JP4558823B2 - Silver-coated composite material for movable contact and method for producing the same - Google Patents

Silver-coated composite material for movable contact and method for producing the same Download PDF

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JP4558823B2
JP4558823B2 JP2008240327A JP2008240327A JP4558823B2 JP 4558823 B2 JP4558823 B2 JP 4558823B2 JP 2008240327 A JP2008240327 A JP 2008240327A JP 2008240327 A JP2008240327 A JP 2008240327A JP 4558823 B2 JP4558823 B2 JP 4558823B2
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silver
nickel
plating
alloy
copper
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JP2009099549A5 (en
JP2009099549A (en
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直文 徳原
雅人 大野
岳夫 宇野
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THE FURUKAW ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
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THE FURUKAW ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
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Priority to US12/680,350 priority patent/US20100233506A1/en
Priority to KR1020107008883A priority patent/KR101501309B1/en
Priority to CN200880108602A priority patent/CN101809695A/en
Priority to EP08833392A priority patent/EP2200056A1/en
Priority to PCT/JP2008/067275 priority patent/WO2009041481A1/en
Priority to TW097137275A priority patent/TWI428480B/en
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Description

本発明は、可動接点に用いられる銀被覆複合材料およびその製造方法に関し、特に長寿命の可動接点が得られる銀被覆複合材料およびその製造方法に関する。   The present invention relates to a silver-coated composite material used for a movable contact and a method for producing the same, and more particularly to a silver-coated composite material capable of obtaining a long-life movable contact and a method for producing the same.

コネクタ、スイッチ、端子などの電気接点部には皿バネ接点、ブラシ接点、クリップ接点などが用いられている。これら接点には、比較的安価で、耐食性、機械的性質などに優れる銅合金やステンレス鋼をはじめとする鉄・ニッケル合金などの基材上にニッケルを下地めっきし、その上に導電性と半田付け性に優れる銀を被覆した銀被覆複合材料が多用されている(特許文献1参照)。   A disc spring contact, a brush contact, a clip contact or the like is used for an electrical contact portion such as a connector, a switch, or a terminal. For these contacts, nickel is ground-plated on a base material such as copper alloy and stainless steel including iron and nickel alloys, which are relatively inexpensive and excellent in corrosion resistance, mechanical properties, etc., and conductive and solder are formed on it. A silver-coated composite material coated with silver having excellent attachment properties is frequently used (see Patent Document 1).

特にステンレス鋼基材を用いた銀被覆複合材料は、銅合金基材を用いたものより機械的性質、疲労寿命などに優れるため接点の小型化に有利であり、また動作回数の増加も可能なため長寿命のタクティルプッシュスイッチや検出スイッチなどの可動接点に使用されている。   In particular, silver-coated composite materials using stainless steel substrates are advantageous for miniaturization of contacts because they have better mechanical properties and fatigue life than those using copper alloy substrates, and the number of operations can be increased. Therefore, it is used for movable contacts such as long-acting tactile push switches and detection switches.

しかしながら、ステンレス鋼基材上にニッケルを下地めっきし、その上に銀を被覆した銀被覆複合材料は、スイッチの接点圧力が大きいため、繰り返しの接点開閉動作において、接点部の銀被覆層が剥離し易いという問題があった。この現象は以下のような理由で起こると理解されている。   However, the silver-coated composite material, in which nickel is coated on a stainless steel substrate and silver is coated on it, has a large contact pressure of the switch. There was a problem that it was easy to do. This phenomenon is understood to occur for the following reasons.

図6に例示する銀被覆複合材料900は、ステンレス鋼からなる基材901の上に、下地層902及び最表層903が形成されている(同図(a))。下地層902を形成するニッケルと最表層903を形成する銀とが互いに固溶しない性質を持っており、かつ最表層903には大気から酸素が浸入して拡散する現象が起こる。そのため、最表層903に浸入し拡散した酸素が下地層902と最表層903との界面に到達し、ここでニッケルの酸化物904を生成するために、下地層902と最表層903との間の密着力が低下する(同図(b))。   In a silver-coated composite material 900 illustrated in FIG. 6, a base layer 902 and an outermost layer 903 are formed on a base material 901 made of stainless steel (FIG. 6A). The nickel that forms the underlayer 902 and the silver that forms the outermost layer 903 have a property that they do not dissolve in each other, and the outermost layer 903 undergoes a phenomenon in which oxygen enters and diffuses from the atmosphere. Therefore, oxygen that has entered and diffused into the outermost layer 903 reaches the interface between the lower layer 902 and the uppermost layer 903, and in order to generate nickel oxide 904, the oxygen between the lower layer 902 and the outermost layer 903 The adhesion is reduced ((b) in the figure).

上述した問題点を解決する手段として、ステンレス鋼基材上に下地層(ニッケル層)、中間層(銅層)、最表層(銀層)をこの順に電気めっきした銀被覆複合材料(特許文献2〜5参照)が提案されている。これらの技術を用いて形成された銀被覆複合材料の一例を図7に示す。銀被覆複合材料910は、互いに固溶しないニッケルと銀とでそれぞれ形成された下地層912と最表層914との間に、ニッケルと銀の両方と互いに固溶する銅で形成された層を中間層913として設けている(図7)。これにより、中間層913と各層912、914との間で相互拡散させるようにすることで、各層間の密着性を高めることができる。さらに、大気から浸入して最表層914中を拡散する酸素を、中間層113から最表層114に固溶してきた銅に捕獲させることで、界面での酸素の蓄積による密着性の低下を防ぐ効果があり、密着性の低下を防止することができる。
特開昭59−219945号公報 特開2004−263274号公報 特開2005− 2400号公報 特開2005−133169号公報 特開2005−174788号公報
As a means for solving the above-mentioned problems, a silver-coated composite material in which a base layer (nickel layer), an intermediate layer (copper layer), and an outermost layer (silver layer) are electroplated in this order on a stainless steel substrate (Patent Document 2) -5) has been proposed. An example of a silver-coated composite material formed using these techniques is shown in FIG. The silver-coated composite material 910 has an intermediate layer formed between copper, which is solid-dissolved in both nickel and silver, between the base layer 912 and the outermost layer 914 formed in nickel and silver, which are not solid-dissolved in each other. It is provided as a layer 913 (FIG. 7). Thereby, it is possible to improve the adhesion between the respective layers by causing mutual diffusion between the intermediate layer 913 and each of the layers 912 and 914. Furthermore, the effect of preventing the deterioration of adhesion due to the accumulation of oxygen at the interface is captured by trapping the oxygen that has entered from the atmosphere and diffused in the outermost layer 914 into the copper that has been dissolved in the outermost layer 114 from the intermediate layer 113. And can prevent a decrease in adhesion.
JP 59-219945 A JP 2004-263274 A JP 2005-2400 A JP 2005-133169 A JP 2005-174788 A

しかしながら、上記技術には以下の欠点があることが明らかとなった。即ち、従来のニッケル層と銀層をこの順に電気めっきして形成した銀被覆複合材料にくらべ、銅からなる中間層を形成した場合には、長期間使用したときの接触抵抗の上昇がより早くなるという問題がある。また、下地層(ニッケル層)または中間層(銅層)の少なくとも一方が厚すぎると、これらの層の屈曲性が低下する結果、プレス加工時などに下地層または中間層の少なくとも一方にクラックが入るなどの不具合の原因となることも分かってきた。さらに、下地層と中間層との界面における密着性の向上には限界があり、プレス加工性を良好に保つことまで考慮すると、製品化する際の歩留まりがきわめて悪化するという課題が新たに発生することがわかった。   However, it has become clear that the above technique has the following drawbacks. That is, compared to the conventional silver-coated composite material formed by electroplating a nickel layer and a silver layer in this order, the contact resistance increases more rapidly when used for a long time when the intermediate layer made of copper is formed. There is a problem of becoming. In addition, if at least one of the underlayer (nickel layer) or the intermediate layer (copper layer) is too thick, the flexibility of these layers will decrease, resulting in cracks in at least one of the underlayer or intermediate layer during pressing. It has also been found that it causes problems such as entering. Furthermore, there is a limit to the improvement in adhesion at the interface between the underlayer and the intermediate layer, and considering the fact that the press workability is kept good, a new problem arises that the yield at the time of commercialization is extremely deteriorated. I understood it.

本発明は、プレス加工等に対する高い加工性を有し、可動接点に用いて開閉動作を繰り返し行っても銀被覆層が剥離せず、かつ長期間の使用においても接触抵抗の上昇が抑えられて長寿命の可動接点が得られ、さらに層間の密着性を飛躍的に向上できる、可動接点用銀被覆複合材料およびその製造方法の提供を目的とする。   The present invention has high workability with respect to press working, etc., and the silver coating layer does not peel off even when the opening / closing operation is repeatedly performed using a movable contact, and an increase in contact resistance is suppressed even in long-term use. It is an object of the present invention to provide a silver-coated composite material for a movable contact and a method for producing the same, which can provide a movable contact with a long life and can dramatically improve the adhesion between layers.

本発明者らはこのような状況に鑑み鋭意研究を行った結果、中間層から最表層中に固溶した銅が最表層の表面に達し、そこで酸化して高電気抵抗の酸化物を生成するために接触抵抗の上昇が発生することを突き止めた(図8)。このような課題の解決手段として、中間層の厚さを小さくして最表層の表面に到達する銅の量を少なくすることで接触抵抗の上昇を防止できることを見出した。また、下地層および中間層を薄くすることで、プレス加工時のひび割れを抑制し、接点の繰り返し開閉動作における接触抵抗の上昇を抑制できることを見出した。さらに、中間層が基材に直接接するように下地層(下地領域)を欠落させた部分(以下では下地欠落部という)を形成し、この下地欠落部で中間層と基材とが直接接するようにすることで、下地層(下地領域)と中間層との界面における密着性を大幅に向上できることを見出した。なお、下地が層として形成されなくなることから、本明細書では下地層を下地領域と表現することとする。この発明は上述した知見に基づきなされたものである。   As a result of intensive studies in view of such a situation, the present inventors have found that the solid solution of copper from the intermediate layer reaches the surface of the outermost layer, where it is oxidized to produce an oxide with high electrical resistance. Therefore, it was ascertained that an increase in contact resistance occurred (FIG. 8). As a means for solving such a problem, it has been found that an increase in contact resistance can be prevented by reducing the thickness of the intermediate layer and reducing the amount of copper reaching the surface of the outermost layer. In addition, it has been found that by making the underlayer and the intermediate layer thin, cracking during press working can be suppressed, and an increase in contact resistance in repeated opening and closing operations of the contact can be suppressed. Further, a portion (hereinafter referred to as a base missing portion) where the base layer (base region) is missing is formed so that the intermediate layer is in direct contact with the substrate, and the intermediate layer and the base material are in direct contact with the base missing portion. It was found that the adhesion at the interface between the base layer (base region) and the intermediate layer can be greatly improved. Note that since the base is not formed as a layer, the base layer is expressed as a base region in this specification. The present invention has been made based on the above-described findings.

この発明の可動接点用銀被覆複合材料の第1の態様は、鉄またはニッケルを主成分とする合金からなる基材と、前記基材の表面の少なくとも一部に形成されたニッケル、コバルト、ニッケル合金およびコバルト合金の何れか1つからなる下地領域と、前記下地領域の上に形成された銅または銅合金からなる中間層と、前記中間層の上に形成された銀または銀合金からなる最表層とを備え、前記中間層が前記基材の表面と直接接するように、前記下地領域の複数個所に欠落部が形成されていることを特徴とする。   According to a first aspect of the silver-coated composite material for a movable contact of the present invention, a base material made of an alloy mainly composed of iron or nickel, and nickel, cobalt, nickel formed on at least a part of the surface of the base material A base region made of any one of an alloy and a cobalt alloy, an intermediate layer made of copper or a copper alloy formed on the base region, and an outermost layer made of silver or a silver alloy formed on the intermediate layer. A plurality of missing portions are formed in the base region so that the intermediate layer is in direct contact with the surface of the base material.

この発明の可動接点用銀被覆複合材料の第2の態様は、前記下地領域の厚さと前記中間層の厚さの合計が0.025〜0.20μmの範囲となっていることを特徴とする。   According to a second aspect of the silver-coated composite material for movable contacts of the present invention, the total thickness of the base region and the intermediate layer is in the range of 0.025 to 0.20 μm. .

この発明の可動接点用銀被覆複合材料の第3の態様は、前記基材はステンレス鋼からなっていることを特徴とする。   According to a third aspect of the silver-coated composite material for a movable contact of the present invention, the base material is made of stainless steel.

この発明の可動接点用銀被覆複合材料の製造方法の第1の態様は、鉄またはニッケルを主成分とする合金からなる金属条の基材を電解脱脂し、塩酸で酸洗して活性化する第1工程と、次いで、前記基材上に、塩化ニッケルと遊離塩酸とを含む電解液で電解してニッケルめっきを施すか、塩化ニッケルと遊離塩酸とを含む電解液に塩化コバルトを添加してニッケル合金めっきを施すかのいずれかのめっき処理を施して、欠落部を有する下地領域を形成する第2工程と、次いで、前記下地領域上に、硫酸銅と遊離硫酸とを含む電解液で電解して銅めっきを施すか、シアン化銅、シアン化カリウムを基本とし、シアン化亜鉛またはスズ酸カリウムを加えて電解して銅合金めっきを施すかのいずれかのめっき処理を施して中間層を形成する第3工程と、次いで、前記中間層上に、シアン化銀とシアン化カリウムとを含む電解液で電解して銀めっきを施すか、シアン化銀とシアン化カリウムとを含む電解液に酒石酸アンチモニルカリウムを添加して銀合金めっきを施すかのいずれかのめっき処理を施して最表層を形成する第4工程を含む工程により、銀被覆複合材料を製造することを特徴とする。   The first aspect of the method for producing a silver-coated composite material for a movable contact according to the present invention is to activate a metal strip substrate made of an alloy mainly composed of iron or nickel by electrolytic degreasing and pickling with hydrochloric acid. The first step, and then applying nickel plating on the base material by electrolysis with an electrolytic solution containing nickel chloride and free hydrochloric acid, or adding cobalt chloride to the electrolytic solution containing nickel chloride and free hydrochloric acid A second step of forming a base region having a missing part by performing any one of the nickel alloy plating processes, and then electrolysis with an electrolytic solution containing copper sulfate and free sulfuric acid on the base region Apply copper plating, or use copper cyanide or potassium cyanide as a base, add zinc cyanide or potassium stannate, and electrolyze and apply copper alloy plating to form an intermediate layer With the third step Next, the intermediate layer is subjected to silver plating by electrolysis with an electrolytic solution containing silver cyanide and potassium cyanide, or antimonyl potassium tartrate is added to the electrolytic solution containing silver cyanide and potassium cyanide to form a silver alloy plating. A silver-coated composite material is produced by a process including a fourth process of forming an outermost layer by performing any one of the plating processes.

この発明の可動接点用銀被覆複合材料の製造方法の第2の態様は、前記銅めっきまたは前記銅合金めっきのいずれかのめっき処理を施した後、前記銀めっきまたは前記銀合金めっきのいずれかのめっき処理を施す前に、シアン化銀とシアン化カリウムとを含む電解液で電解して銀ストライクめっきを施して、銀被覆複合材料を製造することを特徴とする。   According to a second aspect of the method for producing a silver-coated composite material for movable contacts of the present invention, either the copper plating or the copper alloy plating is performed, and then either the silver plating or the silver alloy plating is performed. Before the plating treatment is performed, silver strike plating is performed by electrolysis with an electrolytic solution containing silver cyanide and potassium cyanide to produce a silver-coated composite material.

この発明の可動接点用銀被覆複合材料の製造方法の第3の態様は、鉄またはニッケルを主成分とする合金からなる基材と、該基材の表面の少なくとも一部に形成され、ニッケル、コバルト、ニッケル合金およびコバルト合金の何れか1つからなり、複数個所に欠落部を有する下地領域と、該下地領域の上に形成された銅または銅合金からなる中間層と、前記中間層の上に形成された銀または銀合金からなる最表層とを備えた可動接点用銀被覆複合材料の製造方法であって、前記基材を電解脱脂し、その後ニッケルイオンとコバルトイオンの少なくとも一方を含有する酸性溶液で酸洗して活性化する活性化処理により、前記下地領域を形成することを特徴とする。   A third aspect of the method for producing a silver-coated composite material for a movable contact according to the present invention includes a base material made of an alloy containing iron or nickel as a main component, nickel formed on at least a part of the surface of the base material, A base region made of any one of cobalt, a nickel alloy, and a cobalt alloy and having a missing portion at a plurality of locations; an intermediate layer made of copper or a copper alloy formed on the base region; A silver-coated composite material for a movable contact comprising a silver or silver alloy outermost layer formed on the substrate, wherein the base material is electrolytically degreased, and then contains at least one of nickel ions and cobalt ions The base region is formed by an activation treatment that is activated by pickling with an acidic solution.

この発明の可動接点用銀被覆複合材料の製造方法の第4の態様は、鉄またはニッケルを主成分とする合金からなる基材を電解脱脂し、その後ニッケルイオンとコバルトイオンの少なくとも一方を含有する酸性溶液で酸洗して活性化する活性化処理により、ニッケル、コバルト、ニッケル合金およびコバルト合金の何れか1つからなり、複数個所に欠落部を有する下地領域を前記基材上に形成する第1工程と、次いで、前記下地領域上に、硫酸銅と遊離硫酸とを含む電解液で電解して銅めっきを施すか、シアン化銅、シアン化カリウムを基本とし、シアン化亜鉛またはスズ酸カリウムを加えて電解して銅合金めっきを施すかのいずれかのめっき処理を施して中間層を形成する第2工程と、次いで、前記中間層上に、シアン化銀とシアン化カリウムとを含む電解液で電解して銀めっきを施すか、シアン化銀とシアン化カリウムとを含む電解液に酒石酸アンチモニルカリウムを添加して銀合金めっきを施すかのいずれかのめっき処理を施して最表層を形成する第3工程と、を備えることを特徴とする。   In a fourth aspect of the method for producing a silver-coated composite material for a movable contact according to the present invention, a base material made of an alloy containing iron or nickel as a main component is electrolytically degreased, and then contains at least one of nickel ions and cobalt ions. An activation process that activates by pickling with an acidic solution to form an underlying region made of any one of nickel, cobalt, a nickel alloy, and a cobalt alloy and having a plurality of missing portions on the substrate. 1 step, and then applying copper plating by electrolysis with an electrolytic solution containing copper sulfate and free sulfuric acid on the base region, or based on copper cyanide and potassium cyanide, and adding zinc cyanide or potassium stannate A second step of forming an intermediate layer by performing a plating process of electrolysis and copper alloy plating, and then silver cyanide and potassium cyanide on the intermediate layer. Either by electrolyzing with an electrolytic solution containing silver or by adding a silver alloy plating by adding potassium antimonyl tartrate to an electrolytic solution containing silver cyanide and potassium cyanide. And a third step of forming a surface layer.

この発明の可動接点用銀被覆複合材料の製造方法の第5の態様は、前記活性化処理時の陰極電流密度を2.0〜3.5(A/dm)の範囲内とすることを特徴とする。 According to a fifth aspect of the method for producing a silver-coated composite material for a movable contact of the present invention, the cathode current density during the activation treatment is set within a range of 2.0 to 3.5 (A / dm 2 ). Features.

この発明の可動接点用銀被覆複合材料の製造方法の第6態様は、前記基材は金属条であることを特徴とする。   According to a sixth aspect of the method for producing a silver-coated composite material for movable contacts of the present invention, the substrate is a metal strip.

この発明の可動接点用銀被覆複合材料の製造方法の第7の態様は、前記基材はステンレス鋼からなることを特徴とする。   According to a seventh aspect of the method for producing the silver-coated composite material for movable contacts of the present invention, the base material is made of stainless steel.

本発明は、プレス加工等に対する高い加工性を有し、可動接点に用いて開閉動作を繰り返し行っても銀被覆層が剥離せず、かつ長期間の使用においても接触抵抗の上昇が抑えられて長寿命の可動接点が得られ、層間の密着性を飛躍的に向上できる、可動接点用銀被覆複合材料およびその製造方法を提供することができる。   The present invention has high workability with respect to press working, etc., and the silver coating layer does not peel off even when the opening / closing operation is repeatedly performed using a movable contact, and an increase in contact resistance is suppressed even in long-term use. It is possible to provide a silver-coated composite material for a movable contact and a method for producing the same, in which a long-life movable contact can be obtained and adhesion between layers can be dramatically improved.

本発明によれば、中間層と最表層との界面に凹凸を形成し、中間層の少なくとも一部が下地領域の外縁部以外の箇所で前記基材の表面と接するように凹凸を大きくしているため、下地領域と中間層との接触面積が増大し、下地領域と中間層との間の相互拡散による両者の密着性が向上する。   According to the present invention, the unevenness is formed at the interface between the intermediate layer and the outermost layer, and the unevenness is increased so that at least a part of the intermediate layer is in contact with the surface of the substrate at a place other than the outer edge of the base region. Therefore, the contact area between the base region and the intermediate layer is increased, and the adhesion between the base region and the intermediate layer is improved by mutual diffusion.

本発明の可動接点用銀被覆複合材料およびその製造方法について、望ましい実施の形態を詳細に説明する。   Preferred embodiments of the silver-coated composite material for movable contacts and the method for producing the same of the present invention will be described in detail.

(可動接点用銀被覆複合材料の一実施形態)
この発明の可動接点用銀被覆複合材料の実施の形態を、図1に示す断面図を用いて説明する。本実施形態の可動接点用銀被覆複合材料100は、鉄またはニッケルを主成分とする合金からなる基材110と、基材110の表面に形成された下地領域120と、下地領域120の上に形成された中間層130と、中間層130の上に形成された最表層140とを備えている。
(One embodiment of silver-coated composite material for movable contact)
An embodiment of the silver-coated composite material for movable contacts of the present invention will be described with reference to the cross-sectional view shown in FIG. The silver-coated composite material 100 for a movable contact according to this embodiment includes a base material 110 made of an alloy containing iron or nickel as a main component, a base region 120 formed on the surface of the base material 110, and a base region 120. The formed intermediate layer 130 and the outermost layer 140 formed on the intermediate layer 130 are provided.

本実施形態では、鉄またはニッケルを主成分とする合金からなる基材110としてステンレス鋼を使用する。ここで、鉄またはニッケルを主成分とする合金とは、鉄またはニッケルの少なくとも一方の質量比が50質量%以上である合金を意味する。可動接点の機械的強度を担う基材110に用いるステンレス鋼として、応力緩和特性および耐疲労破壊特性に優れるSUS301、SUS304、SUS305、SUS316などの圧延調質材またはテンションアニール材が好適である。   In this embodiment, stainless steel is used as the base material 110 made of an alloy containing iron or nickel as a main component. Here, the alloy containing iron or nickel as a main component means an alloy having a mass ratio of at least one of iron and nickel of 50% by mass or more. As the stainless steel used for the base material 110 that bears the mechanical strength of the movable contact, a rolled tempered material such as SUS301, SUS304, SUS305, SUS316 or a tension annealing material that is excellent in stress relaxation characteristics and fatigue fracture resistance is suitable.

ステンレス鋼の基材110上に形成される下地領域120は、ニッケル、コバルト、ニッケル合金、コバルト合金のいずれか1つで形成される。下地領域120は、基材110に用いられるステンレス鋼と中間層130との密着性を高めるために配置される。中間層130は、銅または銅合金で形成され、下地領域120と最表層140との密着性を高めるために配置される。なお、下地領域120と基材110との間に特定の目的でさらに別の層を設けてもよい。   The base region 120 formed on the stainless steel substrate 110 is formed of any one of nickel, cobalt, a nickel alloy, and a cobalt alloy. The base region 120 is disposed in order to improve the adhesion between the stainless steel used for the substrate 110 and the intermediate layer 130. The intermediate layer 130 is made of copper or a copper alloy, and is arranged to improve the adhesion between the base region 120 and the outermost layer 140. Note that another layer may be provided between the base region 120 and the substrate 110 for a specific purpose.

下地領域120を形成する金属として、ニッケル、コバルト、またはこれらを主成分(全体の質量比として50質量%以上)とする合金が用いられるが、なかでもニッケルを用いるのが好ましい。この下地領域120は、ステンレス鋼からなる基材110を陰極にして、例えば塩化ニッケル及び遊離塩酸を含む電解液を用いて電解することにより形成することができる。下地領域の厚さについては、平均値を0.001〜0.04μmとすることが好ましい。さらに好ましくは、0.001〜0.009μmである。なお、以下では、下地領域120の金属としてニッケルを用いた例について説明するが、ニッケルに限らず、コバルト、ニッケル合金およびコバルト合金のいずれを用いた場合でも、以下の説明と同様の効果が得られる。   As a metal for forming the base region 120, nickel, cobalt, or an alloy containing these as a main component (50% by mass or more as a whole mass ratio) is used. Among these, nickel is preferably used. The base region 120 can be formed by electrolysis using, for example, an electrolytic solution containing nickel chloride and free hydrochloric acid using the base 110 made of stainless steel as a cathode. About the thickness of a base area | region, it is preferable that an average value shall be 0.001-0.04 micrometer. More preferably, it is 0.001-0.009 micrometer. Hereinafter, an example in which nickel is used as the metal of the base region 120 will be described. However, not only nickel but also any of cobalt, a nickel alloy, and a cobalt alloy, the same effect as described below can be obtained. It is done.

従来の銀被覆複合材料における加工性悪化の原因は、下地層または中間層の少なくとも一方が厚すぎるためにこれらの層の屈曲性が低下することによるものであった。その対策として、本実施形態では基材110の表面と下地領域120、下地領域120と中間層130、中間層130と最表層140の各層間の密着性が維持される範囲で、下地領域120および中間層130を薄くすることが有効である。下地領域120の厚さの最大値を0.04μm以下とした場合には、下地領域120によって加工性を低下させるおそれがなくなる。   The cause of the deterioration of workability in the conventional silver-coated composite material is that at least one of the underlayer and the intermediate layer is too thick and the flexibility of these layers is lowered. As a countermeasure, in the present embodiment, the surface of the base 110 and the base region 120, the base region 120 and the intermediate layer 130, and the base region 120 and the intermediate layer 130 are maintained within the range in which adhesion between the respective layers is maintained. It is effective to make the intermediate layer 130 thinner. When the maximum value of the thickness of the base region 120 is set to 0.04 μm or less, there is no possibility that the workability is deteriorated by the base region 120.

本実施形態では、下地領域120と中間層130との密着性を高めるために、下地領域120の一部に下地欠落部(欠落部)121を形成し、下地欠落部121で中間層130と基材110とが直接接するようにしている。そして、その下地欠落部121を設けることで、下地領域120と中間層130との接触面積を増大させている。これにより、下地領域120と中間層130との間の相互拡散による密着性の向上を図ることができる。図1に示す可動接点用銀被覆複合材料100では、下地領域120と中間層130との界面を波状の凹凸に形成し、下地欠落部121で中間層130が基材110の表面と直接接するようにしている。   In this embodiment, in order to improve the adhesion between the base region 120 and the intermediate layer 130, a base missing portion (missing portion) 121 is formed in a part of the base region 120, and the intermediate layer 130 and the base layer 130 are formed in the base missing portion 121. The material 110 is in direct contact. By providing the base missing portion 121, the contact area between the base region 120 and the intermediate layer 130 is increased. Thereby, the adhesiveness by the mutual diffusion between the base region 120 and the intermediate layer 130 can be improved. In the silver-coated composite material 100 for a movable contact shown in FIG. 1, the interface between the base region 120 and the intermediate layer 130 is formed in wavy irregularities so that the intermediate layer 130 is in direct contact with the surface of the substrate 110 at the base missing portion 121. I have to.

一方、従来の接触抵抗上昇の原因は、最表層の銀被覆層中に拡散した中間層の銅が最表層の表面に達し、これが酸化することによるものであった。すなわち、図8に一例を示すように、中間層913から最表層914中に固溶した銅が最表層914の表面に達し、これが酸化して高電気抵抗の酸化物915を生成するために接触抵抗の上昇が発生していた。   On the other hand, the cause of the conventional increase in contact resistance is that the intermediate layer copper diffused in the outermost silver coating layer reaches the surface of the outermost layer and is oxidized. That is, as shown in an example in FIG. 8, copper dissolved in the outermost layer 914 from the intermediate layer 913 reaches the surface of the outermost layer 914, which is oxidized to form an oxide 915 with high electrical resistance. An increase in resistance occurred.

このような課題を解決するために、本実施形態では基材110の表面と下地領域120、下地領域120と中間層130、中間層130と最表層140の各層間の密着性が維持される範囲で、中間層130の銅が最表層140の表面に達しないような中間層130の好適な厚さを決定している。また、本実施形態では、下地領域120の平均厚さD1に中間層130の平均厚さD2を加えた合計の平均厚さDTが0.025〜0.20μmの範囲となるようにしている。   In order to solve such a problem, in the present embodiment, the range in which the adhesion between the surface of the substrate 110 and the base region 120, the base region 120 and the intermediate layer 130, and the intermediate layer 130 and the outermost layer 140 is maintained. Thus, a suitable thickness of the intermediate layer 130 is determined such that the copper of the intermediate layer 130 does not reach the surface of the outermost layer 140. In the present embodiment, the total average thickness DT obtained by adding the average thickness D2 of the intermediate layer 130 to the average thickness D1 of the base region 120 is in the range of 0.025 to 0.20 μm.

これにより、各層間で高い密着性を維持しつつ、最表層140の表面への銅の拡散及びそれに伴う酸化を抑えることができる。最表層として最も望ましい形態は、中間層近傍にのみ銅を含み、表面付近には銅を含まない銀または銀合金層が形成されている構成である。最表層の厚さD3は、0.5〜1.5μmであることが望ましい。   Thereby, the diffusion of copper to the surface of the outermost layer 140 and the accompanying oxidation can be suppressed while maintaining high adhesion between the respective layers. The most desirable form as the outermost layer is a configuration in which a silver or silver alloy layer containing copper only in the vicinity of the intermediate layer and not including copper in the vicinity of the surface is formed. The outermost layer thickness D3 is preferably 0.5 to 1.5 μm.

加工性を改善する観点からは、下地領域120および中間層130を薄くするのが好ましいが、下地領域120の平均厚さと中間層130の平均厚さの合計DTに下限値0.025μmを設けているのは、この値を下回ると、基材110の表面と下地領域120、下地領域120と中間層130、中間層130と最表層140の各層間の密着性を高める効果が低下することによるものである。また、下地領域120の平均厚さと中間層130の平均厚さの合計DTに上限値0.20μmを設けているのは、この値を上回ると、使用環境における接触抵抗の上昇が起こりやすくなることによるものである。また、下地領域120の平均厚さD1および中間層130の平均厚さD2を上述した範囲内にすることによって、プレス加工時の各層の割れを防止することができる。   From the viewpoint of improving workability, it is preferable to make the base region 120 and the intermediate layer 130 thin. However, a lower limit of 0.025 μm is provided for the total DT of the average thickness of the base region 120 and the average thickness of the intermediate layer 130. If the value is lower than this value, the effect of improving the adhesion between the surface of the substrate 110 and the base region 120, the base region 120 and the intermediate layer 130, and the intermediate layer 130 and the outermost layer 140 is reduced. It is. Moreover, the upper limit of 0.20 μm is provided for the total DT of the average thickness of the base region 120 and the average thickness of the intermediate layer 130. If this value is exceeded, an increase in contact resistance in the use environment tends to occur. Is due to. Further, by setting the average thickness D1 of the base region 120 and the average thickness D2 of the intermediate layer 130 within the above-described ranges, it is possible to prevent cracking of each layer during press working.

本実施形態の可動接点用銀被覆複合材料100の下地領域120、中間層130、および最表層140の各層は、電気めっき法、無電解めっき法、物理・化学的蒸着法など任意の方法を用いて形成できるが、中でも電気めっき法が生産性およびコストの面から最も有利である。上述した各層のうち、中間層130および最表層140は、ステンレス鋼の基材110の全面に形成してもよいが、接点部のみに限定して形成するのがより経済的である。また、各層間の密着強度を向上させるために、加熱処理などの公知の方法を適用することもできる。   For the underlying region 120, the intermediate layer 130, and the outermost layer 140 of the silver-coated composite material 100 for movable contacts of the present embodiment, any method such as an electroplating method, an electroless plating method, or a physical / chemical vapor deposition method is used. Among them, the electroplating method is most advantageous from the viewpoint of productivity and cost. Among the layers described above, the intermediate layer 130 and the outermost layer 140 may be formed on the entire surface of the stainless steel substrate 110, but it is more economical to form only the contact portion. In addition, a known method such as heat treatment can be applied in order to improve the adhesion strength between the layers.

なお、銅または銅合金で形成された中間層130以外の領域、具体的には下地領域120や最表層140に銅を合金化させるようにしてもよい。また、下地領域120の下にさらに他の下地領域(図示せず)を設けてもよい。この場合、下地領域120の下に形成した図示しない下地領域の中に銅が含まれていても、下地領域120の下に形成された図示しない下地領域の銅は、最表層140への拡散にはほとんど寄与しない。   In addition, you may make it alloy copper in the area | regions other than the intermediate | middle layer 130 formed with copper or copper alloy, specifically, the base area | region 120 and the outermost layer 140. FIG. Further, another base region (not shown) may be provided below the base region 120. In this case, even if copper is included in a base region (not shown) formed under the base region 120, the copper in the base region (not shown) formed under the base region 120 is diffused to the outermost layer 140. Hardly contributes.

(可動接点用銀被覆複合材料の製造方法の第1実施形態)
この発明の可動接点用銀被覆複合材料の製造方法の一実施形態について、図2に示す流れ図を用いて以下に説明する。図2では、本実施形態の製造方法を、可動接点用銀被覆複合材料100を例に説明している。
(First embodiment of manufacturing method of silver-coated composite material for movable contact)
One embodiment of the method for producing a silver-coated composite material for a movable contact according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. In FIG. 2, the manufacturing method of the present embodiment is described using the silver-coated composite material 100 for movable contacts as an example.

本実施形態の製造方法は、第1の工程として、基材110となるステンレス条をオルトケイ酸ソーダまたは苛性ソーダなどのアルカリ性溶液中で陰極電解脱脂し、その後塩酸で酸洗して活性化(図2のS1)する。   In the manufacturing method of the present embodiment, as a first step, the stainless steel strip used as the base material 110 is cathodic electrolytically degreased in an alkaline solution such as sodium orthosilicate or caustic soda, and then pickled with hydrochloric acid to activate (FIG. 2). S1).

次の第2工程では、塩化ニッケルと遊離塩酸とを含む電解液で、陰極電流密度(2〜5A/dm)で電解して基材110となるステンレス条の表面の一部にニッケルめっきを施すことで、下地領域120を形成する(図2のS2)。ここで、例えば基材110に流れる電流の電流密度をコントロールして、基材110の表面の一部にのみニッケルめっきを施すことが可能となる。それ以外の方法、例えばめっき液の流れを制御するなどの方法でも基材110の表面の一部にのみニッケルめっきを施すことは可能であり、どのような方法によっても、下地領域120の最大厚さが0.04μm以下の場合に再現性が高まる。この場合の下地領域120の表面粗さ(最大粗さ:Rmax)は、下地領域120の最大厚さの値以下の値となる。なお、上記のニッケルめっきの電解液として、スルファミン酸ニッケル(100〜150g/リットル)とホウ素(20〜50g/リットル)を添加し、pHを2.5〜4.5の範囲で調整した電解液を用いてもよい。 In the next second step, nickel plating is performed on a part of the surface of the stainless steel strip that is electrolyzed at a cathode current density ( 2 to 5 A / dm 2 ) with an electrolytic solution containing nickel chloride and free hydrochloric acid. By applying, the base region 120 is formed (S2 in FIG. 2). Here, for example, the current density of the current flowing through the substrate 110 can be controlled, and nickel plating can be applied to only a part of the surface of the substrate 110. It is possible to apply nickel plating to only a part of the surface of the substrate 110 by other methods, for example, a method of controlling the flow of the plating solution, and the maximum thickness of the base region 120 is determined by any method. The reproducibility increases when the thickness is 0.04 μm or less. In this case, the surface roughness (maximum roughness: Rmax) of the underlying region 120 is a value equal to or less than the maximum thickness value of the underlying region 120. In addition, as electrolyte solution of said nickel plating, the electrolyte solution which added nickel sulfamate (100-150 g / liter) and boron (20-50 g / liter), and adjusted pH in the range of 2.5-4.5. May be used.

次の第3工程では、硫酸銅と遊離硫酸とを含む電解液で、陰極電流密度(2〜6A/dm)で電解して銅めっきを施すことで、中間層130を形成する(図2のS3)。 In the next third step, the intermediate layer 130 is formed by performing electrolysis with an electrolytic solution containing copper sulfate and free sulfuric acid at a cathode current density ( 2 to 6 A / dm 2 ) and copper plating (FIG. 2). S3).

最後の第4工程では、シアン化銀とシアン化カリウムとを含む電解液で、陰極電流密度(2〜15A/dm)で電解して銀めっきを施すことで最表層140を形成する(図2のS4)。このような第1工程S1から第4工程S4までの処理により、可動接点用銀被覆複合材料100を製造することができる。 In the final fourth step, the outermost layer 140 is formed by electrolysis with an electrolytic solution containing silver cyanide and potassium cyanide at a cathode current density ( 2 to 15 A / dm 2 ) and silver plating (FIG. 2). S4). By such processing from the first step S1 to the fourth step S4, the silver-coated composite material 100 for movable contacts can be manufactured.

なお、下地領域120を形成する第2工程S2において、上記のニッケルめっきの代わりに、塩化ニッケルと遊離塩酸とを含む電解液に塩化コバルトを添加し、陰極電流密度(2〜5A/dm)で電解することでニッケル合金(ニッケル−コバルト合金)めっきを施してもよい。また、中間層130を形成する第3工程S3において、上記の銅めっきの代わりに、シアン化銅、シアン化カリウムを基本とし、シアン化亜鉛またはスズ酸カリウムを加えて陰極電流密度(2〜5A/dm)で電解して銅合金(銅−亜鉛合金または銅−スズ合金)めっきを施してもよい。また、第3工程S3に先立って、または第3工程S3の代替工程として、硫酸銅と遊離硫酸とを含む電解液で、陰極電流密度(1〜3A/dm)で電解して銅ストライクめっきを施してもよい。中間層130のうち少なくとも下地領域120と接する部分について銅ストライクめっきを施すことにより、下地領域120と中間層130との密着性が向上するほか、中間層130が緻密に形成されるため、その後に形成される最表層140も緻密に形成され、各層の界面における表面粗さが、プレス加工時などに割れを引き起こすほどに大きくなることを防ぐことができる。すなわち、銅ストライクめっきを施すことにより、プレス加工時の各層の割れを防止する効果がより一層発揮されることになる。 In the second step S2 for forming the base region 120, cobalt chloride is added to an electrolytic solution containing nickel chloride and free hydrochloric acid instead of the nickel plating, and the cathode current density ( 2 to 5 A / dm 2 ). Nickel alloy (nickel-cobalt alloy) plating may be applied by electrolysis. Further, in the third step S3 for forming the intermediate layer 130, instead of the above copper plating, copper cyanide and potassium cyanide are basically used, and the cathode current density (2 to 5 A / dm) is added by adding zinc cyanide or potassium stannate. 2 )) and electroplating with copper alloy (copper-zinc alloy or copper-tin alloy). Prior to the third step S3 or as an alternative to the third step S3, copper strike plating is performed by electrolysis with an electrolytic solution containing copper sulfate and free sulfuric acid at a cathode current density (1 to 3 A / dm 2 ). May be applied. By performing copper strike plating on at least a portion of the intermediate layer 130 that is in contact with the base region 120, adhesion between the base region 120 and the intermediate layer 130 is improved, and the intermediate layer 130 is densely formed. The outermost layer 140 to be formed is also densely formed, and it is possible to prevent the surface roughness at the interface between the layers from becoming so large as to cause cracking during press working. That is, by performing copper strike plating, the effect of preventing cracking of each layer during press working is further exhibited.

さらに、最表層140を形成する第4工程S4において、上記の銀めっきの代わりに、シアン化銀とシアン化カリウムとを含む電解液に酒石酸アンチモニルカリウムを添加し、陰極電流密度(2〜5A/dm)で電解して銀合金(銀−アンチモン合金)めっきを施してもよい。あるいは、第3工程S3の銅めっきまたは銅合金めっきの後に、シアン化銀とシアン化カリウムとを含む電解液で、陰極電流密度(1〜5A/dm)で電解して銀ストライクめっきを施し、その後、前述の銀めっきまたは銀合金めっきを施してもよい。 Further, in the fourth step S4 for forming the outermost layer 140, in place of the above silver plating, antimonyl potassium tartrate is added to an electrolytic solution containing silver cyanide and potassium cyanide, and the cathode current density (2 to 5 A / dm. 2 ), electrolysis and silver alloy (silver-antimony alloy) plating may be performed. Alternatively, after the copper plating or copper alloy plating in the third step S3, electrolysis is performed at an anode current density (1 to 5 A / dm 2 ) with an electrolytic solution containing silver cyanide and potassium cyanide, and then silver strike plating is performed. The aforementioned silver plating or silver alloy plating may be applied.

(第1実施形態に係る製造方法の実施例1)
上記一実施形態の可動接点用銀被覆複合材料100を製造する上記第1実施形態に係る製造方法について、実施例を用いて更に詳細に説明する。
(Example 1 of the manufacturing method according to the first embodiment)
The manufacturing method according to the first embodiment for manufacturing the silver-coated composite material 100 for movable contacts of the one embodiment will be described in more detail using examples.

以下の実施例では、基材110として条形状のステンレス鋼SUS301(以下ではSUS301条と記す)を用い、SUS301条の寸法を、厚さ0.06mm、条幅100mmとする。SUS301条を連続的に通板して巻き取るめっきラインにおいて、SUS301条を電解脱脂し、水洗し、電解活性化し、かつ水洗する第1工程、ニッケルめっき(又はニッケル−コバルトめっき)および水洗の処理を行う第2工程、銅めっきおよび水洗の処理を行う第3工程、および銀ストライクめっき、銀めっき、水洗および乾燥の各処理を行う第4工程、のそれぞれが実施される。    In the following examples, strip-shaped stainless steel SUS301 (hereinafter referred to as SUS301 strip) is used as the substrate 110, and the dimensions of the SUS301 strip are 0.06 mm in thickness and 100 mm in strip width. In a plating line for continuously winding and winding SUS301, the first step of electrolytically degreasing, washing, electrolytically activating and washing SUS301, nickel plating (or nickel-cobalt plating) and water washing treatment The second step of performing the third step, the third step of performing the copper plating and water washing treatment, and the fourth step of performing the silver strike plating, silver plating, water washing and drying treatment are performed.

各工程の処理条件は次のとおりである。
1.第1工程(電解脱脂、電解活性化)
ステンレス条をオルトケイ酸ソーダ70〜150g/リットル(本実施例では100g/リットル)または苛性ソーダ50〜100g/リットル(本実施例では70g/リットル)の水溶液で陰極電解脱脂し、10%塩酸で酸洗して活性化する。
The processing conditions for each step are as follows.
1. First step (electrolytic degreasing, electrolytic activation)
The stainless steel strip is subjected to cathodic electrolytic degreasing with an aqueous solution of sodium orthosilicate 70 to 150 g / liter (100 g / liter in this embodiment) or caustic soda 50 to 100 g / liter (70 g / liter in this embodiment), and pickled with 10% hydrochloric acid. To activate.

2.第2工程
(1)ニッケルめっきの場合
塩化ニッケル六水和物10〜50g/リットル(本実施例では25g/リットル)と遊離塩酸30〜100g/リットル(本実施例では50g/リットル)とを含む電解液で陰極電流密度2〜5A/dm(本実施例では3A/dm)で電解してめっきする。
2. Second step (1) In the case of nickel plating, including 10 to 50 g / liter of nickel chloride hexahydrate (25 g / liter in this embodiment) and 30 to 100 g / liter of free hydrochloric acid (50 g / liter in this embodiment) Electrolytic plating is performed with an electrolytic solution at a cathode current density of 2 to 5 A / dm 2 (3 A / dm 2 in this embodiment).

(2)ニッケル合金めっきの場合
上述しためっき液に、塩化コバルト六水和物または第二塩化銅二水和物を、めっき液中のコバルトイオン濃度または銅イオン濃度が、ニッケルイオンとコバルトイオンまたは銅イオンとを加えた濃度の5〜20%に相当する濃度(本実施例では10%)となるように添加してめっきする。
(2) In the case of nickel alloy plating Cobalt chloride hexahydrate or cupric chloride dihydrate is added to the above plating solution, and the cobalt ion concentration or copper ion concentration in the plating solution is nickel ion and cobalt ion or The plating is carried out so that the concentration corresponds to 5 to 20% of the concentration of copper ions added (10% in this embodiment).

3.第3工程
(1)銅ストライクめっきの場合
硫酸銅五水和物10〜30g/リットル(本実施例では15g/リットル)と遊離硫酸50〜150g/リットル(本実施例では100g/リットル)とを含む電解液で陰極電流密度1〜3A/dm(本実施例では2A/dm)で電解してめっきする。
3. Third step (1) In the case of copper strike plating: Copper sulfate pentahydrate 10-30 g / liter (15 g / liter in this embodiment) and free sulfuric acid 50-150 g / liter (100 g / liter in this embodiment) (in this example 2A / dm 2) cathode current density. 1-3A / dm 2 in an electrolytic solution containing plating by electrolyzing with.

(2)銅めっきの場合
硫酸銅五水和物20〜60g/リットル(本実施例では40g/リットル)と遊離硫酸50〜150g/リットル(本実施例では100g/リットル)とを含む電解液で陰極電流密度2〜6A/dm(本実施例では5A/dm)で電解してめっきする。
(2) In the case of copper plating An electrolytic solution containing 20 to 60 g / liter of copper sulfate pentahydrate (40 g / liter in this embodiment) and 50 to 150 g / liter of free sulfuric acid (100 g / liter in this embodiment). Electrolytic plating is performed at a cathode current density of 2 to 6 A / dm 2 (5 A / dm 2 in this embodiment).

(3)銅合金めっきの場合
シアン化銅30〜70g/リットル(本実施例では50g/リットル)、シアン化カリウム50〜100g/リットル(本実施例では75g/リットル)、水酸化カリウム30〜50g/リットル(本実施例では40g/リットル)を基本とし、シアン化亜鉛0.2〜0.4g/リットル(本実施例では0.3g/リットル)またはスズ酸カリウム0.5〜2g/リットル(本実施例では1g/リットル)を加えて陰極電流密度2〜5A/dm(本実施例では3A/dm)で電解してめっきする。
(3) In the case of copper alloy plating Copper cyanide 30 to 70 g / liter (50 g / liter in this embodiment), potassium cyanide 50 to 100 g / liter (75 g / liter in this embodiment), potassium hydroxide 30 to 50 g / liter (40 g / liter in this embodiment), zinc cyanide 0.2 to 0.4 g / liter (0.3 g / liter in this embodiment) or potassium stannate 0.5 to 2 g / liter (this embodiment) In the example, 1 g / liter) is added and electrolysis is performed at a cathode current density of 2 to 5 A / dm 2 (3 A / dm 2 in this embodiment).

4.第4工程
(1)銀ストライクめっきの場合
シアン化銀3〜7g/リットル(本実施例では5g/リットル)とシアン化カリウム30〜70g/リットル(本実施例では50g/リットル)とを含む電解液で陰極電流密度1〜3A/dm(本実施例では2A/dm)で電解してめっきする。
4). Fourth Step (1) In the case of silver strike plating An electrolyte containing 3 to 7 g / liter of silver cyanide (5 g / liter in this embodiment) and 30 to 70 g / liter of potassium cyanide (50 g / liter in this embodiment). (in this example 2A / dm 2) cathode current density. 1-3A / dm 2 plating by electrolyzing with.

(2)銀めっきの場合
シアン化銀30〜100g/リットル(本実施例では50g/リットル)とシアン化カリウム30〜100g/リットル(本実施例では50g/リットル)とを含む電解液で陰極電流密度2〜15A/dm(本実施例では5A/dm)で電解する。なお、必要に応じて炭酸カリウム20〜40g/リットル(本実施例では30g/リットル)を加えてもよい。
(2) In the case of silver plating Cathodic current density 2 with an electrolyte containing 30 to 100 g / liter of silver cyanide (50 g / liter in this embodiment) and 30 to 100 g / liter of potassium cyanide (50 g / liter in this embodiment) Electrolysis is performed at -15 A / dm 2 (5 A / dm 2 in this embodiment). In addition, you may add 20-40 g / liter of potassium carbonate (30 g / liter in a present Example) as needed.

(3)銀合金めっきの場合
上記電解液に酒石酸アンチモニルカリウム0.3〜1g/リットル(本実施例では0.6g/リットル)を添加して電解してめっきする。
(3) In the case of silver alloy plating, 0.3 to 1 g / liter of potassium antimonyl tartrate (0.6 g / liter in this embodiment) is added to the above electrolytic solution and electrolyzed and plated.

実施例のサンプルとして、下地領域120の厚さ、中間層130の厚さ、最表層140の厚さをそれぞれ種々に変化させたサンプルを表1に示す。ここで、基材110の表面に被覆された下地領域120の割合(面積比)を被覆率とし、この被覆率が80%となるように基材110に流れる電流の電流密度をコントロールした。被覆率の値を表1にあわせて示す。なお、表1に示す実施例のサンプルNo.49〜52の試料については、アルゴン(Ar)ガス雰囲気中で250℃、2時間の熱処理を行った。   Table 1 shows samples in which the thickness of the base region 120, the thickness of the intermediate layer 130, and the thickness of the outermost layer 140 were variously changed as samples of the examples. Here, the ratio (area ratio) of the base region 120 coated on the surface of the substrate 110 was defined as the coverage, and the current density of the current flowing through the substrate 110 was controlled so that the coverage was 80%. The coverage values are also shown in Table 1. In addition, sample No. of the Example shown in Table 1 is shown. Samples 49 to 52 were heat-treated at 250 ° C. for 2 hours in an argon (Ar) gas atmosphere.

上記の処理条件で製造された表1の可動接点用銀被覆複合材料を用いて、図3および図4に示す構造のスイッチ200を製造した。図3は、スイッチ200の平面図であり、図4は、図3に示すA−A線におけるスイッチ200の断面図を示している。   A switch 200 having the structure shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 was manufactured using the silver-coated composite material for movable contacts shown in Table 1 manufactured under the above processing conditions. FIG. 3 is a plan view of the switch 200, and FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the switch 200 taken along line AA shown in FIG.

同図に示すドーム型可動接点210は、表1に示した実施例の可動接点用銀被覆複合材料を用いて直径4mmφに加工して形成したものであり、固定接点220a、220bは、黄銅条に銀を1μm厚さにめっきして形成したものである。ドーム型可動接点210は樹脂の充填材230で被われ、固定接点220とともに樹脂ケース240に収納されている。スイッチ200は、図4(a)に示すドーム型可動接点210が上に凸状態のときがオフの状態であり、図4(b)に示すように、ドーム型可動接点210が押下されて固定接点220aと220bとが電気的に接続されたときがオンの状態となる。   The dome-shaped movable contact 210 shown in the figure is formed by processing a silver-coated composite material for movable contacts of the embodiment shown in Table 1 into a diameter of 4 mmφ, and the fixed contacts 220a and 220b are made of brass strip. Are formed by plating silver to a thickness of 1 μm. The dome-shaped movable contact 210 is covered with a resin filler 230 and housed in the resin case 240 together with the fixed contact 220. The switch 200 is in an off state when the dome-shaped movable contact 210 shown in FIG. 4A is convex upward, and the dome-shaped movable contact 210 is pressed and fixed as shown in FIG. 4B. When the contacts 220a and 220b are electrically connected, they are turned on.

上記のようなスイッチ200を用い、図4に示したオン/オフ状態を繰り返すことで打鍵試験を行った。打鍵試験では、接点圧力:9.8N/mm、打鍵速度:5Hzで最大200万回の打鍵を行っている。ドーム型可動接点210について、打鍵試験中の接触抵抗の経時変化を測定した結果を、初期値、100万回の打鍵後(打鍵後1)、200万回の打鍵後(打鍵後2)について、それぞれ表2に示している。また、200万回の打鍵試験を終了した後、ドーム型可動接点210に対しクラックの有無等の状況を観察し、その結果も表2に記している。なお、接触抵抗の値は、100mΩ以下であれば実用上差し支えないとされる。 Using the switch 200 as described above, the key-on test was performed by repeating the on / off state shown in FIG. In the keystroke test, keystrokes are performed a maximum of 2 million times at a contact pressure of 9.8 N / mm 2 and a keystroke speed of 5 Hz. With respect to the dome-shaped movable contact 210, the results of measuring the change over time in the contact resistance during the keystroke test are the initial values, after one million keystrokes (1 after keystroke), after 2 million keystrokes (2 after keystroke), Each is shown in Table 2. In addition, after finishing the keystroke test of 2 million times, the dome-shaped movable contact 210 was observed for the presence or absence of cracks, and the results are also shown in Table 2. In addition, if the value of contact resistance is 100 mΩ or less, there is no problem in practical use.

加熱試験は、すべてのサンプルについて、85℃のエアバスで1000時間の加熱を行って、接触抵抗の変化を測定し、その結果を表2に示した。   In the heating test, all samples were heated for 1000 hours in an air bath at 85 ° C., and the change in contact resistance was measured. The results are shown in Table 2.

Figure 0004558823
Figure 0004558823

Figure 0004558823
Figure 0004558823

表1に示した実施例のサンプルNo.1〜52は、表2に示すように、何れも200万回の打鍵試験を行っても接触抵抗の増加は少なく、200万回打鍵後の接点部には下地領域120及び中間層130の露出は見られなかった。さらに、1000時間の加熱後も接触抵抗の上昇は小さく、すべてのサンプルについて接触抵抗の値が100mΩ以下となり、実用上問題のない値であった。   Sample No. of the example shown in Table 1 1 to 52, as shown in Table 2, any increase in the contact resistance is small even when the key hit test is performed 2 million times, and the base region 120 and the intermediate layer 130 are exposed at the contact portion after the key hit 2 million times. Was not seen. Furthermore, even after 1000 hours of heating, the increase in contact resistance was small, and the values of contact resistance were 100 mΩ or less for all the samples, and there was no practical problem.

これに対して、下地領域120の厚さと中間層130の厚さの合計が0.025μmを下回る比較例のサンプルNo.101では、各層の密着性が低下することに起因する加工性の劣化がみられ、下地領域120の厚さが本発明の範囲の上限よりも大きい(0.05μm以上の)比較例のサンプルNo.102〜108では、加工性が劣る傾向がみられた。また、比較例のサンプルNo.101〜108において、加工性が劣ることに起因すると思われる接触抵抗の上昇(具体的には、接触抵抗の値が100mΩを超える状態)が200万回の打鍵後に検知された。   On the other hand, the sample No. of the comparative example in which the total thickness of the base region 120 and the thickness of the intermediate layer 130 is less than 0.025 μm. In 101, deterioration of workability due to a decrease in the adhesion of each layer is observed, and the thickness of the base region 120 is larger than the upper limit of the range of the present invention (0.05 μm or more). . In 102-108, the tendency for workability to be inferior was seen. In addition, sample No. In 101 to 108, an increase in contact resistance (specifically, a state in which the value of the contact resistance exceeds 100 mΩ), which seems to be caused by poor workability, was detected after 2 million keystrokes.

さらに、比較例のサンプルNo.101〜108において、接点部のクラックが発見され、下地領域120の厚さが0.3μmの比較例のサンプルNo.105〜108においては、接点部の最表層が剥離し、下地層が露出していた。   Furthermore, sample No. of the comparative example. 101 to 108, cracks in the contact portion were found, and the sample No. In 105-108, the outermost layer of the contact portion was peeled off and the underlayer was exposed.

一方、中間層120の厚さが0.3μmのサンプル103、105、108では、加熱試験後に接触抵抗の大幅な上昇(具体的には、接触抵抗の値が100mΩを超える状態)が見られ、打鍵試験後にクラックや下地層の露出が確認された。   On the other hand, in the samples 103, 105, and 108 in which the thickness of the intermediate layer 120 is 0.3 μm, a significant increase in the contact resistance is observed after the heating test (specifically, the value of the contact resistance exceeds 100 mΩ), Cracks and exposure of the underlying layer were confirmed after the keystroke test.

(第1実施形態に係る製造方法の実施例2)
ここで、上記可動接点用銀被覆複合材料100を製造する第1実施形態に係る可動接点用銀被覆複合材料の製造方法の実施例2について説明する。
(Example 2 of the manufacturing method according to the first embodiment)
Here, Example 2 of the manufacturing method of the silver-coated composite material for movable contacts according to the first embodiment for manufacturing the silver-coated composite material 100 for movable contacts will be described.

下地領域120について:ニッケルのうち10質量%を銅またはコバルトに置き換えたニッケル合金めっきとした場合について、表1のサンプルNo.1〜52およびNo.101〜108と同様の試験を実施したが、その試験結果は表2に示された結果と実質的に差異がなかった。ニッケルを完全にコバルトに置き換えた例についても同様であった。   Regarding the base region 120: Sample No. 1 in Table 1 was used when nickel alloy plating in which 10% by mass of nickel was replaced with copper or cobalt. 1-52 and no. Tests similar to 101-108 were performed, but the test results were not substantially different from the results shown in Table 2. The same was true for an example in which nickel was completely replaced with cobalt.

中間層130について:銅のうち0.5質量%をスズまたは亜鉛に置き換えた銅合金めっきとした場合について、表1のサンプルNo.1〜52およびNo.101〜108と同様の試験を実施したが、その試験結果は表2に示された結果と実質的に差異がなかった。   Regarding the intermediate layer 130: In the case of copper alloy plating in which 0.5% by mass of copper was replaced with tin or zinc, sample No. 1 in Table 1 was used. 1-52 and no. Tests similar to 101-108 were performed, but the test results were not substantially different from the results shown in Table 2.

最表層140について:銀のうち1質量%をアンチモンに置き換えた銀合金めっきとした場合について、表1のサンプルNo.1〜52およびNo.101〜108と同様の試験を実施したが、その試験結果は表2に示された結果と実質的に差異がなかった。   Regarding the outermost layer 140: Sample No. 1 in Table 1 was obtained when the silver alloy plating in which 1% by mass of silver was replaced with antimony was used. 1-52 and no. Tests similar to 101-108 were performed, but the test results were not substantially different from the results shown in Table 2.

また、上記の変形例を適宜組み合わせたが、その試験結果は表2に示された結果と実質的に差異がなかった。   Moreover, although the said modification was combined suitably, the test result did not differ substantially from the result shown in Table 2.

(可動接点用銀被覆複合材料の製造方法の第2実施形態)
次に、図1に示す可動接点用銀被覆複合材料100を製造する可動接点用銀被覆複合材料の他の実施形態について説明する。
本実施形態に係る可動接点用銀被覆複合材料の製造方法は、次の工程を有する。
(2nd Embodiment of the manufacturing method of the silver covering composite material for movable contacts)
Next, another embodiment of the movable contact silver-coated composite material for producing the movable contact silver-coated composite material 100 shown in FIG. 1 will be described.
The manufacturing method of the silver covering composite material for movable contacts which concerns on this embodiment has the following process.

(第1工程) 鉄またはニッケルを主成分とする合金からなるステンレス条である基材(金属条の基材)110を電解脱脂し、その後ニッケルイオンを含有する酸性溶液で酸洗して活性化する活性化処理により、ニッケルからなり、複数個所に下地欠落部121を有する下地領域120を基材110上に形成する。
この第1工程では、基材110を活性化する活性化処理を、例えば、次の条件で行う。
(First step) A base material (base material of metal strip) 110, which is a stainless steel strip made of an alloy containing iron or nickel as a main component, is electrolytically degreased and then pickled with an acidic solution containing nickel ions to activate. By the activation process, the base region 120 made of nickel and having the base missing portions 121 at a plurality of positions is formed on the substrate 110.
In the first step, an activation process for activating the substrate 110 is performed under the following conditions, for example.

(1)ニッケルイオンを含有する酸性溶液として、遊離塩酸を120g/リットル、塩化ニッケル六水和物を12g/リットル添加した酸性溶液を使用する。なお、ニッケルイオンを含有する酸性溶液として、遊離塩酸を80〜200g/リットル(より好ましくは100〜150g/リットル)、塩化ニッケル六水和物を5〜20g/リットル(より好ましくは10〜15g/リットル)の範囲で添加することが好ましい。遊離塩酸および塩化ニッケル六水和物の添加量が上記範囲外の場合は、いずれも基材と下地領域との密着性が低下する傾向がある。 (1) An acidic solution containing 120 g / liter of free hydrochloric acid and 12 g / liter of nickel chloride hexahydrate is used as an acidic solution containing nickel ions. In addition, as an acidic solution containing nickel ions, free hydrochloric acid is 80 to 200 g / liter (more preferably 100 to 150 g / liter), and nickel chloride hexahydrate is 5 to 20 g / liter (more preferably 10 to 15 g / liter). It is preferable to add in the range of 1 liter). When the addition amounts of free hydrochloric acid and nickel chloride hexahydrate are out of the above ranges, the adhesion between the substrate and the underlying region tends to decrease.

(2)活性化処理時の陰極電流密度を2.5(A/dm)とする。なお、活性化処理時の陰極電流密度は2.0〜3.5(A/dm)の範囲内とすることが好ましく、下限より低いと基材と下地領域との密着性が低下する傾向があり、好ましくない。なお、上限より高くなると、下地領域に欠落部が形成されなくなり、さらに陰極電流密度が5.0(A/dm)を超えると、基材がステンレス鋼の場合は基材の発熱による影響が出る場合があり、あまり好ましいとはいえない。 (2) The cathode current density during the activation treatment is set to 2.5 (A / dm 2 ). The cathode current density during the activation treatment is preferably in the range of 2.0 to 3.5 (A / dm 2 ), and if it is lower than the lower limit, the adhesion between the substrate and the underlying region tends to decrease. Is not preferable. If the upper limit is exceeded, missing portions are not formed in the base region, and if the cathode current density exceeds 5.0 (A / dm 2 ), if the base material is stainless steel, there is an influence due to heat generation of the base material. It may come out and is not very preferable.

このような条件で図5(a)に示す基材110の活性化処理を行うことにより、基材110の表面全体に、下地領域120となるニッケル(Ni)の核120cが所定の間隔ででき(図5(b)参照)、さらに、基材110の表面全体に下地欠落部121を有する下地領域120が形成される(図5(c)参照)。   By performing the activation process of the base material 110 shown in FIG. 5A under such conditions, nickel (Ni) nuclei 120c to be the base region 120 are formed at predetermined intervals on the entire surface of the base material 110. Further, a base region 120 having a base missing portion 121 is formed on the entire surface of the substrate 110 (see FIG. 5C).

(第2工程) 下地領域120上に、硫酸銅と遊離硫酸とを含む電解液で、陰極電流密度(5A/dm)で電解して銅めっきを施すことで、中間層130を形成する。 (2nd process) The intermediate | middle layer 130 is formed on the base area | region 120 by electrolyzing with the electrolyte solution containing copper sulfate and free sulfuric acid by a cathode current density (5 A / dm < 2 >), and performing copper plating.

(第3工程) 中間層130上に、シアン化銀とシアン化カリウムとを含む電解液で電解して銀めっきを施して最表層140を形成する。   (Third Step) The outermost layer 140 is formed on the intermediate layer 130 by electrolysis with an electrolytic solution containing silver cyanide and potassium cyanide to perform silver plating.

このように、本実施形態に係る可動接点用銀被覆複合材料の製造方法では、基材110の活性化処理時に、基材110の表面全体に下地欠落部121を有する下地領域120を形成するようにしている。このため、図2を用いて説明した上記一実施形態に係る可動接点用銀被覆複合材料の製造方法における、下地領域120を形成するためのニッケルめっき或いはニッケル合金めっきの工程(図2のS2)が不要になる。従って、製造工程が簡略され、作業時間が短縮されるので、可動接点用銀被覆複合材料を低コストで製造することができる。   As described above, in the method for manufacturing the silver-coated composite material for a movable contact according to the present embodiment, the base region 120 having the base missing portion 121 is formed on the entire surface of the base material 110 when the base material 110 is activated. I have to. For this reason, the nickel plating or nickel alloy plating step for forming the base region 120 in the method for manufacturing the silver-coated composite material for movable contacts according to the embodiment described with reference to FIG. 2 (S2 in FIG. 2). Is no longer necessary. Therefore, since the manufacturing process is simplified and the working time is shortened, the silver-coated composite material for movable contacts can be manufactured at low cost.

また、鉄またはニッケルを主成分とする合金、例えばステンレス鋼からなる基材110の表面の一部が下地欠落部121の箇所で露出するが、基材110は、上記第1工程で電解脱脂され、ニッケルイオンを含有する酸性溶液で酸洗して活性化されているので、銅または銅合金で形成された中間層130との密着性が低下しない。   In addition, a part of the surface of the base material 110 made of an alloy containing iron or nickel as a main component, for example, stainless steel, is exposed at the base missing portion 121, but the base material 110 is electrolytically degreased in the first step. Since it is activated by pickling with an acidic solution containing nickel ions, the adhesion with the intermediate layer 130 formed of copper or a copper alloy does not deteriorate.

また、ステンレス鋼からなる基材110の活性化処理時に、複数個所に下地欠落部121を有する下地領域120を基材110上に形成することができる。このように下地領域120を形成すると、基材110と下地領域120との密着性が向上する。   In addition, when the base material 110 made of stainless steel is activated, the base region 120 having the base missing portions 121 at a plurality of locations can be formed on the base material 110. When the base region 120 is formed in this manner, the adhesion between the base material 110 and the base region 120 is improved.

また、下地領域120の複数個所に下地欠落部(欠落部)121を形成し、下地欠落部121で中間層130と基材110とが直接接するようにしているので、下地領域120と中間層130との密着性を高めることができ、さらに長寿命の可動接点用銀被覆複合材料を得ることができる。   In addition, since the base missing portion (missing portion) 121 is formed at a plurality of locations in the base region 120 so that the intermediate layer 130 and the base material 110 are in direct contact with each other in the base missing portion 121, the base region 120 and the intermediate layer 130 are formed. The silver-coated composite material for a movable contact having a long life can be obtained.

上記第2実施形態に係る製造方法で製造したサンプルとして、下地領域120の厚さ、中間層130の厚さ、最表層140の厚さをそれぞれ表1に示す実施例の試料と同様に種々に変化させたものを作成し、これらをサンプルNo.201〜252(表3参照)とした。なお、表3に示した実施例のサンプルNo.249〜252の試料については、アルゴン(Ar)ガス雰囲気中で250℃、2時間の熱処理を行った。また、比較例として、サンプルNo.301〜308(表3参照)を作成した。なお、表3のサンプルNo.201〜252は、表1のサンプルNo.1〜52とそれぞれ層構造が同一のサンプルであり、表3に示した比較例のサンプルNo.301〜308は、表1に示した比較例のサンプルNo.101〜108とそれぞれ層構造が同一のサンプルである。対応関係は、表1に示した実施例のサンプルNo.に200を加えたサンプルNo.が、表3に示した実施例のサンプルNo.となる。   As samples manufactured by the manufacturing method according to the second embodiment, the thickness of the base region 120, the thickness of the intermediate layer 130, and the thickness of the outermost layer 140 are variously similar to the samples of the examples shown in Table 1. What was changed was created, and these were changed to sample no. 201 to 252 (see Table 3). In addition, sample No. of the Example shown in Table 3 was used. Samples 249 to 252 were heat-treated at 250 ° C. for 2 hours in an argon (Ar) gas atmosphere. As a comparative example, Sample No. 301 to 308 (see Table 3) were prepared. In addition, sample No. in Table 3 201-252 are sample Nos. In Table 1. Samples Nos. 1 to 52 having the same layer structure are shown in Table 3. 301 to 308 are sample numbers of comparative examples shown in Table 1. 101 to 108 are samples having the same layer structure. The correspondence relationship is the sample No. of the embodiment shown in Table 1. Sample No. with 200 added to Are sample Nos. Of the examples shown in Table 3. It becomes.

上記の処理条件で製造されたサンプルNo.201〜252およびサンプルNo.301〜308の可動接点用銀被覆複合材料を用いて、図3および図4に示す構造のスイッチ200と同様のスイッチを製造した。その他の条件は、前述のサンプルNo.1〜52およびサンプルNo.101〜108の可動接点用銀被覆複合材料を用いた場合と同様とした。   Sample No. manufactured under the above processing conditions. 201-252 and sample no. A switch similar to the switch 200 having the structure shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 was manufactured using silver-coated composite materials 301 to 308 for movable contacts. Other conditions are the same as the sample No. described above. 1-52 and sample no. It was the same as the case where the silver covering composite material for 101-108 movable contacts was used.

上記のようなスイッチを用い、図4に示したオン/オフ状態を繰り返すことで打鍵試験を行なった。打鍵試験では、接点圧力:9.8N/mm、打鍵速度:5Hzで最大200万回の打鍵を行っている。ドーム型可動接点210について、打鍵試験中の接触抵抗の経時変化を測定した結果を、初期値、100万回の打鍵後(打鍵後1)、200万回の打鍵後(打鍵後2)について、それぞれ表3に示している。また、200万回の打鍵試験を終了した後、ドーム型可動接点210に対しクラックの有無等の状況を観察し、その結果も表3に示している。 Using the switches as described above, the key-on test was performed by repeating the on / off state shown in FIG. In the keystroke test, keystrokes are performed a maximum of 2 million times at a contact pressure of 9.8 N / mm 2 and a keystroke speed of 5 Hz. With respect to the dome-shaped movable contact 210, the results of measuring the change over time in the contact resistance during the keystroke test are the initial values, after one million keystrokes (1 after keystroke), after 2 million keystrokes (2 after keystroke), Each is shown in Table 3. Further, after finishing the keystroke test of 2 million times, the dome-shaped movable contact 210 was observed for the presence or absence of cracks, and the results are also shown in Table 3.

加熱試験は、すべてのサンプルについて、85℃のエアバスで1000時間の加熱を行って、接触抵抗の変化を測定し、その結果を表3に示した。   In the heating test, all samples were heated in an air bath at 85 ° C. for 1000 hours, and the change in contact resistance was measured. The results are shown in Table 3.

Figure 0004558823
Figure 0004558823

表3に示した実施例のサンプルNo.201〜252は、表3に示すように、何れも200万回の打鍵試験を行っても接触抵抗の増加は少なく、200万回打鍵後の接点部には下地領域120及び中間層130の露出は見られなかった。さらに、1000時間の加熱後も接触抵抗の上昇は小さかった。特に、表3に示す実施例のサンプルNo.201〜252は、表1に示す実施例のサンプルNo.1〜52と比較して、200万回の打鍵試験における接触抵抗の増加および1000時間の加熱後の接触抵抗の増加が少なく、すべてのサンプルについて接触抵抗の値が30mΩ以下となり、接点材料としての性能がきわめて優れていることがわかった。なお、上記第1実施形態に係る製造方法の実施例1、2で説明した各種変形例は、上記第2実施形態に係る製造方法でも適用することができる。   Sample No. of the example shown in Table 3 As shown in Table 3, each of Nos. 201 to 252 shows little increase in contact resistance even after performing a keystroke test of 2 million times, and the contact area after the keystroke of 2 million times exposes the base region 120 and the intermediate layer 130. Was not seen. Furthermore, the increase in contact resistance was small even after 1000 hours of heating. In particular, the sample Nos. Of Examples shown in Table 3 were used. 201-252 are sample Nos. Of Examples shown in Table 1. Compared with 1-52, the increase in contact resistance in 2 million keystroke tests and the increase in contact resistance after heating for 1000 hours are small, and the contact resistance value for all samples is 30 mΩ or less, The performance was found to be very good. The various modifications described in Examples 1 and 2 of the manufacturing method according to the first embodiment can also be applied to the manufacturing method according to the second embodiment.

上述したように、この発明によれば、接点の繰り返し開閉動作においても最表層(銀被覆層)が剥離せず、かつ長期間の使用においても接触抵抗の上昇が抑えられ、さらに製品の歩留まりを飛躍的に向上させることができる、可動接点用銀被覆複合材料およびその製造方法を提供することができる。本発明の可動接点用銀被覆複合材料を用いて長寿命の可動接点を製造することができ、産業上の利用可能性が大きい。   As described above, according to the present invention, the outermost layer (silver coating layer) does not peel even in the repeated opening and closing operation of the contacts, and the increase in contact resistance can be suppressed even in long-term use, and further the product yield can be reduced. It is possible to provide a silver-coated composite material for a movable contact and a method for producing the same that can be dramatically improved. A long-life movable contact can be produced using the silver-coated composite material for a movable contact of the present invention, and the industrial applicability is great.

本発明の一実施形態の可動接点用銀被覆複合材料の断面図である。It is sectional drawing of the silver covering composite material for movable contacts of one Embodiment of this invention. 本発明の第1実施形態に係る可動接点用銀被覆複合材料の製造方法を示す流れ図である。It is a flowchart which shows the manufacturing method of the silver covering composite material for movable contacts which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. 表1に示す実施例の可動接点用銀被覆複合材料を用いて形成したスイッチの平面図である。It is a top view of the switch formed using the silver covering composite material for movable contacts of the Example shown in Table 1. (a)は図3に示したスイッチのA−A断面図でオフ状態を示す図、(b)は同スイッチのオン状態を示す断面図である。(A) is a figure which shows an OFF state in AA sectional drawing of the switch shown in FIG. 3, (b) is sectional drawing which shows the ON state of the switch. (a)〜(c)は本発明の第2実施形態に係る可動接点用銀被覆複合材料の製造方法を説明するための模式図である。(A)-(c) is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the manufacturing method of the silver covering composite material for movable contacts which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. (a),(b)は従来の銀被覆複合材料を示す断面図である。(A), (b) is sectional drawing which shows the conventional silver covering composite material. 従来の別の銀被覆複合材料を示す断面図である。It is sectional drawing which shows another conventional silver covering composite material. 従来の別の銀被覆複合材料で形成される酸化物を示す断面図である。It is sectional drawing which shows the oxide formed with another conventional silver covering composite material.

符号の説明Explanation of symbols

100 可動接点用銀被覆複合材料
110 基材
120 下地領域
121 下地欠落部
130 中間層
140 最表層
200 スイッチ
210 ドーム型可動接点
220 固定接点
230 充填材
240 樹脂ケース
900、910 銀被覆複合材料
901 ステンレス鋼基材
902、912 下地層
903、914 最表層
904、915 酸化物
913 中間層
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Silver covering composite material 110 for movable contacts Base material 120 Base region 121 Base missing part 130 Intermediate layer 140 Outermost layer 200 Switch 210 Dome-shaped movable contact 220 Fixed contact 230 Filler 240 Resin case 900, 910 Silver coating composite material 901 Stainless steel Base material 902, 912 Underlayer 903, 914 Outermost layer 904, 915 Oxide 913 Intermediate layer

Claims (10)

鉄またはニッケルを主成分とする合金からなる基材と、
前記基材の表面の少なくとも一部に形成されたニッケル、コバルト、ニッケル合金およ
びコバルト合金の何れか1つからなる下地領域と、
前記下地領域の上に形成された銅または銅合金からなる中間層と、
前記中間層の上に形成された銀または銀合金からなる最表層とを備え、
前記中間層が前記基材の表面と直接接するように、前記下地領域の複数個所に欠落部が
形成されていることを特徴とする可動接点用銀被覆複合材料。
A base material made of an alloy mainly composed of iron or nickel;
A base region made of any one of nickel, cobalt, nickel alloy and cobalt alloy formed on at least a part of the surface of the substrate;
An intermediate layer made of copper or copper alloy formed on the base region;
An outermost layer made of silver or a silver alloy formed on the intermediate layer,
A silver-coated composite material for a movable contact, wherein missing portions are formed at a plurality of locations in the base region so that the intermediate layer is in direct contact with the surface of the base material.
前記下地領域の厚さと前記中間層の厚さの合計が0.025〜0.20μmの範囲とな
っていることを特徴とする請求項1に記載の可動接点用銀被覆複合材料。
2. The silver-coated composite material for a movable contact according to claim 1, wherein the total thickness of the base region and the thickness of the intermediate layer is in a range of 0.025 to 0.20 μm.
前記基材はステンレス鋼からなっていることを特徴とする請求項1または2に記載の可
動接点用銀被覆複合材料。
The silver-coated composite material for a movable contact according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the substrate is made of stainless steel.
鉄またはニッケルを主成分とする合金からなる金属条の基材を電解脱脂し、塩酸で酸洗
して活性化する第1工程と、
次いで、前記基材上に、塩化ニッケルと遊離塩酸とを含む電解液で電解してニッケルめ
っきを施すか、塩化ニッケルと遊離塩酸とを含む電解液に塩化コバルトを添加してニッケ
ル合金めっきを施すかのいずれかのめっき処理を施して、複数個所に欠落部を有する下地
領域を形成する第2工程と、
次いで、前記下地領域上に、硫酸銅と遊離硫酸とを含む電解液で電解して銅めっきを施
すか、シアン化銅、シアン化カリウムを基本とし、シアン化亜鉛またはスズ酸カリウムを
加えて電解して銅合金めっきを施すかのいずれかのめっき処理を施して中間層を形成する
第3工程と、
次いで、前記中間層上に、シアン化銀とシアン化カリウムとを含む電解液で電解して銀
めっきを施すか、シアン化銀とシアン化カリウムとを含む電解液に酒石酸アンチモニルカ
リウムを添加して銀合金めっきを施すかのいずれかのめっき処理を施して最表層を形成す
る第4工程を含む工程により、銀被覆複合材料を製造することを特徴とする可動接点用銀
被覆複合材料の製造方法。
A first step of electrolytically degreasing a base material of a metal strip made of an alloy containing iron or nickel as a main component, pickling with hydrochloric acid and activating, and
Next, the substrate is subjected to nickel plating by electrolysis with an electrolytic solution containing nickel chloride and free hydrochloric acid, or nickel alloy plating is performed by adding cobalt chloride to an electrolytic solution containing nickel chloride and free hydrochloric acid. A second step of performing any one of the plating processes to form a base region having a missing portion at a plurality of locations;
Next, the base region is electroplated with an electrolytic solution containing copper sulfate and free sulfuric acid, or plated with copper, or based on copper cyanide and potassium cyanide, and added with zinc cyanide or potassium stannate for electrolysis. A third step of forming an intermediate layer by performing any one of the copper alloy plating processes;
Next, the intermediate layer is subjected to silver plating by electrolysis with an electrolytic solution containing silver cyanide and potassium cyanide, or antimonyl potassium tartrate is added to the electrolytic solution containing silver cyanide and potassium cyanide to form a silver alloy plating. A method for producing a silver-coated composite material for a movable contact, which comprises producing a silver-coated composite material by a step including a fourth step of forming an outermost layer by performing any one of the plating processes.
前記銅めっきまたは前記銅合金めっきのいずれかのめっき処理を施した後、前記銀めっ
きまたは前記銀合金めっきのいずれかのめっき処理を施す前に、シアン化銀とシアン化カ
リウムとを含む電解液で電解して銀ストライクめっきを施して、銀被覆複合材料を製造す
ることを特徴とする請求項4に記載の可動接点用銀被覆複合材料の製造方法。
After performing the plating treatment of either the copper plating or the copper alloy plating, before performing the plating treatment of the silver plating or the silver alloy plating, electrolysis is performed with an electrolytic solution containing silver cyanide and potassium cyanide. 5. The method for producing a silver-coated composite material for a movable contact according to claim 4, wherein silver strike plating is performed to produce a silver-coated composite material.
鉄またはニッケルを主成分とする合金からなる基材と、該基材の表面の少なくとも一部
に形成され、ニッケル、コバルト、ニッケル合金およびコバルト合金の何れか1つからな
り、複数個所に欠落部を有する下地領域と、該下地領域の上に形成された銅または銅合金
からなる中間層と、前記中間層の上に形成された銀または銀合金からなる最表層とを備え
た可動接点用銀被覆複合材料製造する方法であって、
前記基材を電解脱脂し、その後ニッケルイオンとコバルトイオンの少なくとも一方を含
有する酸性溶液で酸洗して活性化する活性化処理により、前記下地領域を形成することを
特徴とする可動接点用銀被覆複合材料の製造方法。
A base material made of iron or an alloy containing nickel as a main component, and formed on at least a part of the surface of the base material, made of any one of nickel, cobalt, nickel alloy, and cobalt alloy. A movable contact silver comprising: a base region having a base layer; an intermediate layer made of copper or a copper alloy formed on the base region; and an outermost layer made of silver or a silver alloy formed on the intermediate layer a method of manufacturing a coating composition,
The base region is formed by an activation treatment in which the base material is electrolytically degreased and then pickled and activated with an acidic solution containing at least one of nickel ions and cobalt ions. A method for producing a coated composite material.
鉄またはニッケルを主成分とする合金からなる基材を電解脱脂し、その後ニッケルイオ
ンとコバルトイオンの少なくとも一方を含有する酸性溶液で酸洗して活性化する活性化処
理により、ニッケル、コバルト、ニッケル合金およびコバルト合金の何れか1つからなり
、複数個所に欠落部を有する下地領域を前記基材上に形成する第1工程と、
次いで、前記下地領域上に、硫酸銅と遊離硫酸とを含む電解液で電解して銅めっきを施
すか、シアン化銅、シアン化カリウムを基本とし、シアン化亜鉛またはスズ酸カリウムを
加えて電解して銅合金めっきを施すかのいずれかのめっき処理を施して中間層を形成する
第2工程と、
次いで、前記中間層上に、シアン化銀とシアン化カリウムとを含む電解液で電解して銀
めっきを施すか、シアン化銀とシアン化カリウムとを含む電解液に酒石酸アンチモニルカ
リウムを添加して銀合金めっきを施すかのいずれかのめっき処理を施して最表層を形成す
る第3工程と、を備えることを特徴とする可動接点用銀被覆複合材料の製造方法。
Electrolytic degreasing of a base material made of an alloy containing iron or nickel as a main component, and then pickling and activating with an acidic solution containing at least one of nickel ions and cobalt ions to activate nickel, cobalt, nickel A first step consisting of any one of an alloy and a cobalt alloy, and forming a base region having a missing portion at a plurality of locations on the substrate;
Next, the base region is electroplated with an electrolytic solution containing copper sulfate and free sulfuric acid, or plated with copper, or based on copper cyanide and potassium cyanide, and added with zinc cyanide or potassium stannate for electrolysis. A second step of forming an intermediate layer by performing any one of the copper alloy plating processes;
Next, the intermediate layer is subjected to silver plating by electrolysis with an electrolytic solution containing silver cyanide and potassium cyanide, or antimonyl potassium tartrate is added to the electrolytic solution containing silver cyanide and potassium cyanide to form a silver alloy plating. And a third step of forming an outermost layer by performing any one of the plating processes described above. A method for producing a silver-coated composite material for a movable contact.
前記活性化処理時の陰極電流密度を2.0〜3.5(A/dm)の範囲内とすること
を特徴とする請求項またはに記載の可動接点用銀被覆複合材料の製造方法。
Preparation of the silver-coated composite material for movable contact according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that in the range of 2.0 to 3.5 the cathode current density during the activation process (A / dm 2) Method.
前記基材は金属条であることを特徴とする請求項6乃至8のいずれか1項に記載の可動
接点用銀被覆複合材料の製造方法。
The method for manufacturing a silver-coated composite material for a movable contact according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the substrate is a metal strip.
前記基材はステンレス鋼からなることを特徴とする請求項9に記載の可動接点用銀被覆
合材料の製造方法。
The said base material consists of stainless steel, The manufacturing method of the silver covering compound material for movable contacts of Claim 9 characterized by the above-mentioned.
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JP2008240327A JP4558823B2 (en) 2007-09-26 2008-09-19 Silver-coated composite material for movable contact and method for producing the same
KR1020107008883A KR101501309B1 (en) 2007-09-26 2008-09-25 Silver-coated composite material for movable contact and method for manufacturing the same
CN200880108602A CN101809695A (en) 2007-09-26 2008-09-25 Silver-clad composite material for movable contacts and process for production thereof
EP08833392A EP2200056A1 (en) 2007-09-26 2008-09-25 Silver-clad composite material for movable contacts and process for production thereof
US12/680,350 US20100233506A1 (en) 2007-09-26 2008-09-25 Silver-coated composite material for movable contact and method for manufacturing the same
PCT/JP2008/067275 WO2009041481A1 (en) 2007-09-26 2008-09-25 Silver-clad composite material for movable contacts and process for production thereof
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CN104103432B (en) * 2014-07-21 2015-11-18 南通万德科技有限公司 Switch contact containing molybdenum alloy coating and preparation method thereof

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JP2005174788A (en) * 2003-12-12 2005-06-30 Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd Push-on switch
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