Spring member

Abstract

A spring member according to the present invention is disposed between two bodies to be pressed and applies pressure to said bodies to be pressed. The spring member includes a support portion, a plurality of band-shaped spring portions each having a portion thereof curved in an arc shape, and a plurality of first connecting portions that extend in a first direction and connect the support portion and the spring portions. The support portion and the plurality of first connecting portions are located on a same plane parallel to the first direction. From among the plurality of spring portions, the spring portions located closest to each other are disposed at positions where the spring portions partially overlap each other in the first direction and in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction on the plane.

Description

Spring material

[0001] The present invention relates to a spring member.

[0002] A spring member is known that is placed between a first pressed body and a second pressed body and applies pressure to one or both of them (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The spring member described in Patent Document 1 has a plurality of spring tongues formed by bending and cutting up parts of a plate-shaped member, and the spring tongues press against one of the pressed bodies to apply a load.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-302729

[0004] However, if the number of spring tongues is reduced to achieve this, the load that the spring member applies to the pressed body will decrease.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object of the present invention is to provide a spring member that can be made smaller while suppressing a decrease in the load applied to a pressed body.

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the spring member of the present invention is a spring member that is placed between two pressed bodies and applies pressure to the pressed bodies, and is characterized in that it comprises a support portion, a plurality of band-shaped spring portions each having an arc-shaped curve, and a plurality of first connection portions that extend in a first direction and connect the support portion and the spring portions, the support portion and the plurality of first connection portions being located on the same plane parallel to the first direction, and the spring portions that are closest to each other among the plurality of spring portions being located in positions that partially overlap each other in the first direction and in a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction on the plane.

[0007] In addition, the spring member according to the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, it further includes a second connection portion that connects the spring portions adjacent to each other in the first direction.

[0008] Furthermore, the spring member according to the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the spring portion has a base portion connected to the support portion, the first connection portion or the second connection portion, a first curved portion extending upright from one end of the base in the first direction relative to the plane, and a first end portion extending from an end of the first curved portion opposite the base side in a curved manner opposite to that of the first curved portion.

[0009] Furthermore, the spring member according to the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the spring portion further has a second curved portion that extends from the end of the base opposite the first curved portion side, rising on the same side of the plane as the side on which the first curved portion rises, and a second end that extends from the end of the second curved portion opposite the base side in a curved pattern opposite to that of the second curved portion.

[0010] In addition, in the spring member according to the present invention, in the above invention, the length of the first curved portion in the first direction gradually decreases from the base portion to the first end portion.

[0011] In addition, the spring member of the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the length of the first curved portion in the first direction gradually decreases from the base to the first end, and the length of the second curved portion in the first direction gradually decreases from the base to the second end.

[0012] According to the present invention, it is possible to achieve an effect of miniaturization while suppressing a decrease in the load applied to the pressed body.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing the configuration of a spring member according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a spring member according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a simplified configuration of a spring member according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of a spring member according to a first modified example of an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of a spring member according to a second modified example of an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of a spring member according to a third modified example of an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of a spring member according to a fourth modified example of an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of a spring member according to a fifth modified example of an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of a spring member according to a sixth modified example of an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of a spring member according to a seventh modified example of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] In the following description, a spring member will be described as a form for carrying out the present invention (hereinafter referred to as an "embodiment"). However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. Furthermore, in the drawings, the same parts are given the same reference numerals. Furthermore, it should be noted that the drawings are schematic, and the relationship between the thickness and width of each part, the ratio of each part, etc., may differ from reality. Furthermore, the drawings may include parts with different dimensions and ratios.

[0015] (Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a plan view showing the configuration of a spring member according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a spring member according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a simplified configuration of a spring member according to an embodiment of the present invention. A spring member 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is disposed between a first pressed body and a second pressed body by elastic force and applies pressure to both pressed bodies. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 1, the two pressed bodies are arranged so as to sandwich the spring member 1 in a direction perpendicular to the paper surface. In the following figures, the X direction (second direction) and the Y direction (first direction) extend on the same plane and are perpendicular to each other. In the following description, the X direction may be described as the extension direction (longitudinal direction) of the spring portion. Furthermore, the direction perpendicular to the XY plane is referred to as the Z direction.

[0016] The spring member 1 is formed using a flat spring steel plate made of metal, resin, etc. For example, the spring member 1 is formed by punching out the outer shape of the spring member 1 from a flat spring steel plate and partially curving the shape.

[0017] The spring member 1 comprises a plurality of spring portions 2, a support portion 3, a plurality of first connection portions 4 connecting the spring portions 2 and the support portions 3, and a plurality of second connection portions 5 connecting the spring portions 2 to each other.

[0018] The spring portion 2 has a band shape curved in an arc shape in the longitudinal direction. Specifically, the spring portion 2 has a base 21, a first curved portion 22 extending from one end of the base 21 in the X direction and rising up relative to the XY plane, a second curved portion 23 extending from an end of the base 21 opposite the first curved portion 22 side and rising up on the same side of the XY plane as the first curved portion 22, a first end 24 extending from an end of the first curved portion 22 opposite the base 21 side in a curved manner opposite to the first curved portion 22, and a second end 25 extending from an end of the second curved portion 23 opposite the base 21 side in a curved manner opposite to the second curved portion 23. The width (here, the length in the Y direction) of the first curved portion 22 gradually decreases from the base 21 side to the first end 24 side. The width of the second curved portion 23 gradually decreases from the base 21 side toward the second end 25 side. In this embodiment, the spring portions 2 are described as having the same shape and size, but they may have different shapes, such as different curved patterns and sizes. For example, the "gradually decreasing width" configuration of the first curved portion 22 and the second curved portion 23 also includes portions that extend with the same width. Specifically, the first curved portion 22 may include a portion that extends with the same width at a portion connecting to the base 21 or the first end 24, while maintaining the width of the base 21 or the first end 24, or a portion that extends with the same width at the center of the first curved portion 22 in the X direction.

[0019] The support portion 3 supports the spring portion 2, the first connecting portion 4, and the second connecting portion 5. In this embodiment, the support portion 3 is annular in the XY plane and houses the spring portion 2, the first connecting portion 4, and the second connecting portion 5 therein. The spring portion 2 is supported by the support portion 3 via the first connecting portion 4 and the second connecting portion 5. In FIGS. 1 and 2 , the support portion 3 has a concave-convex shape that follows the outer edge shape of the spring portion 2, and although the width varies in parts, it may extend with the same width. Note that the width here corresponds to the length in the XY plane in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the support portion 3. Furthermore, "the same (identical)" refers to something that is the same, including manufacturing errors, etc. Here, by forming a concave-convex shape that follows the outer edge shape of the spring portion 2, the thickness of the support portion 3 is ensured, thereby increasing the strength of the support portion 3.

[0020] Here, the base 21 is located on the same plane as the support portion 3 in the XY plane. The first connection portion 4 extends in the Y direction from the support portion 3 and connects the support portion 3 to the base 21. The second connection portion 5 extends in the Y direction and connects the bases 21 of the spring portions 2 that are adjacent in the Y direction. In other words, the base 21 is connected to the support portion 3 by the first connection portion 4, and is connected to the base 21 of another spring portion 2 that is adjacent in the Y direction by the second connection portion 5. Note that some of the first connection portions 4 have different lengths depending on the distance between the objects to be connected. The same applies to the second connection portions 5.

[0021] Here, in the spring member 1, the multiple spring portions 2 are arranged in a staggered pattern in a plan view seen from a direction perpendicular to the XY plane (Z direction). In the spring member 1, the spring portions 2 located closest to each other are arranged in positions that do not overlap each other in a plan view seen from a direction perpendicular to the XY plane, and partially overlap in the X and Y directions. For example, in the example shown in Fig. 3, the spring portion 201 located at the upper left and the nearest spring portion 202 (here, the spring portion 2 located to the lower right of the spring portion 201) are arranged within a range R in the X direction. x and overlaps in the Y direction within the range R y In this way, in the spring member 1, each spring portion 2 has the above-mentioned relationship with the other spring portion 2 located closest thereto.

[0022] In a pressing unit including two pressed bodies (first and second pressed bodies) and a spring member 1, the spring member 1 is fixed between the first pressed body and the second pressed body (see FIG. 1 ). In this case, the first end 24 and the second end 25 of the spring portion 2 contact one of the pressed bodies, and the base 21, support portion 3, first connection portion 4 and second connection portion 5 of the spring portion 2 contact the other pressed body. The spring member 1 applies a load to the first pressed body and the second pressed body.

[0023] In the above-described embodiment, in the spring member 1, the spring portions 2 that are closest to each other are positioned so as to partially overlap each other in the X direction and the Y direction, which makes it possible to reduce the area in which the spring portions 2 are arranged while suppressing a reduction in the number of spring portions 2. According to this embodiment, it is possible to reduce the size of the spring member 1 while suppressing a reduction in the load applied to the pressed body.

[0024] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the spring members 1 are configured such that the spring portions 2 aligned in the Y direction are connected to each other by the second connecting portions 5 without the support portions 3, thereby enabling further miniaturization. Also, the degree of freedom in designing the spring portions 2 can be improved.

[0025] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the spring portion 2 of the spring member 1 is configured to have a tapered shape in which the width decreases from the base side to the end side, so that the spring portion 2 can be arranged to reduce unnecessary space in the spring member 1, and as a result, the spring member 1 can be made even smaller.

[0026] In the above-described embodiment, the spring portion 2 may not have the second connection portion 5. Furthermore, in a case where two first connection portions 4 are connected to the base portion 21, the spring portion 2 may have only one of the first connection portions 4.

[0027] (Variation 1) Next, Variation 1 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of a spring member according to Variation 1 of the embodiment of the present invention. Note that Fig. 4, like Fig. 3, is a plan view showing a simplified configuration of the spring member. Variation 1 differs from the configuration of spring member 1 according to the embodiment in that it is configured to include two spring portions 2. Hereinafter, the same components as those in the embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0028] The spring member 1A according to the present first modification includes two spring portions 2, a support portion 3, and two first connection portions 4 that connect the spring portions 2 and the support portions 3. In the present first modification, the support portions 3 are linear and extend in the X direction.

[0029] Here, the spring portion 2 has the same components as those in the embodiment, and the base portion 21 is located on the same plane in the XY plane as the support portion 3. Furthermore, each of the first connection portions 4 extends in the Y direction from both ends of the support portion 3, and connects the support portion 3 to the spring portion 2 (base portion 21).

[0030] Furthermore, in the spring member 1A, as in the embodiment, the spring portions 2 located closest to each other are arranged in positions that do not overlap each other when viewed in a plan view from a direction perpendicular to the XY plane (Z direction), and that partially overlap in the X and Y directions.

[0031] In the above-described first modification, similar to the embodiment, in the spring member 1A, the spring portions 2 are positioned so as to partially overlap each other in the X direction and the Y direction, which makes it possible to reduce the arrangement area of ​​the spring portions 2 while suppressing a reduction in the number of spring portions 2. According to the first modification, it is possible to reduce the size of the spring member 1A while suppressing a reduction in the load applied to the pressed body.

[0032] (Variation 2) Next, Variation 2 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of a spring member according to Variation 2 of the embodiment of the present invention. Note that Fig. 5 is a plan view showing a simplified configuration of the spring member, similar to Fig. 3. Variation 2 has a configuration in which five spring portions 2 are provided in addition to the configuration of spring member 1 according to the embodiment. Hereinafter, the same components as those in the embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0033] The spring member 1B according to the second modification includes five spring portions 2, a support portion 3, three first connection portions 4 connecting the spring portions 2 and the support portion 3, and two second connection portions 5 connecting the spring portions 2 together. In the second modification, the support portion 3 is linear and extends in the X direction.

[0034] Here, the spring portion 2 has the same components as in the embodiment, and the base portion 21 is located on the same plane as the support portion 3 in the XY plane. Furthermore, each first connection portion 4 extends in the Y direction from either end of the support portion 3 or the center in the longitudinal direction (X direction) to connect the support portion 3 to the spring portion 2 (base portion 21). The second connection portion 5 extends in the Y direction to connect the base portions 21 of the spring portions 2 adjacent to each other in the Y direction.

[0035] The spring portions 2 are arranged in a staggered pattern in plan view from a direction perpendicular to the XY plane (Z direction). In the spring member 1B, similar to the embodiment, the spring portions 2 located closest to each other are arranged in positions that do not overlap each other in plan view from a direction perpendicular to the XY plane, and partially overlap each other in the X and Y directions.

[0036] In the above-described second modification, similar to the embodiment, in the spring member 1B, the spring portions 2 are positioned so as to partially overlap each other in the X direction and the Y direction, which makes it possible to reduce the arrangement area of ​​the spring portions 2 while suppressing a reduction in the number of spring portions 2. According to the second modification, it is possible to reduce the size of the spring member 1B while suppressing a reduction in the load applied to the pressed body.

[0037] (Variation 3) Next, Variation 3 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of a spring member according to Variation 3 of the embodiment of the present invention. Note that Fig. 6, like Fig. 3, is a plan view showing a simplified configuration of the spring member. Variation 3 differs from the configuration of spring member 1 according to the embodiment in that it is configured to include five spring portions. Hereinafter, the same components as those in the embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0038] The spring member 1C according to the third modification includes one spring portion 2, four spring portions 2A, a support portion 3, three first connection portions 4 that respectively connect the spring portions 2, 2A to the support portion 3, and two second connection portions 5 that connect the spring portions 2A to each other. In the third modification, the support portion 3 is linear and extends in the X direction.

[0039] Here, the spring portion 2 has the same components as those in the embodiment, and the base portion 21 is located in the same plane in the XY plane as the support portion 3. Note that the spring portion 2 in this modified example 3 differs from the spring portion 2 in the embodiment in terms of the ratio of some widths, etc., but the functions of the respective components are the same.

[0040] The spring portion 2A has a band shape curved in an arc shape in the longitudinal direction. Specifically, the spring portion 2A has a base 21A, a first curved portion 22A extending upright from one end of the base 21A in the X direction, a second curved portion 23A extending upright from an end of the base 21A opposite the first curved portion 22A side, a first end 24A extending from the end of the first curved portion 22A opposite the base 21A side in a curved manner opposite to that of the first curved portion 22A, and a second end 25A extending from the end of the second curved portion 23A opposite the base 21A side in a curved manner opposite to that of the second curved portion 23A. The base 21A is located in the same plane as the support portion 3 in the XY plane. The spring portion 2A is in the form of a strip extending with a uniform width from the first end 24A to the second end 25A, and is partially bent.

[0041] Each first connection portion 4 extends in the Y direction from either end of the support portion 3 or from the center in the longitudinal direction (X direction) of the support portion 3, and connects the support portion 3 to the spring portion 2 (base portion 21) or the spring portion 2A (base portion 21A). Each second connection portion 5 extends in the Y direction and connects the base portions 21A of the spring portions 2A adjacent to each other in the Y direction.

[0042] The spring portions 2, 2A are arranged in a staggered pattern in plan view from a direction perpendicular to the XY plane (Z direction). In the spring member 1C, similar to the embodiment, the spring portions closest to each other are arranged in positions that do not overlap each other in plan view from a direction perpendicular to the XY plane, and partially overlap each other in the X and Y directions.

[0043] In the third modification, as in the embodiment, in the spring member 1C, the spring portions are positioned so as to overlap each other partially in the X direction and the Y direction, so that the arrangement area of ​​the spring portions can be reduced while suppressing a reduction in the number of spring portions. According to the third modification, the size can be reduced while suppressing a reduction in the load applied to the pressed body.

[0044] (Variation 4) Next, Variation 4 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of a spring member according to Variation 4 of the embodiment of the present invention. Note that Fig. 7, like Fig. 3, is a plan view showing a simplified configuration of the spring member. Variation 4 differs from the configuration of spring member 1 according to the embodiment in that it is configured to include five spring portions. Hereinafter, the same components as those in the embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0045] The spring member 1D according to the fourth modification includes four spring portions 2, one spring portion 2A, a support portion 3, three first connection portions 4 that respectively connect the spring portions 2, 2A to the support portion 3, and two second connection portions 5 that connect the spring portions 2 together. In the fourth modification, the support portion 3 is linear and extends in the X direction.

[0046] Here, the spring portion 2 has the same components as those in the embodiment, and the base portion 21 is located in the same plane as the support portion 3 in the XY plane. Moreover, the spring portion 2A has the same components as those in the third modification, and the base portion 21A is located in the same plane as the support portion 3 in the XY plane.

[0047] Each first connection portion 4 extends in the Y direction from either end of the support portion 3 or from the center in the longitudinal direction (X direction) of the support portion 3, and connects the support portion 3 to the spring portion 2 (base portion 21) or the spring portion 2A (base portion 21A). Each second connection portion 5 extends in the Y direction and connects the base portions 21 of the spring portions 2 adjacent to each other in the Y direction.

[0048] The spring portions 2, 2A are arranged in a staggered pattern in plan view from a direction perpendicular to the XY plane (Z direction). In the spring member 1D, similar to the embodiment, the spring portions closest to each other are arranged in positions that do not overlap each other in plan view from a direction perpendicular to the XY plane, and partially overlap each other in the X and Y directions.

[0049] In the fourth modification, as in the embodiment, in the spring member 1D, the spring portions are positioned so as to overlap with each other in the X direction and the Y direction, so that the arrangement area of ​​the spring portions can be reduced while suppressing a reduction in the number of spring portions. According to the fourth modification, the size can be reduced while suppressing a reduction in the load applied to the pressed body.

[0050] (Variation 5) Next, Variation 5 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of a spring member according to Variation 5 of the embodiment of the present invention. Note that Fig. 8 is a plan view showing a simplified configuration of the spring member, similar to Fig. 3. Variation 5 differs from the configuration of spring member 1 according to the embodiment in that it is configured to include five spring portions. Hereinafter, the same components as those in the embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0051] The spring member 1E according to the fifth modification includes one spring portion 2, four spring portions 2B, a support portion 3, three first connection portions 4 that respectively connect the spring portions 2, 2B to the support portion 3, and two second connection portions 5 that connect the spring portions 2B together. In the fifth modification, the support portion 3 is linear and extends in the X direction.

[0052] Here, the spring portion 2 has the same components as those in the embodiment, and the base portion 21 is located on the same plane as the support portion 3 in the XY plane.

[0053] The spring portion 2B has a band shape curved in an arc shape in the longitudinal direction. Specifically, the spring portion 2B has a base 21B, a first curved portion 22B extending upright from one end of the base 21B in the X direction, a second curved portion 23B extending upright from an end of the base 21B opposite the first curved portion 22B side, a first end 24B extending from an end of the first curved portion 22B opposite the base 21B side in a curved manner opposite to that of the first curved portion 22B, and a second end 25B extending from an end of the second curved portion 23B opposite the base 21B side in a curved manner opposite to that of the second curved portion 23B. The base 21B is located in the same plane as the support portion 3 in the XY plane. The outer edge of the first curved portion 22B on the second connection portion 5 side is inclined with respect to the X direction so that the width (here, the length in the Y direction) gradually decreases from the base portion 21B side toward the first end portion 24B side. On the other hand, the outer edge of the spring portion 2B on the side opposite to the second connection portion 5 side is linear along the X direction.

[0054] Each first connection portion 4 extends in the Y direction from either end of the support portion 3 or from the center in the longitudinal direction (X direction) of the support portion 3, and connects the support portion 3 to the spring portion 2 (base portion 21) or the spring portion 2B (base portion 21B). Each second connection portion 5 extends in the Y direction and connects the base portions 21B of the spring portions 2B adjacent to each other in the Y direction.

[0055] The spring portions 2, 2B are arranged in a staggered pattern in plan view from a direction perpendicular to the XY plane. In the spring member 1E, similar to the embodiment, the spring portions closest to each other are arranged in positions that do not overlap each other in plan view from a direction perpendicular to the XY plane (Z direction), and partially overlap each other in the X and Y directions.

[0056] In the fifth modification, as in the embodiment, in the spring member 1E, the spring portions are positioned so as to overlap each other partially in the X direction and the Y direction, so that the arrangement area of ​​the spring portions can be reduced while suppressing a reduction in the number of spring portions. According to the fifth modification, the size can be reduced while suppressing a reduction in the load applied to the pressed body.

[0057] (Variation 6) Next, Variation 6 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of a spring member according to Variation 6 of the embodiment of the present invention. Note that Fig. 9 is a plan view showing a simplified configuration of the spring member, similar to Fig. 3. Variation 6 differs from the configuration of spring member 1 according to the embodiment in that it is configured to include five spring portions. Hereinafter, the same components as those in the embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0058] The spring member 1F according to the sixth modification includes one spring portion 2, four spring portions 2C, a support portion 3, three first connection portions 4 that respectively connect the spring portions 2, 2C and the support portion 3, and two second connection portions 5 that connect the spring portions 2C together. In the sixth modification, the support portion 3 is linear and extends in the X direction.

[0059] Here, the spring portion 2 has the same components as those in the embodiment, and the base portion 21 is located on the same plane as the support portion 3 in the XY plane.

[0060] The spring portion 2C has a band-like shape with its longitudinal direction curved in an arc. Specifically, the spring portion 2C has a base 21C, a curved portion 22C (first curved portion) that rises and extends from one end of the base 21C in the X direction, and an end 23C (first end) that extends from the end of the curved portion 22C opposite the base 21C side in a curved manner opposite to that of the curved portion 22C. The spring portion 2C has a configuration that does not include the second curved portion 23 and the second end 25, as compared to the spring portion 2. The base 21C is located on the same plane as the support portion 3 in the XY plane. The width of the curved portion 22C gradually decreases from the base 21C side toward the end 23C side.

[0061] Each first connection portion 4 extends in the Y direction from either end of the support portion 3 or from the center in the longitudinal direction (X direction) of the support portion 3, and connects the support portion 3 to the spring portion 2 (base portion 21) or the spring portion 2C (base portion 21C). Each second connection portion 5 extends in the Y direction and connects the base portions 21B of the spring portions 2B adjacent to each other in the Y direction.

[0062] In addition, the spring portions 2, 2C are arranged such that the first end 24, the second end 25, and the end 23C are staggered in plan view from a direction perpendicular to the XY plane. In the spring member 1F, as in the embodiment, the spring portions located closest to each other are arranged in positions that do not overlap each other in plan view from a direction perpendicular to the XY plane (Z direction), and that partially overlap each other in the X direction and the Y direction.

[0063] In the sixth modification, as in the embodiment, the spring portions of the spring member 1F are positioned so as to overlap each other partially in the X direction and partially in the Y direction, so that the arrangement area of ​​the spring portions can be reduced while suppressing a reduction in the number of spring portions. According to the sixth modification, the size can be reduced while suppressing a reduction in the load applied to the pressed body.

[0064] (Variation 7) Next, Variation 7 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of a spring member according to Variation 7 of the embodiment of the present invention. Note that Fig. 10 is a plan view showing a simplified configuration of the spring member, similar to Fig. 3. Variation 7 differs from the configuration of spring member 1 according to the embodiment in that it is configured to include five spring portions. Hereinafter, the same components as those in the embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0065] The spring member 1G according to the seventh modification includes four spring portions 2A, one spring portion 2D, a support portion 3, three first connection portions 4 that respectively connect the spring portions 2A, 2D, and the support portion 3, and two second connection portions 5 that connect the spring portions 2A together. In the seventh modification, the support portion 3 is linear and extends in the X direction.

[0066] Here, the spring portion 2A has the same components as those of the third modification, and the base portion 21A is located on the same plane as the support portion 3 in the XY plane.

[0067] The spring portion 2D has a band shape curved in an arc shape in the longitudinal direction. Specifically, the spring portion 2D has a base 21D, a first curved portion 22D that rises and extends from one end of the base 21D in the X direction, a second curved portion 23D that rises and extends from an end of the base 21D opposite the first curved portion 22D side, a first end 24D that extends from the end of the first curved portion 22D opposite the base 21D side in a curved manner opposite to that of the first curved portion 22D, and a second end 25D that extends from the end of the second curved portion 23D opposite the base 21D side in a curved manner opposite to that of the second curved portion 23D. The base 21D is located in the same plane as the support portion 3 in the XY plane. The first curved portion 22D, the second curved portion 23D, the first end portion 24D, and the second end portion 25D have widths smaller than the width of the base portion 21D. In other words, the spring portion 2D has a shape whose width varies stepwise along the X direction.

[0068] Each first connection portion 4 extends in the Y direction from either end of the support portion 3 or from the center in the longitudinal direction (X direction) of the support portion 3, and connects the support portion 3 to the spring portion 2A (base portion 21A) or the spring portion 2D (base portion 21D). Each second connection portion 5 extends in the Y direction and connects the base portions 21A of the spring portions 2A adjacent to each other in the Y direction.

[0069] The spring portions 2A and 2D are arranged in a staggered pattern in plan view from a direction perpendicular to the XY plane (Z direction). As in the embodiment, the spring member 1G is arranged such that the nearest spring portions do not overlap each other in plan view from a direction perpendicular to the XY plane, and partially overlap each other in the X and Y directions.

[0070] In the above-described seventh modification, as in the embodiment, in the spring member 1G, the spring portions are positioned so as to overlap with each other in the X direction and the Y direction, so that the arrangement area of ​​the spring portions can be reduced while suppressing a reduction in the number of spring portions. According to the seventh modification, the size can be reduced while suppressing a reduction in the load applied to the pressed body.

[0071] As such, the present invention may include various embodiments not described here, and various design changes may be made within the scope of the technical idea specified by the claims.

[0072] In the first to seventh modifications, the support portions 3 may be provided on both sides of the spring portion in the Y direction and connected to the spring portion via the first connection portions 4, or may be frame-shaped to surround the spring portion, as in the embodiment. When the support portion 3 is frame-shaped, the number of first connection portions 4 may be increased in each configuration so that the first connection portions 4 are connected to both sides of the spring portion in the Y direction.

[0073] Furthermore, in the embodiment and modifications 1 to 7, examples have been described in which the first connecting portion 4 and the second connecting portion 5 extend in the Y direction, but they may also be configured to extend at an angle relative to the Y direction.

[0074] As described above, the spring member according to the present invention is suitable for miniaturization while suppressing a decrease in the load applied to the pressed body.

[0075] 1, 1A to 1G Spring member 2, 2A to 2D Spring portion 3 Support portion 4 First connection portion 5 Second connection portion 21, 21A, 21B, 21C, 21D Base portion 22, 22A, 22B, 22D First curved portion 23, 23A, 23B, 23D Second curved portion 24, 24A, 24B, 24D First end portion 25, 25A, 25B, 25D Second end portion 22C Curved portion 23C End portion

Claims

1. A spring member that is placed between two pressed bodies and applies pressure to the pressed bodies, comprising: a support part; a plurality of band-shaped spring parts, portions of which are curved in an arc; and a plurality of first connection parts each extending in a first direction and connecting the support part and the spring parts, wherein the support part and the plurality of first connection parts are located on the same plane parallel to the first direction, and among the plurality of spring parts, the spring parts that are closest to each other are positioned in positions that overlap partially in the first direction and in a second direction on the plane that is perpendicular to the first direction.

2. The spring member according to claim 1, further comprising: a second connection portion that connects adjacent spring portions in the first direction.

3. A spring member as described in claim 2, characterized in that the spring portion has: a base portion connected to the support portion, the first connection portion or the second connection portion; a first curved portion extending upward from one end of the base portion in the first direction relative to the plane; and a first end portion extending from an end of the first curved portion opposite the base portion in a curved manner opposite to that of the first curved portion.

4. A spring member as described in claim 3, characterized in that the spring portion further has: a second curved portion extending from an end of the base opposite the first curved portion side, on the same side of the plane as the first curved portion rises; and a second end extending from an end of the second curved portion opposite the base portion side in a curved manner opposite to that of the second curved portion.

5. A spring member as described in claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the length of said first curved portion in said first direction gradually decreases from said base portion to said first end portion.

6. A spring member as described in claim 4, characterized in that the length of the first curved portion in the first direction gradually decreases from the base to the first end, and the length of the second curved portion in the first direction gradually decreases from the base to the second end.

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