Connector and manufacturing method thereof

Abstract

The invention provides a connector and a manufacturing method thereof. The connector includes a housing having a flat plate shape, and a plurality of contact accommodating portions penetrating the housing in a thickness direction. A plurality of contacts are accommodated in the plurality of contact accommodating portions of the housing, respectively. Each of the plurality of contacts includes: two metal terminals spaced apart from each other in the thickness direction of the housing; a tubular coupling member which is easy to elastically deform and is coupled with the two metal terminals; and a conductive fluid filling an inner space of the coupling member. The two metal terminals are electrically connected with each other through the conductive fluid. A gas is present in the interior space of the coupling member. The two metal terminals are configured to approach each other in the thickness direction of the housing in accordance with compression of the gas and elastic deformation of the coupling member.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a connector and a method for manufacturing the same. Background Technology

[0002] As in this application Figure 13 As shown, Patent Document 1 discloses a socket 100 for electronic components, used to connect electronic components (e.g., semiconductor packages) to a circuit board. The socket 100 for electronic components includes a housing 103 and a plurality of terminals 104. The housing 103 includes a side wall 101 and a bottom wall 102, and the plurality of terminals 104 are disposed through the bottom wall 102 of the housing 103.

[0003] Each terminal 104 includes a contact portion 105 configured to contact an electrode of an electronic component and a connection portion 106 configured to connect to a pad (land) on a circuit board. The contact portion 105 is bent into a convex shape so that the contact portion 105 reliably makes electrical contact with the electrode of the electronic component, and it is supported by an arm-shaped portion 107 that is easily elastically deformable.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2012-174617. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In the structure of Patent Document 1, the arm-shaped portion 107 needs to be bent significantly to increase the travel of the contact portion 105, which hinders the miniaturization of the terminal 104. Therefore, there is room for improvement in reducing the spacing of the electronic component socket 100.

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a technique for reducing connector spacing.

[0007] A connector is provided, comprising: a housing having a flat plate shape and including a plurality of contact receptacles penetrating the housing in a thickness direction; a plurality of contacts respectively housed in the plurality of contact receptacles of the housing, wherein each contact includes: two metal terminals spaced apart from each other in the thickness direction of the housing; a tubular coupling member readily elastically deformable and coupled to the two metal terminals; a conductive fluid filling an internal space of the coupling member, the two metal terminals being electrically connected to each other through the conductive fluid; and a gas present in the internal space of the coupling member, and the two metal terminals being configured to approach each other in the thickness direction of the housing upon compression of the gas and elastic deformation of the coupling member.

[0008] According to the present invention, the spacing between connectors can be reduced. The above and other objects, features and advantages of this disclosure will be more fully understood from the detailed description and accompanying drawings given below. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the intermediary (first embodiment); Figure 2 This is a partial sectional perspective view of the intermediary (first embodiment); Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the contact element (first embodiment); Figure 4 This is a side sectional view of the intermediary (first embodiment); Figure 5 This is a side sectional view of the intermediary (first embodiment); Figure 6 This is a side sectional view of the intermediary (first embodiment); Figure 7 This refers to the manufacturing process of the intermediary (first embodiment); Figure 8 This is a partial sectional perspective view of the intermediary (second embodiment); Figure 9 This refers to the manufacturing process of the intermediary (second embodiment); Figure 10 This is a partial sectional perspective view of the intermediary (third embodiment); Figure 11 This is a partial top view of the intermediary (third embodiment); Figure 12 The manufacturing process of the intermediary (third embodiment); and Figure 13 It shows Patent Document 1 Figure 5 A simplified version of the view. Detailed Implementation

[0010] The invention will be described below through several embodiments. However, the invention according to the claims is not limited to the embodiments described below. Furthermore, not all configurations described in the embodiments are necessary means to solve the problem. For clarity, the following description and drawings have been partially omitted or appropriately simplified. In the drawings, the same elements are given the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions have been omitted as necessary.

[0011] In the following embodiments, for ease of explanation, the description may be divided into multiple parts or embodiments where necessary. Unless otherwise expressly stated, these are not independent of each other, but rather may be related modifications, applications, detailed explanations, or supplementary explanations. Furthermore, in the following embodiments, when numerical values ​​such as the quantity, amount, value, or range of components are mentioned, unless explicitly specified or in principle explicitly limited to a specific quantity, these quantities are not limited to the specified values ​​and may include values ​​greater than or less than the stated quantities.

[0012] Furthermore, in the following embodiments, each component (including operating steps, etc.) is not necessarily necessary unless explicitly stated or clearly considered necessary in principle. Similarly, when referring to the shape, positional relationships, etc., of components, these descriptions should be interpreted as including substantially similar or approximate configurations unless explicitly stated or considered in principle. The same principle applies to numerical descriptions, such as quantity, numerical value, usage, or range.

[0013] (First Embodiment) The following will refer to Figures 1 to 7 A first embodiment of this disclosure is described. Figure 1 Interposer 1 is shown. Interposer 1 is a specific example of a connector. Interposer 1 typically connects a Land Grid Array (LGA) package 2 to a rigid plate 3. Therefore, interposer 1 is also referred to as an LGA socket.

[0014] LGA package 2 is a specific example of an electronic component. LGA package 2 is a semiconductor package in which multiple pads 2A are arranged in a grid pattern.

[0015] Rigid board 3 is a specific example of a circuit board. Rigid board 3 is a board in which multiple pads 3A are arranged in a grid pattern. Rigid board 3 is typically a paper phenolic board or a glass epoxy board.

[0016] In this embodiment, the number of intermediaries 1 is typically 3,000 to 10,000. However, the number of intermediaries 1 can be less than 3,000 or greater than 10,000.

[0017] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the intermediary 1 includes a housing 4 and a plurality of contacts 5 held in place by the housing 4. The intermediary 1 may also include positioning guides for positioning the LGA package 2 relative to the housing 4. Alternatively, the housing 4 may have the function of positioning the LGA package 2 relative to the housing 4. In this embodiment, the plurality of contacts 5 are arranged in a grid pattern. For example, the spacing between the plurality of contacts 5 is set to 1 mm or less.

[0018] <Shell 4> like Figure 2As shown, the housing 4 has a flat plate shape and includes a plurality of contact receptacles 6 extending through the housing 4 in the thickness direction. The thickness direction of the housing 4 is also referred to below as the vertical direction. The vertical direction includes an upward direction and a downward direction, the upward direction being the direction from which the LGA package 2 is viewed from the intermediary 1, and the downward direction being the direction from which the intermediary 1 is viewed from within the LGA package 2. The terms vertical direction, upward direction, and downward direction are used for ease of description and do not limit the position of the intermediary 1 in actual use. The housing 4 includes an upward-facing upper housing surface 4A and a downward-facing lower housing surface 4B. Therefore, each contact receptacle 6 opens in the upper housing surface 4A and the lower housing surface 4B. Each contact receptacle 6 has a columnar shape extending in the vertical direction. Specifically, when viewed from above, the inner peripheral surface 6A of the contact receptacle 6 has a perfectly circular shape.

[0019] At the lower end of the inner peripheral surface 6A of each contact receiving portion 6, an annular contact receiving flange 7 is formed that projects inwardly in the radial direction. The contact receiving flange 7 has an upward-facing upper flange surface 7A and a downward-facing lower flange surface 7B. The lower flange surface 7B is flush with the lower surface 4B of the housing. When viewed from above, the inner peripheral surface of the contact receiving flange 7 has a perfectly circular shape.

[0020] The housing 4 is made of an insulating material that is easily elastically deformable (e.g., silicone rubber). Thus, the housing 4 can flexibly deform along the curved surfaces of the LGA package 2 and the rigid plate 3. Alternatively, the housing 4 can be made of an insulating material that is not easily elastically deformable, such as a liquid crystal polymer (LCP).

[0021] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, each contact 5 includes an upper terminal 10, a lower terminal 11, a tube 12, and liquid metal 13.

[0022] <Upper terminal 10, Lower terminal 11> Upper terminal 10 and lower terminal 11 are specific examples of metal terminals. Upper terminal 10 is a specific example of a first metal terminal. Lower terminal 11 is a specific example of a second metal terminal. Upper terminal 10 and lower terminal 11 are typically made of copper or a copper alloy. Upper terminal 10 and lower terminal 11 are arranged opposite each other in a vertical direction. Upper terminal 10 and lower terminal 11 are configured as separate components.

[0023] <Upper terminal 10> like Figure 4As shown, the upper terminal 10 includes a contact part 15, a press-fit part 16, and a large-diameter part 17. The contact part 15, the large-diameter part 17, and the press-fit part 16 are arranged downwards in this order. The contact part 15 protrudes upwards from the large-diameter part 17. The press-fit part 16 protrudes downwards from the large-diameter part 17. In other words, the contact part 15 and the press-fit part 16 protrude from the large-diameter part 17 in opposite directions. Therefore, the contact part 15 and the press-fit part 16 are arranged back-to-back, with the large-diameter part 17 positioned between them.

[0024] The contact portion 15 includes a cylindrical portion 15A and an upwardly protruding hemispherical portion 15B. The cylindrical portion 15A has an outer peripheral surface that is straight in the vertical direction.

[0025] The press-fit part 16 is formed into a cylinder, and its outer peripheral surface is straight in the vertical direction.

[0026] The large-diameter portion 17 is cylindrical, and its outer peripheral surface 17A forms a perfect circle in a top view. The diameter of the large-diameter portion 17 is larger than the diameter of the cylindrical portion 15A of the contact portion 15. The diameter of the large-diameter portion 17 is also larger than the diameter of the press-fit portion 16.

[0027] <Lower Terminal 11> The lower terminal 11 includes a contact portion 20, a press-fit portion 21, and a large-diameter portion 22. The contact portion 20, the large-diameter portion 22, and the press-fit portion 21 are arranged upwards in this order. The contact portion 20 protrudes downwards from the large-diameter portion 22. The press-fit portion 21 protrudes upwards from the large-diameter portion 22. In other words, the contact portion 20 and the press-fit portion 21 protrude from the large-diameter portion 22 in opposite directions. Therefore, the contact portion 20 and the press-fit portion 21 are arranged back-to-back, with the large-diameter portion 22 positioned between them.

[0028] The contact portion 20 includes a cylindrical portion 20A and a downwardly protruding hemispherical portion 20B. The cylindrical portion 20A has an outer peripheral surface that is straight in the vertical direction.

[0029] The press-fit part 21 is formed into a cylinder, and its outer peripheral surface is straight in the vertical direction.

[0030] The large-diameter portion 22 is cylindrical, and its outer peripheral surface 22A forms a perfect circle in the top view. The diameter of the large-diameter portion 22 is larger than the diameter of the cylindrical portion 20A of the contact portion 20. The diameter of the large-diameter portion 22 is also larger than the diameter of the press-fit portion 21.

[0031] <Fit 12> The tube 12 is a specific example of a flexible, tubular coupling member. The tube 12 is made of a material that is easily elastically deformable (e.g., silicone rubber). The tube 12 is configured to extend in a vertical direction. The tube 12 is disposed between an upper terminal 10 and a lower terminal 11, thereby coupling the upper terminal 10 to the lower terminal 11. Hereinafter, the radial direction of the tubular tube 12 may simply be referred to as "radial".

[0032] The tube 12 includes an upper thin portion 60, a thick portion 61, and a lower thin portion 62. These portions—the upper thin portion 60, the thick portion 61, and the lower thin portion 62—are arranged downwards in this order. The upper thin portion 60, the thick portion 61, and the lower thin portion 62 are integrally formed. The upper thin portion 60 and the lower thin portion 62 are specific examples of a second tubular portion, and the thick portion 61 is a specific example of a first tubular portion.

[0033] An upper thin portion 60 is provided at the upper end of the fitting 12. The upper thin portion 60 faces the press-fit portion 16 in the radial direction. The press-fit portion 16 is press-fitted into the upper thin portion 60. Therefore, the upper terminal 10 is held in place by the upper thin portion 60 of the fitting 12. In addition, the upper thin portion 60 contacts the large-diameter portion 17 in the vertical direction. This provides vertical positioning of the upper terminal 10 relative to the fitting 12. The upper thin portion 60 has an inner circumferential surface 60A.

[0034] The thick portion 61 is located at the center of the pipe fitting 12 in the vertical direction. The thick portion 61 is located between the upper thin portion 60 and the lower thin portion 62. The thick portion 61 connects the upper thin portion 60 and the lower thin portion 62 to each other. The thick portion 61 has an inner circumferential surface 61A.

[0035] A lower thin portion 62 is provided at the lower end of the fitting 12. The lower thin portion 62 faces the press-fit portion 21 in the radial direction. The press-fit portion 21 is press-fitted into the lower thin portion 62. Therefore, the lower terminal 11 is held in place by the lower thin portion 62 of the fitting 12. In addition, the lower thin portion 62 contacts the large-diameter portion 22 in the vertical direction. This provides vertical positioning of the lower terminal 11 relative to the fitting 12. The lower thin portion 62 has an inner circumferential surface 62A.

[0036] The radial thickness 60T of the upper thin portion 60, the radial thickness 61T of the thick portion 61, and the radial thickness 62T of the lower thin portion 62 satisfy the following relationship: 60T = 62T < 61T. That is, the thickness 60T of the upper thin portion 60 is less than the thickness 61T of the thick portion 61. Similarly, the thickness 62T of the lower thin portion 62 is less than the thickness 61T of the thick portion 61.

[0037] The inner diameters of the upper thin portion 60, the thick portion 61, and the lower thin portion 62 are equal. Therefore, the outer diameters of the upper thin portion 60 and the lower thin portion 62 are equal and both are smaller than the outer diameter of the thick portion 61.

[0038] <Liquid Metal 13> Liquid metal 13 is a specific example of a conductive fluid. Liquid metal 13 fills the internal space 12S of the fitting 12. Specifically, liquid metal 13 is filled into the internal space 12S, which is defined vertically by the upper terminal 10 and the lower terminal 11 and radially by the fitting 12. The filling rate of liquid metal 13 in the internal space 12S is typically set to 50% or more and less than 100%. The filling rate of liquid metal 13 in the internal space 12S can be set in the range of 70% to 95%. The filling rate can also be set in the range of 80% to 90%. The filling rate refers to the ratio of the volume of liquid metal 13 to the volume of the internal space 12S of the fitting 12. Therefore, it can be said that the internal space 12S of the fitting 12 contains liquid metal 13 and air 70. Similarly, it can be said that the internal space 12S of the fitting 12 is filled with liquid metal 13 and air 70. Air 70 is a specific example of a gas. The gas can be another type of gas, such as nitrogen, instead of air 70.

[0039] Liquid metal 13 is typically made of metals with the following properties: - It is a liquid at temperatures between 5°C and 35°C. -It has low resistance It is also not easily vaporized when heated by an electric current.

[0040] An example of liquid metal 13 possessing the aforementioned properties is a liquid metal containing gallium (Ga) and tin (Sn). Furthermore, an example of liquid metal 13 is a liquid metal containing a eutectic alloy of gallium (Ga), indium (In), and tin (Sn). Galinstan (registered trademark), as this type of liquid metal, is commercially available. Galinstan is a metal that is liquid at room temperature (22°C), has a boiling point of 1300°C or higher, and a melting point of -19°C. Furthermore, Galinstan forms an oxide film at its interface with air, which acts as a sealing element, thereby controlling the vaporization of the liquid metal.

[0041] The portions of the upper terminal 10 and the lower terminal 11 that contact the liquid metal 13, namely the press-fit portion 16 of the upper terminal 10 and the press-fit portion 21 of the lower terminal 11, may be covered with a plating mainly composed of indium or tin to improve wettability and contact resistance with the liquid metal.

[0042] The contact angle of the liquid metal 13 relative to the tube 12 is typically less than 35 degrees. The contact angle can also be less than 15 degrees. By achieving such a contact angle, the entire inner circumferential surface 61A of the thick portion 61 can be wetted by the liquid metal 13, thus ensuring conductivity between the upper terminal 10 and the liquid metal 13 even in the presence of air 70 in the internal space 12S. For example, when Galinstan is used as the liquid metal 13 and silicone rubber is used as the tube 12, the contact angle of the liquid metal 13 relative to the inner circumferential surface 61A of the thick portion 61 is 13 degrees when the temperature of the liquid metal 13 is 25°C. Figure 4 As shown, under no-load conditions of the contact member 5, the filling rate of the liquid metal 13 is preferably set so that the press-fit part 16 is wetted by the liquid metal 13.

[0043] The viscosity of liquid metal 13 can be appropriately adjusted within a range that does not impede its flowability. Therefore, in one example, liquid metal 13 can be in the form of a paste.

[0044] With the above configuration, the upper terminal 10 and the lower terminal 11 are always electrically conductive to each other via the liquid metal 13, both before and after using the intermediate material 1. Due to the compression of the air 70 and the elastic deformation of the tube 12, the upper terminal 10 and the lower terminal 11 can approach each other in the vertical direction while maintaining their conductive state. When the upper terminal 10 and the lower terminal 11 approach each other, a repulsive force is generated in the direction of separation due to the internal pressure of the air 70 and the elastic restoring force of the tube 12.

[0045] Assembly of Intermediary 1 Please refer to this again. Figure 4 . Figure 4 This shows the state in which the contact element 5 is housed in the contact element receiving portion 6. (Example) Figure 4 As shown, the contact 5 moves downward to the corresponding contact receiving portion 6, and is thus received in the corresponding contact receiving portion 6.

[0046] The contact 5 is held in place by the contact receiving flange 7 while being housed in the contact receiving portion 6. Specifically, the large-diameter portion 22 of the lower terminal 11 of the contact 5 contacts the upper flange surface 7A of the contact receiving flange 7 in the vertical direction, thereby holding the contact 5 in place by the contact receiving flange 7.

[0047] In this state, the contact portion 20 of the lower terminal 11 passes through the contact receiving flange 7 in the vertical direction and is exposed downward beyond the lower surface 4B of the housing 4.

[0048] On the other hand, the contact portion 15 of the upper terminal 10 is exposed upward beyond the upper surface 4A of the housing 4. In one example, the contact portion 15 of the upper terminal 10 is positioned upward above the upper surface 4A of the housing 4, while the large-diameter portion 17 of the upper terminal 10 is positioned downward below the upper surface 4A of the housing 4. In other words, the large-diameter portion 17 of the upper terminal 10 is completely accommodated in the contact receiving portion 6.

[0049] Furthermore, a gap G exists between the inner peripheral surface 6A of the contact member receiving portion 6 and the outer peripheral surface 12A of the tube 12. The gap G allows the tube 12 to expand outward in the radial direction.

[0050] <Use of Intermediary 1> Figure 5 The behavior of contact component 5 during the use of intermediary 1 is shown. For example... Figure 5 As shown, the intermediary 1 is mounted on the rigid plate 3 for use. In one example, the intermediary 1 includes a hold-down element (not shown) and is secured to the rigid plate 3 by soldering the hold-down element to the rigid plate 3. Figure 5 As shown, with the intermediary 1 mounted on the rigid plate 3, the contact portion 20 of the lower terminal 11 of each contact 5 contacts the pad 3A of the rigid plate 3. In this state, at least some of the contacts 5, the large-diameter portion 22 of the lower terminal 11 will be spaced upward from the contact receiving flange 7 in order to absorb the bending of the rigid plate 3.

[0051] To attach the LGA package 2 to the rigid plate 3 in this state, the LGA package 2 is pressed against the interposer 1 by operating a clamp (not shown). Then, each pad 2A of the LGA package 2 contacts the contact portion 15 of the upper terminal 10 of the corresponding contact 5, pushing the contact portion 15 downwards. In other words, the upper terminal 10 moves toward the lower terminal 11. As described above, the upper terminal 10 and the lower terminal 11 are kept electrically conductive to each other via liquid metal 13, and the upper terminal 10 moves toward the lower terminal 11 due to the compression of air 70 and the elastic deformation of the tube 12. Specifically, as... Figure 5 As shown, the thick portion 61 of the pipe fitting 12 undergoes elastic deformation, thus bulging outward in the radial direction, while the upper thin portion 60 and the lower thin portion 62 of the pipe fitting 12 are compressed in the vertical direction.

[0052] In this embodiment, air 70 exists together with liquid metal 13 in the internal space 12S of the tube 12. As the air 70 is compressed, the upper terminal 10 moves toward the lower terminal 11. Therefore, compared to the case where there is no air 70 in the internal space 12S of the tube 12 and the filling rate is 100% as described above, in this embodiment, the tube 12 is less likely to bulge outward in the radial direction when the upper terminal 10 moves toward the lower terminal 11. Therefore, the gap G between the inner peripheral surface 6A of the contact member receiving chamber 6 and the outer peripheral surface 12A of the tube 12 can be reduced, thereby facilitating the fine-pitch design of the medium 1.

[0053] In this embodiment, the tube 12 includes an upper thin portion 60 and a lower thin portion 62, and the upper thin portion 60 and the lower thin portion 62 are compressed in the vertical direction when the upper terminal 10 moves toward the lower terminal 11. By providing the upper thin portion 60 and the lower thin portion 62 that are actively compressed in the vertical direction on the tube 12, the external force that compresses the thick portion 61 in the vertical direction is unlikely to act on the thick portion 61 when the upper terminal 10 moves toward the lower terminal 11. Therefore, compared with the case where the tube 12 has a uniform thickness throughout the vertical direction, in this embodiment, the tube 12 is less likely to bulge outward in the radial direction when the upper terminal 10 moves toward the lower terminal 11. Therefore, the gap G between the inner peripheral surface 6A of the contact member receiving chamber 6 and the outer peripheral surface 12A of the tube 12 can be reduced, thereby facilitating the fine-pitch design of the medium 1.

[0054] In this manner, each pad 2A of the LGA package 2 is electrically connected to the corresponding pad 3A of the rigid plate 3 via the upper terminal 10, liquid metal 13 and lower terminal 11 of the contact 5.

[0055] On the other hand, to separate the LGA package 2 from the rigid plate 3, the LGA package 2 can be lifted upwards away from the rigid plate 3 simply by operating the aforementioned clamp. Therefore, as described above, the upper terminal 10 is pushed upwards by the internal pressure of the air 70 and the elastic restoring force of the tube 12, and the state of the intermediate 1 returns to normal. Figure 4 The state shown.

[0056] As described above, in each contact 5 according to this embodiment, since the current path extends straight in the vertical direction, the current path length from each pad 2A of the LGA package 2 to the corresponding pad 3A of the rigid plate 3 is significantly shorter. Therefore, excellent high-frequency characteristics are achieved.

[0057] Furthermore, since each contact element 5 has a simple structure, it can be said that the intermediary 1 also contributes to the low-profile design.

[0058] Figure 6 A side sectional view of the intermediary is shown. Figure 6In the following figures, the shape of pipe fitting 12 is shown in a simplified manner. Figure 6 As shown, when viewed from above, the vertical dimension 5H of each contact 5 is designed to increase towards the center of the intermediary 1. Specifically, the plurality of contacts 5 include a long contact 5P and a short contact 5Q, wherein the vertical dimension 5H of the long contact 5P is a first length, and the vertical dimension 5H of the short contact 5Q is a second length, which is shorter than the first length. When viewed from above, the long contact 5P is positioned in the middle of the intermediary 1. When viewed from above, the short contact 5Q is positioned on the periphery of the intermediary 1. The distance between the upper terminal 10 and the lower terminal 11 in each contact 5 is adjusted by changing the length of the tube 12 of each contact 5. This allows for the absorption of bending of the LGA package 2 and the rigid plate 3 when the LGA package 2 is attached to the rigid plate 3.

[0059] <Manufacturing Method> Reference Figure 7 The following describes a method for manufacturing the intermediate 1. First, a plurality of contact elements 5 are produced (S100). Specifically, the lower terminal 11 is press-fitted into the tube 12 (S110), liquid metal 13 is introduced into the tube 12 (S120), and the upper terminal 10 is press-fitted into the tube 12 (S130).

[0060] However, it should be noted that the upper terminal 10 can be press-fitted into the fitting 12 first, then the liquid metal 13 can be introduced into the fitting 12, and then the lower terminal 11 can be press-fitted into the fitting 12. Furthermore, after the upper terminal 10 and the lower terminal 11 are press-fitted into the fitting 12, the liquid metal 13 can be introduced into the fitting 12. In this case, a temporary flow path can be formed between the upper terminal 10 or the lower terminal 11 and the fitting 12 to introduce the liquid metal 13. Furthermore, after the liquid metal 13 is introduced into the fitting 12, the upper terminal 10 and the lower terminal 11 can be press-fitted into the fitting 12. In this case, slightly increasing the viscosity of the liquid metal 13 is effective. After producing the plurality of contacts 5 (S100), each contact 5 is accommodated in a corresponding contact receiving portion 6 (S140).

[0061] The first embodiment has been described above. The first embodiment described above has the following features.

[0062] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, the intermediary 1 (connector) includes a housing 4 with a flat plate shape, the housing 4 including a plurality of contact receiving portions 6 penetrating the housing 4 in the thickness direction, and a plurality of contacts 5 respectively housed in the plurality of contact receiving portions 6 of the housing 4. Figures 3 to 5As shown, each contact 5 includes two metal terminals (10, 11) spaced apart from each other in the thickness direction of the housing 4, a tubular fitting 12 (coupling member) that is easily elastically deformable and couples the two metal terminals (10, 11), and a liquid metal 13 (conductive fluid) filling the fitting 12. The two metal terminals (10, 11) are electrically connected to each other through the liquid metal 13. Air 70 is present in the internal space 12S of the fitting 12. The two metal terminals (10, 11) are configured to approach each other in the thickness direction of the housing 4 as the air 70 is compressed and the fitting 12 is elastically deformed. With this configuration, a fine-pitch design of the intermediary 1 can be achieved. It is worth noting that since the air 70 is compressed when the two metal terminals (10, 11) approach each other, radial outward protrusion of the fitting 12 can be suppressed. This effectively contributes to the fine-pitch design of the intermediary 1.

[0063] As described above, air 70 exists in the internal space 12S of the tube 12. Therefore, each contact 5 can be said to include two metal terminals (10, 11), the tube 12, liquid metal 13, and air 70.

[0064] As described above, air 70 is present in the internal space 12S of the pipe fitting 12. Therefore, the phrase "liquid metal 13 fills the internal space 12S of the pipe fitting 12" means that the liquid metal 13 is filled in the internal space 12S to a degree that allows air 70 to remain there. The filling rate of liquid metal 13 in the internal space 12S of the pipe fitting 12 is typically set to 50% or more and less than 100%.

[0065] The fitting 12 also includes a second tubular portion (60, 62) and a thick portion 61 (a first tubular portion). The second tubular portion (60, 62) and the thick portion 61 are located at different positions in the thickness direction of the housing 4. The second tubular portion (60, 62) and the thick portion 61 have different thicknesses. With this configuration, when the upper terminal 10 moves toward the lower terminal 11, either the second tubular portion (60, 62) or the thick portion 61 can be actively compressed in the vertical direction, thereby suppressing the fitting 12 from bulging outward in the radial direction.

[0066] The thickness of the second tubular portion (60, 62) is less than the thickness of the thick portion 61. With this configuration, when the upper terminal 10 moves toward the lower terminal 11, the second tubular portion (60, 62) is actively compressed in the vertical direction, so that almost no vertical compressive force acts on the thick portion 61. This suppresses the thick portion 61 from bulging outward in the radial direction.

[0067] The second tubular portions (60, 62) are respectively provided at the two ends of the tube 12 in the thickness direction of the housing 4. With this configuration, when the upper terminal 10 moves toward the lower terminal 11, the upper or lower end of the tube 12 is actively compressed in the vertical direction.

[0068] It should be noted that either or both of the upper thin portion 60 and the lower thin portion 62 may be omitted. Even in this case, the compression of the air 70 suppresses the radial outward expansion of the tube 12 when the two metal terminals (10, 11) are close to each other.

[0069] Each metal terminal (10, 11) includes a press-fit portion (16, 21) that press-fits into the tube 12. A second tubular portion (60, 62) is configured to face the press-fit portion (16, 21) in the radial direction. With this configuration, when the upper terminal 10 moves toward the lower terminal 11, the second tubular portion (60, 62) is compressed while being radially constrained by the press-fit portion (16, 21). Therefore, when the upper terminal 10 moves toward the lower terminal 11, the second tubular portion (60, 62) can maintain a stable shape when compressed in the vertical direction.

[0070] In addition, each metal terminal (10, 11) includes a press-fit portion (16, 21) that presses into the fitting 12. This structure achieves good machinability when two metal terminals (10, 11) are connected via the fitting 12.

[0071] In addition, each metal terminal (10, 11) includes a large-diameter portion (17, 22) with a diameter greater than that of the press-fit portion (16, 21). This structure achieves positioning of the press-fit portion relative to the pipe fitting 12 when the press-fit portion (16, 21) is press-fitted onto the pipe fitting 12.

[0072] Furthermore, each metal terminal (10, 11) includes a contact portion (15, 20) exposed outward from the housing 4. The press-fit portions (16, 21) and the contact portions (15, 20) are arranged back-to-back, with a large-diameter portion (17, 22) located between the press-fit portions and the contact portions. This structure gives each metal terminal (10, 11) a simple structural feature.

[0073] Furthermore, each metal terminal (10, 11) includes a contact portion (15, 20) exposed outward from the housing 4. The press-fit portion (16, 21) and the contact portion (15, 20) protrude from the large-diameter portion (17, 22) in opposite directions. This structure gives each metal terminal (10, 11) a simple structural feature.

[0074] Furthermore, the contact portions (15, 20) have a smaller diameter than the larger diameter portions (17, 22). This structure helps to reduce the weight of the intermediary 1.

[0075] Furthermore, a gap G exists between the inner circumferential surface 6A of each contact member receiving portion 6 and the outer circumferential surface 12A of the tube 12 of each contact member 5. This structure allows the tube 12 to elastically deform outward in the radial direction.

[0076] Furthermore, the intermediate 1 is manufactured by attaching either of the two metal terminals (10, 11) to the fitting 12, filling the fitting 12 with liquid metal 13, and attaching the other of the two metal terminals (10, 11) to the fitting 12. This method allows for a reduction in the manufacturing cost of the intermediate 1.

[0077] (Second Embodiment) The following is for reference Figure 8 and Figure 9 A second embodiment of this disclosure is described below. Hereinafter, the differences between this embodiment and the first embodiment described above will be primarily described, and redundant descriptions will be omitted.

[0078] In the first embodiment described above, as Figure 4 As shown, with the contact member 5 housed in the contact member receiving portion 6, the contact member 5 can be easily pulled upwards from the contact member receiving portion 6. Therefore, when the intermediary 1 is placed upside down, the contact member 5 may accidentally fall out of the housing 4.

[0079] In this embodiment, on the other hand, such as Figure 8 As shown, the contact 5 is held in place by the housing 4 via a press fit. Specifically, a plurality of inward protrusions 30 are formed at the upper end of the inner circumferential surface 6A of each contact accommodating portion 6. In this embodiment, the plurality of inward protrusions 30 includes three inward protrusions 30. Alternatively, the plurality of inward protrusions 30 may include two, four, or more inward protrusions 30. Figure 8 As shown, when viewed from above, the three inward protrusions 30 are arranged at regular intervals. Before elastic deformation, the diameter of the circle passing through the inner apex in the radial direction of the three inward protrusions 30 is smaller than the diameter of the large-diameter portion 17 of the upper terminal 10. At the lower end of the inner circumferential surface 6A of each contact receiving portion 6, as in the first embodiment described above, a contact receiving flange 7 is formed. The contact receiving flange 7 is a specific example of a receiving portion that receives the large-diameter portion 22 of the lower terminal 11.

[0080] Then, as Figure 8As shown, with the contact 5 housed in the contact receiving portion 6, the large-diameter portion 17 of the upper terminal 10 is press-fitted into the three inward protrusions 30. In this state, the three inward protrusions 30 elastically deform outward in the radial direction, and an elastic restoring force acts inward in the radial direction on the large-diameter portion 17 of the upper terminal 10. Through this elastic restoring force, the contact 5 is held in place by the housing 4.

[0081] In order to Figure 8 In the shown state, the LGA package 2 is attached to the rigid plate 3, and the LGA package 2 is pressed against the intermediary 1 by operating a clamp (not shown). Then, each pad 2A of the LGA package 2 contacts the contact portion 15 of the upper terminal 10 of the corresponding contact 5, and pushes the contact portion 15 downward. In other words, the upper terminal 10 moves toward the lower terminal 11. By this movement of the upper terminal 10, the press fit is released, and the large diameter portion 17 in the upper terminal 10 moves downward below the three inward protrusions 30. When the large diameter portion 17 of the upper terminal 10 moves downward below the three inward protrusions 30, the three inward protrusions 30 elastically return to their state before the press fit and are slightly opposite to the large diameter portion 17 in the upper terminal 10 in the vertical direction. This relative relationship prevents the large diameter portion 17 of the upper terminal 10 from moving upward beyond the three inward protrusions 30, which prevents the contact 5 from falling out of the contact receiving portion 6.

[0082] Next reference Figure 9 The method for manufacturing the intermediate 1 will be described below. Steps S100 to S130 are the same as steps S100 to S130 in the first embodiment described above, and therefore will not be described again below. In this embodiment, step S140, which accommodates each contact 5 into the corresponding contact receiving portion 6, is different from step S140 in the first embodiment described above. Specifically, step S140 in this embodiment includes step S150: passing the lower terminal 11 through the three inward protrusions 30, and step S160: pressing the large-diameter portion 17 of the upper terminal 10 into the three inward protrusions 30.

[0083] The second embodiment has been described above. The second embodiment described above has the following features.

[0084] The two metal terminals (10, 11) include an upper terminal 10 (first metal terminal) and a lower terminal 11 (second metal terminal). On the inner peripheral surface 6A of each contact receiving portion 6, a plurality of inwardly protruding portions 30 and a contact receiving flange 7 (receiving portion) are formed. The large-diameter portion 17 of the upper terminal 10 is press-fitted to the plurality of inwardly protruding portions, and the contact receiving flange receives the large-diameter portion 22 of the lower terminal 11. The large-diameter portion 17 of the upper terminal 10 is press-fitted to the plurality of inwardly protruding portions 30, thereby holding the contact 5 in place by the housing 4. This structure improves the operability of the intermediary 1. Furthermore, since the press-fit is released when the upper terminal 10 moves toward the lower terminal 11, movement of the upper terminal 10 toward the lower terminal 11 is permitted.

[0085] Furthermore, the intermediary 1 is manufactured by attaching either of the two metal terminals (10, 11) to the fitting 12, filling the fitting 12 with liquid metal 13, attaching the other of the two metal terminals (10, 11) to the fitting 12, and press-fitting the large-diameter portion 17 of the upper terminal 10 to a plurality of inward protrusions 30. This method allows for a reduction in the manufacturing cost of the intermediary 1.

[0086] (Third Embodiment) The following is for reference Figures 10 to 12 The third embodiment is described below. The main focus here is on the differences between this embodiment and the second embodiment described above, with redundant descriptions omitted.

[0087] In the second embodiment described above, before using the intermediary 1, such as Figure 8 As shown, the large-diameter portion 17 of the upper terminal 10 is press-fitted to the three inwardly protruding portions 30, thereby holding the contact 5 in place on the housing 4.

[0088] On the other hand, in this embodiment, before and after using mediator 1, such as Figure 10 As shown, the large-diameter portion 17 of the upper terminal 10 is positioned downwards below the three inward protrusions 30, thereby holding the contact 5 in place by the housing 4. In this embodiment, the three inward protrusions 30 are a specific example of a first receiving portion that receives the large-diameter portion 17 of the upper terminal 10. The contact receiving flange 7 is a specific example of a second receiving portion that receives the large-diameter portion 22 of the lower terminal 11. The large-diameter portion 17 of the upper terminal 10 and the large-diameter portion 22 of the lower terminal 11 are positioned vertically between the three inward protrusions 30 and the contact receiving flange 7, thereby holding the contact 5 in place by the housing 4.

[0089] Specifically, on the outer peripheral surface 17A of the large-diameter portion 17 of the upper terminal 10, three upper recesses 31 are formed corresponding to the three inward protrusions 30. When viewed from above, the three upper recesses 31 are formed at regular intervals. Similarly, on the outer peripheral surface 22A of the large-diameter portion 22 of the lower terminal 11, three lower recesses 32 are formed corresponding to the three inward protrusions 30. When viewed from above, the three lower recesses 32 are formed at regular intervals.

[0090] Figure 11 Two positions of the upper terminal 10 are shown: a passable position and a non-passable position, wherein the passable position allows the large diameter portion 17 of the upper terminal 10 to pass through the three inward protrusions 30 in the vertical direction, and the non-passable position does not allow the large diameter portion 17 of the upper terminal 10 to pass through the three inward protrusions 30 in the vertical direction.

[0091] exist Figure 11 As shown, by positioning, the three upper recesses 31 of the large-diameter portion 17 of the upper terminal 10 are respectively aligned with the three inward protrusions 30, and in the vertical direction, the three upper recesses 31 and the three inward protrusions 30 of the large-diameter portion 17 of the upper terminal 10 are not opposite to each other. Therefore, by positioning, the large-diameter portion 17 of the upper terminal 10 is allowed to pass through the internal space of the three inward protrusions 30 without contacting the three inward protrusions 30.

[0092] exist Figure 11 In this non-permeable positioning, the contact 5 can be rotated 30 degrees from the permeable positioning. In this positioning, the three inward protrusions 30 are vertically opposite to the large-diameter portion 17 of the upper terminal 10. Therefore, in this non-permeable positioning, the large-diameter portion 17 of the upper terminal 10 is not allowed to pass through the internal space of the three inward protrusions 30 without contacting them.

[0093] In this way, in this embodiment, the upper terminal 10 can be easily switched between being locatable and being inaccessible by rotating the upper terminal 10 relative to the three inward protrusions 30.

[0094] like Figure 10 As shown, since the three recesses 32 are also formed in the large diameter portion 22 of the lower terminal 11, by aligning the three recesses 32 with the three inward protrusions 30, the large diameter portion 22 on the lower terminal 11 is allowed to pass through the internal space of the three inward protrusions 30 without contacting the three inward protrusions 30.

[0095] In this structure, to accommodate the contact 5 in the contact accommodating portion 6, the contact 5 is first inserted into the contact accommodating portion 6. During this positioning, the three recesses 32 formed in the large-diameter portion 22 of the lower terminal 11 are aligned with the three inward protrusions 30. Next, during positioning where the three upper recesses 31 formed in the large-diameter portion 17 of the upper terminal 10 are aligned with the three inward protrusions 30, the upper terminal 10 is pushed downwards, causing the large-diameter portion 17 of the upper terminal 10 to pass through the internal space of the three inward protrusions 30. Then, as... Figure 10 As shown, the tube 12 elastically deforms and expands slightly outward in the radial direction. In this state, the upper terminal 10 rotates relative to the three inward protrusions 30, causing the positioning of the upper terminal 10 to switch from passable positioning to impassable positioning. Afterward, the downward load on the upper terminal 10 is released. Then, the upper terminal 10 rises under the elastic restoring force of the tube 12, and the large diameter portion 17 of the upper terminal 10 collides with the three inward protrusions 30. Thus, the large diameter portion 17 of the upper terminal 10 and the large diameter portion 22 of the lower terminal 11 are located between the three inward protrusions 30 and the contact receiving flange 7, such that the contact 5 is held in place by the housing 4. It should be noted that in this embodiment, at the positioning where the contact 5 is held in place by the housing 4, the contact 5 is in a preloaded state. Specifically, as... Figure 10 As shown, when the large-diameter portion 17 of the upper terminal 10 collides with the three inward protrusions 30, the elastic energy remains in the tube 12, continuing to push the terminal 10 upward. This prevents the contact 5 from moving erratically in the contact accommodating portion 6 during the operation of the intermediary 1. However, it should be noted that when the contact 5 is held in place by the housing 4, the contact 5 is not necessarily in a preloaded state.

[0096] Next reference Figure 12 The method for manufacturing the intermediate 1 will be described below. Steps S100 to S130 are the same as those in the first embodiment described above, and therefore will not be repeated below. In this embodiment, step S140, which accommodates each contact 5 into the corresponding contact receiving portion 6, is different from step S140 in the first embodiment described above. Specifically, step S140 in this embodiment includes step S200: passing the large diameter portion 22 of the lower terminal 11 through the three inward protrusions 30, step S210: passing the large diameter portion 17 of the upper terminal 10 through the three inward protrusions 30, and step S220: rotating the upper terminal 10 relative to the three inward protrusions 30 and thereby switching the upper terminal 10 from being locatable to being non-locatable.

[0097] The third embodiment has been described above. The third embodiment described above has the following features.

[0098] The two metal terminals (10, 11) include an upper terminal 10 (first metal terminal) and a lower terminal 11 (second metal terminal). On the inner peripheral surface 6A of each contact receiving portion 6, three inwardly protruding portions 30 (first receiving portions) are formed to receive the large-diameter portion 17 of the upper terminal 10, and a contact receiving flange 7 (second receiving portion) is formed to receive the large-diameter portion 22 of the lower terminal 11. The large-diameter portion 17 of the upper terminal 10 and the large-diameter portion 22 of the lower terminal 11 are vertically positioned between the three inwardly protruding portions 30 and the contact receiving flange 7, thereby holding the contact 5 in place by the housing 4. This structure improves the operability of the intermediary 1.

[0099] Furthermore, by rotating the upper terminal 10 relative to the three inward protrusions 30, the positioning of the upper terminal 10 can be switched between permissible and impassable positioning, wherein the permissible positioning allows the large-diameter portion 17 of the upper terminal 10 to pass through the three inward protrusions 30 in the vertical direction, and the impassable positioning does not allow the large-diameter portion 17 of the upper terminal 10 to pass through the three inward protrusions 30 in the vertical direction. In this way, it is easy to achieve a structure in which the large-diameter portion 17 of the upper terminal 10 and the large-diameter portion 22 of the lower terminal 11 are located in the vertical direction between the three inward protrusions 30 and the contact receiving flange 7.

[0100] Furthermore, the intermediary 1 is manufactured by attaching either of the two metal terminals (10, 11) to the fitting 12, filling the fitting 12 with liquid metal 13, attaching the other of the two metal terminals (10, 11) to the fitting 12, allowing the upper terminal 10 to pass through the three inward protrusions 30, and rotating the passed upper terminal 10 to switch it from being locatable to being non-locatable. This method allows for a reduction in the manufacturing cost of the intermediary 1.

[0101] Those skilled in the art can combine the first to third embodiments as needed.

[0102] As will be apparent from the description of the invention, embodiments of the invention can be varied in many ways. These variations should not be considered as a departure from the spirit and scope of this disclosure, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A connector, characterized in that, The connector includes: A housing having a flat plate shape and including a plurality of contact receptacles penetrating the housing in the thickness direction; and A plurality of contacts are respectively housed in the plurality of contact receiving portions of the housing, wherein each of the plurality of contacts includes: Two metal terminals spaced apart from each other in the thickness direction of the housing; A tubular coupling member, which is readily elastically deformable and coupled to the two metal terminals; and A conductive fluid fills the internal space of the coupling member. The two metal terminals are electrically connected to each other via the conductive fluid. The gas is present in the internal space of the coupling member, and The two metal terminals are configured to approach each other in the thickness direction of the housing as the gas is compressed and the coupling member is elastically deformed.

2. The connector as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The coupling member includes a first tubular portion and a second tubular portion, which are disposed at different positions in the thickness direction of the housing and have different thicknesses.

3. The connector as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The thickness of the second tubular portion is thinner than the thickness of the first tubular portion.

4. The connector as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The second tubular portion is disposed at at least one end of the coupling member in the thickness direction of the housing.

5. The connector as described in claim 4, characterized in that, Each of the metal terminals includes a press-fit portion press-fitted into the coupling member, and the second tubular portion is configured to face the press-fit portion in the radial direction.

6. The connector as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the metal terminals includes a press-fit portion that is press-fitted into the coupling member.

7. The connector as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that, Each of the metal terminals includes a large-diameter portion, the diameter of which is larger than the diameter of the press-fit portion.

8. The connector as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that, Each of the metal terminals includes a contact portion exposed outward from the housing, and The press-fit portion and the contact portion are arranged back to back, and the large-diameter portion is located between them.

9. The connector as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that, Each of the metal terminals includes a contact portion exposed outward from the housing, and The press-fit portion and the contact portion protrude from the large-diameter portion in opposite directions.

10. The connector as claimed in claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The diameter of the contact portion is smaller than the diameter of the large-diameter portion.

11. The connector as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that, The plurality of contacts include long contacts and short contacts, the long contacts having a first length in the thickness direction of the housing, and the short contacts having a second length in the thickness direction of the housing that is shorter than the first length.

12. The connector as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that, The two metal terminals include a first metal terminal and a second metal terminal. Each of the plurality of contact receptacles has a plurality of inwardly protruding portions and receiving portions formed on its inner circumferential surface. The large-diameter portion of the first metal terminal is press-fitted to the plurality of inwardly protruding portions, and the receiving portion is used to receive the large-diameter portion of the second metal terminal. The large-diameter portion of the first metal terminal is press-fitted to the plurality of inward protrusions, thereby holding the contact in place by the housing.

13. The connector as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that, The two metal terminals include a first metal terminal and a second metal terminal. Each of the plurality of contact receiving portions has a first receiving portion for receiving the large-diameter portion of the first metal terminal and a second receiving portion for receiving the large-diameter portion of the second metal terminal formed on its inner peripheral surface. The large-diameter portion of the first metal terminal and the large-diameter portion of the second metal terminal are located between the first receiving portion and the second receiving portion in the thickness direction, thereby the contact is held in place by the housing.

14. The connector as claimed in claim 13, characterized in that, By rotating the first metal terminal relative to the first receiving portion, the first metal terminal is switched between being locatable and being non-locatable, wherein being locatable allows the large-diameter portion of the first metal terminal to pass through the first receiving portion in the thickness direction of the housing, and being non-locatable prevents the large-diameter portion of the second metal terminal from passing through the first receiving portion in the thickness direction of the housing.

15. The connector as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, There is a gap between the inner peripheral surface of each contact accommodating portion and the outer peripheral surface of the coupling member of each of the plurality of contacts.

16. A method for manufacturing a connector as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The manufacturing method includes: Attach either of the two metal terminals to the coupling member; The internal space of the coupling member is filled with the conductive fluid; and Attach the other metal terminal of the two metal terminals to the coupling member.

17. A method for manufacturing a connector as described in claim 12, characterized in that, The manufacturing method includes: Attach either of the two metal terminals to the coupling member; The internal space of the coupling member is filled with the conductive fluid; Attach the other metal terminal of the two metal terminals to the coupling member; and The large-diameter portion of the first metal terminal is press-fitted to the plurality of inward protrusions.

18. A method for manufacturing a connector as described in claim 14, characterized in that, The manufacturing method includes: Attach either of the two metal terminals to the coupling member; The internal space of the coupling member is filled with the conductive fluid; Attach the other metal terminal of the two metal terminals to the coupling member; The first metal terminal passes through the first receiving part; and After the first metal terminal passes through, rotate the first metal terminal to switch from the passable position to the impassable position.

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