Electrical connection structure for conductors formed on a glass surface

Abstract

The present invention relates to an electrical connection structure for a conductor formed on a glass surface (1), comprising a conductor (2) formed on a glass surface (1), a cover member (4) provided so as to cover at least a part of the conductor (2), a housing (3) forming a cavity (9) between the cover member (4) and the glass surface (1), an insertion slot (5) communicating with the cavity (9), and a connection member (7) made of an elastic conductive material inserted into the insertion slot (5), the connection member elastically deforms in the cavity (9) to press the conductor (2), thereby electrically connecting the connection member and the conductor. According to the present invention, the cover member (4) is provided with a removable plate-like ceiling that, in its open position, forms an angle (α) between the glass surface (1) and the cover member of 15 to 135°, more preferably 30° to 70°, and even more preferably 35° to 55°.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrical connection structure for a conductor formed on a glass surface, which electrically connects a conductor formed on a glass surface to a lead wire. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, various functions have been imparted to automotive window glass. In particular, rear window glass is imparted with, for example, an antenna function for receiving AM, FM, or TV waves, or an anti-fogging function for removing fogging from the window glass, by forming a silver paste baked on the glass surface. In order to perform these functions, electricity needs to be supplied through a busbar section made of baked silver paste. The supply of electricity is realized by soldering a terminal having a shape shown as a PA or PV type flat male terminal for automobiles to the busbar section, and connecting a connector connected to a lead wire to this terminal.

[0003] Today, conventional structures with terminals are soldered to a baked-on silver paste and connected to a lead wire. In this case, the baked-on silver paste and the lead wire can be connected by connecting a connector to the lead wire and connecting the connector to the terminal. Furthermore, the connector can be removed from the terminal by pressing a switch on the connector.

[0004] The terminals are attached to the baked silver paste by soldering, and there is a risk that the strength of the glass will be weakened by thermal shock during soldering.

[0005] Furthermore, in Europe, regulations on the use of solder containing lead are being considered in many countries, such as the ELV (End of Life Vehicles) Directive and the WHEE & RoHS (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment and Restriction of the use of Certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment) Directive, making the use of solder containing lead impossible.

[0006] Furthermore, since the terminals are attached to the busbar portion in an exposed state, this affects the external appearance, and there is a demand for improvements in the design.

[0007] Therefore, there is a demand for a method of connecting terminals without using solder, and some proposals have been made. For example, U.S. Patent No. 4,707,591 discloses a method in which a contactor attached to a body flange of an automobile and having a coil spring is pressed against a busbar portion on the glass surface, and the reaction force of the coil spring firmly contacts the busbar portion so that they are electrically connected.

[0008] Furthermore, JP-A-10-40977 discloses a method in which a base member is joined to a busbar portion on a glass surface, an intervening terminal is brought into contact with the busbar portion, a pressure member is placed on the intervening terminal, and a cover member is fitted to the base member, so that the intervening terminal is pressed against and held in place on the busbar portion by the pressing force of the pressure member, and is electrically connected to the busbar portion.

[0009] However, according to the invention described in U.S. Patent No. 4,707,591, the structure of the body is complicated because the contacts are attached to the body flange, and the degree to which the contacts are pressed against the busbar varies due to individual differences in the roundness of the glass plate, making the body design complicated. Furthermore, it was necessary to consider short circuits with the body.

[0010] The invention described in JP-A-10-40977 does not use a body, and therefore does not have the problems of the invention described in U.S. Patent No. 4,707,591. However, the structure is made up of many parts, and the assembly is complicated, which increases the cost and makes it difficult to insert and remove the interposition terminal. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0011] Under these circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide an electrical connection structure for a conductor formed on a glass surface, which electrically connects a conductor formed on a glass surface to a lead wire without the need for soldering, is composed of a small number of parts, does not pose a risk of damaging the glass during insertion, and achieves space saving and low cost. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides an electrical connection structure for a conductor formed on a glass surface, comprising a housing having a conductor formed on a glass surface, a cover member arranged to cover at least a portion of the conductor, forming a cavity between the cover member and the glass surface, and having an insertion slot communicating with the cavity, and a connection member made of an elastic conductive material and inserted into the insertion slot, in which the connection member elastically deforms within the cavity to press the conductor, thereby electrically connecting the connection member and the conductor.

[0013] Therefore, the present invention proposes that the housing comprises a removable top cover part, which in its open position forms an angle (α) between the bottom of the housing and the top cover part of 15 to 135°, more preferably 30° to 70°, and even more preferably 35° to 55°. The present invention is based on the idea of ​​providing an openable cover part on a glass surface, inserting a connecting member into a cavity formed by the cover part so as to be elastically deformed, and pressing the conductors formed on the glass surface with the connecting member to electrically contact them. The above configuration does not require soldering, so it can solve various problems caused by using solder, and also makes it easy to replace parts.

[0014] Furthermore, it is preferred that the electrical connection structure for the conductors formed on the glass surface comprises a removable top cover which, in its open position, forms an angle (α) between the bottom of the housing and the top cover of 30° to 70°, preferably 35° to 55°.

[0015] Additionally, it is preferred that the conductors formed on the glass include evaporated, printed or bonded metals, metal compounds, metal alloys, baked-on silver paste, or conductive polymers.

[0016] Furthermore, the bottom of the housing is preferably fixed onto the glass by an adhesive or glue.

[0017] Furthermore, it is preferable that the cover member and the connection member each have a structure for fitting or engaging with each other. By fitting or engaging the cover member of the housing and the connection member with each other, separation of the connection member due to an external force can be prevented and the connection between the connection member and the conductor can be stabilized.

[0018] Furthermore, the connecting member is preferably a male or female terminal for a connector having one elastic end and the other end connected to a lead wire. When the connecting member has a male or female terminal that is conventionally used, a conventional connector on the lead wire side can be used, and there is no need to procure new parts or make capital investments.

[0019] Alternatively, one end of the connection member may be elastic, and the other end of the connection member may be connected to the lead wire by crimping. When the connection member is directly connected to the lead wire, the number of parts can be reduced, and costs can be kept low.

[0020] Furthermore, it is preferable that the surface of the contact portion of the connection member that comes into contact with the conductor is plated, so that the connection with the conductor can be stabilized for a long period of time by plating the connection member.

[0021] Furthermore, the conductor is preferably a baked / fired silver paste, and the conductor is preferably formed on the vehicle window glass. Since the conductor made of baked silver paste provided on many vehicle windows is connected to the terminal by soldering, the application of the configuration of the present invention can solve various problems caused by using solder.

[0022] The present invention provides an electrical connection to a conductor on a glass surface without the use of soldering. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention using a conventional connector. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA' in FIG. [Figure 3a-3b] 3a and 3b are respectively a perspective view and a cross-sectional view taken along line AA' of FIG. 3a, showing an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4a-4b] 4A and 4B are a perspective view and a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' in FIG. 3, respectively, with the terminal member inserted into the insertion slot and the removable plate-shaped ceiling in an open position. [Figure 5a-5b] 4A and 4B are respectively a perspective view and a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' of FIG. 3 with the terminal member inserted into the cavity and the removable plate-shaped roof in a closed position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] Certain embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings.

[0025] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of embodiment 1 in which a conventional connector on the lead wire side is used as is, and Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' in Fig. 1. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, embodiment 1 is composed of a glass plate 1 on which a conductor 2 is formed, a terminal member 3 made of a conductive material, a cover member 5 which is bonded to the glass surface 1 and / or the conductor 2 via an adhesive layer 4 so as to pressurize and engage and hold the terminal member 3 and cover at least a part of the conductor 2, and a connector 7 for the terminal member 3 which is connected to an end of a lead wire 6.

[0026] The cover member 5, which is joined to the glass surface 1 and / or the conductor 2 via an adhesive layer 4, is composed of a plate-shaped ceiling 8, a side wall 9 extending vertically from the periphery of the ceiling 8 and joined to the glass surface 1 and / or the conductor 2 via the adhesive layer 4, a fitting portion 10 having a protrusion in the center of the surface of the ceiling 8 facing the side wall 9, and an insertion slot 11 formed by providing a gate-shaped notch in part of the side wall 9 for inserting the terminal member 3 into the cover member 5.

[0027] One end of the terminal member 3 is composed of a PA or PB type terminal 12, and the other end of the terminal member 3 is composed of a contact portion 13 that contacts the conductor 2, an elastic portion 14 having elasticity, and an insertion portion 16 having a fitting hole 15 for positioning the cover member 5 and holding the cover member 5 by fitting with the fitting portion 10 of the cover member 5.

[0028] The elasticity of the elastic portion 14 can be obtained by forming the insert portion 16 having a substantially pointed cross-sectional shape so as to have elasticity in a direction perpendicular to the conductor 2. Furthermore, the height of the elastic portion 14 in free space is higher than the height of the cavity 17 formed between the cover member 5 and the conductor 2.

[0029] The elasticity of the elastic portion 14 is used to connect the terminal member 3 and the cover member 5. The insertion portion 16 is pushed into the insertion slot 11 while elastically deforming the elastic portion 14 until the height of the elastic portion 14 becomes lower than the height of the insertion slot 11, and the fitting portion 10 of the cover member 5 and the fitting hole 15 of the insertion portion 16 are fitted and fixed. The fitting acts as a positioning function, and the insertion portion 16 is pressed against the conductor 2 and the ceiling 8 by the reaction force of the elastic portion 14, so that the insertion portion 16 does not come out of the fitting with the cover member 5. Furthermore, the contact portion 13 is firmly pressed against the conductor 2 by the reaction force of the elastic portion 14, so that a stable connection can be obtained. Therefore, by adopting the configuration of the present invention, the conductor 2 and the terminal member 3 can be electrically connected without using solder.

[0030] On the other hand, the connector 7 on the wire 6 side is a female type connector that conforms to the conventionally used female connector for automobiles. By connecting this connector to the terminal 12 of the terminal member 3, the lead wire 6 and the conductor 2 on the glass plate 1 can be connected.

[0031] Fig. 3A is a perspective view showing an example of an embodiment according to the present invention, and Fig. 3B is a cross-sectional view along line B-B' in Fig. 3, with the insert member 72 of the connection element 7 partially inserted. The same reference numbers are used for parts common to Fig. 1 or 2. As shown in Figs. 3-5, this embodiment shows a glass plate 1 on which conductors 2 are formed, a connection member 7 made of a conductive material provided at the end of a wire 6, and a cover member 4 for pressing and locking the connection member 7, which is joined to the surface of the glass plate 1 and / or the conductor 2 by pressing the connection element 7 onto the conductor 2.

[0032] The lid member 4 of the housing 3, which is joined at its bottom 23 to the surface of the glass plate 1 and / or the conductor 2 via an adhesive layer 24, is composed of a plate-shaped ceiling 4, a side wall 29 extending vertically from the periphery of the ceiling 4 (lid member) and joined to the surface of the glass plate 1 and / or the conductor 2 via the adhesive layer 24, an insertion slot 5 formed by providing a gate-shaped notch in part of the side wall 29 and enabling the insertion member 71 of the connection member 7 to be inserted into the lid member 4, and a lid member side engagement portion formed by making the height of the insertion slot 5 lower than the height of the cavity 9 formed between the lid member 4 and the glass plate 1.

[0033] According to the present invention, the cover member 4 of the housing 3, which is provided so as to cover at least a part of the conductor 2, forms a cavity 9 between the cover member 4 of the housing 3 and the glass surface 1, the housing 3 has an insertion slot 5 communicating with the cavity 9, and a connection member 7 made of an elastic conductive material is inserted into the insertion slot 5. The connection member presses the conductor 2 by elastically deforming within the cavity 9, whereby the connection member and the conductor are electrically connected to each other.

[0034] According to the present invention, the lid member 4 of the housing 3 is provided with a removable plate-shaped ceiling which, in its open position, forms an angle (α) between the bottom and the top lid of the housing of 15 to 135°, more preferably 30 to 70°, and even more preferably 35 to 55°. Thus, according to the present invention, the processability is improved since there is no need to pick and place the removable plate-shaped ceiling. Thus, the time required to place the connecting members and close the lid member of the housing is reduced, leading to time and cost savings.

[0035] One end of the connection member 7 has a crimped portion (wave-shaped) 8 that is connected to the lead wire 6 by crimping, and the other end is equipped with an insertion member 71 that has a plate-shaped portion. The insertion member 71 bonded to the glass 1 is composed of a contact portion 72 that is in contact with the conductor 2, and an elastic portion 73 that has elasticity.

[0036] The elasticity of the elastic portion 73 can be obtained by forming the insert member 71 having a substantially pointed cross-sectional shape so as to have elasticity in a direction perpendicular to the conductor 2. Furthermore, the height of the elastic member 73 in free space is higher than the height of the cavity 9 formed between the cover member 4 of the housing 3 and the conductor 2.

[0037] To connect the connection member 7 and the cover member 4, the elasticity of the elastic portion 73 and the pressure on the terminal member 71 by the removable plate ceiling 4 of the cover are used. The insertion member 71 is pushed into the insertion slot 5 while elastically deforming the elastic portion 73 until the height of the elastic portion 73 becomes lower than the height of the insertion slot 5, and the cover member side engagement portion 4 and the terminal side engagement portion 71 of the connection member 7 are engaged. After insertion, the insertion member 71 is pressed against the conductor 2 and the ceiling 4 by the reaction force of the elastic portion 73, so that the insertion member 71 does not come out of engagement with the cover member 4. Furthermore, the contact portion 72 is firmly pressed against the conductor 2 by the reaction force of the elastic portion 73, which provides a stable connection. Therefore, according to the configuration of the present invention, the conductor 2 and the connection member 23 are electrically connected without using solder.

[0038] According to the present invention, the shapes and sizes of the terminal members 71 and the connecting members 7 of the cover member 4 and the connecting element 7 are not limited to the above shapes and sizes. For example, the outer shape of the cover member 4 may be round to avoid an external force when an external force is applied to the cover member 4 or to improve their design. Furthermore, the cover member 4 may have a structure into which multiple terminal members can be inserted. Furthermore, the fitting and engagement structures of the cover member 4 and the connecting member 25, respectively, are not limited to the above structures.

[0039] The material of the cover member 4 is not particularly limited, and is determined in consideration of durability or adhesion with the adhesive material forming the adhesive layer 24. For example, polyamide resin can be used. Furthermore, the manufacturing method is not particularly limited and may be cutting processing or injection molding.

[0040] The adhesive layer 24 may be, for example, a double-sided adhesive material (double-sided tape), a thermosetting adhesive, or a thermoplastic adhesive. A material must be selected that is durable enough for long-term use with respect to the elasticity of the connection member 7. If a double-sided adhesive material is used, the thickness of the adhesive layer is determined taking into account the size of the connection member 7 within the range in which the elasticity of the elastic part 73 can be used. If an adhesive is used, care is taken to prevent it from flowing out onto the conductor 2 or to prevent the generation of gas that could affect the connection member 7, the conductor 2, and the contact between them. Therefore, a double-sided adhesive material is more preferable in terms of productivity and workability.

[0041] The material of the connection member 7 is not particularly limited as long as it is a conductive material. However, in consideration of long-term stability or compatibility with the conductor 2, it is preferable to plate at least the contact portion 33 with a metal such as silver, tin, or nickel. In particular, it is preferable to plate the contact portion 72 that contacts these conductors 2 with a metal. It is preferable to consider the material of the conductor 2 and the impact on the environment when discarded when plating with a metal. In particular, when the conductor 2 is a conductor formed by baking a silver paste, silver plating is preferable. EXAMPLES

[0042] Here, the examples will be specifically described. Example 1 is an example of the prior art, and Example 2 is an example according to the present invention.

[0043] Example 1 as a conventional connector 1 and 2 was produced by cutting polyamide resin having a size of 18 mm × 12 mm and a thickness of 4 mm. Furthermore, as adhesive layer 4, double-sided adhesive tape (manufactured by Sumitomo 3M Limited) with a thickness of 0.4 mm cut into a shape corresponding to the joining surface of cover member 5 was used, and cover member 5 was joined to a predetermined position of conductor 2 formed by baking silver paste on glass plate 1.

[0044] The terminal member 3 comprises an insert made of beryllium copper having a thickness of 0.3 mm, and a terminal portion 12 made of bronze having a thickness of 0.8 mm welded to the insert. The terminal portion 12 has a size conforming to a PA type flat male terminal (with shoulder) for automobiles. The insert is 4.5 mm wide, 10 mm long, and has a height in free space of 3.0 mm.

[0045] The terminal member 3 was inserted into the insertion slot 11 by pushing in the insertion portion 16 while elastically deforming the elastic portion 14 until the height of the elastic portion 14 became lower than the height of the cover member 5 in the insertion slot 11 and until the fitting portion 10 of the cover member 5 and the fitting hole 15 of the insertion portion 16 were fitted and fixed.

[0046] When the contact resistance between the conductor 2 and the terminal member 3 was measured in this state, it was found to be 0.005Ω or less, which is sufficient for practical use compared to the conventional example, and the contact resistance remained good even after going through environmental tests.

[0047] Example 2 according to the present invention 3 to 5 was produced by cutting polyamide resin having a size of 16 mm × 15 mm and a thickness of 2.6 mm. Furthermore, as adhesive layer 24, double-sided adhesive tape with a thickness of 0.4 mm cut into a shape corresponding to the bonding surface of lid member 25 was used, and lid member 25 was bonded to a predetermined position of conductor 2 formed by baking silver paste on glass plate 1.

[0048] The connection member 7 comprises an insert member 71 made of beryllium copper with a thickness of 0.2 mm and a crimping portion 8 made of bronze with a thickness of 0.3 mm welded to the insert member. The insert member 71 is 4.3 mm wide, 10 mm long and has a height in free space of 2.5 mm. Furthermore, the crimping portion 8 is 10 mm long, approximately 3.5 mm wide and has a height of approximately 3 mm when crimped together with the lead wire 26. According to the invention, the insert member 71 may be made of stainless steel (preferably plated with silver or gold or nickel and tin) or may be made of beryllium copper or zirconium copper.

[0049] The connection member 7 is inserted into the cavity 9 and into the insertion slot 5 of the lid member 4 by placing the insert member 71 while elastically deforming the elastic part 73 until the height of the elastic part 73 is lower than the height of the lid member 4 in the insertion slot 5 and until the lid member side engagement part and the insert member 71 are engaged. The removable plate ceiling 4 in its open position allows the connection member 7 to be inserted into the cavity 9 and into the insertion slot 5 in a simple manner, as shown in Figures 4a and 4b. As shown in Figure 4A, the removable plate ceiling (4') in its open position forms an angle (α) between the glass surface (1) and the lid member of 50° to 60°. It is understood that the open position angle (α) between the glass surface (1) and the lid member may be 15 to 135°, more preferably 30° to 70°, and even more preferably 35° to 55°.

[0050] When the connection member 7 is inserted into the cavity 9 and into the insertion slot 5 of the cover member 4, the removable plate-like ceiling 4 is pressed down to close the cover member 4, as shown in Figs. 5a and 5b. After insertion, the connection member 7 is pressed against the conductor 2 and the ceiling 4 by the reaction force of the elastic portion 73, so that the insertion member 71 does not come out of engagement with the cover member 4. Furthermore, the contact portion 72 is firmly pressed against the conductor 2 by the reaction force of the elastic portion 34, which provides a stable connection. Therefore, the configuration of the present invention allows the conductor 2 and the connection member 7 to be electrically connected without using solder.

[0051] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cover member 4 has a notch 45 in its side wall 44 and the plate ceiling 4 of the cover member is provided with a protrusion (locking element) 46 designed to engage the notch 44 to maintain the plate ceiling 28 in the closed position, thus maintaining proper contact between the connection members 7 and the conductors 2. It will be understood that the notch and protrusion are designed to interlock.

[0052] When the contact resistance between the conductor 2 and the connection member 7 was measured in this state, it was found to be 0.005Ω or less, which is sufficient for practical use compared to the conventional example, and the contact resistance remained good even after going through environmental tests. [Industrial Applicability]

[0053] As described above, the present invention provides the following advantages. The cover member is joined to the conductor in advance. Therefore, by simply inserting the terminal member, the terminal member can be pressed against the conductor by the elasticity of the terminal member, realizing a stable electrical connection. Furthermore, since the cover member is provided with a removable plate ceiling, the terminal member can be very easily inserted into the cover member and can efficiently contact the conductor. Furthermore, since the structure is simple and composed of a small number of parts, the work can be simplified, the cost can be kept low, and the connection structure is compact, thereby saving space.

[0054] Furthermore, since electrical connection with the conductor formed on the glass surface can be achieved without using solder, there is no need to consider the disposal process of solder, which contributes to reducing the cost for the disposal process and prevents the strength of the glass from being reduced by the thermal shock caused by soldering. Furthermore, since the terminals are not exposed as in the case of soldering, the appearance can be improved.

Claims

1. An electrical connection structure for a conductor formed on a glass surface (1), wherein the electrical connection structure comprises: a conductor (2) formed on the glass surface (1); a housing (3) having a lid member (4) provided so as to cover at least a part of the conductor (2), forming a cavity (9) between the lid member (4) and the glass surface (1), and having an insertion slot (5) communicating with the cavity (9); a connection member (7) made of an elastic conductive material inserted into the insertion slot (5); and in the electrical connection structure, the connection member elastically deforms within the cavity (9) to press the conductor (2), whereby the connection member and the conductor are electrically connected; the lid member (4) comprises a removable plate-shaped ceiling (4') which forms an angle (α) between the glass surface (1) and the lid member of 15 to 135° in its open position; characterized in that it is an electrical connection structure for a conductor formed on a glass surface (1).

2. The angle (α) is 30° to 70°, preferably 35° to 55°; an electrical connection (100) structure for a conductor formed on the glass surface according to Claim 1.

3. The conductor formed on the glass contains vapor-deposited, printed, or adhered metal, metal compound, metal alloy, baked silver paste, or conductive polymer; an electrical connection (100) structure for a conductor formed on the glass surface according to Claim 1 or 2.

4. The bottom of the housing is fixed to the glass by an adhesive or bonding agent; an electrical connection structure (100) for a conductor formed on the glass surface according to Claim 1 or 2.

5. The lid member and the connection member each have a structure that fits or engages with each other; an electrical connection structure (100) for a conductor formed on the glass surface according to Claim 1.

6. One end of the connection member has elasticity; the other end of the connection member is a male or female type terminal for a connector connected to a lead wire; an electrical connection structure (100) for a conductor formed on the glass surface according to Claim 1 or 2.

7. One end of the connection member has elasticity; the other end of the connection member is connected to a lead wire by caulking; an electrical connection structure (100) for a conductor formed on the glass surface according to Claim 1 or 2.

8. A metal plating is applied to the surface of the contact portion of the connection member that contacts the conductor. An electrical connection structure (100) for a conductor formed on the glass surface according to claim 1 or 2. **Claim 9** The conductor is a baked silver paste. An electrical connection structure for a conductor formed on the glass surface according to claim 1 or 2. **Claim 10** The conductor is formed on an automotive window glass. An electrical connection structure (100) for a conductor formed on the glass surface according to claim 1 or 2. **Claim 11** The electrical connection structure is formed on the inner surface of an automotive window glass. An electrical connection structure (100) for a conductor formed on the glass surface according to claim 1 or 2.

Images