiring pattern provided on the substrate; and The other end support component supports the other end of the spring structure and electrically connects the other end of the spring structure to the wire. The spring structure is composed of a pair of wires wound together in a spiral shape. One end of each of the pair of wires is connected to a pair of wiring patterns disposed on the substrate. The other end of each of the pair of conductors is connected to a pair of wires respectively encased in a cable. The pair of conductors are arranged coaxially and in the same winding direction, and an insulator is applied to each of their outer peripheral surfaces. Two transmission lines are formed between the substrate and the cable. One transmission line consists of a wire in the cable, a conductor in the spring structure, and a wiring pattern in the substrate. The other transmission line consists of another wire in the cable, another conductor in the spring structure, and another wiring pattern in the substrate.

2. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The insulator is elastic.

3. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The spring structure, consisting of a pair of wires spirally wound together, is provided in the same number of groups as when the pair of wiring patterns are grouped together, and in the same number of cables.

4. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connector includes: A plug, which is disposed on the other end support member and connected to the other end of the spring structure; and A socket is provided on the wire to allow the plug to be inserted.

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