Electrically conductive gasket

Abstract

Disclosed is an electrically conductive gasket that can be pressed down a significant degree using a small force and can achieve reliable electrical contact with an object. The electrically conductive gasket comprises: an electrically conductive member; and an electrically conductive film composed of an elastic curable adhesive layer bonded to the electrically conductive member by curing. The electrically conductive film comprises: a bending part formed by being bent in a curve along the width direction of the electrically conductive film; and a support part formed by overlapping both ends of the electrically conductive film in the width direction and including the overlapping portions. The adhesive layer is formed in at least the overlapping portions. The overlapping portions are bonded with the adhesive layer interposed therebetween to form a single inner space surrounded by the bending part and the support part. The inner space extends along the longitudinal direction of the electrically conductive film.

Description

Electrically conductive gasket

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrically conductive gasket, and more particularly, to an electrically conductive gasket that can be pressed with a small force when the gasket is pressed from top to bottom, can be pressed with a large force, can achieve reliable electrical contact by elastic recovery, and has reliable adhesion even under temperature changes.

[0002] In general, an electrically conductive gasket that is interposed between opposing electrically conductive objects and electrically connects them must have good electrical conductivity and excellent elastic restoring force.

[0003] These electrically conductive gaskets are mounted on circuit boards to shield electromagnetic waves generated from electronic components such as semiconductor chips or to electrically connect opposing objects.

[0004] Such an electrically conductive gasket can be applied as an electrically conductive gasket for shielding electromagnetic waves when it is relatively long and interposed between opposing electrically conductive objects, and can be applied as an electrical contact terminal for connecting electricity to each other when it is relatively short.

[0005] For example, it is desirable that an electrically conductive gasket that electrically connects the back of an LCD or OLED panel and the housing of a mechanical device facing it be pressed as much as possible with as little force as possible, taking into account the mechanical tolerance of the panel and the housing, so as to electrically connect the panel and the housing with low electrical resistance and not provide black spots on the LCD or OLED screen.

[0006] In addition, it is desirable that the electrically conductive gasket, which is relatively long compared to the width and height applied to the door of the electromagnetic shielding box, have a structure that can be pressed as much as possible with as little force as possible and easily inserted into the gap of the opposing object.

[0007] An example of an electrically conductive gasket, for example, an elastic electrical contact terminal, is domestically registered patent No. 1804881 by the inventor of the present invention. Hereinafter, the terms electrical contact terminal and electrically conductive gasket are used for the same purpose and have the same meaning, so both can be expressed in parallel.

[0008] According to the above-mentioned No. 1804881, a coreless elastic electrical contact terminal is disclosed, which comprises a polymer film having a metal layer adhered to an outer surface; and a support layer of an elastic material adhered to an inner surface of the film by curing, wherein both sides of the film are bent with a constant radius of curvature, and a) the support layer fills a portion of the inner space of both bent side walls, and supports the object with the elastic force of the filled support layer, or b) the support layer is coated on the inner surface of both bent side walls to form an elastic sheet together with the film, and supports the object with the restoring force of the elastic sheet.

[0009] However, since the electrical contact terminal of this structure has a flat upper surface and does not form a single large empty space inside, there is a structural limitation in making the height relatively high compared to the width and length, and there is also a structural limitation in reducing the pressing force because the support layer is formed to fill the inside of both curved side walls.

[0010] According to another conventional technology, domestic patent registration No. 2675798 by the present inventor, an elastic electrical contact terminal is disclosed, which comprises an elastic core, a heat-resistant polymer film that continuously wraps the core in the longitudinal direction and adheres the upper and lower surfaces of the core with an elastic adhesive layer, and a metal layer formed on the outer surface of the polymer film, wherein a through hole penetrating the interior of the core along the longitudinal direction is formed, a surface for vacuum pickup is provided on the upper surface of the core, and a side wall of the core between the upper and lower surfaces of the core is bent toward the central axis in the width direction of the core to form a folded portion, and a space is formed between the inner surface of the polymer film and the side wall of the core by the folded portion, so that the inner surface of the polymer film is not adhered to the side wall of the core.

[0011] However, the above-mentioned electrical contact terminal is difficult to press in the height direction when the length is relatively large compared to the width and length due to the mechanical dimensions and physical properties of the core, and there is also a limit to minimizing the upward and downward pressing force.

[0012] For example, in order to manufacture a core by extrusion in a commercially viable and economical manner, the minimum wall thickness of the side wall of the core must be manufactured to be, for example, 0.15 mm or more, so that the electrical contact terminal has a pressing range and compressive force corresponding to this.

[0013] In addition, the metal layer according to the registered patent No. 1759713 is removed by etching, but the polymer film is not removed by etching, so an opening is formed in the metal layer, but the polymer film located at this part does not form an opening, so there is a limit to providing flexibility in the longitudinal direction, and also, when the electrical contact terminal is pressed by an external force such as a hand, the part adjacent to the pressed part is easily affected mechanically and electrically.

[0014] Accordingly, the purpose of the present invention is to provide an electrically conductive gasket that can be pressed a lot when pressed from top to bottom, can be pressed with a small force, has good elastic recovery, and has reliable adhesion even under temperature changes, in an economical manner.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide an electrically conductive gasket that is flexible in the longitudinal direction and minimizes mechanical and electrical influences on adjacent portions when the gasket is pressed.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide an electrically conductive gasket having a structure that is easy to mount on various objects.

[0017] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electrically conductive gasket that is pressed between objects to shield electromagnetic waves or electrically connect them, the gasket comprising an electrically conductive member and an electrically conductive film formed of an elastic curable adhesive layer bonded to the electrically conductive member by curing, the electrically conductive film having a bending portion formed by bending in a curved shape along the width direction of the electrically conductive film, and a support portion formed such that both ends of the electrically conductive film in the width direction overlap each other and include the overlapping portion, the both ends of the support portion and the both ends of the bending portion form a boundary at a constant angle, the overlapping portion is bonded to each other via the adhesive layer to form an internal space surrounded by the bending portion and the support portion, the internal space extending along the longitudinal direction of the electrically conductive film, and when the object presses the electrically conductive film, the gasket has elasticity and electrical contact with the object due to an elastic restoring force of the electrically conductive film at the bending portion. An electrically conductive gasket characterized by contact is provided.

[0018] Preferably, the adhesive layer can be selectively formed to extend to the bending portion, the support portion, or both in contact with the internal space.

[0019] Preferably, the adhesive layer may not be formed on at least one of the bending portion and the support portion that contacts the internal space.

[0020] Preferably, the electrically conductive member may be a polymer film having a metal layer formed on one side and an adhesive layer adhered to the other side.

[0021] Preferably, a groove formed by etching the metal layer portion may be formed to extend in the width direction and may be formed in multiple numbers at regular intervals along the length direction, and the groove may be formed over the entire bending portion and the support portion so that the metal layer may be formed to be electrically separated from each other.

[0022] Preferably, the electrically conductive member may be composed of a polymer film and a metal foil or electrically conductive fiber formed on one side of the polymer film.

[0023] Preferably, the openings penetrating the electrically conductive film are formed to extend in the width direction and can be formed in multiple numbers at regular intervals along the length direction.

[0024] Preferably, the elastic restoring force of the gasket can be provided most greatly by bending of the electrically conductive film.

[0025] Preferably, the angle between the above boundary portions can form an acute angle.

[0026] Preferably, in the internal space, a fixing member having a size corresponding to the width of the inside of the support member may be formed continuously in the longitudinal direction of the gasket and adhered to the support member, and both ends of the fixing member may be formed to extend along a bending portion that contacts the internal space.

[0027] Preferably, the adhesive layer may be configured such that a reinforcing sheet is adhered to it.

[0028] Preferably, at the boundary portion of the bending portion and the support portion, the electrically conductive film is folded and pressed to form a folding part, and the adhesive layers of the folding part are bonded to each other to form a single adhesive block.

[0029] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electrically conductive gasket that is pressed and interposed between objects to shield electromagnetic waves or electrically connect them, the gasket comprising an electrically conductive member, and an electrically conductive film formed by a curable adhesive layer having elasticity and bonded to the electrically conductive member by curing, the electrically conductive film having a bending portion formed by bending in a curved shape along the width direction of the electrically conductive film, and a support portion formed by overlapping both ends of the electrically conductive film in the width direction and including the overlapping portion, and one end of the electrically conductive film constituting the overlapping portion further extends in the width direction of the electrically conductive film to form an extension portion, and the overlapping portion is bonded to each other via the adhesive layer, thereby forming an internal space surrounded by the bending portion and the support portion.

[0030] Preferably, the electrically conductive member comprises a metal foil, and the adhesive layer is not formed on the metal foil forming the extension portion, so that the metal foil is exposed to the outside to form an exposed portion.

[0031] Preferably, a double-sided adhesive tape is adhered to the lower surface of the extension portion, and the exposed portion can be welded to the object by welding.

[0032] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electrically conductive gasket that is pressed between objects to shield electromagnetic waves or electrically connect them, the gasket comprising an electrically conductive member, and an electrically conductive film formed by a curable adhesive layer having elasticity and bonded to the electrically conductive member by curing, wherein the electrically conductive film has a bending portion formed by bending in a curved manner along the width direction of the electrically conductive film, and a support portion formed by overlapping both ends of the electrically conductive film in the width direction and including the overlapping portion, the overlapping portion being bonded to each other via the adhesive layer to form an internal space surrounded by the bending portion and the support portion, and the support portion is characterized in that it comprises a first extension portion formed by extending one end of the electrically conductive film horizontally along the width direction, and a second extension portion in which the other end of the electrically conductive film is bent outward and extends parallel to the first extension portion to form the overlapping portion.

[0033] Preferably, the electrically conductive member comprises a metal foil, and the adhesive layer is not formed on the metal foil constituting the first extension portion, so that the metal foil is exposed to the outside to form an exposed portion, a double-sided adhesive tape is adhered to the lower surface of the first extension portion, and the exposed portion can be welded to the object by welding.

[0034] According to the present invention, since the gasket uses a polymer film that is elastically restored by bending, or a polymer film and an elastic adhesive layer, rather than a separate tube-shaped elastic rubber core, a large empty space can be formed on the inner surface of the gasket, and as a result, when the gasket is pressed from top to bottom, it can be pressed with a lot of force and with a small force, and after being pressed between objects, it can make reliable electrical contact with the opposing objects by elastic restoration of the bending portion.

[0035] Additionally, by using a curable adhesive layer, there is little change in adhesive strength due to temperature.

[0036] In addition, by forming an opening in the electrically conductive film, the gasket can be pressed with less force when pressed from top to bottom, minimizing mechanical and electrical influences on adjacent parts, and by forming a groove in the metal layer, a single gasket can serve as multiple gaskets.

[0037] Additionally, it can be mounted on various opposing objects by the extension of the gasket.

[0038] Figure 1 shows an electrically conductive gasket and an electrically conductive film of one embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figures 2(a) and 2(b) show cross-sections of an electrically conductive gasket, respectively.

[0040] Figures 3(a) and 3(b) each show an electrically conductive gasket of another embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figures 4(a) and 4(b) each show an electrically conductive gasket of another embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] FIG. 5(a) shows an electrically conductive gasket according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line bb of FIG. 5(a).

[0043] Figures 6(a) and 6(b) each show an electrically conductive gasket of another embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Fig. 7(a) shows an electrically conductive gasket according to another embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 7(b) shows an example of a state of use of the gasket.

[0045] Figures 8(a) to 8(c) each show an electrically conductive gasket of another embodiment.

[0046] Figure 9 shows an electrically conductive gasket of another embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 10 shows an electrically conductive gasket of another embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 11 shows an electrically conductive gasket of another embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] It should be noted that the technical terms used herein are used solely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. Furthermore, unless specifically defined otherwise, the technical terms used herein should be interpreted in the same way as would be generally understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains, and should not be interpreted in an overly broad or overly narrow sense.

[0050] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. The attached drawings are intended to aid in understanding the present invention, and for convenience of explanation, some components may be depicted with dimensions and other details disregarded and somewhat exaggerated.

[0051] FIG. 1 shows an electrically conductive gasket and an electrically conductive film of one embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 2(a) and 2(b) each show a cross-section of the electrically conductive gasket.

[0052] An electrically conductive gasket (100) has elastic restoring force and is interposed between opposing objects to shield electromagnetic waves or provide electrical connection.

[0053] Preferably, both opposing objects are electrically conductive, but when the gasket (100) is applied to an electrical sensor, such as a touch sensor, the opposing objects may be a conductive pattern of a circuit board and an electrically insulating mechanism.

[0054] The electrically conductive gasket (100) is made of an electrically conductive film (101), which is composed of an electrically conductive member (106), and an elastic curable adhesive layer (103) in which a liquid adhesive is bonded to the electrically conductive member (106) by curing, and preferably, curing of the adhesive layer (103) can be provided by heat.

[0055] The adhesive layer (103) is electrically insulating, but may be electrically conductive if an electrically conductive film (101) is applied to the portion that connects the electricity.

[0056] Preferably, the electrically conductive member (106) may be formed of a polymer film (102) having an electrically conductive layer (104) formed on one side and an adhesive layer (103) adhered to the other side.

[0057] The electrically conductive layer (104) may be a metal deposition layer or metal plating layer formed by metal deposition or metal plating on a polymer film (102).

[0058] Additionally, the electrically conductive layer (104) may be an electrically conductive fiber or metal foil bonded to the polymer film (102) by an adhesive, and the adhesive may be the same as or different from the adhesive layer (103).

[0059] When the electrically conductive fiber is adhered onto the polymer film (102), the polymer film (102) can simultaneously provide elastic restoring force to the bending portion (110) and prevent the liquid adhesive before the adhesive layer (103) is cured from penetrating into the electrically conductive fiber and leaking to the outside.

[0060] Optionally, an electrically conductive coating layer such as electrically conductive graphite / graphite may be formed on the surface of the electrically conductive layer (104) for the purpose of giving it a black appearance or preventing corrosion.

[0061] Here, the electrically conductive member (106), adhesive layer (103), and polymer film (102) constituting the electrically conductive film (101) can be provided in various sizes and structures in various parts depending on the size and use of the gasket (100) as described in the following examples.

[0062] Referring to FIG. 1, an electrically conductive gasket (100) has a bending portion (110) that elastically contacts one object and a support portion (120) that can be fixed to another object, and an internal space (105) is formed by the bending portion (110) and the support portion (120) to form a hollow shape.

[0063] The bending portion (110) is formed by bending the electrically conductive film (101) between the two ends of the support portion (120) in the width direction, for example, in a curved shape, and the support portion (120) is formed between the two ends of the bending portion (110), for example, by overlapping the two ends of the electrically conductive film (101) in the width direction and then bonding the overlapping portions (121) to each other using an adhesive layer (103).

[0064] Preferably, the bending portion (110) is symmetrical left and right in the width direction of the gasket (100), and the uppermost portion of the bending portion (110) is curved to ensure reliable contact with the object.

[0065] The overlapping portion (121) is located at the bottom of the gasket (100), and the electrically conductive layer (104) portion of one end of the electrically conductive film (101) and the adhesive layer (103) portion of the other end overlap each other and come into contact with each other to be bonded.

[0066] The width of the overlapping portion (121) is not particularly limited, but as shown in Fig. 2(a), by forming the overlapping portion (121) across the entire width of the support portion (120), manufacturing is easy, and the support portion (120) can be made flat while increasing mechanical strength.

[0067] Not limited to this, the overlapping portion (121) may be formed only in a portion of the width of the support portion (120).

[0068] The internal space (105) is formed as one by the bending portion (110) and the support portion (120), and the cross-sectional shape of the internal space (105) may be a semicircle or semi-ellipse with a flat lower surface, as in this embodiment, or may be a circle or an ellipse, as described later.

[0069] The internal space (105) is formed by the bending portion (110) maintaining elasticity by bending and the opposing adhesive layers (103) not adhering to each other. To this end, the thickness of the adhesive layer (103) and the size of the gasket (100) are appropriately designed so that the internal space (105) is always formed.

[0070] Preferably, the range in which the gasket (100) can be pressed in the height direction is 45% or more of the original height of the gasket (100), and the length of the gasket (100) is large compared to the width and height.

[0071] As shown in Figures 1 and 2(a), the adhesive layer (103) is formed corresponding to the overlapping portion (121) and is not formed in the bending portion (110) and support portion (120) that are in contact with the internal space (105).

[0072] According to this structure, even if the object is pressed from top to bottom at a high temperature for a long time, for example, so that the bending portion (110) comes into contact with the upper surface of the support portion (120), the adhesive layer (103) is not formed at all of the opposing positions, so that the gasket (100) is prevented from not being elastically restored or from being elastically restored late.

[0073] Here, the adhesive layer (103) interposed in the overlapping portion (121) can be formed over the entire or part of the overlapping portion (121).

[0074] In this way, the adhesive layer (103) is formed in the overlapping portion, and preferably, it can be formed by extending from the overlapping portion to the bending portion that contacts the internal space.

[0075] Unlike Fig. 2(a), the adhesive layer (103) can be formed by extending to the bending portion (110) in contact with the internal space (105), and can optionally extend to above the support portion (120).

[0076] For example, as in Fig. 2(b), if the adhesive layer (103) is not formed only on the support portion (120) that is in contact with the internal space (105), even if the object is pressed from top to bottom on the bending portion (110) for a long time at a high temperature so that, for example, the bending portion (110) contacts the upper surface of the support portion (120), the adhesive layers (103) are not all formed at the opposing positions, so that they do not adhere to each other, thereby preventing the gasket (100) from not being elastically restored or from being elastically restored late, and the elastic restoration is good due to the adhesive layer (103) formed on the side wall of the bending portion (110).

[0077] In this way, depending on the dimensions or characteristics of the gasket (100), the adhesive layer (103) may not be formed on a part of the inner surface of the polymer film (102) that is in contact with the internal space (105) or may be formed on the entire surface, and the thickness or shape of the adhesive layer (103) may be selected in various ways to form the adhesive layer.

[0078] The adhesive layer (103) is composed of an elastic solid silicone rubber formed by curing a liquid adhesive corresponding to the adhesive layer (103), for example, a liquid silicone rubber adhesive, at a temperature of 150°C or higher. The thickness and shape of the adhesive layer (103) are determined by the viscosity and thickness of the liquid silicone rubber adhesive, or by the bending method used when manufacturing the gasket (100). The shape and thickness of the adhesive layer (103) may not be uniform in all areas.

[0079] The adhesive layer (103) can be provided in various shapes and dimensions, such as three dimensions, because the liquid hardens and becomes a solid, and also has an advantage in that the adhesive strength changes less due to temperature change and the adhesive strength is greater than that of a conventional pressure-sensitive adhesive tape (PSA), so that even when the length of the overlapping portion (121) is short or the overlapping portion (121) is not flat, the overlapping portion (121) is strongly bonded.

[0080] For example, when the overlapping portion (121) is adhered by means of a pressure sensitive adhesive tape (PSA) and the portion is bent, the pressure sensitive adhesive tape may become cold or hot due to the force that spreads in the opposite direction by the bending, or the overlapping portions (121) may easily separate from each other over time, but the cured adhesive layer (103) may not do so.

[0081] In addition, a liquid adhesive having a relatively low viscosity corresponding to the adhesive layer (103) can be coated and cured, and then a liquid adhesive corresponding to the adhesive layer (103) can be coated and cured again thereon to provide a multi-layer adhesive layer (103). In this case, as a result, the overall thickness of the adhesive layer (103) becomes thicker, which has the advantage of better elastic recovery or greater elastic recovery force.

[0082] Preferably, by making the thickness of the adhesive layer (103) at the boundary between the bending portion (110) and the support portion (120) as thick as possible, the gasket (100) can be pressed with little force and have good elastic recovery.

[0083] Preferably, the average thickness of the adhesive layer (103) formed on the side wall of the bending portion (110) is thinner than, but not limited to, the minimum thickness of the side wall of the elastic rubber tube of a gasket using an elastic rubber tube as a core in the prior art, for example, 0.15 mm.

[0084] In this way, the adhesive layer (103) having various shapes and dimensions provides an appropriate elastic recovery while providing a role that is difficult to provide with a tube-shaped elastic core produced by an extrusion process applied to a gasket of the prior art, that is, a role of being pressed a lot and pressed with a low force.

[0085] Referring to Fig. 2(a), during the manufacturing process of the gasket (100), a portion of the liquid adhesive constituting the adhesive layer (103) may be pushed out from one end of the electrically conductive film (101) located in the internal space (105), thereby forming a protrusion (103a) made of a cured adhesive layer on one end of the electrically conductive film (101).

[0086] When the overlapping portion (121) is formed over the entire support portion (120), the protrusion (103a) is located at one end of the support portion (120). In this case, an insert corresponding to the protrusion (103a) is installed by bonding it to the adhesive layer (103) in the internal space (105) corresponding to the other end of the support portion (120), thereby achieving left-right balance.

[0087] When the protrusion (103a) is formed to extend over a portion of the bending portion (110), elastic recovery can be improved by the protrusion (103a).

[0088] These protrusions (103a) are formed by the liquid adhesive protruding from one end of the polymer film (102) during bending, and can be provided by adjusting the viscosity and thickness of the liquid adhesive. The protrusions (103a) can serve as gap spacers that prevent the bending portion (110) from being pressed below a certain height with a certain force, or when formed by extending to a part of the bending portion (110), they can serve to ensure that the gasket (100) has good elastic recovery.

[0089] Referring to Fig. 1, an electrically conductive film (101) is bent in the width direction, and the two ends are overlapped, and the overlapping portions (121) are bonded to each other through a curing process using an adhesive layer (103), thereby forming an elastic bending portion (110) and a support portion (120) that reliably supports the bending portion (110).

[0090] According to this structure, when the gasket (100) is used by being interposed between objects, when the object located above, such as a cooling member, presses the bending portion (110), the gasket (100) makes elastic electrical contact with the object due to the elastic restoring force caused by the bending of the electrically conductive film (101) at the bending portion (110).

[0091] Preferably, the elastic restoring force and elastic recovery of the gasket (100) are mainly provided by bending the polymer film (102), but the elastic restoring force and elastic recovery of the electrically conductive film (101) can be additionally provided by bending the adhesive layer (103) or the electrically conductive layer (104).

[0092] Preferably, when the bending portion (110) is formed as a curved surface and the support portion (120) is formed as a flat surface so that the cross-sectional shape of the gasket (100) is a semicircle, the boundary portion between the bending portion (110) and the support portion (120) constituting the electrically conductive film (101) has a constant curvature, and the angle L between them can form an acute angle.

[0093] According to this structure, when an object presses the bending portion (110) from above to below, the force transmitted to the boundary between the bending portion (110) and the support portion (120) is distributed in various directions, so that the strength supporting the bending portion (110) can be increased, and a pressure-sensitive adhesive tape (PSA) can be attached to the lower surface of the support portion (120) to facilitate mounting on the object.

[0094] In order for the electrically conductive film (101) to be less damaged by external force, have high elastic restoring force, and be reliable, the polymer film (102) may be a polyimide (PI) film applied to a typical flexible circuit board having a certain level of mechanical strength or higher, or, for example, a film such as a typical polyester (PET), and the thickness of the polymer film (102) is preferably thicker than the thickness of the electrically conductive layer (104), and the sum of the thicknesses of the polymer film (102) and the electrically conductive layer (104) is preferably smaller than the thickness of the adhesive layer (103), but may vary somewhat depending on the dimensions and shape of the gasket (100).

[0095] For example, polyester (PET) has higher tensile strength, better dimensional stability, and better adhesion to the adhesive layer (103) compared to other general polymer films.

[0096] For example, the total thickness of the electrically conductive layer (104) may be 0.002 mm to 0.015 mm, the thickness of the polymer film (102) may be 0.006 mm to 0.035 mm, the approximate average thickness of the adhesive layer (103) may be 0.03 mm to 0.15 mm, and the hardness may be Shore A 30 to 50, but is not limited thereto.

[0097] As is well known, the electrically conductive layer (104) including a copper, aluminum or nickel layer may be integrally formed on a polymer film (102) by a method such as metal sputtering or metal plating, or may be formed by bonding a metal foil using an adhesive, and the outermost layer forming the electrically conductive layer (104) may preferably be tin (Sn) or gold (Au) that can be soldered.

[0098] Although not shown, an electrically conductive adhesive tape may be formed by adhering to the electrically conductive layer (104) located on the lower surface of the support (120), but is not limited thereto.

[0099] Figures 3(a) and 3(b) each show an electrically conductive gasket according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0100] In this embodiment, as described above, the adhesive layer (103) is formed by curing over the entire inner surface of the polymer film (102).

[0101] In particular, in Fig. 3(a), the overlapping portion (121) is not formed over the entire support portion (120) of the gasket, but is formed on a portion thereof, and the adhesive layer (103) is formed over the entire bending portion (110).

[0102] According to this structure, an adhesive layer (103) is formed on the bending portion (110), thereby increasing elastic restoring force and improving elastic restoration.

[0103] Referring to FIG. 3(b), one end of the electrically conductive film (101) forming the overlapping portion (121) extends along the bending portion (110) past the support portion (120). In this case, the number of times that both ends of the electrically conductive film (101) overlap can be limited to one so that only one overlapping portion (121) is formed.

[0104] According to this structure, the electrically conductive film (101) is double-overlapped at the bending portion (110), thereby increasing the elastic restoring force of the gasket (100) and improving the elastic restoring.

[0105] Figures 4(a) and 4(b) each show an electrically conductive gasket according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0106] According to the gasket (200) of this embodiment, in the electrically conductive film (201), a plurality of openings (206) are formed continuously at regular intervals along the longitudinal direction, penetrating the electrically conductive film (201) along the width direction.

[0107] As shown in the enlarged circle in Fig. 4(a), the opening (206) is formed by cutting and removing all of the electrically conductive film (201), i.e., the electrically conductive layer (204), the polymer film (202), and the adhesive layer (203), for example, the opening (206) can be formed by cutting with a blade mold.

[0108] As described above, when the electrically conductive member (106) has electrically conductive fibers, there is a disadvantage in that since there are many openings (206), the electrically conductive fibers are likely to become loose at the edges of the openings (206) and foreign substances such as dust or metal particles may be introduced.

[0109] In this example, the opening (206) is formed in a slot shape that is narrow in length and wide in width, but is not limited thereto.

[0110] Preferably, the opening (206) is formed in a manner that a constant shape is repeated at a constant pitch along the longitudinal direction.

[0111] The opening (206) may be formed only in the bending portion (210), or may be formed across a portion of the bending portion (210) and the support portion (220) as in this embodiment.

[0112] According to this structure, by forming an opening (206) in the gasket (100) from which the electrically conductive film (201) is removed, the area resisting the force of the object pressing the bending portion (210) from above is reduced, so that the gasket (200) can be pressed with less force or pressed with more force when pressing it vertically from above to below, and flexibility is provided in the longitudinal direction of the gasket (200).

[0113] In addition, for example, when a target object presses a certain portion of a bending portion (210) in which an opening (206) is formed from above and downwards, the force or electrical performance transmitted to the certain portion is physically separated or dispersed by the opening (206) and is not transmitted or transmitted to a small portion of the adjacent portion of the bending portion (210), thereby providing an advantage.

[0114] For example, when a gasket of this structure is applied as a touch sensor, when a target object is pressed with a finger, the mechanical and electrical performance provided by the hand, such as electrostatic capacitance, is concentrated only on the pressed part, and as a result, mechanical and electrical operation can be performed centered on the part pressed by the finger, so that it can be applied as a force touch sensor.

[0115] As shown in Fig. 4(b), an opening (206) is formed symmetrically left and right based on the middle of the width direction, and a bridge portion (207) in which an electrically conductive film (201) exists is formed in the middle of the width direction, thereby making the elastic restoration of the bending portion (210) of the gasket (200) relatively uniform and increasing the mechanical strength of the gasket (200).

[0116] Depending on the purpose of the gasket (100), the dimensions of the opening (206) can be appropriately designed according to the total area of ​​the bending portion (210). Preferably, the total area occupied by the opening (260) can be equal to or smaller than the total area of ​​the bending portion (210), but is not limited thereto depending on the characteristics of the gasket (200).

[0117] Hereinafter, a method for manufacturing an electrically conductive gasket of the present invention will be briefly described using the electrically conductive gasket of FIG. 4 as an example.

[0118] A polymer film (102) having a roll-shaped electrically conductive layer (104) formed on one side thereof is formed by continuously forming an opening (206) using a die or a laser, and a liquid silicone rubber adhesive is cast on the polymer film (102) having the opening (206) formed therein so that it escapes little or does not escape through the opening (206) to form the film. Then, the polymer film (102) is bent at a certain angle through a die so that both ends overlap, thereby forming a bending portion (110), and while the polymer film (102) is bent so that both ends overlap, the liquid adhesive is cured with heat to form a solid adhesive layer (103), so that the overlapping portions (121) are bonded to each other.

[0119] Here, the viscosity and thickness of the liquid silicone rubber adhesive corresponding to the adhesive layer (103) are adjusted to adjust the thickness and shape of the adhesive layer (103).

[0120] This adhesive layer (103) is formed by curing of a liquid rubber adhesive, and provides an adhesive strength that prevents the overlapping portion from being separated by elastic restoration at the bending portion (110) even when the gasket (100) is exposed to a temperature at which, for example, reflow soldering is performed.

[0121] However, in cases where the liquid adhesive escapes through the opening (206) due to the size or shape of the opening (206), as shown in Fig. 8(c), the liquid adhesive can be prevented from escaping through the opening (206) by forming an adhesive layer (103) only in the overlapping portion (121).

[0122] FIG. 5(a) shows an electrically conductive gasket according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line bb of FIG. 5(a).

[0123] According to the gasket (200) of this embodiment, in the electrically conductive film (201), a plurality of grooves (207) formed along the width direction are continuously formed at regular intervals along the length direction.

[0124] As shown in the enlarged circle in Fig. 4, the groove (207) can be formed by etching the corresponding portion of the electrically conductive layer (204). In other words, the polymer film (202) and the adhesive layer (203) are not cut, and only the electrically conductive layer (204) is etched to form the groove (207).

[0125] As described above, when the electrically conductive member (106) includes electrically conductive fibers, there is a disadvantage in that a groove (207) cannot be formed in the metal layer of the electrically conductive fibers by etching, as in this embodiment.

[0126] The home (207) can be formed across a portion of the bending portion (210) and the support portion (220), such as the opening (206) of Fig. 4(a), so that the gasket (200) can be electrically connected to both.

[0127] Alternatively, a groove (207) may be formed across the entire bending portion (210) and the support portion (220) so that the electrically conductive layer (204) is electrically separated by each groove (207).

[0128] According to this structure, each electrically conductive layer portion separated by a groove (207) acts as one gasket, so that the effect of forming multiple gaskets along the entire length can be obtained.

[0129] Figures 6(a) and 6(b) each show an electrically conductive gasket of another embodiment of the present invention.

[0130] Referring to Fig. 6(a), in the internal space (105), a fixing member (130) having a size corresponding to the internal width of the support member (120) is formed by being inserted continuously in the longitudinal direction of the gasket on the adhesive layer (103) of the support member (120).

[0131] The fixed member (130, 140) is preferably composed of a polymer film made of rubber material or polyester (PET) with a uniform thickness that adheres well to the adhesive layer (103), and has heat resistance corresponding to the soldering temperature, but is not limited thereto.

[0132] Preferably, the fixing members (130, 140) can be symmetrical left and right in the width direction of the gasket.

[0133] According to this structure, since the support member (120) formed by the electrically conductive film and the fixing member (130, 140) are combined to support the gasket (100), the mechanical strength of the lower part of the gasket (100) increases, which can provide mechanical stability to the gasket (100) and is advantageous in providing a flat lower surface of the support member (120).

[0134] Preferably, both ends of the fixed member (130) may be bent upward from the support member (120) and extended along the bending portion (110) that contacts the internal space (105) to form an extension portion (130a).

[0135] According to this structure, the extension portion (130a) formed by bending and extending from the support portion (120) to the bending portion (110) elastically supports the pressing of the bending portion (110), thereby enabling good elastic restoration in the bending portion (110).

[0136] As shown in Fig. 6(b), the gasket (100) can easily have a height greater than its width due to the relatively tall fixing member (130) attached on the support member (120), and it is also easy to provide a wide and flat lower surface of the gasket (100).

[0137] In other words, since the lower surface including the side wall of the fixed member (130) is supported by being bonded to the support portion (120) and a part of the side wall of the bending portion (110) by the adhesive layer (103), in this state, the height of the electrically conductive film (101) is bent to be greater than the width to form the bending portion (110), so that the gasket (100) can have a height greater than the width, and the lower surface of the gasket (100) can be provided to be relatively wide and flat.

[0138] Fig. 7(a) shows an electrically conductive gasket according to another embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 7(b) shows an example of a state of use of the gasket.

[0139] As shown in Fig. 7(a), both ends of the electrically conductive film (101) overlap each other and are bonded by an adhesive layer (103) to form an overlapping portion (121), and since the boundary portion of the bending portion (110) and the support portion (120) is not bent, the internal space (105) and the gasket form an approximately circular shape.

[0140] In this case, since the overlapping portion (121) is also bent with the overall radius of curvature, the overlapping portion (121) has a dimension greater than a certain value so that the overlapping portions (121) do not separate from each other when the gasket is pressed, and the larger the overlapping portion (121), the greater the elastic restoring force.

[0141] A gasket (100) of this structure is suitable for application by being fitted into a groove of a device.

[0142] In another embodiment, when applying a gasket (100) having the structure of FIG. 7(a), as shown in FIG. 7(b), a fixing member (132) having a semicircular cross-section can be fitted into the internal space (105) on the adhesive layer (103) of the overlapping portion (121) and adhered to the adhesive layer (103).

[0143] A gasket (100) of this structure has the advantage that, when fitted into a groove (12) formed in a device (10), the fixing member (132) serves as a support member, making it convenient to fit the gasket (100) into the groove (12) and preventing it from easily falling out of the groove (12).

[0144] Even in this case, preferably, the maximum height of the fixed member (132) is set to 2 / 5 or less of the maximum height of the internal space (105), so that the range in which the gasket (100) can be pressed in the height direction is 45% or more of the original height of the gasket (100), but is not limited thereto.

[0145] Figures 8(a) to 8(c) show electrically conductive gaskets according to different embodiments, respectively.

[0146] One end of the electrically conductive film (101) in the width direction extends while overlapping the other end of the support member (120) to form an extension portion (150, 160), and the overlapping portion (121) is bonded to each other by the adhesive layer (103) with a set width through the adhesive layer (103).

[0147] In this structure, the extension portion (150, 160) including the overlapping portion (121) forms a support portion (120), and the portion excluding the support portion (120) forms a bending portion (110).

[0148] Figure 8(a) shows that the internal space is circular, and Figure 8(b) shows that the internal space is semicircular.

[0149] As described above, the overlapping portions (121) are bonded to each other by an adhesive layer (103) with a set width. In particular, as shown in Fig. 8(b), the overlapping portions (121) bonded to each other can be formed over the entire inner width of the gasket (100).

[0150] According to this structure, adhesive tape can be attached to the lower surface of the extension part or soldered or welded, and the extension part (150, 160) can be used by fitting it into a gap in the object.

[0151] In addition, by forming the extension portion (150, 160) longer than the width of the gasket, mechanical stability can be provided, and in particular, as shown in Fig. 8(b), by making the overlapping portion (121) longer, the mechanical strength of the portion where the support portion (120) is bent can be increased, thereby providing a stable and flat support portion (120).

[0152] Here, the adhesive layer (103) may not be formed on at least a portion of the extension portion (150, 160) exposed to the outside.

[0153] Referring to Fig. 8(c), the support portion (120) is formed by a first extension portion (171) in which one end of the electrically conductive film (101) extends horizontally along the width direction, and a second extension portion (172) in which the other end of the electrically conductive film (101) is bent outward instead of inward and extends parallel to the first extension portion (171) to form an overlapping portion (121).

[0154] In this embodiment, the adhesive layer (103) may be formed on the polymer film (102) of either or both of the first and second extension portions (171, 172) at the overlapping portion (121) where the first and second extension portions (171, 172) overlap each other.

[0155] According to this structure, the gasket (100) has stronger mechanical strength due to the second extension portion (172), and also the surface of the second extension portion (172) is made of an electrically conductive layer (104), so that the electrically conductive layer (104) of this portion can be electrically connected to an opposing object.

[0156] Figure 9 shows an electrically conductive gasket according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0157] The support member (120) is formed by a first extension member (171) formed by extending one end of the electrically conductive film (101) horizontally along the width direction, and a second extension member (173) formed by extending the other end of the electrically conductive film (101) parallel to the first extension member (171) by bending outward instead of inwardly, thereby forming an overlapping portion (121).

[0158] The adhesive layer (103) can be formed on the polymer film (102) of either or both of the first and second extension portions (171, 172) at the overlapping portion (121) where the first and second extension portions (171, 172) overlap each other.

[0159] In this embodiment, the electrically conductive layer (104) is composed of, for example, a metal foil that can be welded to the target object, and only the metal foil constituting the first extension portion (171) can be integrally extended from the end of the adhesive layer (103) to form an exposed portion (174).

[0160] According to this structure, the first extension portion (171) excluding the exposed portion (174) is fixed by being adhered to an object, such as a case, using a double-sided adhesive tape (30) on the lower surface thereof, and the exposed portion (174) is spot-welded with a laser or ultrasonic waves to be physically and electrically connected to the object (20).

[0161] In addition, although the overlapping portion (121) is formed on the outside of the internal space (105) as an example, it is not limited thereto, and as in FIG. 8(b), the overlapping portion (121) may be formed on the internal space (105), and the first extension portion (171) may be integrally extended from the end of the adhesive layer (103) to the outside to form an exposed portion (174).

[0162] In addition, among the first and second extension parts (171, 172), the second extension part (172) can be integrally extended outward from the end of the adhesive layer (103) to form an exposed part (174).

[0163] The length of the exposed portion (174) is not particularly limited and may be extended to a length that can provide an area sufficient to perform spot welding.

[0164] The exposed portion (174) can serve to provide an electrical connection by being fitted to an opposing object rather than by welding.

[0165] When the electrically conductive film (101) is composed of an electrically conductive member (106) which is a metal foil and an adhesive layer (103), and the adhesive layer (103) is electrically conductive, there is an advantage in that the first extension portion (171) and the second extension portion (172) are electrically connected to each other in the overlapping portion (121).

[0166] Figure 10 shows an electrically conductive gasket according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0167] The electrically conductive film (301) of the gasket (300) of this embodiment may be composed of a polymer film (302) having an electrically conductive layer (304) formed on one side, a reinforcing sheet (306) having one side bonded to the other side of the polymer film (302), and a solid adhesive layer (303) of elastic material bonded by curing to the other side of the reinforcing sheet (306).

[0168] Preferably, an adhesive tape may be formed on one side of the reinforcing sheet (306) and adhered to the polymer film (302).

[0169] Unlike this embodiment, the electrically conductive film (101) may be composed of an electrically conductive fiber or metal foil, a reinforcing sheet (306) adhered thereto, and an adhesive layer (103).

[0170] Preferably, the reinforcing sheet (306) is formed with a uniform thickness on the entire surface of one side of the polymer film (302) to provide uniform elasticity due to the radius of curvature of the bending portion (110), but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the reinforcing sheet (306) may be formed only on a part of the bending portion (110) and the support portion (120), for example, to serve as the fixing member (132) of FIG. 5(a).

[0171] Preferably, the reinforcing sheet (306) can be extended to the boundary between the bending portion (110) and the support portion (120) to further increase the elastic restoring force of the bending portion (110).

[0172] Preferably, the reinforcing sheet (306) may be a rubber sheet having a constant thickness and elasticity or a material such as a polymer film (302).

[0173] Preferably, the thickness of the reinforcing sheet (306) may be similar to the thickness of the polymer film (302), but is not limited thereto depending on the size and shape of the gasket (300).

[0174] Such a reinforcing sheet (306) can make the lower surface of the support portion (120) flat while ensuring that the bending portion (110) has good elastic recovery and the support portion (120) is mechanically stable.

[0175] Figure 11 shows an electrically conductive gasket according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0176] According to this embodiment, at the boundary portion of the bending portion (410) and the support portion (420) at both ends of the width direction of the gasket (400), the electrically conductive film (401) is folded and pressed to form a folding part (430), and the adhesive layers of the folding part (430) are adhered to each other to form a single adhesive block (433).

[0177] According to this structure, the width of the bending portion (410) becomes narrower than the width of the support portion (420) due to the folding portion (430), and the mechanical strength increases, thereby increasing the elastic restoring force of the bending portion (410).

[0178] In addition, there is an advantage in that a gasket having a height greater than its width can be provided by the folding portion (430) and can be used by fitting it into a groove provided in an object facing the folding portion (430).

[0179] In this way, according to the present invention, instead of a tube-shaped elastic rubber core, an adhesive layer having elasticity by bending and, if necessary, a polymer film are provided in various sizes at various parts, so that the gasket can be pressed more and with less force, and has good elastic recovery and reliable adhesion against temperature changes.

[0180] While the above description focuses on specific embodiments of the present invention, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and variations can be made. These modifications and variations, as long as they do not depart from the scope of the present invention, are considered to be within the scope of the present invention. The scope of the present invention should be determined by the claims set forth below.

Claims

1. An electrically conductive gasket that is interposed between objects to shield electromagnetic waves or provide electrical connection. The above gasket comprises an electrically conductive member and an electrically conductive film comprising a curable adhesive layer having elasticity and bonded to the electrically conductive member by curing. The above-mentioned electrically conductive film has a bending portion formed by bending in a curve along the width direction of the electrically conductive film, and a support portion formed by overlapping both ends of the electrically conductive film in the width direction and including the overlapping portion. The two ends of the above support and the two ends of the above bending portion form a boundary at a certain angle, The above overlapping portions are bonded to each other via the adhesive layer to form an internal space surrounded by the bending portion and the support portion, and the internal space extends along the longitudinal direction of the electrically conductive film. An electrically conductive gasket characterized in that when the object presses the electrically conductive film, the gasket makes elastic electrical contact with the object due to the elastic restoring force of the electrically conductive film at the bending portion.

2. In claim 1, An electrically conductive gasket characterized in that the adhesive layer is selectively formed to extend to the bending portion, the support portion, or both in contact with the internal space.

3. In claim 1, An electrically conductive gasket characterized in that the adhesive layer is not formed on at least one of the bending portion and the support portion that contacts the internal space.

4. In claim 1, An electrically conductive gasket characterized in that the electrically conductive member is a polymer film having a metal layer formed on one surface and an adhesive layer adhered to the other surface.

5. In claim 4, An electrically conductive gasket characterized in that a groove formed by etching the metal layer portion extends in the width direction and is formed in a plurality at regular intervals along the length direction.

6. In claim 5, An electrically conductive gasket characterized in that the groove is formed over the entire bending portion and the support portion, and the metal layer is formed in a plurality of electrically separated portions.

7. In claim 1, An electrically conductive gasket characterized in that the electrically conductive member is composed of a polymer film and a metal foil or electrically conductive fiber formed on one side of the polymer film.

8. In claim 1, An electrically conductive gasket characterized in that an opening penetrating the electrically conductive film is formed to extend in the width direction and a plurality of openings are formed at regular intervals along the length direction.

9. In claim 1, An electrically conductive gasket characterized in that the elastic restoring force of the gasket is provided most greatly by the bending of the electrically conductive film.

10. In claim 1, An electrically conductive gasket characterized in that the angle between the above boundary portions forms an acute angle.

11. In claim 1, An electrically conductive gasket characterized in that, in the internal space, a fixing member having a size corresponding to the width of the inside of the support portion is continuously formed in the longitudinal direction of the gasket and is adhered to the support portion.

12. In claim 11, An electrically conductive gasket characterized in that both ends of the above-mentioned fixed member are formed by extending along a bending portion that contacts the above-mentioned internal space.

13. In claim 1, An electrically conductive gasket characterized in that a reinforcing sheet is bonded to the adhesive layer.

14. In claim 1, An electrically conductive gasket characterized in that, at a boundary portion between the bending portion and the support portion, the electrically conductive film is folded and pressed to form a folding part, and the adhesive layers of the folding part are bonded to each other to form a single adhesive block.

15. An electrically conductive gasket that is interposed between objects to shield electromagnetic waves or provide electrical connection. The above gasket comprises an electrically conductive member and an electrically conductive film comprising a curable adhesive layer having elasticity and bonded to the electrically conductive member by curing. The above-mentioned electrically conductive film has a bending portion formed by bending in a curve along the width direction of the electrically conductive film, and a support portion formed by overlapping both ends of the electrically conductive film in the width direction and including the overlapping portion. One end of the electrically conductive film constituting the overlapping portion is further extended in the width direction of the electrically conductive film to form an extension portion, An electrically conductive gasket characterized in that the overlapping portions are bonded to each other via the adhesive layer to form an internal space surrounded by the bending portion and the support portion.

16. In claim 15, The above electrically conductive member comprises a metal foil, An electrically conductive gasket characterized in that the adhesive layer is not formed on the metal foil constituting the extension portion, so that the metal foil is exposed to the outside and an exposed portion is formed.

17. In claim 16, Double-sided adhesive tape is attached to the lower surface of the above extension, An electrically conductive gasket characterized in that the above-mentioned exposed portion is welded to the object by welding.

18. An electrically conductive gasket that is interposed between objects to shield electromagnetic waves or provide electrical connection. The above gasket comprises an electrically conductive member and an electrically conductive film comprising a curable adhesive layer having elasticity and bonded to the electrically conductive member by curing. The above-mentioned electrically conductive film has a bending portion formed by bending in a curve along the width direction of the electrically conductive film, and a support portion formed by overlapping both ends of the electrically conductive film in the width direction and including the overlapping portion. The above overlapping portions are bonded to each other via the adhesive layer to form one internal space surrounded by the bending portion and the support portion, An electrically conductive gasket characterized in that the support portion is formed by a first extension portion formed by extending one end of the electrically conductive film horizontally along the width direction, and a second extension portion formed by extending the other end of the electrically conductive film outwardly and extending parallel to the first extension portion to form the overlapping portion.

19. In claim 18, The above electrically conductive member comprises a metal foil, An electrically conductive gasket characterized in that the adhesive layer is not formed on the metal foil forming the first extension portion, so that the metal foil is exposed to the outside and an exposed portion is formed.

20. In claim 19, Double-sided adhesive tape is attached to the lower surface of the first extension portion, An electrically conductive gasket characterized in that the above-mentioned exposed portion is welded to the object by welding.

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