Keypads custom manufactured rubber and plastic from Top Bound USA

ELASTOMERIC CONNECTOR TECHNOLOGIES

Popular Connector Types

T-Type Connector

T-Type Uses rubber conductors and insulators in alternating layers. The rubber conductor is impregnated with carbon to allow the current to flow through the layer. This design ensures more than one conductor is always contacting the electrode surface. Generally used when application calls for limited space (width). T-Type has no side insulation.

T-Type Example 1
T-Type Example 2

TS-Type Connector

TS-Type Uses a T-Type connector supported on both sides by non-conductive rubber insulating materials. This self-supporting connector has soft outside insulators that aid in stability and protects the conductive layers from the environment. These connector types are suitable for large LCD displays.

TS-Type Example 1
TS-Type Example 2

TG-Type Connector

TG-Type Uses a T-type connector supported on both sides by a sponge layer. This special sponge layer has closed cell air pockets that allow the connector to absorb more deformation than other similar connectors. These connectors are also suitable for use with large LCD displays.

TB-Type Connector

This style is a compression type, which consists of gold-plated filament lines⁽¹⁾ in the conductive material and insulating silicone rubber on both sides. This type connector makes a stable connection possible with lower resistance.

It can be used to replace soldering and also for PCBs, which need current capacity.

IR-Type Connector

IR-Type This style is made of silicone rubber insulating material and used as protective compression footing or as a spacer. The material, hardness or additional specification (with adhesive tape/Mylar tape) can be custom-made.

IR-Type Example 1
IR-Type Example 2

Required Dimensions for Quotation:

Generally, all elastomeric connectors are custom made with no tooling charges required. To quote accurately and in a timely manner, the following information is needed:

Height (H): Connector vertical size, from top to bottom. Connector height (H) is used to calculate the correct compression force (deflection rate) to be applied for reliable connection.
Width (W): Side to side thickness of each connector. Connector width (W) design is critical to eliminating "buckling" when a clamping force is applied to the connector. Should a connector buckle, the resistance will rise and total contact may be lost.
width₁(w₁): Conductive material thickness of each connector. Connector conductor width (w1) helps to determine the connector cost, resistance and rigidity.

Length (L): Connector end to end dimension. Connector length (L) should always be a consideration as it should fit the application and the customer's chosen bezel (holder).

Pitch (P): Center to center distance of each connector. Connector pitch (P) will assure that a reliable connection is made between the two surfaces. Generally LCD glass and the PCB. It is recommended that at least three conductors per contact be utilized.

Elastomeric Connector Budgetary Quotation Request Form

General Information:

The connector cost is in direct proportion to the amount of conductive material it contains. Connectors generally require some type of bezel to aid in assembly and to eliminate alignment problems. Handling with human hands should be somewhat limited, as oils and contaminants may cause problems after assembly. Segmented LCD displays generally require 3 to 4 conductors per pad while graphic displays may require more conductors.

For more connector information, please visit our manufacturing partner: Top Bound Enterprise Co., Ltd.

All data subject to change without notice.