Connector

Abstract

To provide a connector that can be made with a low profile and short length, can secure robustness and sealing properties and does not cause a stuck phenomenon.SOLUTION: The connector includes a bottomed cylindrical tube with an opening at one end and a spring pin. The spring pin has a contact point protruding from the opening of the tube, a contact portion contacting the inner bottom surface of the tube, and an elastically deformable portion located between the contact point and the contact portion. The contact point, the contact portion, and the elastically deformable portion are made of one continuous member.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector. [Background technology]

[0002] In conventional connectors, particularly those with a structure known as a pogo pin, in which a spring inside a tube biases a plunger that comes into contact with the object to be connected to achieve electrical conductivity, there is a risk that the plunger will get stuck inside the tube when making the connector shorter and thinner, resulting in a poor connection.

[0003] To address this issue, a tubeless structure connector made by folding a thin plate into a box shape, as described in Patent Document 1 below, has been used. Although this solves the stuck phenomenon, it has disadvantages in terms of robustness and sealing ability after installation in the mounting housing. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6829082 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] As described above, a connector in which a plunger slides inside a tube has the possibility of a stuck phenomenon occurring, and a tubeless structure has disadvantages in terms of robustness and sealing performance.

[0006] One object of the present invention is to provide a connector that is free from the occurrence of a stuck phenomenon, has robustness and sealing performance, and can be made low-profile and short in length. Other objects of the present invention will become apparent from the description of this specification. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One aspect of the present invention is a method for manufacturing a liquid-filled liquid-filled container, comprising: The connector comprises a spring pin having a contact portion protruding from the opening of the tube, a contact portion abutting the inner bottom surface of the tube, and an elastic deformation portion located between the contact portion and the contact portion, wherein the contact portion, the contact portion, and the elastic deformation portion are made of a single continuous member.

[0008] According to the above aspects of the present invention, it is possible to realize a connector that is free from the stuck phenomenon and that can ensure robustness and sealing performance. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view of an embodiment of a connector according to the present invention, with a tube 10 in cross section. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a front view of a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention, with a tube 10 in section, in a state in which a spring pin 20 is pushed in. [Diagram 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a front view of a spring pin 20 used in the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a front cross-sectional view of the spring pin 20. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the spring pin 20. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a right side view of the spring pin 20. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the spring pin 20. [Figure 10] 2 is a perspective view of the spring pin 20 as viewed from approximately the upper left. FIG. [Figure 11] 2 is a perspective view of the spring pin 20 as viewed from approximately the upper right. [Figure 12] 2 is a perspective view of the spring pin 20 as viewed from approximately the lower left. [Figure 13] 2 is a perspective view of the spring pin 20 as viewed from approximately the lower right. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] 1 to 4 show an embodiment of a connector according to the present invention, and Fig. 5 to 13 show a spring pin used in the embodiment. In these figures, the connector 1 comprises a conductive cylindrical tube 10 with a bottom, and a conductive spring pin 20 that is disposed inside the tube 10 and has one end serving as a contact portion 21 protruding from an opening 11 of the tube 10 as a pressure contact portion. The bottom surface of the tube 10 in this embodiment is circular. However, it may be polygonal, such as rectangular or hexagonal. When the bottom surface is polygonal, the tube may be polygonal cylindrical to match the bottom surface.

[0011] 1 to 4, the tube 10 has a generally conical recess 13 on the inner bottom surface of the inner space 12 having the opening 11. The recess 13 can be a depression formed when the inner space 12 is formed by drilling. A flange 14 is formed on the outer periphery of the base of the tube 10, and the outer bottom surface of the base is a flat surface so that it can be used for contacting a contact pad of a device in which the connector 1 is placed or for soldering mounting to the device. Note that a structure in which no flange is provided on the outer periphery of the tube 10 is also possible.

[0012] As shown in Figs. 5 to 13, the spring pin 20 is a so-called sheet metal product formed, for example, by punching and bending a single conductive plate material (metal plate). As the conductive material, for example, copper alloys such as beryllium copper, titanium copper, and phosphor bronze are used, but are not limited thereto. The spring pin 20 has one end (hereinafter referred to as the tip end) as a contact portion 21 and the other end (hereinafter referred to as the base end) as a contact portion 31 that abuts against the inner bottom surface of the tube 10, and has an elastic deformation portion 41 as a spring function portion that expands and contracts between the contact portion 21 and the contact portion 31. The spring pin 20 is placed in the inner space 12 of the tube 10, and the opening 11 of the tube 10 is crimped to hold the spring pin 20 inside the tube 10. The contact portion 31 and the elastic deformation portion 41 are located inside the tube 10, and the contact portion 21 protrudes from the opening 11.

[0013] The contact portion 21 on the tip side is formed as a tip side protrusion 23 in a substantially hemispherical shape on the tip side plate portion 22 by, for example, drawing, and is a convex surface in a direction protruding from the tube 10. To prevent the tip side plate portion 22 from coming off, the diameter of the tip side plate portion 22 is larger than the inner diameter of the opening 11 after processing such as crimping. Therefore, the outer diameter of the flange-like portion 24 remaining around the tip side protrusion 23 is larger than the inner diameter of the opening 11, and has a function of preventing the tip side protrusion 23 from coming off and a function of stabilizing the protruding position of the tip side protrusion 23.

[0014] The base-side contact portion 31 is formed in a substantially hemispherical shape as a base-side convex portion 33 by, for example, drawing on the base-side plate portion 32, and is a convex surface that protrudes toward the inner bottom surface of the tube 10. The base-side convex portion 33 abuts and electrically contacts the substantially conical recess 13 on the tube side. The base-side convex portion 33 has a smaller diameter and a smaller height than the tip-side convex portion 23 in order to reduce the height dimension of the tube 10.

[0015] The elastically deforming portion 41 connects the tip side plate-shaped portion 22 on the contact portion 21 side and the base end side plate-shaped portion 32 on the contact portion 31 side, and has an arc-shaped circumferential portion 42 that rotates approximately once, a first connecting portion 43 that connects one end of the circumferential portion 42 to the tip side plate-shaped portion 22, and a second connecting portion 44 that connects the other end of the circumferential portion 42 to the base end side plate-shaped portion 32. In this embodiment, since the spring pin 20 is a sheet metal processed product, the width of the circumferential portion 42 in the direction perpendicular to the central axis 20a is larger than the thickness of the circumferential portion 42 in the direction of the central axis 20a of the spring pin 20 that connects the center of the contact portion 21 and the center of the contact portion 31 shown in Figures 5 and 6. Alternatively, the thickness and width of the circumferential portion 42 may be approximately equal. The first connecting portion 43 has a length along the central axis 20a to ensure a predetermined gap between the tip side plate-shaped portion 22 and the circumferential portion 42. Similarly, the second connecting portion 44 has a length along the central axis 20 a in order to ensure a predetermined gap between the base end side plate portion 32 and the circumferential portion 42 .

[0016] The outer circumferential diameter of the base end plate portion 32 is set smaller than the inner circumferential diameter of the arc-shaped circumferential portion 42. This is effective in ensuring the expansion and contraction stroke of the elastically deforming portion 41 by preventing the elastically deforming portion 41 from hitting the base end plate portion 32 when it is compressed. Also, the spring pin 20 is preferably disposed in the tube 10 such that the direction of the central axis 10a of the tube 10 and the direction of the center line 20a of the spring pin 20 shown in Figures 1 and 2 are approximately aligned.

[0017] In the configuration of the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, for example, the electrode 51 of the counterpart device 50 abuts against the contact portion 21 of the spring pin 20 of the connector 1, and the spring pin 20 is pushed in. Then, the elastic deformation portion 41 of the spring pin 20 is compressed in a direction along the central axis 10a of the tube 10, and a predetermined contact pressure is applied between the counterpart electrode 51 and the contact portion 21 by the spring function, so that the electrical connection between the counterpart electrode 51 and the contact portion 21 can be ensured. On the other hand, the contact portion 31 of the spring pin 20 also abuts against the recess 13 on the inner bottom surface of the tube 10 with a predetermined contact pressure, and the electrical connection between the spring pin 20 and the tube 10 is ensured. As a result, an electrical conduction path is formed from the electrode 51 of the counterpart device 50 to the spring pin 20 and the tube 10, and further, the electrical connection between the counterpart device 50 and the device to which the tube 10 is attached (connected) is reliably established.

[0018] According to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0019] (1) In the connector 1, the spring pin 20 is surrounded by a bottomed cylindrical tube 10 with the spring pin 20 on the inside, so it is more robust than a conventional tubeless structure made by folding a thin plate into a box shape. For example, it is possible to prevent the spring pin 20 from shifting sideways or from being excessively deformed when pressed in. In addition, it has the advantage of being press-fitted or resin-sealed into the mounting housing, improving the sealing performance after being installed in the mounting housing.

[0020] (2) The spring pin 20 has an elastic deformation portion 41 between the contact portion 21 and the contact portion 31, which can be efficiently manufactured as a sheet metal product. In addition, since the plunger and the spring of the spring pin 20 are an integral structure, it is possible to make the spring pin shorter and thinner than conventional separate structures, and the number of parts is reduced, making it easier to manufacture.

[0021] (3) The plunger and spring are integrated into the spring pin 20, which has a structure in which electrical conductivity is established with respect to the tube 10 at the base end side of the spring pin 20. This eliminates the need to incline the spring pin 20 with respect to the central axis 10a of the tube, making it less likely to become stuck.

[0022] (4) The recess 13 is formed on the inner bottom surface of the tube 10, and the contact portion 31 of the spring pin 20 has a base-end side protrusion 33 that abuts against the recess 13, so that the contact area between the two is clear and the electrical connection is stabilized. In other words, contact pressure due to the spring function of the elastic deformation portion 41 is applied to the contact area between the recess 13 and the base-end side protrusion 33, enabling a reliable electrical connection between the tube 10 and the spring pin 20. Note that the recess 13 is generated by drilling when the inner space 12 is formed, so a manufacturing step for forming the recess 13 is not necessary and there is no increase in the number of manufacturing steps.

[0023] (5) In the spring pin 20, the tip end convex portion 23 of the contact portion 21 and the base end convex portion 33 of the contact portion 31 can be easily formed by pressing, and thus the spring pin 20 can be efficiently manufactured.

[0024] (6) The elastically deforming portion 41 has an arc-shaped circumferential portion 42, and the outer diameter of the base-end plate portion 32 on which the base-end convex portion 33 is formed is smaller than the inner diameter of the circumferential portion 42. This makes it possible to prevent the circumferential portion 42 from hitting the base-end plate portion 32, ensuring a sufficient stroke for expansion and contraction of the elastically deforming portion 41 and leading to a reduction in the height of the spring pin.

[0025] (7) Since the flange portion 14 is formed at the base of the tube 10, for example, by providing a two-step hole or the like corresponding to the flange portion 14 on the mounting housing side, it becomes easy to attach the connector 1 to the mounting housing side.

[0026] Although the embodiment and modified examples of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings, these are merely examples of the present invention, and various configurations other than those described above can also be adopted.

[0027] In the embodiment, the recess 13 is formed on the inner bottom surface of the tube 10, and the base end side protrusion 33 is formed on the spring pin 20 side to provide contact via the recessed and projecting portions, but the base end side protrusion 33 may be omitted. In other words, a configuration may be adopted in which the base end bottom surface of the spring pin 20 (the bottom surface of the base end side plate portion 32) is brought into contact with the inner bottom surface of the tube 10.

[0028] In the embodiment, the elastic deformation portion 41 of the spring pin 20 has one arc-shaped circumferential portion 42, but it may have a plurality of arc-shaped circumferential portions in order to increase the expansion and contraction stroke. In that case, the circumferential portion may have a smaller outer diameter toward the base end, and the circumferential portion on the base end side may be fitted inside the circumferential portion on the tip end side.

[0029] In the embodiment, the spring pin 20 is held inside the tube 10 by crimping the opening 11 of the tube 10, but it may be held by a separate mechanism. For example, after the spring pin 20 is arranged in the tube 10, a penetrating cylindrical part with one end crimped inward or with a step on the inner circumferential surface may be pressed between the tube 10 and the spring pin 20 to prevent the spring pin 20 from coming off. By holding the spring pin 20 together with the tube 10 with a separate penetrating cylindrical part, there are no processing restrictions compared to crimping the tube 10, making manufacturing easier, and there is no need to design the tube 10 for each different length of the spring pin 20, so that parts can be standardized. In addition, since the type of plating can be changed between the tube 10 and the penetrating cylindrical part, it is possible to improve durability and corrosion resistance, or reduce costs by eliminating unnecessary plating.

[0030] According to the present specification, there is provided a connector having the following aspects.

[0031] (Aspect 1) Aspect 1 includes a cylindrical tube having an open end and a bottom, The connector comprises a spring pin having a contact portion protruding from the opening of the tube, a contact portion abutting the inner bottom surface of the tube, and an elastic deformation portion located between the contact portion and the contact portion, wherein the contact portion, the contact portion, and the elastic deformation portion are made of a single continuous member.

[0032] According to the above-mentioned aspect 1, since the spring pin is surrounded by the tube, it is more robust than conventional tubeless products in which a thin plate is folded back to form a box shape. For example, it is possible to prevent the spring pin from shifting sideways or from being excessively deformed when pressed. It also has the advantage of being applicable to applications in which the spring pin is sealed with resin after being incorporated into a mounting housing. The spring pin has an integral structure of a plunger and a spring, which allows for a low profile and short length compared to conventional separate structures, and the number of parts is reduced, making it easy to manufacture. Furthermore, since the base end of the spring pin is electrically conductive to the tube, there is no need to tilt the spring pin with respect to the central axis of the tube, and it is difficult for the spring pin to get stuck.

[0033] (Aspect 2) In a second aspect, a recess is formed on the inner bottom surface of the tube, and the contact portion has a protrusion that abuts against the recess.

[0034] According to the above-mentioned aspect 2, the contact portion of the spring pin and the contact portion of the tube are clearly defined, and the electrical connection is stabilized. In other words, contact pressure due to the spring function of the elastic deformation portion is applied to the contact portion of the recess and the protrusion, and a reliable electrical connection is possible between the tube and the spring pin. In addition, since the recess is generated by drilling when forming the space inside the tube, a manufacturing process for forming the recess is not required, and the number of manufacturing steps is not increased.

[0035] (Aspect 3) In a third aspect, the spring pin has a base end side plate-like portion, and the protrusion of the contact portion is formed as a substantially hemispherical protrusion on the base end side plate-like portion.

[0036] According to the above-mentioned third aspect, the protrusion of the contact portion can be easily formed by press working.

[0037] (Aspect 4) In a fourth aspect, the contact portion is formed as a substantially hemispherical protrusion protruding from the tube.

[0038] According to the above-mentioned fourth aspect, the contact portion can be easily formed by pressing.

[0039] (Aspect 5) In a fifth aspect, the elastically deformable portion has an arc-shaped circumferential portion, and an outer circumferential diameter of the base end side plate portion is smaller than an inner circumferential diameter of the circumferential portion.

[0040] According to the above-mentioned fifth aspect, the expansion and contraction stroke of the elastic deformation portion, that is, the expansion and contraction stroke of the spring pin can be sufficiently ensured.

[0041] (Aspect 6) In a sixth aspect, the elastic deformation portion has an arc-shaped circumferential portion, and an outer circumferential diameter of the circumferential portion decreases from the contact portion toward the contact portion.

[0042] According to the above-mentioned aspect 6, since the outer diameter of the circumferential portion becomes smaller from the contact portion toward the contact portion, when multiple circumferential portions are provided, the circumferential portion on the base end side fits inside the circumferential portion on the tip end side, which is effective in increasing the stroke of the elastic deformation portion. [Explanation of symbols]

[0043] 1 Connector 10 Tubes 11 Aperture 12 Inner Space 13 Recess 14 Flange 20 Spring pin 21 Contact part 22 Distal plate-shaped part 23 Tip side protrusion 24 Flange-like part 31 Contact part 32 Proximal plate-shaped part 33 Proximal protrusion 41 Elastically deformable part 42 Orbital Division 43,44 Liaison Department

Claims

1. A bottomed cylindrical tube with one end open, A contact portion protruding from the opening of the tube, a contact portion abutting on the inner bottom surface of the tube, and an elastically deformable portion positioned between the contact portion and the contact portion, and a spring pin in which the contact portion, the contact portion, and the elastically deformable portion are formed of a continuous single member.

2. A recess is formed on the inner bottom surface of the tube, and the contact portion has a convex portion that abuts on the recess. The connector according to claim 1.

3. The spring pin has a base end side plate-shaped portion, and the convex portion of the contact portion is formed as a substantially hemispherical convex portion on the base end side plate-shaped portion. The connector according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The contact portion is formed as a substantially hemispherical convex portion protruding from the tube. The connector according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The elastically deformable portion has an arcuate circumferential portion, and the outer diameter of the base end side plate-shaped portion is smaller than the inner diameter of the circumferential portion. The connector according to claim 3.

6. The elastically deformable portion has an arcuate circumferential portion, and the outer diameter of the circumferential portion decreases from the contact portion toward the contact portion. The connector according to claim 1 or 2.

7. A bottomed cylindrical tube with one end open, A contact portion protruding from the opening of the tube, a contact portion abutting on the inner bottom surface of the tube, and an elastically deformable portion positioned between the contact portion and the contact portion, and a spring pin in which the contact portion, the contact portion, and the elastically deformable portion are formed of a continuous single member, The contact portion and the contact portion are located on the central axis of the spring pin. A connector.

Images