Connector structure

Abstract

Provided is a connector structure that is capable of inhibiting physical damage to a connection portion between a conductive layer and a wiring part, and is also capable of inhibiting electrical damage to the connection portion, and therefore, is suitable for functional fibers. When one surface 1a of a conductive layer 1 forms an XY plane defined by an X axis and a Y axis, a connector structure 10 is formed by connecting wiring part 2 to the one surface 1a in a Z-axis direction. In at least one cross-section that appears when a connection portion 3 is cut along the Z-axis direction, an internal angle θ that is located on the side of the wiring part 2 and that is formed by a virtual straight line L1 drawn by the one surface 1a and a virtual straight line L2 drawn by a surface of the wiring part 2 connected to the one surface 1a is greater than 90 degrees.

Description

Connector Structure

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a connector structure and the like.

[0002] Development of functional fibers that are both conductive and flexible has been progressing. For example, in the field of smart textiles (see, for example, Patent Document 1), development is underway on wearable fibers and the like that are conductive enough to input and output electrical signals from and to the outside, yet flexible enough to be wearable. Here, functional fibers generally have a connector structure in which a wiring portion is connected to a conductive layer. That is, in functional fibers, a wiring portion is connected to a conductive layer that constitutes at least a part of the fiber, and electrical signals are input and output from and to the outside via this wiring portion.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2024-013363

[0004] Here, functional fibers are often subjected to repeated severe bending during manual handling. The same is true for connector parts of functional fibers. Therefore, in the prior art, stress is frequently applied to the connection part between the conductive layer and the wiring part in the connector structure, and therefore, the connection part is prone to physical damage. Furthermore, in the prior art, sufficient consideration has not been given to preventing damage caused by factors other than physical damage.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a connector structure that is less likely to cause damage to the connection between the conductive layer and the wiring portion and that can also suppress electrical damage to the connection, and to provide smart textiles, conversion devices, and the like that are obtained using such a connector structure.

[0006] Examples of aspects provided by the present disclosure are as follows: [1] A connector structure having a flexible conductive layer and a wiring portion connected to the conductive layer, wherein, when one surface of the conductive layer is defined as an XY plane formed by the X-axis and the Y-axis and a direction perpendicular to the XY plane is defined as the Z-axis, in at least one cross section appearing when a connection portion between the wiring portion and the conductive layer is cut along a plane parallel to the Z-axis direction, at least one of two interior angles formed by an imaginary straight line L1 drawn along the XY plane and an imaginary straight line L2 drawn along the surface of the wiring portion at a contact point between the XY plane and the surface of the wiring portion exceeds 90 degrees. [2] The connector structure according to item 1, in which both of the two interior angles exceed 90 degrees in the cross section. [3] The connector structure according to item 1 or 2, in which, in the cross section, a line drawn along the surface of the wiring portion is a curve that convex outward from the wiring portion at at least one of the contact points. [4] The connector structure according to any one of items 1 to 3, wherein, in the cross section, the distance in the Z-axis direction between the surface of the wiring portion and the one surface of the conductive layer decreases continuously or discontinuously as the wiring portion and the one surface approach the contact point. [5] The connector structure according to any one of items 1 to 4, wherein, in the cross section, the wiring portion has a circular shape, an elliptical shape, or a polygonal shape with four or more angles. [6] The connector structure according to any one of items 1 to 5, wherein, in all cross sections that appear when a connection portion between the wiring portion and the conductive layer, including the cross section, is cut along a plane parallel to the Z-axis direction, all interior angles of the wiring portion exceed 90 degrees. [7] The connector structure according to any one of items 1 to 6, wherein the conductive layer is made of conductive rubber, conductive film, and / or conductive fiber, and has a thickness of 300 μm or less. [8] The connector structure according to any one of items 1 to 7, wherein the wiring portion is made of a conductive material and has at least one shape selected from a needle shape, a spherical shape, and a thread shape.[9] The connector structure according to any one of items 1 to 8, wherein the wiring section is composed of at least one selected from a metal clip, a plurality of hemispherical conductors exposed on one side of a substrate, conductive fibers, and / or conductive threads.

[10] A smart textile, comprising the connector structure according to any one of items 1 to 9, and capable of inputting and outputting electrical signals between the conductive layer and the outside of the connector structure via the wiring section.

[11] A sound signal-to-sound converter, comprising the connector structure according to any one of items 1 to 9, wherein a dielectric layer is disposed between a pair of the conductive layers, and the conductive layer receives an electrical signal from the outside to vibrate the conductive layer and generate sound pressure.

[12] The sound signal-to-sound converter according to item 11, wherein at least one of the pair of conductive layers further comprises a flexible substrate, on the side opposite to the dielectric layer, that is breathable or stretchable and insulating.

[13] An electric signal-physical motion converter comprising the connector structure according to any one of items 1 to 9, wherein the conductive layer receives an external electric signal via the wiring portion and generates physical motion by electrostatic force.

[14] An electric signal-sound signal converter comprising the electric signal-physical motion converter according to item 13, and converts an external electric signal into an acoustic signal or an external acoustic signal into an electric signal.

[15] A connector structure having a flexible conductive layer and a wiring portion connected to the conductive layer, wherein, when one surface of the conductive layer is defined as an XY plane formed by the X and Y axes and a direction perpendicular to the XY plane is defined as the Z axis, in at least one cross section appearing when a connection portion between the wiring portion and the conductive layer is cut along a plane parallel to the Z axis direction, a curve drawn along the surface of the wiring portion that is incident on one surface of the conductive layer is a curve that is convex toward one surface of the conductive layer.

[16] The connector structure according to item 15, wherein the conductive layer is made of conductive fiber.

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a connector structure that can suppress physical damage at the connection portion between the conductive layer and the wiring portion, as well as suppress electrical damage at the connection portion. Furthermore, according to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide various products (e.g., smart textiles, electrical signal-to-physical motion conversion devices, conversion devices, etc.) that are obtained using such a connector structure. Here, the various products of the present disclosure are excellent in reliability and durability because they are obtained using the connector structure of the present disclosure.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example configuration of a connector structure according to the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example configuration of a connector structure according to the present disclosure, relating to a connection portion. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example configuration of a connector structure according to the present disclosure, relating to a connection portion. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an example configuration of a connector structure according to the present disclosure, relating to a connection portion. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing an example configuration of a connector structure according to the present disclosure, relating to a connection portion. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example configuration of a sound signal-sound conversion device according to the present disclosure.

[0009] An example of an aspect (embodiment) provided by the present disclosure will be described below, but the aspect provided by the present disclosure is not limited to the aspect described below, and therefore various modifications are possible within the scope of the gist of the present disclosure.

[0010] In this disclosure, various measurements are performed based on the methods described in the Examples unless otherwise specified. In the present disclosure, in numerical ranges described in stages, the upper or lower limit value described in a certain numerical range may be replaced by the upper or lower limit value of another numerical range described in stages, or may be replaced by a value shown in the Examples. In the present disclosure, the term "step" includes not only an independent step, but also a step that cannot be clearly distinguished from other steps, as long as the function of the step is achieved. In the contents shown in the drawings, the scale, shape, and length may be exaggerated for clarity.

[0011] [First embodiment] [Connector structure] [Configuration overview] One aspect provided by the present disclosure is a connector structure. The connector structure (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as the "connector structure") of the present disclosure is a connector structure in which, when one surface of a conductive layer constitutes an XY plane formed by the X axis and the Y axis, a wiring portion is connected to the one surface in a Z axis direction, and at least one cross section that appears when the wiring portion and the conductive layer are cut along the Z axis direction that is perpendicular to the direction in which the wiring portion extends is a cross section in which an interior angle θ on the wiring portion side formed by an imaginary line L1 described by the one surface and an imaginary line L2 described by a surface of the wiring portion connected to the one surface is greater than 90 degrees.

[0012] The connector structure of the present disclosure includes a flexible conductive layer and a wiring portion connected to the conductive layer. Here, one surface of the conductive layer is defined as an XY plane formed by the X-axis and the Y-axis, and the direction perpendicular to the XY plane is defined as the Z-axis. In at least one cross section appearing when the connection portion between the wiring portion and the conductive layer is cut along a plane parallel to the Z-axis direction, two interior angles are formed on both sides of the wiring portion by an imaginary line L1 drawn along the XY plane and an imaginary line L2 drawn along the surface of the wiring portion at the point where the XY plane and the surface of the wiring portion meet. At least one of the two interior angles is greater than 90 degrees. By having the interior angle greater than 90 degrees, stress on the outer angle that is paired with the interior angle can be reduced when the connector structure is bent. Therefore, even if the connector structure is subjected to repeated severe bending, i.e., even if stress is frequently applied to the connection portion between the conductive layer and the wiring portion in the connector structure, the durability of the connection portion against physical damage can be improved. Furthermore, since the inner angle is greater than 90 degrees, it is easy to prevent the outer angle from having the characteristics of a "tip portion." Even if the wiring portion itself tends to have the characteristics of a "tip portion," this can be overcome and the increase in the electric field at the outer angle can be suppressed, making it possible to prevent electrical damage in addition to physical damage.

[0013] 1(a) to 1(c) are schematic diagrams showing an example of the configuration of a connector structure of the present disclosure. FIG. 1(a) shows an example of a functional fiber employing a connector structure, and FIGS. 1(b) to 1(c) show examples of cross sections of the connection portion in the connector structure. Of these, FIG. 1(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 1(a), and FIG. 1(c) is an enlarged view of region B in FIG. 1(b). In FIGS. 1(a) to 1(c), the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction are orthogonal to each other and correspond to each other in each drawing.

[0014] As shown in Figure 1(a), the connector structure 10 can be used in the field of functional fibers that are conductive and flexible, typically in the field of smart textiles. In functional fibers, a wiring section 2 is connected to a conductive layer 1 that constitutes at least a part of the fiber, and electrical signals are input and output to and from the outside via the wiring section 2. Wiring 101 is connected to the wiring section 2 for electrical connection to the outside. However, in the functional fiber 100, if the input and output of electrical signals to and from the outside is performed wirelessly using the wiring section 2 as a base, the wiring 101 can be omitted.

[0015] Both the conductive layer 1 and the wiring portion 2 are made of a material having conductivity (conductive material). A preferred example of such a material is a conductor, such as a metal material, particularly Cu (copper). However, the type and composition (including purity) of the material are not limited as long as they do not deviate from the gist of the present disclosure. The conductive layer 1 and the wiring portion 2 may be made of the same material or different materials. Note that the term "conductor" as used herein includes metal films formed by plating, vapor deposition, etc., as well as conductive polymers and carbon fibers (carbon).

[0016] When the connector structure 10 shown in FIG. 1(a) is cut along a plane parallel to the Z-axis direction, a specific cross section appears. Here, the connector structure 10 shown in FIG. 1(a) is cut along a plane perpendicular to the X-axis direction and parallel to the Z-axis direction. In other words, the connector structure 10 is cut along the Z-axis direction and the Y-axis direction (the direction in which line A-A extends), resulting in the cross section shown in FIG. 1(b). In other words, the cross section shown in FIG. 1(b) is at least one cross section that appears when the conductive layer 1 and the connection portion 3 of the wiring portion 2 in the connector structure are cut along a plane parallel to the Z-axis direction.

[0017] 1(b) can be obtained using, for example, a digital microscope KH-8700 manufactured by Hirox Corporation under predetermined magnification conditions. The magnification may be such that the cross section of the wiring portion 2 is roughly included within the observation area of ​​the measurement device, for example, 50x.

[0018] 1(b), in the connector structure 10, the wiring portion 2 is laminated on one surface 1a of the conductive layer 1. That is, when one surface 1a of the conductive layer 1 forms an XY plane formed by the X-axis and the Y-axis, the wiring portion 2 is connected to the one surface in the Z-axis direction. The conductive layer 1 is flexible enough to form at least a part of the functional fiber 100, and the state in which "one surface 1a of the conductive layer 1 forms an XY plane formed by the X-axis and the Y-axis" can be easily achieved by placing the conductive layer 1 with its other surface (back surface) facing down on a flat surface and, if necessary, smoothing it flat to remove wrinkles.

[0019] The wiring portion 2 has a trapezoidal cross section (so-called inverted trapezoidal cross section) with the upper base greater than the lower base in the drawing. In particular, when the +Y-axis direction side is treated as the right and the −Y-axis direction side as the left, the cross section is bilaterally symmetrical. The wiring portion 2 is surface-connected to one surface 1a of the conductive layer 1 at its lower base. The method of connecting the wiring portion 2 and the conductive layer 1 is not particularly limited, and examples include: a method of connecting the wiring and the conductive layer 1 via a conductive adhesive material (e.g., adhesive agent, adhesive tape, etc.); a method of thermally plastically deforming the wiring portion 2 and / or the conductive layer 1 (e.g., thermocompression bonding); a method of sandwiching the conductive layer 1 between multiple pieces of the wiring portion 2; a method of physically or magnetically pressing the conductive layer 1 and the wiring portion 2 with a metal fitting (including a magnet); and a method of attaching tape over the wiring portion 2 attached to the conductive layer 1 so as to cover the wiring portion 2. Here, a wiring part 2 having an adhesive tape (not shown) on the lower side of the wiring is adopted, that is, the lower side of the wiring and one surface 1a are connected via the adhesive tape. Note that the adhesive material such as the adhesive tape here has the same characteristics as the wiring part 2 in that it is conductive, and therefore is included in the concept of "wiring part" in this disclosure.

[0020] When the portion (connection portion 3) where the wiring portion 2 and one surface 1a of the conductive layer 1 are connected is grasped on the cross-sectional view, the following can be grasped: a central axis C of the wiring portion 2; a starting point P where the wiring portion 2 rises from one surface 1a of the conductive layer 1 {starting point P_R on the +Y axis side (right side of the drawing) and starting point P_L on the −Y axis side (left side of the drawing)}; a length T on one surface 1a connecting the central axis C and starting point P {length T_R on the +Y axis side (right side of the drawing) and length T_L on the −Y axis side (left side of the drawing)}; and an end point E when the length T is further extended by a length 2T {end point E_R on the +Y axis side (right side of the drawing) and end point E_L on the −Y axis side (left side of the drawing)}.

[0021] Here, in the cross-sectional view, the following can be grasped: an imaginary straight line L1 drawn by the one surface 1a {an imaginary straight line L1_R on the +Y-axis side (right side of the drawing) and an imaginary straight line L1_L on the -Y-axis side (left side of the drawing)}, and an imaginary straight line L2 drawn along the surface of the wiring portion 2 connected to the one surface 1a {an imaginary straight line L2_R on the +Y-axis side (right side of the drawing) and an imaginary straight line L2_L on the -Y-axis side (left side of the drawing)}. Of these, the imaginary straight line L1 corresponds to a line passing through the one surface 1a between the starting point P and the ending point E, and the imaginary straight line L2 corresponds to a line passing through the starting point P and the hypotenuse of the wiring portion 2. In the case of the virtual straight lines L1 and L2, if unevenness is observed on one surface 1a, or if unevenness is observed on the surface of the wiring portion 2, the virtual straight lines L1 and L2 may be determined so that the difference in unevenness is equal, similar to the calculation of Ra (arithmetic mean roughness).

[0022] In the connector structure 10 of the present disclosure, as shown in FIG. 1( c), the interior angle θ formed by the imaginary lines L1 and L2 on the inside of the wiring section 2 exceeds 90 degrees in the cross-sectional view. Because the interior angle θ on the inside of the wiring section 2 exceeds 90 degrees, the exterior angle opposite the interior angle θ is less than 90 degrees. Having the interior angle θ exceeding 90 degrees reduces stress on the exterior angle opposite the interior angle θ that may occur when the connector structure 10 is bent. Therefore, even if the connector structure 10 is subjected to repeated severe bending, i.e., even if stress is frequently applied to the connection between the conductive layer and the wiring section in the connector structure, the durability of the connection against physical damage can be improved. Furthermore, having the interior angle θ exceeding 90 degrees can prevent electrical damage in addition to physical damage.

[0023] The interior angle θ is preferably greater than 90 degrees and less than or equal to 160 degrees, more preferably greater than or equal to 120 degrees and less than or equal to 150 degrees. When a plurality of cross sections appear when the connection portion between the conductive layer and the wiring portion is cut along a plane parallel to the Z-axis direction, it is preferable that the interior angle θ is greater than 90 degrees in at least half of the cross sections, and it is more preferable that the interior angle θ is greater than 90 degrees in all of the cross sections. Furthermore, when the wiring portion has a complex shape, it is preferable to cut the wiring portion at three locations approximately evenly in the direction of extension, and it is preferable that the interior angle θ is greater than 90 degrees in at least half of the cross sections that appear, and it is more preferable that the interior angle θ is greater than 90 degrees in all of the cross sections. It is preferable that the interior angle θ is greater than 90 degrees in all of the cross sections.

[0024] Although the mechanism by which electrical damage can be prevented by an interior angle θ exceeding 90 degrees is unclear, the inventors speculate that it may be as follows. Specifically, if a conductor tip exists at the connection between the conductive layer and the wiring portion, the electric field at that tip becomes large, which can lead to localized discharge (tip discharge) from that tip, especially when a high voltage is applied. Here, if the exterior angle paired with the interior angle θ is 90 degrees or greater, the exterior angle will possess the characteristics of a "tip." In this case, excessive current will flow through the exterior angle as a tip, resulting in damage (electrical damage). Since connector structures are originally constructed with wiring portions layered on the surface of a conductive layer, the wiring portion itself is likely to possess the characteristics of a "tip" compared to the relatively flat conductive layer.

[0025] In contrast, according to the connector structure 10 of the present disclosure, because the interior angle θ is greater than 90 degrees, it is easy to prevent the outer angle portion opposite the interior angle θ from having the characteristics of a "tip portion." Even if the wiring portion itself tends to have the characteristics of a "tip portion," this can be overcome and the increase in the electric field at the outer angle portion can be suppressed, thereby preventing excessive current from flowing through the outer angle portion. Therefore, according to the connector structure of the present disclosure, not only can the above-mentioned physical damage to the connection portion between the conductive layer and the wiring portion be suppressed, but electrical damage to the connection portion can also be suppressed, thereby providing a connector structure suitable for functional fibers.

[0026] In particular, in the connector structure 10 of the present disclosure, in at least one cross-sectional view obtained when the connection portion 3 is cut along the Z-axis direction, the interior angle θ (the interior angle θ shown inside the wiring portion 2) exceeds 90 degrees on both the left and right sides of the central axis C of the wiring portion 2 along the Z-axis direction. In other words, in at least one cross-section obtained when the connection portion 3 is cut along a plane parallel to the Z-axis direction, both of the interior angles exceed 90 degrees. Thus, it is preferable that the interior angle formed by the imaginary lines L1_L and L2_L and the interior angle formed by the imaginary lines L1_R and L2_R both exceed 90 degrees, more preferably both between 100 degrees and 160 degrees, and even more preferably both between 120 degrees and 150 degrees. This makes it easier to suppress physical damage to the connection portion and further reduce electrical damage.

[0027] [Conductive Layer] The conductive layer is a layered structure having electrical conductivity. The conductive layer can be composed of a conductive film (conductive film) and / or conductive fibers (conductive fibers), which facilitates providing a suitable conductive layer. When the conductive layer is composed of conductive fibers, the conductive layer may be in the form of a nonwoven fabric, a woven fabric (fabric), or a knitted fabric. Here, the "conductive fiber" in the present disclosure includes, for example, nonwoven fabrics, woven fabrics, and knitted fabrics coated with a conductor, and an example thereof includes nonwoven fabrics coated with aluminum. When the conductive layer is composed of conductive fibers, it is easy to achieve a good appearance and a good feel for, for example, textile products constructed using a connector structure. In particular, using a conductive layer in which aluminum is vapor-deposited on a nonwoven fabric facilitates the realization of a connector structure with various excellent properties.

[0028] The conductive layer may constitute at least a part of the functional fiber, and therefore has not only conductivity but also flexibility. Therefore, the conductive layer is thin enough to have the desired flexibility, and has a thickness of, for example, 10 to 300 μm, depending on the constituent material. Within this thickness range, the conductive layer is likely to have the desired flexibility while ensuring a minimum level of durability.

[0029] From the above, one of the preferred aspects of the connector structure is that the conductive layer is made of conductive rubber, conductive film, and / or conductive fiber and has a thickness of 300 μm or less.

[0030] [Wiring section] The wiring section functions as wiring for inputting electrical signals from the outside to the conductive layer side and outputting electrical signals from the conductive layer side to the outside. For example, in a wearable fiber that can pick up weak electrical signals such as heart rate and brain waves when worn, the electrical signals are picked up by the conductive layer and then output to the outside via the wiring section.

[0031] The wiring portion is a portion having electrical conductivity, i.e., the wiring portion may be made of conductive fibers or may be made of metal itself. When the wiring portion is made of conductive fibers, the form thereof may be a nonwoven fabric, a woven fabric (fabric), a knitted fabric, or even the conductive fiber itself (i.e., conductive thread).

[0032] Here, it is preferable that the wiring portion be able to conform to the folds of the conductive layer to some extent. This makes it easier to suppress physical damage to the connection between the conductive layer and the wiring portion. From this perspective, it is preferable that the wiring portion be made of conductive fiber. From the same perspective, it is preferable that the wiring portion be thin enough to have the desired flexibility, depending on its constituent material, and for example, it is preferable that the wiring portion have a thickness of 0.1 to 3 mm.

[0033] Furthermore, in at least one cross section appearing when the connection portion between the wiring portion and the conductive layer is cut along a plane parallel to the Z-axis direction, the lower limit of the width of the contact between the conductive layer and the wiring portion is preferably at least 1 mm or more, from the viewpoint of further suppressing physical damage. For example, the total length of T-L and T-R shown in FIG. 1(b) is preferably 1 mm or more, more preferably 3 mm or more. The upper limit that can be arbitrarily combined with the lower limit is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, 10 mm, 50 mm, or 100 mm.

[0034] From the above, one preferred aspect of the connector structure is that the wiring portion is made of a conductive material and has at least one shape selected from needle-shaped (the wiring portion is, for example, a metal wire), spherical (the wiring portion is, for example, a spherical metal or a spherical conductive filler), and thread-shaped (the wiring portion is, for example, a conductive fiber thread, i.e., a conductive thread).

[0035] In one embodiment, the wiring portion is preferably composed of at least one selected from a metal clip, a plurality of semi-spherical conductors exposed on one surface of the substrate, conductive fibers, and / or conductive threads.

[0036] [Connection Portion] The connection portion refers to the portion where the conductive layer (one surface of the conductive layer) and the wiring portion are connected. Therefore, the cross section that appears when the connection portion is cut along a plane parallel to the Z-axis direction includes at least the conductive layer (one surface of the conductive layer) and the wiring portion. In the connector structure disclosed herein, various modifications to the structure of the wiring portion result in various corresponding modifications to the connection portion, and the cross-sectional shape that appears when the connection portion is cut along a plane parallel to the Z-axis direction also varies.

[0037] The peel strength between the conductive layer and the wiring portion is preferably 0.5 N or more and 10 N or less. This makes it easier to maintain a strong connection between the conductive layer and the wiring portion even when the connector structure is used in, for example, a textile product that is subjected to repeated severe bending. This peel strength can be measured, for example, by using a Tensilon RTG-1210 (manufactured by A&D Co., Ltd.) to secure the conductive layer and the wiring portion to a chuck, applying a tension of 300 mm / min, and recording the stress at the time when the stress decreases due to the detachment of the conductive layer and the wiring portion.

[0038] 2 to 4 are diagrams showing examples of the configuration related to the connection portion of the connector structure of the present disclosure. Below, with reference to the drawings, configuration examples of the connection portion will be described together with configuration examples of the wiring portion, along with example cross sections obtained.

[0039] 2 shows an example of the configuration of a connection portion 3A, which is formed by laminating a wiring portion 2A, which is a wire body, on the surface 1a of the conductive layer 1. The wiring portion 2A, which is a wire body, is, for example, a metal clip, which makes it easy to configure the connection portion 3A by clamping the conductive layer 1 between multiple pieces of the wiring portion 2, and also makes it easy to procure the wiring portion 2A.

[0040] In a cross section obtained by the same method as in Fig. 1, the wiring portion 2A has a circular shape. Even when the cross section is circular, imaginary lines L1 and L2 can be drawn in the same manner as in Fig. 1, with the interior angle θ exceeding 90 degrees. Therefore, in this embodiment as well, physical damage to the connection portion 3A between the conductive layer 1 and the wiring portion 2A can be suppressed, and electrical damage to the connection portion 3A can also be suppressed.

[0041] 3(a) shows an example of the configuration of a connection portion 3B formed by laminating a wiring portion 2B, which is a thread, on one surface 1a of the conductive layer 1. The wiring portion 2B, which is a thread, is, for example, a conductive thread, which makes it very easy for the wiring portion 2B to follow any folds in the conductive layer 1 and also makes it easy to obtain the wiring portion 2B. Here, the connection portion 3B is formed by applying tape over the wiring portion 2B attached to the conductive layer 1 so as to cover it.

[0042] FIG. 3( b ) shows an example of the configuration of a connection portion 3C formed by laminating spherical wiring portions 2C on one surface 1a of the conductive layer 1. The spherical wiring portions 2C are, for example, spherical metal. Here, one hemisphere of a plurality of metal spheres is exposed, while the other hemisphere is fixed to the substrate. In other words, the wiring portion 2C is formed from multiple hemispherical conductors exposed on one side of the substrate. Such wiring portions 2C make it easy to form multiple connection portions 3C between the conductive layer 1 and the wiring portions 2C. Each of the spherical metal spheres, which are the wiring portions 2C, is laminated on the conductive layer 1 to form the connection portion 3C.

[0043] In a cross section obtained by the same method as in Fig. 1, both the wiring portion 2B and the wiring portion 2C have a circular shape. As in Fig. 2, detailed illustration and description will be omitted, but in this embodiment as well, physical damage to the connection portion 3B between the conductive layer 1 and the wiring portion 2B and to the connection portion 3C between the conductive layer 1 and the wiring portion 2C can be suppressed, and electrical damage to the connection portions can also be suppressed.

[0044] <Cloth / Nonwoven Fabric> Figure 4(a) shows an example of the configuration of a connection portion 3D formed by laminating a wiring portion 2D made of cloth or nonwoven fabric on one surface 1a of the conductive layer 1. The wiring portion 2D made of cloth or nonwoven fabric is made of, for example, conductive fiber, which allows the wiring portion 2D to easily follow the folds of the conductive layer 1. Furthermore, it is easy to form a large number of connection portions 3D between the conductive layer 1 and the wiring portion 2D.

[0045] In a cross section obtained by the same method as in Fig. 1, both wiring portions 2D have a circular shape. As in Fig. 2, detailed illustration and description will be omitted, but in this embodiment as well, physical damage to connection portion 3D between conductive layer 1 and wiring portion 2D can be suppressed, and electrical damage to the connection portion can also be suppressed.

[0046] <Another Example of Cross Section> A further example of at least one cross section that appears when cutting the connection portion along a plane parallel to the Z-axis direction, including the aspects described above, will be described.

[0047] 5(a)-(b) and 6(a)-(b) are cross-sectional views showing examples of the configuration related to the connection portion of the connector structure of the present disclosure. 6(a)-(b) are enlarged views of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 5(a)-(b), respectively, and show the portion corresponding to region B in FIG. 1(a).

[0048] 5A, according to a further aspect of the connector structure 10 of the present disclosure, in at least one cross-sectional view obtained when the connection portion 3F is cut along the Z-axis direction, the surface of the wiring portion 2F has a curved surface that is convex toward the opposite side of the central axis C of the wiring portion 2F along the Z-axis direction. In other words, in at least one cross-section obtained when the connection portion 3F is cut along a plane parallel to the Z-axis direction, a line drawn along the surface of the wiring portion 2F is a curved surface that is convex toward the outside of the wiring portion 2F at at least one of the contact points between the surface 1a and the surface of the wiring portion 2F. This makes it easy to realize one aspect of a cross-section in which the interior angle θ exceeds 90 degrees by using the wiring portion 2F with a circular cross-section, specifically, by using a metal clip, conductive thread, conductive fiber, conductive filler, conductive polymer, or the like.

[0049] In particular, in this case, the wiring portion 2F has an elliptical shape in the cross section, and therefore the surface of the wiring portion 2F bulges significantly in the direction opposite to the central axis C and is incident on one surface 1a of the conductive layer 1. According to this embodiment, it is easy to achieve the angular condition for the interior angle, and therefore it is easy to suppress not only physical damage to the connection portion 3F but also electrical damage.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 5B, according to a further aspect of the connector structure 10 of the present disclosure, the wiring portion 2G has a pentagonal shape in at least one cross-section that appears when the connection portion 3G is cut along a plane parallel to the Z-axis direction. This facilitates realizing a cross-sectional configuration in which the interior angle θ exceeds 90 degrees while ensuring a suitable connection surface between the wiring portion 2G and one surface 1a of the conductive layer 1. Although not shown, a further aspect of the connector structure of the present disclosure also includes a configuration in which the connection portion has a hexagonal or greater cross-section. Even in this configuration, it is easy to suppress physical damage to the connection portion and even more easy to suppress electrical damage.

[0051] In particular, in the cross-sectional view, all interior angles (indicated by arrows in the figure) in the wiring portion 2G clearly exceed 90 degrees. This makes it difficult for the outer portions of all interior angles to have the characteristics of a "tip portion," and therefore makes it easier to prevent localized discharge (tip discharge) around the entire circumference of the wiring portion 2G. Note that when the cross section of the wiring portion is circular or elliptical, the interior angles cannot be grasped mathematically or graphically. On the other hand, when the cross section is circular or elliptical, there is no tip portion outside the circular or elliptical cross section. In this sense, it can be understood that "all interior angles exceed 90 degrees," and the fact that all interior angles exceed 90 degrees also serves the function of "preventing tip discharge in the outer portions."

[0052] As shown in Figures 6(a) and 6(b), in one embodiment of the connector structure provided by the present disclosure, the distance H in the Z-axis direction between the surface of the wiring portion 2 and one surface 1a of the conductive layer 1 decreases continuously or discontinuously as the distance approaches the contact point between the wiring portion 2 and one surface 1a. For example, in the wiring portion 2F having an elliptical cross section shown in Figure 5(a), the distance H in the Z-axis direction decreases continuously and quadratically as the distance approaches the contact point between the wiring portion 2 and one surface 1a (corresponding to Figure 6(a)). For example, in the wiring portion 2G having a pentagonal cross section shown in Figure 5(b), the distance H in the Z-axis direction decreases continuously and linearly as the distance approaches the contact point between the wiring portion 2 and one surface 1a (corresponding to Figure 6(b)). These features not only facilitate the prevention of physical damage to the connection, but also facilitate the prevention of electrical damage.

[0053] Although not shown in the figure, the embodiment in which the distance H becomes discontinuously smaller as it approaches the contact point between the wiring portion 2 and one surface 1a also makes it easier to suppress physical damage to the connection portion, and also makes it easier to suppress electrical damage.

[0054] The connector structure according to one aspect of the present disclosure has been described above. The term "cross section" in the above description refers to "at least one cross section that appears when the connection portion is cut along a plane parallel to the Z-axis direction," and therefore does not necessarily refer to all cross sections that appear when the connection portion is cut along the Z-axis direction. The "cross section" in the above description is preferably obtained by cutting the connection portion at least 10 times in various directions along a plane parallel to the Z-axis direction, and more preferably obtained by cutting the connection portion 5 times in various directions along a plane parallel to the Z-axis direction.

[0055] One preferred aspect of the connector structure of the present disclosure is a connector structure 10 in which a wiring portion 2 is laminated on one surface 1a of a conductive layer 1, and in at least one cross section that appears when the connector structure 10 is cut along the lamination direction (i.e., the Z-axis direction in Figure 1(a) etc.), the surface of the wiring portion 2 that is incident on one surface 1a is a curve that is convex toward the one surface 1a. Here, "the surface that is incident on one surface of the wiring portion" refers to the surface of the wiring portion in the cross section just before it comes into contact with one surface of the conductive layer. When observed at the observation magnification described in the examples, the limit point at which it can be confirmed that the wiring portion and the conductive layer are separated can be grasped, and "the surface that is incident on one surface of the wiring portion" includes such a point.

[0056] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the above description. For example, the above description describes a wiring portion having a symmetrical cross section when the +Y-axis direction side is considered to be the right and the −Y-axis direction side is considered to be the left. However, the wiring portion may have an asymmetrical cross section. Here, the embodiments of the present disclosure described above can be implemented in combination with each other. Different embodiments may be adopted for multiple wiring portions, and the embodiments of the present disclosure described above may be implemented in combination with each other in a single wiring portion. For example, a single wiring portion may have the embodiment shown in FIG. 5(a) on one side and the embodiment shown in FIG. 5(b) on the other side. In this case, a wiring portion having an asymmetrical cross section is realized, and such an embodiment is also included in the embodiments of the present disclosure, as described above.

[0057] [Second embodiment] [Smart textile] A further example of an aspect provided by the present disclosure is a smart textile comprising the above-described connector structure, and capable of inputting and outputting electrical signals between the conductive layer and the outside of the connector structure via a wiring portion. In such a smart textile 100, typically a functional fiber, a wiring portion 2 is connected to the conductive layer 1 constituting at least a part of the fiber, and electrical signals are input and output to and from the outside via the wiring portion 2 (see FIG. 1( a)).

[0058] In smart textiles, for example, the conductive layer in the connector structure functions as an electrode for picking up electrical signals from outside the smart textile. In wearable textiles that can pick up weak electrical signals such as heart rate and brain waves when worn, the electrical signals are picked up by the conductive layer and then output to the outside via the wiring section.

[0059] Although smart textiles are often subjected to repeated severe bending, the smart textiles of the present disclosure, which are equipped with the connector structure of the present disclosure, can not only suppress physical damage but also suppress electrical damage.

[0060] Smart textiles generally include a conductive layer that is both conductive and flexible, and the conductive layer in the connector structure may be used for at least a portion of the conductive layer. The conductive layer in the smart textile itself and the conductive layer in the connector structure may have the same or different configurations. If the conductive layer in the smart textile itself can be used as the conductive layer in the connector structure, the connector structure can be constructed by connecting a wiring layer to the smart textile without providing a new conductive layer. In the field of smart textiles, conductive fibers are often used as the conductive layer to easily achieve a good appearance and a good feel. The smart textile of the present disclosure is obtained using the connector structure of the present disclosure, and therefore has excellent reliability and durability.

[0061] [Third embodiment] [Sound signal-to-sound converter] A further example of an aspect provided by the present disclosure is a sound signal-to-sound converter that includes the connector structure described above, in which a dielectric layer is disposed between a pair of conductive layers, and the conductive layers receive an electrical signal from the outside to vibrate the conductive layers and generate sound pressure.

[0062] 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the sound signal-to-sound converter of the present disclosure. As shown in the figure, the sound signal-to-sound converter 200 includes an automotive interior material having a dielectric layer 33 disposed between a pair of opposing conductive layers 31A and 31B (corresponding to the conductive layer 1 described in the first embodiment). Wiring 41A and 41B are connected to both of the pair of conductive layers 31A and 31B. Here, the pair of conductive layers 31A and 31B are provided with connector structures 10A and 10B, respectively, and wiring 41A and 41B are drawn out from wiring portions 32A and 32B (corresponding to the wiring portion 2 described in the first embodiment) in the connector structure.

[0063] The wires 41A and 41B are connected to an amplifier 42 on the side opposite to the side connected to the pair of conductive layers 31A and 31B. The amplifier 42 is connected to a predetermined output device 44 (such as a speaker, a personal computer, a tablet, or a smartphone) via a wire 43, and to a power supply device (an AC / DC adapter 46 and a power supply 47) via another wire 45. Here, the sound signal-to-sound converter 200 functions as a flexible, thin speaker. By applying an electrical signal from the power supply 47 to the pair of conductive layers 31A and 31B, the pair of conductive layers 31A and 31B and the dielectric layer 33 vibrate together, thereby generating sound pressure. This sound pressure signal (sound signal) is amplified by the amplifier 42 and output as sound from the output device 44. As described above, the sound signal-to-sound converter 200, together with the output device 44 and the power supply, can be configured as a sound signal-to-sound conversion system 201.

[0064] In the sound signal-to-sound converter 200, the connector structures 10A and 10B of the present disclosure are employed for both the pair of conductive layers 31A and 31B, so that not only can physical damage be suppressed, but electrical damage can also be suppressed even when a high voltage is applied. However, the connector structure of the present disclosure can also be employed for only one of the pair of conductive layers 31A and 31B, and even in that case, physical and electrical damage can be prevented for the conductive layer that employs the connector structure.

[0065] The sound signal-to-sound converter 200 further includes flexible substrates 34A and 34B on the conductive layers 31A and 31B, respectively, on the opposite side of the dielectric layer 33. The flexible substrates are preferably breathable or stretchable and insulating, and are selected from, for example, knitted fabrics, woven fabrics, leather, artificial leather, synthetic leather, nonwoven fabrics, resin sheets, rubber sheets, films, breathable waterproof sheets, three-dimensional resin models, and three-dimensional knitted fabrics. The flexible substrate does not need to be a single sheet, and may be a laminate of multiple sheets. Furthermore, the flexible diaphragm preferably has appropriate flexibility so as not to inhibit the displacement of the flexible diaphragm (e.g., flexible diaphragm 35 composed of a pair of opposing conductive layers 31A and 31B and a dielectric layer 33). The sound signal-to-sound converter 200 has a thickness of, for example, 30 mm or less. The thickness is the thickness of the dielectric layer disposed between a pair of opposing conductive layers, and when a flexible substrate is further provided outside the pair of conductive layers, the thickness is the thickness of the combined product of these.

[0066] The sound signal-to-sound converter of the present disclosure includes the connector structure of the present disclosure, which can suppress physical damage as well as electrical damage. Furthermore, the sound signal-to-sound converter of the present disclosure is obtained using the connector structure of the present disclosure, which provides excellent reliability and durability.

[0067] [Fourth embodiment] [Electrical signal-physical motion conversion device, etc.] Another example of an aspect provided by the present disclosure is an electrical signal-physical motion conversion device that includes the connector structure described above, in which the conductive layer receives an external electrical signal via the wiring portion and generates physical motion by electrostatic force. The electrical signal-physical motion conversion device is also called, for example, an actuator.

[0068] 7, such an electrical signal-physical motion conversion device can be configured by disposing a dielectric layer between a pair of opposing conductive layers (corresponding to conductive layer 1 described in the first embodiment). In this case, each of the pair of conductive layers has a connector structure (corresponding to connector structure 10 described in the first embodiment), and wiring is drawn out from a wiring section (corresponding to wiring section 2 described in the first embodiment) in the connector structure to the outside.

[0069] When the conductive layer receives an external electrical signal via the wiring section, the attractive force of the charges induced between the pair of opposing electrodes generates a displacement (physical movement) corresponding to the electrical signal. Conversely, when the electrical signal-physical movement conversion device is displaced, an electrical signal is generated due to a change in the capacitance of the pair of opposing electrodes, and this electrical signal is picked up by the conductive layer and output to the outside via the wiring section.

[0070] A further example of an aspect provided by the present disclosure is an electric signal-sound signal conversion device that includes the electric signal-physical movement conversion device and converts an external electric signal into a sound signal or converts an external sound signal into an electric signal. Such an electric signal-sound signal conversion device can also be configured in the same way as in the case of FIG. 7.

[0071] In the electric signal-sound signal converter, the electric signal-physical movement converter is displaced in response to the electric signal picked up by the conductive layer, thereby generating a sound pressure signal (sound signal).

[0072] The electrical signal-physical motion converter and the acoustic signal-sound converter of the present disclosure are equipped with the connector structure of the present disclosure, and therefore can suppress physical damage as well as electrical damage. Furthermore, the electrical signal-physical motion converter and the acoustic signal-sound converter of the present disclosure are obtained using the connector structure of the present disclosure, and therefore are highly reliable and durable.

[0073] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to examples and comparative examples. However, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the following examples. For the examples and comparative examples, various manufacturing, measurements, evaluations, etc. were performed by the following methods. In the examples, the X-axis direction is the longitudinal direction of the wiring portion, the Z-axis direction is the stacking direction of the wiring portion, and the Y-axis direction is the direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction.

[0074] [Measurement and Evaluation] <Physical Damage Test> As samples, connector structures of the Examples and Comparative Examples were prepared. Using a De Mattia flex tester specified in JIS K 6260 "Vulcanized rubber and thermoplastic rubber - Determination of flex crack resistance and flex crack growth resistance (De Mattia method)," the electrode portion (conductive layer) and wiring portion (wiring portion) of the connector structure were fixed and the tester was operated 1,000 times. After the test, the resistance values ​​of the electrode portion and wiring portion of the sample were measured and evaluated according to the following criteria.

[0075] (Evaluation criteria) E (Excellent): 1 kΩ or less G (Good): More than 1 kΩ and less than 10 kΩ P (Poor): More than 10 kΩ

[0076] <Test for Electrical Damage> Connector structures of the example and comparative examples were prepared as samples. In accordance with the electrostatic discharge immunity test (IEC 61000-4-2), a discharge gun was brought into contact with the connector structure connected to the electrodes, and a voltage of 2 kV was applied 10 times with an interval of at least 1 second. After the test, the resistance values ​​of the electrode and wiring parts of the sample were measured and evaluated according to the following criteria.

[0077] (Evaluation criteria) E (Excellent): 1 kΩ or less G (Good): More than 1 kΩ and less than 10 kΩ P (Poor): More than 10 kΩ

[0078] <Measurement of interior angle θ> Cross sections were obtained by cutting each connector structure of the example and comparative example along a plane parallel to the YZ plane. The cross sections were observed using a Hirox KH-8700 digital microscope, and the interior angle between the imaginary lines L1 and L2 on the inside of the wiring portion was measured. If it is difficult to obtain the imaginary line L1 due to reasons such as bending of the conductive layer, the effects of bending can be suppressed by applying double-sided tape to the flat surface along the outer periphery of the conductive layer and then applying tension to the flat surface while bonding the conductive layer.

[0079] [Examples and Comparative Examples] Example 1 (Fabrication of Connector Structure) A connector structure was fabricated based on the following method. A tubular knitted connector structure with a circumference of 50 mm and a length of 5 cm was obtained using flexible, high-strength conductive thread G22T (manufactured by Urase Co., Ltd.). A lead wire was fixed to one end of the tubular knitted body by soldering as a wiring section. When this connector structure was cut along a plane parallel to the YZ plane, a cross section corresponding to the cross section shown in Figure 4(a) was obtained.

[0080] Example 2 (Fabrication of Connector Structure) A woven connector structure measuring 5 mm in width and 50 mm in length was obtained using flexible, high-strength conductive thread G22T (manufactured by Urase Co., Ltd.). A lead wire was soldered to one end of the connector structure as a wiring portion. When this connector structure was cut along a plane parallel to the YZ plane, a cross section corresponding to FIG. 4(a) was obtained.

[0081] Example 3 (Fabrication of Connector Structure) A paper clip (manufactured by Kokuyo S&T Co., Ltd.) was used as a connector structure, and a lead wire was fixed to one end of the connector structure with a conductive adhesive. When this connector structure was cut along a plane parallel to the YZ plane, a cross section corresponding to the cross section shown in Figure 2 was obtained.

[0082] Example 4 (Fabrication of Connector Structure) Conductive nonwoven fabric PULSHUT (registered trademark, 50 μm thick, manufactured by MA Life Materials Co., Ltd.) was cut to a width of 10 mm and a length of 50 mm to form a connector structure, and a lead wire was fixed to one end of the connector structure as wiring using a conductive adhesive. When this connector structure was cut in a plane parallel to the YZ plane, a cross section corresponding to the cross section shown in FIG. 4( a) was obtained.

[0083] Example 5 (Fabrication of Connector Structure) A connector structure was prepared by cutting conductive fiber AGposs (registered trademark, 100d / 34f, manufactured by Mitsufuji Corporation) to a length of 50 mm, and a lead wire was fixed to one end of the connector structure with a conductive adhesive. When this connector structure was cut along a plane parallel to the YZ plane, a cross section corresponding to the cross section shown in Figure 3(a) was obtained.

[0084] Example 6 (Fabrication of Connector Structure) A rectangular parallelepiped structure measuring 40 mm in length, 10 mm in width, and 5 mm in height with hemispherical protrusions 5 mm in diameter was created using a 3D printer. Furthermore, copper was vapor-deposited on the surface of this structure to a thickness of 100 nm to form a connector structure, and a lead wire was fixed to one end of the connector structure as wiring using a conductive adhesive. When this connector structure was cut on a plane parallel to the YZ plane, a cross section corresponding to the cross section shown in Figure 3(b) was obtained.

[0085] Comparative Example 1 (Fabrication of Connector Structure) A copper foil adhesive tape 831S (manufactured by Teraoka Seisakusho) was cut to a length of 50 mm to form a connector structure, and a lead wire was soldered to one end of the connector structure as wiring. When this connector structure was cut in a plane parallel to the YZ plane, a cross section corresponding to the cross section shown in Figure 4(b) was obtained.

[0086] Examples 1A to 6A (Preparation of Electrical Signal-Physical Motion Conversion Device) A pair of conductive layers was formed using a 0.5 mm thick, 100 mm square knitted fabric made of conductive fibers with a nylon core and silver-plated surfaces. A 0.3 mm thick, 120 mm square electret film (POREFLON (registered trademark) membrane, manufactured by Sumitomo Electric Fine Polymers, Inc., product number HP-010-30) made of a fluorine-based polymer was sandwiched between the pair of conductive layers. Each layer was coated with an acrylic adhesive in a mesh shape and bonded to obtain a conductive layer-dielectric layer-conductive layer structure. The pair of conductive layers constituted the connector structures of Examples 1 to 6, respectively.

[0087] Furthermore, an acrylic adhesive was applied in a mesh pattern to the outer layer of the conductive layer to allow sound pressure generated in the conductive layer to pass through. A 150 mm square polyester tricot knit was attached to this as a flexible substrate to produce an electric signal-physical motion converter. When an electric signal was applied to this electric signal-physical motion converter via wiring to output a 10,000 Hz pure tone, it displaced favorably and was able to output sound without any problems. In other words, it was confirmed that the flexible substrate-conductive layer-dielectric layer-conductive layer-flexible substrate structure functions favorably as an "acoustic signal-to-sound converter" and, by extension, as an "electrical signal-to-acoustic signal converter."

[0088] Comparative Example 1A (Fabrication of Electrical Signal-to-Physical Movement Transducer) The device was fabricated in the same manner as in Examples 1A to 6A except for the connector structure, and the connector structure of Comparative Example 1 was configured for the pair of conductive layers.

[0089] Furthermore, an acrylic adhesive was applied in a mesh pattern to the outer layer of the conductive layer to allow the sound pressure generated by the conductive layer to pass through. A 150 mm square polyester tricot knit was attached to this as a flexible substrate to create an electric signal-physical movement converter. When an electric signal was applied to this electric signal-physical movement converter through wiring to output a 10,000 Hz pure tone, a tip discharge occurred and the sound was interrupted midway.

[0090]

[0091] As shown in the table above, it was confirmed that the examples not only suppress physical damage to the connection between the conductive layer and the wiring portion, but also suppress electrical damage to the connection. Furthermore, a smart textile could be suitably produced using a connector structure according to one embodiment of the examples. The connector structure according to one embodiment of the examples can be suitably used, for example, for smart textiles, typically functional fibers.

[0092] The connector structure of the present disclosure can suppress physical damage to the connection between the conductive layer and the wiring portion, and can also suppress electrical damage to the connection, making it suitable for use in fields related to conductive and flexible functional fibers, such as smart textiles. Furthermore, the connector structure of the present disclosure can also be suitable for use in fields related to sound signal-to-sound converters, electrical signal-to-physical motion converters, and electrical signal-to-sound signal converters.

[0093] 1 Conductive layer 1a One surface of conductive layer 2, 2A to 2G Wiring portion 3, 3A to 2G Connection portion 10, 10A, 10B Connector structure 31, 31A, 31B Conductive layer 32, 32A, 32B Wiring portion 33 Dielectric layer 34, 34A, 34B Flexible substrate 41A, 41B, 43, 45 Wiring 42 Amplifier 44 Output device 46 AC / DC adapter 47 Power supply 100 Smart textile (functional fiber) 101 Wiring 200 Sound signal - sound conversion device 201 Sound signal - sound conversion system

Claims

1. A connector structure having a flexible conductive layer and a wiring section connected to said conductive layer, wherein when one surface of said conductive layer is defined as an XY plane formed by the X-axis and Y-axis, and the direction perpendicular to said XY plane is defined as the Z-axis, in at least one cross section that appears when the connection portion between said wiring section and said conductive layer is cut along a plane parallel to the Z-axis direction, at least one of two interior angles on the inside of said wiring section formed by an imaginary straight line L1 drawn along said XY plane and an imaginary straight line L2 drawn along the surface of said wiring section at the contact point between said XY plane and the surface of said wiring section exceeds 90 degrees.

2. The connector structure according to claim 1, wherein in said cross section, both of said two interior angles are greater than 90 degrees.

3. A connector structure as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein in the cross section, a line drawn along the surface of the wiring portion is a curve that is convex outward from the wiring portion at at least one of the contact points.

4. A connector structure as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein in the cross section, the distance in the Z-axis direction between the surface of the wiring portion and the one surface of the conductive layer decreases continuously or discontinuously as the wiring portion and the one surface approach the contact point.

5. A connector structure according to claim 1 or 2, wherein in the cross section, the wiring portion has a circular shape, an elliptical shape, or a polygonal shape with four or more angles.

6. A connector structure as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein in all cross sections that appear when the connection portion between the wiring portion and the conductive layer, including the cross section, is cut along a plane parallel to the Z-axis direction, all interior angles in the wiring portion are greater than 90 degrees.

7. A connector structure according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the conductive layer is made of conductive rubber, conductive film, and / or conductive fiber, and has a thickness of 300 μm or less.

8. A connector structure according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the wiring portion is made of a conductive material and has at least one shape selected from the group consisting of needle-like, spherical, and thread-like.

9. A connector structure as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the wiring portion is composed of at least one selected from a metal clip, a plurality of hemispherical conductors exposed on one side of the substrate, conductive fibres, and / or conductive threads.

10. A smart textile comprising the connector structure according to claim 1 or 2, wherein electrical signals can be input and output between the conductive layer and the outside of the connector structure via the wiring section.

11. A sound signal-to-sound converter comprising the connector structure of claim 1 or 2, wherein a dielectric layer is disposed between a pair of said conductive layers, and said conductive layers receive an external electric signal to vibrate said conductive layers and generate sound pressure.

12. The sound signal-to-sound converter according to claim 11, wherein at least one of the pair of conductive layers further comprises a flexible substrate on the side opposite the dielectric layer, the flexible substrate having breathability or stretchability and insulating properties.

13. An electrical signal-to-physical movement conversion device comprising the connector structure of claim 1 or 2, wherein the conductive layer receives an external electrical signal via the wiring portion, and generates physical movement by electrostatic force.

14. An electric signal-sound signal conversion device comprising the electric signal-physical movement conversion device according to claim 13, which converts an external electric signal into a sound signal or converts an external sound signal into an electric signal.

15. A connector structure having a flexible conductive layer and a wiring part connected to said conductive layer, wherein when one surface of said conductive layer is defined as an XY plane formed by the X axis and the Y axis, and the direction perpendicular to said XY plane is defined as the Z axis, in at least one cross section appearing when cutting the connection part between said wiring part and said conductive layer along a plane parallel to the Z axis direction, a curve drawn along the surface of said wiring part that is incident on one surface of said conductive layer is a curve that is convex toward one surface of said conductive layer.

16. The connector structure of claim 15, wherein the conductive layer is constructed from conductive fibers.

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