Connector manufacturing method and connection structure manufacturing method

Abstract

To provide a connector and a manufacturing method for the same that is unlikely to cause peeling of the plating of a terminal or scraping of a retaining body.SOLUTION: A connector 100 has a holding body 20 and a plurality of terminals 30. The terminals 30 have a first connection portion 31 connectable to a first connection object 41, a second connection portion 32 connectable to a second connection object 42, and an intermediate portion 33 located between the first connection portion 31 and the second connection portion 32. The holding body 20 has a plurality of holding holes 21, which are through holes extending in a straight line along the Z direction. The intermediate portion 33 of the terminals 30 is held inside the holding holes 21.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a connector, a connection structure, and a method for manufacturing a connector. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a connector for electrically connecting a first substrate and a second substrate that face each other. This connector is composed of an insulating structure (holding body) and a plurality of pins (terminals) held by the structure. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-223043 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the above-described connector, a known method for holding the terminals in the holder is to press-fit the terminals into through-holes formed in the holder (that is, to push them in by applying strong pressure).

[0005] However, when the terminals are press-fitted into the through-holes of the holder, the plating on the terminals can peel off and the holder can be scraped off. The peeled plating and scrapings from the holder can cause problems such as poor contact, poor soldering, and short circuits between terminals.

[0006] The present disclosure aims to provide a connector and a method for manufacturing a connector that are less susceptible to peeling of plating on terminals and scraping of retainers. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In this disclosure, when describing the structure and shape of an object (such as a connector or its component parts), the X, Y, and Z directions are used, which are directional concepts based on the object and perpendicular to one another.

[0008] [connector] The connector of the first aspect is a connector for electrically connecting a first connection object and a second connection object that face each other in the Z direction, and comprises a holder having one or more retaining holes that are through holes extending linearly along the Z direction, a first connection portion connectable to the first connection object, a second connection portion connectable to the second connection object, and one or more terminals that are intermediate portions located between the first connection portion and the second connection portion and have the intermediate portion held inside the retaining hole, wherein the intermediate portion has a shape that is slightly deformed from a straight rod shape extending along the Z direction so that the axis of the intermediate portion, formed by connecting the centroids of the cross-sectional shapes of the intermediate portion perpendicular to the Z direction, is curved with respect to the Z direction, and the intermediate portion is held inside the retaining hole by frictional force with the inner surface of the retaining hole.

[0009] In the above aspect, the connector includes a holder and one or more terminals. The terminal includes a first connection portion connectable to a first connection object, a second connection portion connectable to a second connection object, and an intermediate portion located between the first connection portion and the second connection portion. One or more holding holes, which are through holes extending linearly along the Z direction, are formed in the holder. The intermediate portions of the terminals are held within the holding holes.

[0010] Here, the intermediate portion has a shape that is slightly deformed from a straight rod shape extending along the Z direction so that the axis of the intermediate portion (a line formed by connecting the centroids of the cross-sectional shape of the intermediate portion perpendicular to the Z direction) is curved in the Z direction, so that the intermediate portion is held inside the retaining hole by friction with the inner surface of the retaining hole.

[0011] The connector of the second aspect is a connector for electrically connecting a first connection object and a second connection object that face each other in the Z direction, and comprises a holder having one or more retaining holes that are through holes extending linearly along the Z direction, a first connection portion connectable to the first connection object, a second connection portion connectable to the second connection object, and one or more terminals that are intermediate portions located between the first connection portion and the second connection portion and have the intermediate portions held inside the retaining holes, and the intermediate portions are formed with a bulge portion that has an increased cross-sectional area compared to other portions of the intermediate portion, and the change in cross-sectional area is continuous along the axial direction of the intermediate portion.

[0012] In the above aspect, the intermediate portion has a bulge portion formed therein, the bulge portion having an increased cross-sectional area compared to the remaining portion of the intermediate portion, and the change in the cross-sectional area of ​​the bulge portion is continuous along the axial direction of the intermediate portion. This increases the frictional force with the inner surface of the retaining hole at the position of the bulging portion where the cross-sectional area is increased, and the intermediate portion is retained inside the retaining hole.

[0013] The connector of the third aspect is a connector for electrically connecting a first connection object and a second connection object that face each other in the Z direction, and comprises a holder having one or more retaining holes that are through holes extending linearly along the Z direction, a first connection portion connectable to the first connection object, a second connection portion connectable to the second connection object, and one or more terminals that are intermediate portions located between the first connection portion and the second connection portion and have the intermediate portion held inside the retaining hole, and the intermediate portion has a shape that is deformed by the terminal being compressed in the Z direction while the intermediate portion is positioned inside the retaining hole.

[0014] In the above aspect, the intermediate portion has a shape that is deformed when the terminal is compressed in the Z direction while the intermediate portion is disposed inside the retaining hole. Therefore, the shape of the intermediate portion that is deformed by compression allows the terminal to be properly held by the retaining body.

[0015] According to the first to third aspects, the intermediate portion is appropriately held inside the holding hole.

[0016] The connector according to the fourth aspect is any one of the first to third aspects, in which no bending portion is formed on the first connection portion side of the terminal relative to the intermediate portion, and the first tip surface, which is the tip surface of the terminal on the first connection portion side, is the first connection portion.

[0017] Incidentally, in the connector of Patent Document 1, two bent portions are formed on each of the terminals (pins). In contrast, in the above embodiment, no bent portion is formed on the first connection portion side of the intermediate portion of the terminal, and the tip surface (first tip surface) on the first connection portion side of the terminal is the first connection portion, which eliminates the need for a step of forming the bent portion on the terminal, simplifying the process.

[0018] The connector according to the fifth aspect is any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the terminal has a substantially straight rod shape without any bent portions, and a first tip surface, which is the tip surface of the terminal on the first connection portion side, is the first connection portion, and a second tip surface, which is the tip surface of the terminal on the second connection portion side, is the second connection portion.

[0019] In the above embodiment, the terminal has a substantially straight rod shape without a bent portion, and the tip surface (first tip surface) of the terminal on the first connection portion side is the first connection portion, and the tip surface (second tip surface) of the terminal on the second connection portion side is the second connection portion. Therefore, a step of forming a bent portion in the terminal is not required, and the process is simplified.

[0020] A sixth aspect of the connector is the connector of any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the intermediate portion does not include a protrusion that bites into the inner surface of the holding hole.

[0021] Some conventional connectors have a middle section with a protrusion that fits into the inner surface of the retaining hole to hold the middle section inside the retaining hole, but when the middle section has such a protrusion, signal reflection is likely to occur. In contrast, in the above-described embodiment, the intermediate portion does not have a protrusion that bites into the inner surface of the holding hole, which makes it difficult for signal reflection to occur.

[0022] The connector according to the seventh aspect is any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the first surface of the outer surface of the holding body from which the first connection portion is exposed is flat, and the tip surface of the terminal as the first connection portion and the first surface form substantially the same plane.

[0023] In the above embodiment, the surface (first surface) of the outer surface of the holder where the first connection portion of the terminal is exposed is flat. Furthermore, the tip surface of the terminal as the first connection portion forms substantially the same plane as the flat first surface. Therefore, the surface of the outer surface of the holder where the holding hole opens can be easily used for suction by a suction device. Note that "substantially the same plane" means that a difference in height sufficient to allow suction by a suction device is allowed.

[0024] The connector of the eighth aspect is any one of the first to seventh aspects, wherein one or both of the first connection portion and the second connection portion has a film-like metal film arranged on a base material of the terminal, and the metal film has better solderability than the base material of the terminal.

[0025] In the above-described embodiment, one or both of the first and second connection parts have a film-like metal film disposed on the base material of the terminal. This metal film has better solderability than the base material of the terminal. This increases the connection strength to one or both of the first and second connection objects. Furthermore, corrosion of the base material of the terminal can be prevented.

[0026] A connector according to a ninth aspect is any one of the first to eighth aspects, wherein the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion have the same structure.

[0027] In the above embodiment, the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion have the same structure. Therefore, connection (soldering, etc.) to a connection target can be performed in the same way with the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion. Note that the same structure means that not only the shape but also the applied plating, transferred metal film, etc. are the same.

[0028] [Connection structure] The connection structure of the 10th aspect comprises the first connection object, the second connection object, and a connector of any one of the first to ninth aspects, and is a connection structure in which the first connection object and the second connection object are electrically connected by the connector.

[0029] In the above aspect, a connection structure is provided in which the first connection object and the second connection object are electrically connected by the connector.

[0030] [Manufacturing method] The method for manufacturing a connector according to the eleventh aspect is a method for manufacturing a connector for electrically connecting a first connection object and a second connection object that face each other in the Z direction, the method comprising: a holder having one or more retaining holes that are through holes extending linearly along the Z direction; a first connection portion connectable to the first connection object; a second connection portion connectable to the second connection object; and one or more terminals that are intermediate portions located between the first connection portion and the second connection portion, the intermediate portions being held inside the retaining holes; the method comprising: an arrangement step of inserting the terminal into the retaining hole to position the intermediate portion inside the retaining hole; and a holding step of compressing the terminal in the Z direction with the intermediate portion positioned inside the retaining hole to deform the intermediate portion and hold the intermediate portion inside the retaining hole.

[0031] In the above aspect, in the positioning step, the terminal is inserted into the retaining hole to position the intermediate portion inside the retaining hole, and in the retaining step, the terminal is compressed in the Z direction with the intermediate portion positioned inside the retaining hole to deform the intermediate portion and retain it inside the retaining hole. Therefore, compared to conventional manufacturing methods in which the terminal is held in the retaining hole by press-fitting it into the retaining hole, the friction generated between the terminal and the inner surface of the retaining hole when inserting the terminal into the retaining hole during the placement process is small. In other words, even if the sizes of the terminal and the retaining hole (specifically, the cross-sectional size) are set so that the friction generated when inserting the terminal into the retaining hole (friction generated between the terminal and the inner surface of the retaining hole) is small, the terminal can be properly held in the retainer due to the deformation of the middle part during the retaining process. Therefore, peeling of the plating on the terminal and scraping of the retainer are unlikely to occur.

[0032] A twelfth aspect of the present invention relates to the method for manufacturing a connector of the eleventh aspect, wherein the Z direction dimension of the terminal is set to the dimension of the completed connector by compression in the holding step.

[0033] In the above embodiment, the Z-direction dimension of the terminal is adjusted to the dimension when the connector is completed by compression in the holding process, which simplifies the process because there is no need to add a process for adjusting the Z-direction dimension of the terminal in addition to the holding process.

[0034] A thirteenth aspect of the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a connector according to the eleventh or twelfth aspect, wherein the terminals in the arranging step have tapered portions that facilitate insertion of the terminals into the holding holes.

[0035] In the above aspect, the terminal has a tapered portion that facilitates insertion of the terminal into the holding hole during the placement process, thereby preventing the terminal from colliding with the edge of the holding hole and buckling during the placement process.

[0036] A method for manufacturing a connector according to a fourteenth aspect includes the steps of: No. 1 In any one of the above aspects to thirteen, the tip of the terminal is crushed by compression in the holding step, thereby forming one or both of the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion into a convex shape.

[0037] In the above-described embodiment, by compressing the tip of the terminal, one or both of the first and second connection portions are formed into a convex shape. This makes it easier to form a solder fillet in one or both of the first and second connection portions. Furthermore, since the convex shape of one or both of the first and second connection portions is formed during the holding process, manufacturing efficiency is improved.

[0038] A manufacturing method for a connector according to the 15th aspect is the 14th aspect, in which compression in the holding process is carried out using a compression jig having a contact portion forming surface with a concave shape corresponding to the convex shape of one or both of the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion.

[0039] In the above-described embodiment, the compression in the holding step is performed using a compression jig having a contact portion forming surface with a concave shape corresponding to the convex shape, thereby forming one or both of the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion into a convex shape, making it easier to form one or both of the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion into the desired shape.

[0040] The method for manufacturing a connector according to the 16th aspect, in any of the 11th to 15th aspects, further includes a transfer step of transferring a film-like metal film having better solderability than the base material of the terminal to one or both of the first connection portion and the second connection portion.

[0041] In the above aspect, in the transfer step, a film-like metal film having better solderability than the base material of the terminal is transferred to one or both of the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion, thereby increasing the attachment strength of the connector to the connection target.

[0042] The connector of the 17th aspect is the connector of the 16th aspect, in which the compression in the holding step is performed by sandwiching a film-like metal film between the tip of the terminal and a compression jig, thereby performing the transfer step.

[0043] In the above embodiment, the transfer step is performed by sandwiching a film-like metal film between the tip of the terminal and the compression jig during the holding step, which eliminates the need for a separate transfer step and improves manufacturing efficiency. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0044] [Figure 1] FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the connector in a completed state. [Figure 5] FIG. [Figure 6] This is a cross-sectional photograph of an actually manufactured connector. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a completed connector according to another embodiment. [Figure 8] 10A to 10C are cross-sectional views showing a specific example of a holding step. [Figure 9] 5 is a diagram (corresponding to FIG. 4) for explaining a deformed shape of the middle portion different from that of FIG. 4. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0045] For convenience of explanation, the ±Z directions may be referred to as the up and down directions below.

[0046] 1 is a perspective view of a connector 100 according to this embodiment. A method for manufacturing the connector 100 includes an arrangement step shown in FIG. 2 and a holding step shown in FIG.

[0047] [Placement process] The placement step is a step of inserting the terminal 30 into the holding hole 21 of the holder 20 to place the middle portion 33 of the terminal 30 inside the holding hole 21 (see FIG. 2).

[0048] (Terminals in the placement process) The terminal 30 has a straight rod shape. Specifically, the terminal 30 includes a main body 30A and a pair of tip portions 30B. The main body 30A has a constant cross-sectional shape and cross-sectional area along its axial direction (Z direction). The cross-sectional shape of the main body 30A perpendicular to the Z direction, which is the axial direction, is circular. The tip portions 30B are "tapered portions" whose cross-sectional area gradually decreases with increasing distance from the main body 30A. In this embodiment, the pair of tip surfaces 30B1, 30B2 of the terminal 30 correspond to the "first connection portion 31" and the "second connection portion 32" that can be connected to the connection objects 41, 42, and the main body portion 30A corresponds to the "intermediate portion 33."

[0049] The terminals 30 in the arrangement process are obtained by a process of manufacturing a plurality of terminals 30 by cutting a plated continuous terminal string (terminal manufacturing process, see, for example, JP 2015-046238 A). Therefore, the surface of the main body 30A of the terminal 30 is plated, but the tip surfaces 30B1 and 30B2 of the terminal 30 are cut surfaces of the continuous terminal string, and therefore the base material is exposed. The base material of the terminal 30 is, for example, a copper alloy such as brass or phosphor bronze. The plating is, for example, nickel plating. A plating layer of tin, gold, or the like may be further provided on the nickel-plated surface.

[0050] (holding body) The holder 20 is a member for holding a plurality of terminals 30. The holder 20 is formed of an insulating material such as synthetic resin. The material of the holder 20 is, for example, an engineering plastic such as LCP or PPS, or a hard plastic.

[0051] The holder 20 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. Specifically, the holder 20 has a first surface 20A whose normal direction is in the +Z direction, a second surface 20B whose normal direction is in the -Z direction, and a peripheral surface 20C connecting the first surface 20A and the second surface 20B. The normal direction of the peripheral surface 20C faces within the XY plane.

[0052] The holder 20 has a plurality of (16 in this embodiment) retaining holes 21, which are through-holes that penetrate the holder 20. The retaining holes 21 extend linearly in the Z direction and penetrate the holder 20 in the Z direction. The +Z direction side of each retaining hole 21 opens to the first surface 20A, and the -Z direction side of each retaining hole 21 opens to the second surface 20B. A plurality of (four) retaining holes 21 arranged in a row along the X direction are then arranged in multiple rows (four rows) in the Y direction, resulting in an array of a large number (16) of retaining holes 21.

[0053] The cross-sectional shape and cross-sectional area of ​​the retaining hole 21 are constant along the Z direction, which is the axial direction of the retaining hole 21. The cross-sectional shape of the retaining hole 21 is approximately the same as the cross-sectional shape of the main body 30A of the terminal 30, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the retaining hole 21 is approximately the same as the cross-sectional area of ​​the main body 30A of the terminal 30.

[0054] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the state after the placement step. Through the placement process, the main body portion 30A, which is the intermediate portion 33 of the terminal 30, is placed inside the holding hole 21 of the holder 20. Meanwhile, the pair of tip portions 30B of the terminal 30 protrudes outward from the holding hole 21 of the holder 20.

[0055] [Holding process] The holding process is a process in which, with the intermediate portion 33 positioned inside the holding hole 21, the terminal 30 is compressed in the Z direction to deform the intermediate portion 33 and hold the intermediate portion 33 inside the holding hole 21 (see Figure 3).

[0056] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the connector 100 in a completed state after the holding step. However, in Fig. 4, the deformation of the terminals 30 is greatly exaggerated. Also, for simplicity, Fig. 4 depicts the deformation of each terminal 30 as if it were the same. In reality, the deformation of the terminals is slight, and the deformation of each terminal 30 varies from terminal to terminal. For reference, Fig. 6 shows a cross-sectional photograph of an actually manufactured connector 100.

[0057] Compression of terminal 30 in the Z direction causes deformation of intermediate portion 33 of terminal 30, as shown in Fig. 4. Specifically, before the holding step, axis 33G of intermediate portion 33 extended parallel to the Z direction (a line formed by connecting the centroids of the cross-sectional shape of intermediate portion 33 perpendicular to the Z direction) is buckled in connector 100 in the completed state after the holding step.

[0058] Furthermore, the pair of tip portions 30B, which are the first connection portion 31 and the second connection portion 32 of the terminal 30, are also deformed by the compression in the holding step. Specifically, the tip portions 30B of the terminal 30 are crushed in the Z direction. As a result, the amount by which the deformed tip portions 30B protrude from the holder 20 decreases. Furthermore, the deformed tip portions 30B have a more rounded convex shape (approximately spherical shape) than before the deformation.

[0059] In the completed connector 100, the intermediate portion 33 is slightly deformed from a straight rod shape extending along the Z direction so that the axis 33G of the intermediate portion 33 is bent relative to the Z direction. As a result, the intermediate portion 33 is held inside the retaining hole 21 by the frictional force with the inner surface of the retaining hole 21.

[0060] In Figure 4, for simplicity, the retaining body 20 and the retaining hole 21 are depicted as if they are not deformed before the retaining process, but in reality, the retaining body 20 and the retaining hole 21 also deform slightly in accordance with the deformation of the middle portion 33 of the terminal 30.

[0061] The shape of the intermediate portion 33 in the completed state after the holding step is not limited to the deformed shape in which the axis 33G is bent relative to the Z direction (see FIG. 4). This will be further explained with reference to FIG.

[0062] 9, in the disposing step, the intermediate portion 33 is compressed in the Z direction, which is the axial direction, and thereby the intermediate portion 33 is deformed so that the cross-sectional area of ​​a part of the intermediate portion 33 increases. As a result, a bulge portion 33A is formed in the intermediate portion 33, the cross-sectional area of ​​which is increased compared to other parts of the intermediate portion 33. Furthermore, the change in the cross-sectional area of ​​the bulge portion 33A is a continuous change along the axial direction. In FIG. 9, the bulge 33A is formed in the axial center of the intermediate portion 33, but it may be formed in another portion.

[0063] Of course, Fig. 9 also greatly exaggerates the deformation of the terminal 30. In actual deformation, it is believed that the deformation shown in Fig. 4 and the deformation shown in Fig. 9 occur in combination.

[0064] In the completed connector 100, the cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the Z direction of the main body 30A (intermediate portion 33) of the terminal 30 is substantially the same regardless of the position in the Z direction. This is because (1) the cross-sectional shape and cross-sectional area of ​​the intermediate portion 33 before the holding step are constant along the axial direction (Z direction), and (2) the cross-sectional shape and cross-sectional area of ​​the intermediate portion 33 change slightly but not significantly due to compression in the holding step.

[0065] [Connection structure] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a connection structure S using the connector 100. As shown in FIG.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 5, a first substrate 41 (first connection object) and a second substrate 42 (second connection object) that face each other in the Z direction are electrically connected by a connector 100. The connector 100 also defines the distance in the Z direction between the first substrate 41 and the second substrate 42. That is, the connector 100 also serves as a spacer that defines the distance between the substrates (between the first substrate 41 and the second substrate 42). Therefore, a spacer other than the connector 100 does not need to be provided between the first substrate 41 and the second substrate 42. Note that a plurality of connectors 100 may be provided between the first substrate 41 and the second substrate 42. When the substrate is small, it may be difficult to secure an area on the substrate for arranging the spacer. In such a case, the connector 100 of this embodiment can be effectively used.

[0067] First connection portions 31 of terminals 30 of connector 100 are connected to a mounting surface 41A of a first substrate 41 by soldering or the like (not shown), and second connection portions 32 of terminals 30 of connector 100 are connected to a mounting surface 42A of a second substrate 42 by soldering or the like (not shown). The soldering is, for example, reflow soldering.

[0068] <Action and effect> Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described.

[0069] In this embodiment, the connector 100 includes a holder 20 and a plurality of terminals 30. The terminals 30 include a first connection portion 31 connectable to a first connection object 41, a second connection portion 32 connectable to a second connection object 42, and an intermediate portion 33 located between the first connection portion 31 and the second connection portion 32. The holder 20 is formed with a plurality of holding holes 21, which are through holes extending linearly along the Z direction. The intermediate portions 33 of the terminals 30 are held within the holding holes 21.

[0070] 4, the intermediate portion 33 has a shape that is slightly deformed from a straight rod shape extending along the Z direction so that the axis 33G of the intermediate portion 33 (a line formed by connecting the centroids of the cross-sectional shape of the intermediate portion 33 perpendicular to the Z direction) is bent with respect to the Z direction. As a result, the intermediate portion 33 is held inside the retaining hole 21 by the frictional force with the inner surface of the retaining hole 21.

[0071] 9, the intermediate portion 33 may have a bulge 33A formed therein, the bulge 33A having a larger cross-sectional area than the other portions of the intermediate portion 33. The change in the cross-sectional area of ​​the bulge 33A is continuous along the axial direction. This increases the frictional force between the bulge 33A and the inner surface of the retaining hole 21, thereby holding the intermediate portion 33 in the retaining hole 21.

[0072] Incidentally, in the connector of Patent Document 1, two bent portions are formed on each of the terminals (pins), and therefore the terminals (pins) have portions that extend perpendicular to the Z direction (the direction in which the substrates face each other). In contrast, in this embodiment, no bent portion is formed on the first connecting portion 31 side of the intermediate portion 33 of the terminal 30, and the tip surface (first tip surface 30B1) on the first connecting portion 31 side of the terminal 30 is the first connecting portion 31. Therefore, a step of forming the bent portion in the terminal 30 is not required, and the process is simplified. In particular, in this embodiment, the terminal 30 has a substantially straight rod shape without any bent portions, and the tip surface (first tip surface 30B1) of the terminal 30 on the first connecting portion 31 side is the first connecting portion 31, and the tip surface (second tip surface 30B2) of the terminal 30 on the second connecting portion 32 side is the second connecting portion 32. This eliminates the need for a process for forming bent portions in the terminal 30, simplifying the process. Furthermore, because the terminal 30 does not have a portion extending perpendicular to the Z direction, it is possible to arrange a large number of terminals 30 in a limited area. In other words, it is not necessary to consider the arrangement of the portion extending perpendicular to the Z direction, i.e., it is not necessary to consider interference between the portions of adjacent terminals 30 extending perpendicular to the Z direction. This makes it possible to arrange the terminals in a 4-row x 4-column array while keeping the spacing between the terminals 30 narrow, as in this embodiment.

[0073] Furthermore, when the terminals 30 are arranged in n rows and m columns (n≧3, m≧3) as in this embodiment, it is possible to surround the signal terminals with ground terminals. For example, in the connector 100 shown in FIG. 1, the four central terminals 30 may be used as signal terminals, and the other 12 terminals 30 may be used as ground terminals.

[0074] Some conventional connectors have a middle section with a protrusion that fits into the inner surface of the retaining hole to hold the middle section inside the retaining hole, but when the middle section has such a protrusion, signal reflection is likely to occur. In contrast, in this embodiment, the intermediate portion 33 does not have a protrusion that bites into the inner surface of the holding hole 21. Therefore, signal reflection is less likely to occur.

[0075] In this embodiment, the first connecting portion 31 and the second connecting portion 32 have the same structure. Therefore, connection (soldering, etc.) to the connection objects 41, 42 can be performed in the same way by the first connecting portion 31 and the second connecting portion 32. Note that the same structure means that not only the shape but also the applied plating, transferred metal film, etc. are the same. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the connector 100, including the holding body 20, has substantially the same structure even when turned upside down. Therefore, the connector 100 can be used without distinguishing between the top and bottom, which is highly convenient.

[0076] One or both of the first connecting portion 31 and the second connecting portion 32 may have a film-like metal film disposed on the base material of the terminal 30. This metal film has better solderability than the base material of the terminal 30. In this case, the connection strength to one or both of the first connection object 41 and the second connection object 42 can be increased. Also, corrosion of the base material of the terminal 30 can be prevented. To provide such a metal film, for example, a transfer step may be performed after the holding step, or may be performed simultaneously with the holding step. The transfer step is a step of transferring a film-like metal film having better solderability than the base material of the terminal 30 to one or both of the first connecting portion 31 and the second connecting portion 32. Furthermore, as in this embodiment, if there are portions of the tip surfaces 30B1, 30B2 of the terminal 30 that are not plated during the placement process, corrosion (oxidation, etc.) of the base material of the terminal 30 can be prevented by applying a film-like metal film to the surface. The metal film may be made of, for example, tin or gold.

[0077] As explained above, unlike the schematic deformation mode shown in Figure 4 (in which all terminals 30 buckle in the same direction (towards the left in the figure)), the actual deformation mode that occurs in terminals 30 varies from terminal to terminal. However, it is preferable to control the direction in which terminal 30 buckles (hereinafter referred to as "buckling direction") from the viewpoint of suppressing cracking of holding body 20. This is because, compared to a case in which buckling in the ±X direction and buckling in the ±Y direction are mixed, for example, holding body 20 is less likely to crack when buckling in the +X direction and buckling in the −X direction are mixed but no buckling in the +Y direction or −Y direction occurs.

[0078] One method for controlling the buckling direction is to devise a relationship between the cross-sectional shape of the holding hole 21 and the cross-sectional shape of the main body portion 30A (middle portion 33) of the terminal 30. Specifically, the cross-sectional shape of the retaining hole 21 is formed slightly larger in a specific direction (the direction in which buckling is desired) compared to the cross-sectional shape of the main body 30A. For example, as in this embodiment, if the cross-sectional shape of the main body 30A of the terminal 30 is circular, the cross-sectional shape of the retaining hole 21 is made elliptical with the specific direction (e.g., ±X direction) as the major axis direction. Also, if the cross-sectional shape of the main body 30A of the terminal 30 is square, the cross-sectional shape of the retaining hole 21 is made rectangular with the specific direction (e.g., ±X direction) as the longitudinal direction. This makes it possible to induce buckling in a specific direction (for example, ±X direction). The specific direction (the direction in which buckling is desired to be induced) does not have to be the X direction or the Y direction, which are parallel to the arrangement direction of the terminals 30 (and the directions of each side of the rectangular parallelepiped-shaped holder 20), but may be a direction oblique to the X direction or the Y direction.

[0079] [Manufacturing method] In this embodiment, in the placement step, the terminal 30 is inserted into the holding hole 21, thereby placing the intermediate portion 33 inside the holding hole 21. Then, in the holding step, with the intermediate portion 33 placed inside the holding hole 21, the terminal 30 is compressed in the Z direction, thereby deforming the intermediate portion 33 and holding it inside the holding hole 21. Therefore, compared to conventional manufacturing methods in which the terminals 30 are held inside the holding holes 21 by press-fitting them into the holding holes 21, the friction generated between the terminals 30 and the inner surfaces of the holding holes 21 when the terminals 30 are inserted into the holding holes 21 in the placement step is small. In other words, even if the sizes (specifically, the cross-sectional sizes) of the terminals 30 and the holding holes 21 are set so as to reduce the friction when the terminals 30 are inserted into the holding holes 21 (friction generated between the terminals 30 and the inner surfaces of the holding holes 21), the terminals 30 can be properly held in the holding body 20 due to the deformation of the intermediate portions 33 during the holding step. Therefore, peeling of the plating on the terminals 30 and scraping of the holding body 20 are unlikely to occur.

[0080] In this embodiment, the Z-direction dimension of the terminals 30 is adjusted to the dimension at the time of completion of the connector by compression in the holding process. Therefore, there is no need to provide a process for adjusting the Z-direction dimension of the terminals 30 in addition to the holding process, which simplifies the process. Furthermore, when there are a plurality of terminals 30 as in this embodiment, it becomes easy to align the positions of the first connecting portions 31 and second connecting portions 32 of the plurality of terminals 30 in the Z direction.

[0081] In this embodiment, the terminal 30 (see FIG. 2) in the placement step has a tapered portion (tapered tip portion 30B) that makes it easy to insert the terminal 30 into the holding hole 21. This prevents the terminal 30 from colliding with the edge of the holding hole 21 and buckling during the placement step.

[0082] In addition, in this embodiment, by crushing the tip portion 30B of the terminal 30, both the first connecting portion 31 and the second connecting portion 32 are made to have a convex shape. This makes it easier to form solder fillets in both the first connecting portion 31 and the second connecting portion 32. Furthermore, since forming both the first connecting portion 31 and the second connecting portion 32 into a convex shape is performed in the holding process, manufacturing efficiency is good.

[0083] (Other embodiments) FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a connector 200 according to another embodiment.

[0084] In connector 200, first surface 20A, on which first connection portion 31 of terminal 30 is exposed, is a flat surface among the outer surfaces of holder 20. Furthermore, first tip surface 30B1 of terminal 30 as first connection portion 31 forms substantially the same plane together with flat first surface 20A. Therefore, the surface of the outer surface of holder 20 on which holding hole 21 opens can be easily used for suction by a suction device.

[0085] (Specific example of holding process) FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a specific example of the holding step.

[0086] Compression in the holding step shown in Fig. 8 is performed using compression jigs 50A and 50B. The compression jigs 50A and 50B are composed of a first compression jig 50A and a second compression jig 50B. The first compression jig 50A and the second compression jig 50B are placed opposite each other and are moved relative to each other in the Z direction so that they approach each other. As a result, the first compression jig 50A presses the first tip surface 30B1 of the terminal 30, and the second compression jig 50B presses the second tip surface 30B2 of the terminal 30, compressing the terminal 30 in the Z direction.

[0087] 8, compression may be performed using compression jigs 50A and 50B having contact portion forming surfaces 52 with a concave shape corresponding to the convex shapes (see FIG. 4) of the first connecting portion 31 and the second connecting portion 32. By doing so, the first connecting portion 31 and the second connecting portion 32 are made convex, which makes it easier to form the first connecting portion 31 and the second connecting portion 32 into the desired shape.

[0088] 8, the transfer step may be performed by sandwiching the film-like metal film 60 between the tip portion 30B of the terminal 30 and compression jigs 50A and 50B during the compression step. The transfer step is a step of transferring the film-like metal film 60, which has better solderability than the base material of the terminal 30, to one or both of the first connecting portion 31 and the second connecting portion 32. In this way, there is no need to provide a separate transfer step, and manufacturing efficiency is improved.

[0089] In addition, a liquid rust inhibitor may be applied to the tip portion 30B of the terminal 30 in the holding process. By applying a liquid rust inhibitor to the contact portion forming surface 52 before compressing the terminal 30 and then compressing the terminal 30, the liquid rust inhibitor can be applied to the tip portion 30B of the terminal 30 at the same time as compressing. In addition, by applying an extreme pressure agent when compressing the terminal 30, it becomes easier to form the first connecting portion 31 and the second connecting portion 32 into the desired shape. In addition, the press oil used when compressing the terminal 30 in the holding process may contain an extreme pressure agent and a liquid rust inhibitor. If the transfer process is not performed, it is preferable to apply a liquid rust inhibitor to the first tip surface 30B1 and the second tip portion 30B2 of the terminal 30 after the holding process in order to prevent corrosion of the first tip surface 30B1 and the second tip portion 30B2.

[0090] [Supplementary explanation of the above embodiment] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the connector 100 includes a plurality of terminals 30, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. The connector may include only one terminal.

[0091] In addition, in the above embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the terminal 30 perpendicular to the Z direction, which is the axial direction, is circular, but the cross-sectional shape of the terminal of the present disclosure is not limited to this and may be rectangular or other.

[0092] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the holder 20 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape, but the holder of the present disclosure is not limited to this.

[0093] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the terminal 30 in the placement process is obtained by cutting a terminal continuum and has a main body portion 30A and a pair of tapered tip portions 30B, but the "terminal in the placement process" of the present disclosure is not limited to this. [Explanation of symbols]

[0094] S Connection structure 100,200 connectors 20 Holder 20A front page 21 Retaining hole 30 terminals 30A main body 30B Tip 30B1 First tip surface 30B2 Second tip 31 First connection part 32 Second connection part 33 Middle section 33G Middle axis 33A Bulge 41 First board (first connection object) 42 Second board (second connection object) 50A, 50B compression jig 52 Contact part forming surface 60 Metal Film

Claims

1. A connector for electrically connecting a first connection object and a second connection object that face each other in a Z direction, a holder having one or more holding holes formed therein, the holding holes being through holes extending linearly along the Z direction; a first connection portion connectable to the first connection object; a second connection portion connectable to the second connection object; and an intermediate portion located between the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion, the intermediate portion being held inside the holding hole; one or more terminals comprising: Equipped with the intermediate portion has a shape that is deformed by the terminal being compressed in the Z direction while the intermediate portion is disposed inside the holding hole, the intermediate portion has a shape that is slightly deformed from a straight rod shape extending along the Z direction so that an axis of the intermediate portion, which is formed by connecting centroids of cross-sectional shapes of the intermediate portion orthogonal to the Z direction, is curved with respect to the Z direction; The intermediate portion is held in the retaining hole by friction with the inner surface of the retaining hole. Connector manufacturing method.

2. A connector for electrically connecting a first connection object and a second connection object that face each other in a Z direction, a holder having one or more holding holes formed therein, the holding holes being through holes extending linearly along the Z direction; a first connection portion connectable to the first connection object; a second connection portion connectable to the second connection object; and an intermediate portion located between the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion, the intermediate portion being held inside the holding hole; one or more terminals comprising: Equipped with the intermediate portion has a shape that is deformed by the terminal being compressed in the Z direction while the intermediate portion is disposed inside the holding hole, The intermediate portion has a bulge portion formed therein, the bulge portion having an increased cross-sectional area compared to other portions of the intermediate portion, and the change in the cross-sectional area is continuous along the axial direction of the intermediate portion. Connector manufacturing method.

3. No bent portion is formed on the terminal on the first connection portion side relative to the intermediate portion, A first tip surface, which is a tip surface of the terminal on the first connection portion side, is the first connection portion. A method for manufacturing a connector according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The terminal has a substantially straight rod shape without a bent portion, a first tip surface that is a tip surface of the terminal on the first connection portion side is the first connection portion, A second tip surface, which is a tip surface of the terminal on the second connection portion side, is the second connection portion. A method for manufacturing the connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The intermediate portion does not have a protrusion that bites into the inner surface of the retaining hole. A method for manufacturing the connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. a first surface of the outer surface of the holder, on which the first connection portion is exposed, is a flat surface; a tip end surface of the terminal as the first connection portion and the first surface form substantially the same plane; A method for manufacturing the connector according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. one or both of the first connection portion and the second connection portion has a film-like metal film disposed on a base material of the terminal, The metal film has better solderability than the base material of the terminal. A method for manufacturing the connector according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The first connecting portion and the second connecting portion have the same structure. A method for manufacturing the connector according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. the one or more retaining holes are a plurality of retaining holes, a cross-sectional shape of each of the plurality of holding holes is formed slightly larger in a specific direction than a cross-sectional shape of the intermediate portion; A method for manufacturing the connector according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The intermediate portion does not have a slit formed therein. A method for manufacturing the connector according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The first connection object; The second connection object; A connector manufactured by the connector manufacturing method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, A method for manufacturing a connection structure in which the first connection object and the second connection object are electrically connected by the connector.

12. A method for manufacturing the connection structure according to claim 11, comprising: the one or more terminals are a plurality of terminals, The plurality of terminals are arranged in n rows and m columns (n≧3, m≧3), the plurality of terminals include one or more signal terminals and a plurality of ground terminals; the plurality of ground terminals are provided so as to surround the one or more signal terminals; A method for manufacturing a connection structure.

13. A connector for electrically connecting a first connection object and a second connection object that face each other in a Z direction, a holder having one or more holding holes formed therein, the holding holes being through holes extending linearly along the Z direction; a first connection portion connectable to the first connection object; a second connection portion connectable to the second connection object; and an intermediate portion located between the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion, the intermediate portion being held inside the holding hole; one or more terminals comprising: A method for manufacturing a connector comprising: an arrangement step of inserting the terminal into the holding hole to arrange the intermediate portion inside the holding hole; a holding step of compressing the terminal in the Z direction with the intermediate portion disposed inside the holding hole to deform the intermediate portion and hold the intermediate portion inside the holding hole; Equipped with The intermediate portion after the placing step and before the holding step has a constant cross-sectional shape and a constant cross-sectional area along the Z direction which is the axial direction of the intermediate portion. Connector manufacturing method.

14. The method further includes a transfer step of transferring a film-like metal film having better solderability than a base material of the terminal to one or both of the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion. The method for manufacturing the connector according to claim 13.

15. The compression in the holding step is performed by sandwiching a film-like metal film between the tip end of the terminal and a compression jig, thereby performing the transfer step. A method for manufacturing the connector according to claim 14.

16. A connector for electrically connecting a first connection object and a second connection object that face each other in a Z direction, a holder having one or more holding holes formed therein, the holding holes being through holes extending linearly along the Z direction; a first connection portion connectable to the first connection object; a second connection portion connectable to the second connection object; and an intermediate portion located between the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion, the intermediate portion being held inside the holding hole; one or more terminals comprising: A method for manufacturing a connector comprising: an arrangement step of inserting the terminal into the holding hole to arrange the intermediate portion inside the holding hole; a holding step of compressing the terminal in the Z direction with the intermediate portion disposed inside the holding hole to deform the intermediate portion and hold the intermediate portion inside the holding hole; Equipped with a transfer step of transferring a film-like metal film having better solderability than a base material of the terminal to one or both of the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion; The compression in the holding step is performed by sandwiching a film-like metal film between the tip end of the terminal and a compression jig, thereby performing the transfer step. Connector manufacturing method.

17. By compressing the terminals in the holding step, the Z-direction dimension of the terminals is set to the dimension when the connector is completed. A method for manufacturing the connector according to any one of claims 13 to 16.

18. The terminal in the arranging step has a tapered portion that facilitates insertion of the terminal into the holding hole. A method for manufacturing the connector according to any one of claims 13 to 17.

19. The compression in the holding step crushes the tip portion of the terminal, thereby forming one or both of the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion into a convex shape. A method for manufacturing the connector according to any one of claims 13 to 18.

20. The compression in the holding step is performed using a compression jig having a contact portion forming surface with a concave shape corresponding to the convex shape of one or both of the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion. A method for manufacturing the connector according to claim 19.

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