Flat conductor electrical connectors and flat conductors

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a flat conductor electrical connector and a flat conductor connected to the flat conductor electrical connector, which can suppress excessive heat generation of the circuit board even when multiple power terminals are provided, and avoid the need for large connector size in the terminal arrangement direction. [Solution] The aforementioned multiple terminals (20, 30) each have multiple first terminals (20) and multiple second terminals (30). The multiple first terminals (20) have two terminal groups. The first terminals (20B) of each terminal group are power terminals arranged continuously at a predetermined interval. The second terminal (30) is arranged outside the terminal group in the terminal arrangement direction. It is arranged between a specific first terminal (20B) that is the innermost in the terminal arrangement direction and a first terminal (20A) that does not belong to any of the aforementioned terminal groups and is adjacent to the aforementioned specific first terminal (20B), forming a gap larger than the aforementioned predetermined interval.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electric connector for a flat conductor to which a flat conductor is pluggably connected, and a flat conductor connected to the electric connector for a flat conductor. Prior Art

[0002] This type of electrical connector for flat conductors generally has a plurality of terminals arranged in the terminal arrangement direction along the width of the flat conductor. In this type of electrical connector for flat conductors, there is a high demand for miniaturization in the terminal arrangement direction. To meet this demand, two types of terminals with different shapes are arranged alternately. These two types of terminals have connection portions for soldering to pads on a circuit board at different positions in the insertion and removal direction of the flat conductor. Therefore, even if the spacing between the two types of terminals is reduced to miniaturize the connector in the terminal arrangement direction, sufficient spacing can be formed between the connection portions of adjacent terminals of the same type. As a result, even if the connector is not enlarged in the terminal arrangement direction, each pad adjacent to the circuit board can be formed to a sufficient size.

[0003] When power terminals are provided alongside signal terminals in flat-type electrical connectors, multiple adjacent terminals are often used as power terminals to carry relatively high currents. For example, in Patent Document 1, a flat-type electrical connector for conductors is provided with a housing that holds two types of signal terminals (a first signal contact and a second signal contact) arranged at equal intervals in a zigzag pattern. Two power terminals (a fixed power contact and a simple power contact) are also located on either side of the signal terminal arrangement.

[0004] In Patent Document 1, the thickness of two adjacent power terminals (the dimension in the terminal arrangement direction) is greater than that of the two signal terminals. These power terminals have a connection portion for soldering to the circuit board on the front side of the housing (forward in the direction of insertion of the flat conductor). The connection portions of the two power terminals share the same solder pad on the circuit board, enabling solder connection. [Prior Art Literature] [Patent Document]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-143000 Summary of the Invention

[0006] [Problems to be solved by the invention]

[0007] In Patent Document 1, the thickness of the two power terminals is greater than that of the signal terminals, so the power terminal arrangement pitch is also greater than the signal terminal arrangement pitch, resulting in a larger connector in the terminal arrangement direction. As a solution to avoid the connector's increased size, for example, a method is being considered to use a plurality of terminals comprising a portion of the two types of terminals arranged in a zigzag pattern at equal intervals as power terminals. In this case, the connection portions of adjacent power terminals are at different positions in the insertion and removal direction (front-to-back direction) of the flat conductor, so the solder pads on the circuit board are also at different positions in the front-to-back direction. These solder pads must be connected by a conductive pattern, but the space for connector placement on the circuit board is limited, so the conductive pattern must be very thin. If a large power current flows through a thin conductive pattern, there is a risk of excessive heat generation.

[0008] On the other hand, if two adjacent terminals of the same type are power terminals, the connecting portions of the power terminals will be located on the same side of the housing, eliminating the need for forming the conductive pattern described above; these connecting portions can be soldered to the same pad. However, the placement of different types of terminals between these adjacent terminals of the same type increases the connector's width. This problem becomes more pronounced as the number of power terminals increases.

[0009] The present invention, in view of this situation, aims to provide an electrical connector for flat conductors and a flat conductor connected to the electrical connector for flat conductors, which can suppress excessive heating of the circuit board even if a plurality of power terminals are provided, and can avoid the connector from being enlarged in the terminal arrangement direction. [Technical means to solve the problem]

[0010] (1) The electrical connector for flat conductors of the present invention is mounted on a circuit board and is provided for pluggable connection of a strip-shaped flat conductor in the front-to-back direction. The connector comprises: a housing that receives the flat conductor from the rear; and a plurality of terminals that are arranged with the width direction of the flat conductor as the terminal arrangement direction and are held in the housing.

[0011] In the electrical connector for flat conductors, it is characterized in that, in the present invention, the plurality of terminals respectively include a plurality of first terminals and second terminals having different shapes from each other, the first terminal including a first contact portion capable of contacting the flat conductor and a first connection portion soldered to the circuit substrate on one side of the housing in the front-to-back direction, and the second terminal including a second contact portion capable of contacting the flat conductor and a second connection portion soldered to the circuit substrate on the other side of the housing in the front-to-back direction, the plurality of first terminals including two terminal groups, the first terminals belonging to each terminal group being power terminals arranged at a predetermined pitch, and the second terminals being arranged outside the range of the terminal groups in the terminal arrangement direction, with a spacing greater than the predetermined pitch formed between a specific first terminal arranged innermost in the terminal arrangement direction among the first terminals belonging to any terminal group and another first terminal not belonging to any terminal group and adjacent to the specific first terminal.

[0012] In the flat-type electrical connector of the present invention, the plurality of first terminals arranged at a predetermined pitch in each terminal group serve as power terminals. Furthermore, the second terminals are arranged outside the arrangement of the terminal groups. In other words, no second terminals are arranged within the arrangement of the first terminals belonging to each terminal group. This allows the connecting portions of the first terminals belonging to each terminal group to be brought closer together in the terminal arrangement direction, allowing these connecting portions to be soldered to the same pads on the circuit board. As a result, the connector can be prevented from becoming larger in the terminal arrangement direction and, by eliminating the need for conductive patterns on the circuit board to connect individual pads, excessive heating of the circuit board can be suppressed.

[0013] (2) In the invention of (1), at least a portion of the plurality of second terminals may be arranged as signal terminals between the two terminal groups in the terminal arrangement direction.

[0014] (3) In the invention of (2), a plurality of the second terminals are provided between the two terminal groups, and the first terminal that does not belong to the terminal group may be arranged as a signal terminal between adjacent second terminals.

[0015] (4) In the inventions of (1) to (3), there is further provided a reinforcing metal member arranged outside the terminal arrangement range of the aforementioned plurality of terminals, the aforementioned reinforcing metal member having: a contact portion capable of contacting the aforementioned flat conductor, a fixing portion soldered to the aforementioned circuit substrate at a position on one side of the aforementioned housing in the front-to-back direction, and the aforementioned fixing portion being adjacent to the aforementioned first connection portion of the aforementioned first terminal located at the outermost side in the terminal arrangement direction among the aforementioned first terminals belonging to the aforementioned terminal group.

[0016] As described above, by providing a contact portion on the reinforcing metal member, the contact portion can contact the power circuit portion of the flat conductor. Furthermore, by providing the fixing portion of the reinforcing metal member adjacent to the first terminal of the terminal group, the fixing portion and the first connecting portion of the first terminal of the terminal group can be soldered to a common pad. This allows the reinforcing metal member to function as a power terminal, thereby enabling the flow of a greater power current without increasing the number of first terminals serving as power terminals.

[0017] (5) In the inventions of (1) to (4), a locking metal member is provided outside the terminal arrangement range of the plurality of terminals so as to be retained in the housing. The locking metal member is of the same shape as the second terminal and is located at the same position as the second terminal when viewed from the terminal arrangement direction. The portion corresponding to the second contact portion of the second terminal may serve as a locking portion capable of locking the locked portion of the flat conductor from behind.

[0018] As described above, the locking metal part is formed into the same shape as the second terminal, whereby the manufactured second terminal can be directly used as the locking metal part, and there is no need to separately prepare a locking metal part with a shape different from that of the second terminal, which makes the manufacture of the connector simpler and can reduce the manufacturing cost.

[0019] (6) The flat conductor of the present invention is a flat conductor that can be connected to the flat conductor electrical connector of (3), and is characterized in that it has: a cutout portion formed at both ends of the flat conductor in the width direction, which can receive a locking portion provided in the flat conductor electrical connector; a locked portion formed in front of the cutout portion and can be locked to the locking portion in the front-to-back direction; and a plurality of pads provided on the front end side of the flat conductor and can contact the terminal, the plurality of pads having: a power supply pad that can contact a first terminal as a power supply terminal; a first signal pad that can contact a second terminal as a signal terminal. a terminal; and a second signal pad, which can contact the second terminal serving as a signal terminal, the front end of the second signal pad being located further rearward than the front ends of the power pad and the first signal pad, the power pad being formed at both ends in the width direction of the flat conductor to be larger than the first signal pad and the second signal pad in the width direction, and a portion of the front end side portion located further forward than the second signal pad being formed to overlap with the second signal pad adjacent to the power pad in the width direction, and the cutout being formed further rearward than the front end of the second signal pad.

[0020] In the flat conductor of the present invention, a portion of the front end of the power pad is formed to overlap with the second signal pad in the width direction. Therefore, even when adjacent power terminals and second terminals are arranged very close together in the width direction (terminal arrangement direction) in a flat conductor electrical connector to meet the demand for narrower terminal pitches, both the power pad and the second signal pad of the flat conductor can be kept sufficiently large in the width direction. Furthermore, in the flat conductor of the present invention, the notch is formed further rearward than the front end of the second signal pad. This eliminates the notch in the front end of the power pad, ensuring a sufficient width in this front end. [Effects of the Invention]

[0021] The present invention can provide an electrical connector for a flat conductor and a flat conductor connected to the electrical connector for a flat conductor, which can suppress excessive heating of a circuit substrate even if a plurality of power terminals are provided, and can avoid enlarging the connector in the terminal arrangement direction. Simple diagram description

[0022] FIG1 is a perspective view showing an electric connector for flat conductors and a flat conductor according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing a state before the flat conductor is inserted. [Figure 2] is a perspective view of the flat conductor electrical connector and the flat conductor shown in Figure 1, showing the flat conductor after connection. FIG3 is a perspective view showing the flat conductor electrical connector of FIG1 with its components separated. [Figure 4] Cross-sectional view of an electrical connector for flat conductors. (A) shows the cross section before the flat conductor is inserted, and (B) shows the cross section after the flat conductor is connected. Figure 5: Longitudinal cross-sectional view of an electrical connector for flat conductors before insertion of a flat conductor. (A) Cross-sectional view showing the location of the first terminal, (B) Cross-sectional view showing the location of the second signal terminal, (C) Cross-sectional view showing the location of the locking metal fitting, and (D) Cross-sectional view showing the location of the reinforcing metal fitting. Figure 6: Three-dimensional views showing (A) the first terminal, (B) the second signal terminal, and (C) the reinforcing metal member, respectively, as single units. Figure 7: Longitudinal cross-sectional view of the electrical connector for flat conductors after insertion of the flat conductors. (A) Cross-sectional view showing the location of the first terminal, (B) Cross-sectional view showing the location of the second signal terminal, (C) Cross-sectional view showing the location of the locking metal fitting, and (D) Cross-sectional view showing the location of the reinforcing metal fitting. [Figure 8] Longitudinal cross-sectional view of the electrical connector for flat conductors after flat conductor connection. (A) Cross-sectional view showing the location of the first terminal, (B) Cross-sectional view showing the location of the second signal terminal, (C) Cross-sectional view showing the location of the locking metal fitting, and (D) Cross-sectional view showing the location of the reinforcing metal fitting. Implementation Method

[0023] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0024] Figures 1 and 2 are perspective views of an electrical connector for flat conductors (hereinafter referred to as "connector 1") and a flat conductor C according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 shows the flat conductor C before insertion, and Figure 2 shows the flat conductor C after connection. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the connector 1 with its components separated.

[0025] Connector 1 is mounted on the mounting surface of a circuit board (not shown), with the front-to-back direction (X-axis direction) parallel to the mounting surface serving as the insertion and removal direction, allowing a flat conductor C (e.g., an FPC) as the target connector to be plugged and removed. Connector 1 is connected to flat conductor C, thereby establishing electrical continuity between the circuit board and flat conductor C. In this embodiment, in the X-axis direction (front-to-back direction), the X1 direction is considered the front, and the X2 direction is considered the rear. Furthermore, within a plane parallel to the mounting surface of the circuit board (within the XY plane), the Y-axis direction, which is perpendicular to the front-to-back direction (X-axis direction), serves as the connector width direction, and the Z-axis direction, which is perpendicular to the mounting surface of the circuit board, serves as the vertical direction (Z1 direction being upward, Z2 direction being downward).

[0026] The flat conductor C extends in the front-to-back direction (X-axis direction) and forms a flexible strip with its width extending along the width of the connector (Y-axis direction). This strip is formed by arranging multiple circuit sections extending in the front-to-back direction along the width of the connector. These circuit sections, except for the front end portion, are embedded within the insulating layer of the flat conductor C. Only the front end portion is exposed on the top surface of the flat conductor C, forming pads. In this embodiment, these pads include a first signal pad C1 that contacts the first signal terminal 20A (described later); a second signal pad C2 that contacts the second signal terminal 30 (described later); and a power pad C3 that contacts the power terminal 20B and the reinforcing metal member 50 (described later).

[0027] As shown in Figure 1, the first signal pad C1 is located at the center of the flat conductor C in the width direction (Y-axis direction). A second signal pad C2 is provided on either side of the first signal pad C1 in the width direction of the flat conductor C, located between the first signal pad C1 and the power pad C3. The second signal pad C2 has the same width dimension (Y-axis dimension) as the first signal pad C1. The power pad C3 is provided at each end of the flat conductor C in the width direction. The power pad C3 extends along the width direction of the flat conductor C and has a larger width than the first and second signal pads C1 and C2. The number and position of the signal pads C1 and C2 between the power pads C3 at both ends are not limited to those described above and can be appropriately determined based on the number and position of the signal terminals 20A and 30 provided in the connector 1.

[0028] Although not shown in Figure 1 , as shown in Figures 4(A) and (B), plating paths C1A and C2A are formed to extend linearly forward from the respective tips of the signal pads C1 and C2 to the tip of the flat conductor C. As shown in Figure 4(A), plating path C1A extending from the tip of the first signal pad C1 is thinner than the first signal pad C1 in the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the flat conductor C and is formed in the center of this width direction. As shown in Figures 4(A) and (B), plating path C2A extending from the tip of the second signal pad C2 is thinner than the second signal pad C2 in the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the flat conductor C and is formed closer to the inner end of this width direction. The tips of the power pads C3 each reach near the tip of the flat conductor C. The tip of the second signal pad C2 is located further back than the tips of the first signal pad C1 and the power pad C3. The power pad C3 is formed so as to have a portion of its front end portion located forward of the second signal pad C2 and projecting inward in the width direction of the flat conductor C, overlapping with the second signal pad C2 in the width direction (see also FIG. 4(A) ).

[0029] The flat conductor C has cutouts C4 formed at both ends in the width direction at the front end. These cutouts receive the locking portions 42B-1 of the locking fitting 40 provided on the rear side of the connector 1. The cutouts C4 are formed within the front-to-back range of the power pad C3 and further rearward than the front ends of the second signal pads C2. The flat conductor C has ears C5 in front of the cutouts C4. The rear ends of the ears C5 serve as latching portions C5A that latch onto the locking portions 42B-1 from the front.

[0030] As described above, in the flat conductor C of this embodiment, a portion of the front end of the power pad C3 is formed to overlap with the second signal pad C2 in the width direction. Therefore, even if the adjacent power terminals 20B and second signal terminals 30 are arranged very close together in the width direction (terminal arrangement direction) in the connector 1 to meet the demand for narrower terminal pitches, both the power pad C3 and the second signal pad C2 of the flat conductor C can be kept sufficiently large in the width direction. Furthermore, the notch C4 of the flat conductor C is formed further rearward than the front end of the second signal pad C2. In other words, the notch C4 is absent from the front end of the power pad C3, ensuring that this front end portion has a sufficient size in the width direction.

[0031] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the connector 1 comprises: a housing 10 that receives a flat conductor C from the rear; a plurality of terminals 20, 30 (hereinafter referred to as first terminals 20 and second signal terminals 30) arranged with the connector widthwise (Y-axis direction) as the terminal arrangement direction and held in the housing 10; a locking metal member 40 that is arranged outside the terminal arrangement range of the plurality of terminals 20, 30 and held in the housing 10; a reinforcing metal member 50 that is arranged outside the locking metal member 40 in the connector widthwise direction and held in the housing 10; and a movable member 60 that is movable with rotation between an open position that allows insertion of the flat conductor C into the housing 10 and a closed position that increases the contact pressure of the terminals 20, 30 and the reinforcing metal member 50 on the flat conductor C.

[0032] The plurality of terminals 20 and 30 include a plurality of first terminals 20 of different shapes and a plurality of second signal terminals 30 serving as second terminals. The first terminals 20 are soldered to the circuit board on the front side (X1 side) of the housing 10, while the second signal terminals 30 are soldered to the circuit board on the rear side (X2 side) of the housing 10. Figures 4(A) and (B) are cross-sectional views of the connector 1, taken along a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction. Figure 4(A) shows the cross-sectional view before the flat conductor C is inserted, while Figure 4(B) shows the cross-sectional view after the flat conductor C is connected. As shown in Figures 4(A) and (B), in this embodiment, the housing 10 is provided with nine first terminals 20 and two second signal terminals 30.

[0033] The nine first terminals 20 include: a first signal terminal 20A, with only one located in the center of the housing 10 in the connector width direction; and four power terminals 20B, each located on either side (Y1 and Y2) of the first signal terminal 20A in the connector width direction. The four power terminals 20B, arranged consecutively at a predetermined pitch P1, form a terminal group (hereinafter referred to as a "power terminal group"). In other words, the nine first terminals 20 include one first signal terminal 20A and two power terminal groups. A gap P2, which is larger than the predetermined pitch P1, is formed between the first signal terminal 20A and the specific power terminal 20B located innermost in the connector width direction (hereinafter referred to as the "inner power terminal 20B") of the four power terminals 20B in each power terminal group.

[0034] As shown in Figures 4(A) and 4(B), the second signal terminals 30 are located one at each position, one between the first signal terminal 20A and the power terminal group on the Y1 side, and one between the first signal terminal 20A and the power terminal group on the Y2 side, in the width direction of the connector. As shown in Figure 4(A), the second signal terminals 30 are arranged adjacent to the power terminal group, with a predetermined pitch P3 continuously spaced relative to the inner power terminals 20B of the power terminal group. In this embodiment, this pitch P3 is equal to the pitch P1 between the power terminals 20B. Furthermore, the spacing P4 between the second signal terminal 30 and the first signal terminal 20A is larger than the spacing P3. The relationship between the spacings P1, P3, and P4 is not limited to the above-described relationship and can be appropriately set to meet design requirements.

[0035] As shown in FIG4(A), the locking metal members 40 are continuously arranged at a predetermined pitch P5 equal to pitch P1, with respect to the outermost power terminals 20B in the connector width direction (hereinafter referred to as "outer power terminals 20B") of the power terminal group. Furthermore, as shown in FIG4(A), the reinforcing metal members 50 are continuously arranged at a predetermined pitch P6 equal to pitch P1, with respect to the locking metal members 40 in the connector width direction. The relationship between pitches P1, P5, and P6 is not limited to the relationship described above and can be appropriately set according to design requirements.

[0036] The housing 10 is made of an electrically insulating material such as resin. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, it has a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape, with its length extending in the connector width direction. A rearwardly open space is formed in the housing 10, forming a receiving portion 11 for receiving the flat conductor C. The housing 10 comprises a lower wall 12 and an upper wall 13 extending parallel to the mounting surface of the circuit board (not shown); two side walls 14 extending vertically and connecting the lower and upper walls 12 and 13 at their ends in the connector width direction; and a front wall 15 (see Figures 4(A) to (D)) connecting the lower and upper walls 12 and 13 at a position closer to the front end of the housing 10. A movable member receiving space 16 is formed between the two side walls 14, further forward of the front wall 15 and in the connector width direction, to accommodate and allow movement of the movable member 60.

[0037] Figures 5(A) through 5(D) are longitudinal cross-sectional views of connector 1 before the flat conductor C is inserted. Figure 5(A) shows the cross-sectional view at the location of first terminal 20, Figure 5(B) shows the cross-sectional view at the location of second signal terminal 30, Figure 5(C) shows the cross-sectional view at the location of locking metal member 40, and Figure 5(D) shows the cross-sectional view at the location of reinforcing metal member 50. While Figure 5(A) shows the cross-sectional view at the location of power terminal 20B, the cross-sectional view at the location of first signal terminal 20A is also the same as that shown in Figure 5(A).

[0038] Lower wall 12 is positioned below upper wall 13 and faces the mounting surface of the circuit board. Within the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the connector, lower wall 12 has a rear end slightly forward of the rear ends of upper wall 13 and side wall 14 (see FIG1 ), and a front end extending forward of upper wall 13 to be positioned within movable member accommodating space 16 (see FIG5 (A)-(D)).

[0039] 5(A) to (D), the housing 10 includes a first receiving portion 17 for receiving and retaining the first terminal 20, a second receiving portion 18 for receiving and retaining the second signal terminal 30 or the locking metal member 40, and a third receiving portion 19 for receiving and retaining the reinforcing metal member 50. The receiving portion 19 is formed into a groove extending in the front-to-rear direction.

[0040] As shown in FIG5(A), the first receiving portion 17 comprises: a first lower groove portion 17A extending in the front-to-rear direction along the upper surface of the lower wall 12; a first upper groove portion 17B extending in the front-to-rear direction along the lower surface of the upper wall 13; and a first intermediate groove portion 17C extending in the upper-lower direction to connect the first lower groove portion 17A and the first upper groove portion 17B.

[0041] The first lower groove 17A is an upward-opening groove extending across the entirety of the lower wall 12 in the front-to-back direction. The first upper groove 17B is a downward-opening groove extending across the entirety of the upper wall 13 in the front-to-back direction. Furthermore, the first upper groove 17B vertically penetrates the upper wall 13 in the front-to-back direction within the area corresponding to the front wall 15 and is upward-opening. The first intermediate groove 17C is formed by penetrating the front wall 15 in the front-to-back direction. Furthermore, the first retaining portion 17D is formed into an island shape when viewed from the width of the connector. At the rear of the first intermediate groove 17C, the first retaining portion 17D connects the inner wall surfaces (surfaces perpendicular to the connector width) that face each other in the connector width direction and form the first intermediate groove 17C.

[0042] As shown in Figures 5(B) and 5(C), the second receiving portion 18 has: a second lower groove portion 18A, which extends in the front-to-back direction along the upper surface of the lower wall 12; a second upper groove portion 18B, which extends in the front-to-back direction along the lower surface of the upper wall 13; and a second intermediate groove portion 18C, which extends in the upper-lower direction and connects the second lower groove portion 18A and the second upper groove portion 18B.

[0043] The second lower groove 18A is an upward-opening groove extending across the entirety of the lower wall 12 in the front-to-back direction. The second upper groove 18B is a downward-opening groove extending across the entirety of the upper wall 13 in the front-to-back direction. Furthermore, the second upper groove 18B vertically penetrates the upper wall 13 in the front-to-back direction within the area corresponding to the front portion of the front wall 15 and opens upward. The second intermediate groove 18C is formed by penetrating the front wall 15 in the front-to-back direction. Furthermore, the second retaining portion 18D is formed into an island shape when viewed from the width of the connector. Within the second intermediate groove 18C, the second retaining portion 18D connects the inner wall surfaces (surfaces perpendicular to the connector width) that face each other in the connector width direction and form the second intermediate groove 18C. The second retaining portion 18D is positioned forward of the first retaining portion 17D.

[0044] As shown in Figure 5(D), the third receiving portion 19 comprises a front hole 19A extending through the upper portion of the front wall 15 in the front-to-back direction, and a third upper groove 19B extending in the front-to-back direction along the upper wall 13. The front hole 19A is formed in the upper portion of the front wall 15 and communicates with the third upper groove 19B. The third upper groove 19B extends across the entire receiving portion 11 in the front-to-back direction and opens downward. Furthermore, the third upper groove 19B extends vertically through the upper wall 13 at a central position in the front-to-back direction, forming an upper opening 13A in the upper wall 13.

[0045] As shown in FIG5(D), a recessed portion 16A, open upward and forward, is formed in front of the front wall 15 at a position corresponding to the third receiving portion 19 in the connector width direction, i.e., at a position corresponding to the reinforcing metal member 50. Recessed portion 16A is a portion of the movable member receiving space 16 and accommodates the third shaft portion 66 of the movable member 60, described later.

[0046] Figure 6(A) is a perspective view showing the first terminal 20 alone, Figure 6(B) is a perspective view showing the second signal terminal 30 alone, and Figure 6(C) is a perspective view showing the reinforcing metal member 50 alone. As shown in Figure 6(A), the first terminal 20 (first signal terminal 20A and power terminal 20B) is manufactured by stamping a metal plate member in the thickness direction. The first terminal 20 comprises a first lower arm portion 21 extending in the front-to-back direction; a first upper arm portion 22 extending above the first lower arm portion 21 in the front-to-back direction; and a first connecting portion 23 connecting the middle portions of the first lower arm portion 21 and the first upper arm portion 22 in the vertical direction. The first upper arm portion 22 receives the pressing force from the first shaft portion 64 of the movable member 60, described later, and thereby elastically displaces in a lever-like manner with the first connecting portion 23 serving as a fulcrum (see Figure 8(A)).

[0047] As shown in FIG5(A), the first lower arm 21 extends forward and backward along the lower wall 12 of the housing 10. Except for its front end, it is housed within the first lower groove 17A. The first lower arm 21 comprises a first supporting arm 21A and a first connecting portion 21B located forward of the first connecting portion 23, and a first pressing arm 21C located rearward of the first connecting portion 23. The first supporting arm 21A extends along the bottom surface (lower inner wall) of the first lower groove 17A and has a first supporting portion 21A-1 (see also FIG8(A)) at its front end, which supports the first shaft portion 64, described later, of the movable member 60 from below when in the closed position. The first connecting portion 21B extends forward from the front end of the first supporting arm 21A and is located outside the housing 10. The lower edge of the first connecting portion 21B is located at approximately the same height as the lower surface of the lower wall 12, and is in surface contact with the power circuit portion (solder pad) on the mounting surface of the circuit board (not shown), enabling a solder connection. Furthermore, on the first signal terminal 20A, the first connecting portion 21B is in surface contact with the first signal circuit portion (solder pad) on the mounting surface of the circuit board, enabling a solder connection.

[0048] The first pressing arm 21C extends along the bottom surface of the first lower groove 17A and has a first pressing portion 21C-1 protruding upward at its rear end. The first pressing portion 21C-1 protrudes from the first lower groove 17A and is located within the receiving portion 11, pressing the flat conductor C from below (see also Figure 8(A)). A first retained portion 21C-2 protrudes upward at a position closer to the front end of the first pressing arm 21C (closer to the first connecting portion 23). The first terminal 20 is pressed into the first receiving portion 17 from the front, and the first retained portion 21C-2 is squeezed into the first retaining portion 17D from below, thereby being retained in the housing 10.

[0049] The first upper arm 22 includes a first pressure-receiving arm 22A located forward of the first connecting portion 23 and a first contact arm 22B located rearward of the first connecting portion 23. The front portion of the first pressure-receiving arm 22A extends forward from the first upper groove 17B of the housing 10 and is located within the movable member accommodating space 16. This front portion forms a first pressure-receiving portion 22A-1, which receives a pressing force from below by the first shaft portion 64 of the movable member 60, described later. As shown in Figures 5(A) and 6(A), the first pressure-receiving portion 22A-1 has a recessed portion formed by concaving its lower edge. A portion of the first shaft portion 64 of the movable member 60 is accommodated within this recess. Furthermore, the front and rear portions of the lower edge of the first pressure-receiving portion 22A-1 (forming a portion of the lower edge of the recess) can be engaged with the first shaft portion 64 in the front-to-back direction, thereby helping to restrict the front-to-back movement of the movable member 60.

[0050] As shown in Figure 5(A), the first contact arm 22B extends along the bottom surface (upper inner wall) of the first upper groove 17B. A downward-protruding first contact portion 22B-1 is formed at the rear end. The first contact portion 22B-1 protrudes from the first upper groove 17B and is located within the receiving portion 11, allowing pressure-applying contact from above with the power pad C3 of the flat conductor C (see Figures 1 and 8(A)). Furthermore, in the first signal terminal 20A, the first contact portion 22B-1 is capable of contacting the first signal pad C1 of the flat conductor C (see Figure 1). When in contact with the flat conductor C, the first contact portion 22B-1, together with the first pressing portion 21C-1, holds the flat conductor C. In other words, the first contact portion 22B-1 also functions as a pressing portion, pressing the flat conductor C from above to increase the contact pressure. The first connecting portion 23 is received in the first intermediate groove portion 17C of the housing 10 at a position forward of the first retaining portion 17D of the housing 10 .

[0051] As shown in Figure 6(B), the second signal terminal 30 is manufactured by stamping a metal plate in the thickness direction. The second signal terminal 30 comprises a second lower arm portion 31 extending in the front-to-back direction; a second upper arm portion 32 extending in the front-to-back direction above the second lower arm portion 31; and a second connecting portion 33 extending in the top-to-bottom direction and connecting the middle portions of the second lower arm portion 31 and the second upper arm portion 32. The second upper arm portion 32 receives the pressing force from the second shaft portion 65 of the movable member 60, described later, and thereby elastically displaces in a lever-like manner with the second connecting portion 33 serving as a fulcrum (see Figure 8(B)).

[0052] As shown in Figure 5(B), the second lower arm 31 extends in the front-to-back direction along the lower wall 12 of the housing 10. Except for its front and rear ends, it is housed within the second lower groove 18A. The second lower arm 31 comprises a second supporting arm 31A located forward of the second connecting portion 33, a second connecting portion 31B located rearward of the second connecting portion 33, and a second pressing arm 31C. The second supporting arm 31A extends along the bottom surface (lower inner wall) of the second lower groove 18A and has a second supporting portion 31A-1 at its front end, which supports the second shaft portion 65 (described later) of the movable member 60 from below when in the closed position. A second retained portion 31A-2, projecting upward, is formed near the rear end of the second supporting arm 31A (near the second connecting portion 33). The second signal terminal 30 is pressed into the second receiving portion 18 from the rear, and the second held portion 31A-2 is squeezed into the second holding portion 18D from the bottom, thereby being held in the housing 10.

[0053] The second pressing arm 31C extends along the bottom of the second lower groove 18A and has a slightly upward-protruding second rear pressing portion 31C-1 at its rear portion. The second rear pressing portion 31C-1 protrudes from the second lower groove 18A and is located within the receiving portion 11, pressing the flat conductor C from below (see Figure 8(B)). A second front pressing portion 31C-2 protrudes upward near the front end of the second pressing arm 31C (toward the second connecting portion 33). The second front pressing portion 31C-2 is located at approximately the same position in the front-to-back direction as the first pressing portion 21C-1 of the first terminal 20. It protrudes from the second lower groove 18A and is located within the receiving portion 11, pressing the flat conductor C from below (see also Figure 8(B)).

[0054] The second connecting portion 31B extends rearward from the rear end of the second pressing arm 31C and is located outside the housing 10. The lower edge of the second connecting portion 31B is located at approximately the same height as the lower surface of the lower wall 12 and contacts the second signal circuit portion (pad) on the mounting surface of the circuit board (not shown), enabling soldering connection.

[0055] The second upper arm portion 32 includes a second pressure-receiving arm portion 32A located forward of the second connecting portion 33 and a second contact arm portion 32B located rearward of the second connecting portion 33. The front portion of the second pressure-receiving arm portion 32A extends forward from the second upper groove portion 18B of the housing 10 and is located within the movable member accommodating space 16. This front portion forms a second pressure-receiving portion 32A-1, which receives a pressing force from below via the second shaft portion 65 of the movable member 60, described later.

[0056] The second contact arm 32B extends along the bottom surface (upper inner wall) of the second upper groove 18B, with its rear end positioned rearward of the first contact portion 22B-1 of the first terminal 20. A second contact portion 32B-1 protrudes downward at the rear end of the second contact arm 32B. The second contact portion 32B-1 protrudes from the second upper groove 18B and is positioned within the receiving portion 11, allowing pressure-applying contact from above with the second signal pad C2 of the flat conductor C (see Figures 1 and 8(B)). When in contact with the flat conductor C, the second contact portion 32B-1, together with the second rear pressing portion 31C-1, clamps the flat conductor C. In other words, the second contact portion 32B-1 also functions as a pressing portion, pressing the flat conductor C from above to increase the contact pressure. The second connecting portion 33 is housed within the second intermediate groove 18C of the housing 10, located rearward of the second retaining portion 18D of the housing 10.

[0057] As shown in Figure 5(C), the locking metal member 40 has the same shape as the second signal terminal 30 and is located at the same position as the second signal terminal 30 when viewed across the width of the connector. The locking metal member 40 is pressed into the second receiving portion 18 from the rear, and the second retained portion 41A-2 is pressed into the second retaining portion 18D from below, thereby being retained in the housing 10. Unlike the second signal terminal 30, the locking metal member 40 does not electrically connect to the flat conductor C, but rather latches onto the retained portion C5A of the flat conductor C to prevent it from detaching. The portion of the locking metal member 40 corresponding to the second contact arm 32B of the second signal terminal 30 serves as a vertically elastically displaceable locking arm 42B. Then, the portion of the locking arm 42B corresponding to the second contact portion 32B-1 of the second contact arm 32B becomes the locking portion 42B-1 as a locking portion, which can be locked to the locked portion C5A of the flat conductor C from the rear (see also Figure 8(C)).

[0058] Furthermore, the portion of the locking metal fitting 40 corresponding to the second connection portion 31B of the second signal terminal 30 serves as a fixing portion 41B, which is secured to the mounting surface of the circuit board via soldering. In this case, the portion of the circuit board to which the fixing portion 41B is soldered is not a circuit component, but rather a fixing pad. The portions of the locking metal fitting 40 other than the locking arm portion 42B and the fixing portion 41B have the same function as the corresponding portions of the second signal terminal 30. The reference numerals for the portions corresponding to the second signal terminal 30 are denoted by "10" and their descriptions are omitted.

[0059] In this embodiment, the locking metal member 40 is formed to have the same shape as the second signal terminal 30. This allows the manufactured second signal terminal 30 to be directly used as the locking metal member 40, eliminating the need to separately prepare a locking metal member having a different shape from the second signal terminal 30. This simplifies the manufacture of the connector 1 and reduces manufacturing costs.

[0060] As shown in Figure 6(C), the reinforcing metal member 50 is manufactured by stamping a metal plate member in the direction of its thickness. The reinforcing metal member 50 comprises a retained portion 51 retained by the housing 10, an extending portion 52 extending forward from the retained portion 51, a restricting portion 53 extending downward from the front of the extending portion 52, a fixing portion 54 located below the restricting portion 53 and fixed to the circuit board, and a third contact arm portion 55 extending rearward from the retained portion 51. In this embodiment, the reinforcing metal member 50 functions as a power terminal. As described above, in this embodiment, by utilizing the reinforcing metal member 50 as a power terminal, a higher power current can be supplied without increasing the number of power terminals 20B.

[0061] As shown in Figure 6(C), the retained portion 51 has a plurality of protrusions 51A projecting from its upper edge. The reinforcing metal member 50 is pressed into the third receiving portion 19 from the front. As shown in Figure 5(D), the protrusions 51A are pressed into the upper inner wall of the front hole 19A, thereby being retained in the housing 10. The extending portion 52 extends outside the housing 10 and is located within the movable member receiving space 16. The restricting portion 53 extends linearly in the vertical direction. The front end surface of the restricting portion 53 is a flat surface perpendicular to the front-to-back direction. From the rear, the restricting portion 61A (described later) of the movable member 60 in the closed position can abut against the restricted portion 61A.

[0062] The lower edge of the fixing portion 54 is located at approximately the same height as the lower surface of the lower wall 12 and is in surface contact with the power circuit portion (solder pad) on the mounting surface of the circuit board (not shown), enabling solder connection. In this embodiment, the fixing portion 54 is adjacent to the first connection portion 21B of the outer power terminal 20B. Therefore, when the connector 1 is mounted on the circuit board, the fixing portion 54 can be soldered to the common solder pad with the power terminals 20B of the power terminal group.

[0063] The third contact arm 55 extends along the bottom surface (upper inner wall) of the third upper groove 19B to a position substantially aligned with the rear end of the first contact arm 22B of the first terminal 20. A downwardly projecting third contact portion 55A is formed at the rear end of the third contact arm 55. Furthermore, the rear end of the third upper groove 19B is located directly below the upper opening 13A of the upper wall 13. When the third contact arm 55 elastically displaces upward, it can enter the upper opening 13A from below (see Figures 7(D) and 8(D)). In this embodiment, the third contact portion 55A is adjacent to the first contact portion 22B-1 of the outer power terminal 20B. Therefore, when the flat conductor C is connected to the connector 1, the third contact portion 55A can contact the power pad C3 shared with the power terminals 20B of the power terminal group (see Figure 4(B)).

[0064] As shown in Figures 1, 2, and 4(A) and 4(B), the movable member 60 extends across substantially the entire width of the movable member accommodation space 16 in the connector width direction. As shown in Figure 1, when the movable member 60 is in the open position, the lower portion of the movable member 60 is accommodated within the movable member accommodation space 16. As shown in Figure 2, when the movable member 60 is in the closed position, the entire movable member 60 is accommodated within the movable member accommodation space 16. As shown in Figure 3, the movable member 60 includes an operating portion 61 as a main body, an end wall 62, a partition wall 63, a first shaft portion 64 (see Figure 5(A)), a second shaft portion 65 (see Figures 5(B) and 5(C)), and a third shaft portion 66 (see Figure 5(D)).

[0065] As shown in Figure 3 , the operating portion 61 is formed on the upper end of the movable member 60, extending in the connector width direction, to accommodate operations for moving (rotating) the movable member 60 between the open and closed positions. The operating portion 61 includes restricted portions 61A that protrude outward in the connector width direction from both side surfaces of the upper end of the operating portion 61. The restricted portions 61A are located in the connector width direction corresponding to the reinforcing member 50. As shown in Figure 8(D), when the movable member 60 is in the closed position, they are located in front of the restricting portion 53 of the reinforcing member 50. When the movable member 60 is in the closed position, the rear end surface of the restricted portion 61A, facing the restricting portion 53, is a flat surface perpendicular to the front-to-back direction.

[0066] Moreover, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 8(D), when the movable member 60 is in the closed position, the gap S2 formed between the front end of the limiting portion 53 of the reinforcing metal part 50 in the front-to-back direction and the rear end of the restricted portion 61A of the movable member 60 is smaller than the gap S1 formed between the rear end of the movable member 60 in the front-to-back direction and the front end of the front wall 15 of the shell 10.

[0067] As shown in FIG3 , end walls 62 extend downward from both ends of the operating portion 61 in the connector width direction. As shown in FIG3 , a plurality of partition walls 63 extend downward from the operating portion 61 between the two end walls 62 in the connector width direction, and are arranged at intervals in the connector width direction.

[0068] As shown in Figure 5(A), the first shaft portion 64 is positioned at the same position as the first terminal 20 in the connector width direction, connecting the opposing surfaces (surfaces perpendicular to the connector width direction) of the lower ends of two adjacent partition walls 63. As shown in Figure 5(A), the first shaft portion 64 has a cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the connector width direction, forming a generally elongated circular shape extending in the front-to-back direction, with a notch at the upper front corner. As shown in Figure 5(A), the first shaft portion 64 is vertically positioned between the first support portion 21A-1 and the first pressure-receiving portion 22A-1 of the first terminal 20. The first shaft portion 64 is positioned slightly away from the upper edge of the first support portion 21A-1 and contacts the lower edge of the first pressure-receiving portion 22A-1. As will be described later, the first shaft portion 64 functions as a protrusion portion, which pushes up the first pressure-receiving portion 22A-1 and displaces the first pressure-receiving arm portion 22A upward when the movable member 60 moves to the closed position (see FIG. 8(A) ).

[0069] As shown in Figures 5(B) and 5(C), the second shaft portion 65 is positioned at the same position as the second signal terminal 30 and the locking metal member 40 in the connector width direction, connecting the opposing surfaces of the lower ends of the adjacent partition walls 63. As shown in Figures 5(B) and 5(C), the second shaft portion 65 has a cross-sectional shape that is perpendicular to the connector width direction and is a generally elongated circular shape extending in the front-to-back direction. As shown in Figure 5(B), the second shaft portion 65 of the second signal terminal 30 is vertically positioned between the second support portion 31A-1 and the second pressure portion 32A-1 of the second signal terminal 30. The second shaft portion 65 is supported by the upper edge of the second support portion 31A-1 and is positioned slightly away from the lower edge of the second pressure portion 32A-1. As will be described later, the second shaft portion 65 functions as a cam portion. When the movable member 60 moves to the closed position, it pushes up the second pressure-receiving portion 32A-1, causing the second pressure-receiving arm 32A to move upward (see FIG8(B)). The second shaft portion 65 located on the locking member 40 also functions in the same manner (see FIG5(C) and FIG8(C)).

[0070] As shown in FIG5(D), the third shaft portion 66 is provided at the same position as the reinforcing metal member 50 in the connector width direction, and as shown in FIG3, protrudes outward in the connector width direction from the lower end of the end wall 62. As shown in FIG5(D), the third shaft portion 66 has a cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the connector width direction and is a generally elongated circular shape slightly shorter in the front-to-back direction than the second shaft portion 65. It protrudes slightly forward and downward from the lower end of the movable member 60.

[0071] As shown in Figure 5(D), the third shaft portion 66 is housed within the recess 16A of the housing 10, located below the extension 52 of the reinforcing member 50 and behind the restricting member 53. At this point, the third shaft portion 66 does not contact any of the inner surface of the recess 16A, the lower edge of the extension 52, or the rear edge of the restricting member 53. When viewed across the width of the connector, the third shaft portion 66 is surrounded on all sides by the inner surface of the recess 16A of the housing 10 and the extension 52 and restricting member 53 of the reinforcing member 50. Consequently, the inner surface of the recess 16A, through the extension 52 and restricting member 53, restricts the vertical and forward and backward movement of the third shaft portion 66, thereby reliably preventing the movable member 60 from accidentally detaching from the housing 10.

[0072] The connector 1 is assembled in the following manner. First, the first terminals 20, namely the first signal terminals 20A and the power terminals 20B, are installed by pressing them into the first receiving portion 17 of the housing 10 from the front. The second signal terminals 30 and the locking metal fittings 40 are then installed by pressing them into the second receiving portion 18 of the housing 10 from the rear. The order in which the first signal terminals 20A, power terminals 20B, second signal terminals 30, and locking metal fittings 40 are installed in the housing 10 can be any order, and they can also be installed simultaneously.

[0073] Next, with the movable member 60 maintained in the open position (see Figure 3 ), the lower portion of the movable member 60 is positioned within the movable member receiving space 16 of the housing 10. At this point, the third shaft portion 66 of the movable member 60 is positioned within the recess 16A of the housing 10. Next, the reinforcing member 50 is pressed from the front into the third receiving portion 19 of the housing 10 for installation. As a result, as shown in Figure 5(D), the third shaft portion 66 is surrounded from all sides by the inner surface of the recess 16A of the housing 10 and the extension portion 52 and restriction portion 53 of the reinforcing member 50, preventing the movable member 60 from falling out of the housing 10. In this manner, the movable member 60 is mounted to the housing 10, movable between the open and closed positions, completing the connector 1. Furthermore, the lower portion of the movable member 60 can be disposed within the movable member accommodation space 16 at any time, as long as it is after the first signal terminal 20A and the power terminal 20B are installed and before the reinforcing metal member 50 is installed.

[0074] Next, the insertion and removal of the flat conductor C from the connector 1 will be described. First, the first connection portion 21B of the first signal terminal 20A, the first connection portion 21B of the power terminal 20B, and the second connection portion 31B of the second signal terminal 30 of the connector 1 are soldered to corresponding circuit sections of a circuit board (not shown). Furthermore, the fixing portion 41B of the locking metal member 40 and the fixing portion 54 of the reinforcing metal member 50 are soldered to corresponding sections of the circuit board. Through these solder connections of the first connection portion 21B, the second connection portion 31B, the fixing portion 41B, and the fixing portion 54, the connector 1 is mounted on the circuit board.

[0075] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 4(A), the second signal terminal 30 is positioned outside the arrangement of the power terminal group. In other words, the second signal terminal 30 is not positioned within the arrangement of the power terminals 20B within the power terminal group. This allows the first connecting portions 21B of the power terminals 20B within the power terminal group to be positioned close together across the width of the connector, allowing these first connecting portions 21B to be soldered to the same power circuit portion (pad) on the circuit board. This prevents the connector 1 from becoming larger in the width direction. Furthermore, since the first connecting portion 21B of each power terminal 20B is not connected to a separate pad, there is no need to form a conductive pattern on the circuit board to connect the individual pads. This helps to reduce excessive heat generation on the circuit board.

[0076] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG4(A), the fixing portion 54 of the reinforcing metal member 50, which functions as a power terminal, is adjacent to the first connecting portion 21B of the outer power terminal 20B belonging to the power terminal group. Therefore, the fixing portion 54 of the reinforcing metal member 50 can be soldered to a common pad with the first connecting portion 21B of the power terminal 20B of the power terminal group.

[0077] When the flat conductor C is connected to the connector 1, as shown in Figures 1, 4(A), and 5(A) to (D), the flat conductor C is extended in the front-to-back direction (X-axis direction) and is located behind the connector 1 in a state where the movable member 60 is moved to the open position.

[0078] Next, the flat conductor C is inserted forward (in the X1 direction) into the receiving portion 11 of the connector 1. During the insertion process of the flat conductor C into the receiving portion 11, the front end of the flat conductor C first abuts against the second contact portion 32B-1 (see FIG. 5B ) of the second signal terminal 30 and the locking portion 42B-1 of the locking metal member 40, pushing up the second contact portion 32B-1 and the locking portion 42B-1, thereby elastically displacing the second contact arm 32B and the locking arm 42B upward.

[0079] As the flat conductor C is inserted further forward, its tip abuts the first contact portion 22B-1 of the first terminal 20 and the third contact portion 55A of the reinforcing metal member 50, pushing up the first contact portion 22B-1 and the third contact portion 55A, thereby elastically displacing the first contact arm 22B and the third contact arm 55 upward. As the flat conductor C is further inserted forward, its tip abuts the front wall 15 from behind, as shown in Figures 4(B) and 7(A)-(D), completing the insertion of the flat conductor C. As shown in Figures 7(A), (B), and (D), even when the flat conductor C is completely inserted, the first contact arm 22B, the second contact arm 32B, and the third contact arm 55 still maintain elastic displacement, so that the first contact portion 22B-1, the second contact portion 32B-1, and the third contact portion 55A contact the first signal pad C1, the second signal pad C2, or the power pad C3 of the flat conductor C.

[0080] Furthermore, in the locking metal member 40, after the locking arm 42B elastically displaces upward during the insertion of the flat conductor C, when the ear portion C5 of the flat conductor C passes the position of the locking portion 42B-1, the locking arm 42B returns to a free state and protrudes from above into the notch portion C4 of the flat conductor C. As a result, as shown in FIG7(C), when the flat conductor C is fully inserted, the locking portion 42B-1 is positioned facing the retained portion C5A of the flat conductor C from behind. Furthermore, the locking arm 42B does not necessarily need to return to a free state. For example, the locking arm 42B may be allowed to protrude into the notch portion C4 of the flat conductor C while retaining some elastic displacement.

[0081] Next, the operating portion 61 of the movable member 60 is operated with a finger, moving (rotating) it from the open position to the closed position. When the movable member 60 moves to the closed position, as shown in Figures 8(A)-8(D), the first shaft portion 64, the second shaft portion 65, and the third shaft portion 66 extend in the vertical direction. At this point, the first shaft portion 64 and the second shaft portion 65, located at positions corresponding to the first terminal 20 and the second signal terminal 30, respectively, are supported from below by the first support portion 21A-1 and the second support portion 31A-1, respectively. They press the first pressure-receiving portion 22A-1 and the second pressure-receiving portion 32A-1 from below, displacing the first pressure-receiving arm 22A and the second pressure-receiving arm 32A upward. As a result, as shown in Figures 8(A) and 8(B), the first upper arm 22 and the second upper arm 32 each move like a lever, displacing the first contact arm 22B and the second contact arm 32B downward. Then, the first contact portion 22B-1 and the second contact portion 32B-1 respectively contact the first signal pad C1, the second signal pad C2 or the power pad of the flat conductor C from above with increased contact pressure (see also FIG. 4(B) ), thereby maintaining electrical conduction.

[0082] When the movable member 60 moves to the closed position, as shown in Figure 8(C), the second shaft portion 65, located at a position corresponding to the locking member 40, presses the second pressure-receiving portion 42A-1 from below, causing the second pressure-receiving arm 42A to move upward. This causes the second upper arm 42 to shift like a lever, thereby displacing the locking arm 42B downward, causing the locking portion 42B-1 to penetrate further into the notch C4 of the flat conductor C. This maintains the locking portion 42B-1 locked from behind against the locked portion C5A, effectively preventing the flat conductor C from being pulled out from behind.

[0083] Furthermore, when the movable member 60 moves to the closed position, as shown in Figure 8(D), the third shaft portion 66, located at the position corresponding to the reinforcing metal member 50, does not contact the reinforcing metal member 50 even when it extends vertically. Furthermore, even after the movable member 60 moves to the closed position, the third contact arm portion 55 elastically displaces, and the third contact portion 55A remains in contact with the power pad C3, maintaining electrical continuity with the power pad C3. This movement of the movable member 60 to the closed position completes the connection of the flat conductor C to the connector 1.

[0084] When the movable member 60 is in the closed position, as shown in Figures 8(A) to 8(C), a gap S1 is formed between the rear end of the movable member 60 and the front end of the front wall 15 of the housing 10. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8(D), the restricted portion 61A of the movable member 60 is located forward of the restricting portion 53 of the reinforcing metal member 50, with a gap S2 formed between the restricted portion 61A and the front end. In this embodiment, the gap S2 is smaller than the gap S1. Therefore, even if an unexpected external force acts from the front on the movable member 60 in the closed position, the restricted portion 61A will contact the restricting portion 53 from the front before the rear end of the movable member 60 contacts the front wall 15 from the front, thereby limiting the rearward movement of the restricted portion 61A.

[0085] Assuming the movable member 60 lacks the restricted portion 61A, if an unexpected external force acts from the front on the movable member 60 in the closed position, the movable member 60 will move rearward by a distance corresponding to the gap S2 (hereinafter referred to as "distance S2") until the rear end of the movable member 60 contacts the front wall 15 of the housing 10. At this time, the first, second, and third shaft portions 64, 65, and 66 of the movable member 60 also move by the distance S2. As a result, the first shaft portion 64 located at the position corresponding to the first terminal 20, the second shaft portion 65 located at the position corresponding to the second signal terminal 30, and the second shaft portion 65 located at the position corresponding to the locking member 40 further push upward the already displaced first pressure-receiving arm 22A of the first terminal 20, the second pressure-receiving arm 32A of the second signal terminal 30, and the second pressure-receiving arm 32A of the locking member 40. Therefore, the first pressure-receiving arm portion 22A and the second pressure-receiving arm portion 32A may be excessively deformed, and as a result, there is a risk of damage to the first terminal 20, the second signal terminal 30, and the locking metal member 40.

[0086] On the other hand, in this embodiment, the restricted portion 61A of the movable member 60 is positioned forward of the restricting portion 53, while a gap S2, smaller than the gap S1, is formed in the front-to-back direction with respect to the restricting portion 53 of the reinforcing member 50. Consequently, when the movable member 60, subjected to an external force toward the rear, moves rearward a distance S2, the restricted portion 61A abuts the restricting portion 53 from the front, thereby limiting further movement. This minimizes movement of the movable member 60, preventing the first pressure-receiving arm 22A of the first terminal 20, the second pressure-receiving arm 32A of the second signal terminal 30, and the second pressure-receiving arm 32A of the locking member 40 from being excessively pushed upward and deformed by the first and second shaft portions 64 and 65 of the movable member 60. Consequently, damage to the first terminal 20, the second signal terminal 30, and the locking member 40 is effectively prevented.

[0087] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the front end surface of the restricting portion 53 and the rear end surface of the restricted portion 61A—that is, the surfaces of the restricting portion 53 and the restricted portion 61A facing each other—are flat surfaces perpendicular to the front-to-back direction. Therefore, when the movable member 60 is subjected to an external force from the front and moves rearward, the restricting portion 53 and the restricted portion 61A come into contact with each other via these flat surfaces. As a result, the restricting portion 53 and the restricted portion 61A contact each other over a larger area, more reliably preventing the flat conductor C from detaching.

[0088] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the restricting portion 53 of the reinforcing metal member 50 is positioned forward of the retained portion 51, which is held and fixed by the housing 10. Specifically, it is positioned on the opposite side of the third contact arm 55 in the front-to-back direction. Therefore, even if the restricted portion 61A of the movable member 60, which has moved rearward, abuts against the restricting portion 53 from the front, the elastic displacement of the third contact arm 55 is not affected. As a result, the contact between the third contact portion 55A and the power supply pad C3 of the flat conductor C is maintained satisfactorily.

[0089] In the state shown in Figures 8(A)-8(D), i.e., when connected to connector 1, to remove the flat conductor C from connector 1, the operating portion 61 of the movable member 60, which is in the closed position, is operated to move it to the open position shown in Figures 7(A)-8(D). This causes the locking portion 42B-1 of the locking member 40 to separate upward from the notch C4 of the flat conductor C, releasing the locking portion 42B-1 from the locked portion C5A and allowing the flat conductor C to be removed. The flat conductor C is then pulled rearward (in the X2 direction) to smoothly remove it from connector 1, completing the removal process.

[0090] In this embodiment, the reinforcing metal parts are used as power terminals, but they can also be used as signal terminals instead. In this case, signal pads are provided on the flat conductors at positions corresponding to the reinforcing metal parts in the connector width direction. Furthermore, the reinforcing metal parts do not necessarily need to be used as terminals. In this case, contact arms are not necessary on the reinforcing metal parts.

[0091] 1: Connector 10: Shell 11: Receiving Department 16A: concave part 20: First terminal 20A: First signal terminal 20B: Power terminal 21: First lower wrist 21B: First connecting part 22:First upper wrist 22A-1: First pressure-bearing part 22B-1: First contact portion 23: First connecting part 30: Second signal terminal 31: Second lower wrist 31B: Second connecting part 32: Second upper wrist 32A-1: Second pressure-bearing part 32B-1: Second contact portion 33: Second connecting part 40: Locking metal parts 42B: Locking portion (locking portion) 50:Reinforcement metal parts 51: maintained portion 52: Extension 53: Restriction Department 54:Fixed part 55: Third contact wrist 55A: Third contact portion 60: Movable component 61: Operation Department 61A: Restricted Department 64: First shaft 65: Second shaft C: Flat conductor C1: First signal pad C2: Second signal pad C3: Power pad C4: incision C5A: Stopped part P1: Spacing P2: Interval

Claims

1. A flat conductor electrical connector, mounted on a circuit board, for pluggable connection of a strip-shaped flat conductor in a front-rear direction, comprising: a housing receiving the flat conductor from the rear; and a plurality of terminals arranged along the width direction of the flat conductor and held in the housing, characterized in that: each of the plurality of terminals has a plurality of first terminals and second terminals; each first terminal has: a first contact portion contactable to the flat conductor and a first connection portion soldered to the circuit board on one side of the housing in the front-rear direction; each second terminal has: a second contact portion contactable to the flat conductor and a second connection portion soldered to the circuit board on the other side of the housing in the front-rear direction; each plurality of first terminals has two terminal groups; each terminal group comprises power terminals continuously arranged at predetermined intervals; and the second terminals are located outside the terminal groups in the terminal arrangement direction. A gap larger than the predetermined spacing is formed between a specific first terminal arranged at the innermost side of the terminal arrangement direction in any terminal group and other first terminals that do not belong to the aforementioned terminal group but are adjacent to the aforementioned specific first terminal.

2. The flat conductor electrical connector as described in claim 1, wherein, At least a portion of the aforementioned plurality of second terminals are configured as signal terminals between the aforementioned two terminal groups in the terminal arrangement direction.

3. The flat conductor electrical connector as described in claim 2, wherein, Between the two aforementioned terminal groups, a plurality of the aforementioned second terminals are provided, and the aforementioned first terminals that do not belong to the aforementioned terminal groups are configured as signal terminals between the adjacent aforementioned second terminals.

4. A flat conductor electrical connector as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The device further includes a reinforcing metal member disposed outside the terminal arrangement range of the aforementioned plurality of terminals. The reinforcing metal member has: a contact portion that can contact the aforementioned flat conductor; and a fixing portion that is soldered to the aforementioned circuit board at one side of the aforementioned housing in the front-rear direction. The fixing portion is adjacent to the aforementioned first connection portion of the aforementioned first terminal, which is located at the outermost position of the aforementioned first terminal in the terminal arrangement direction, among the aforementioned first terminals to which the aforementioned terminal group belongs.

5. A flat conductor electrical connector as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, Outside the terminal arrangement range of the aforementioned plurality of terminals, a locking metal piece is provided to be held in the aforementioned housing. The aforementioned locking metal piece is the same shape as the aforementioned second terminal, and when viewed from the terminal arrangement direction, it is arranged in the same position as the aforementioned second terminal. The portion corresponding to the aforementioned second contact portion of the aforementioned second terminal becomes a locking portion that can lock the aforementioned flat conductor from the rear.

6. A flat conductor, connectable to the flat conductor electrical connector described in claim 3, characterized by having: cutout portions formed at both ends in the width direction of the flat conductor, capable of receiving a locking portion provided in the flat conductor electrical connector; locking portions formed in front of the cutout portions and capable of locking in the locking portions in a front-rear direction; and a plurality of pads provided on the front end side of the flat conductor and capable of contacting the plurality of terminals, the plurality of pads having: a power pad capable of contacting a first terminal serving as a power terminal; a first signal pad capable of contacting a first terminal serving as a signal terminal; and a second signal pad capable of contacting a second terminal serving as a signal terminal, the front end of the second signal pad being located further rearward than the front ends of the power pad and the first signal pad respectively. The aforementioned power pad is formed at both ends of the aforementioned flat conductor in the width direction such that its width direction is larger than that of the aforementioned first signal pad and the aforementioned second signal pad. Furthermore, a portion of the front end side portion that is located in front of the aforementioned second signal pad is formed to have a range that overlaps with that of the second signal pad adjacent to the aforementioned power pad in the aforementioned width direction. The aforementioned cutout portion is formed further back than the front end of the aforementioned second signal pad.

7. A flat conductor electrical connector, mounted on a circuit board, for pluggable connection of a strip-shaped flat conductor in a front-rear direction, comprising: a plurality of terminals arranged with the width direction of the flat conductor as the terminal arrangement direction; a locking metal member disposed outside the terminal arrangement range of the plurality of terminals; and a housing holding the plurality of terminals and the locking metal member, characterized in that: each of the plurality of terminals has a plurality of first terminals and second terminals; the first terminal has: a first contact portion that can contact the flat conductor, and a first connection portion that is soldered to the circuit board on one side of the housing in the front-rear direction; the second terminal has: a second contact portion that can contact the flat conductor, and a second connection portion that is soldered to the circuit board on the other side of the housing in the front-rear direction; the locking metal member has: a locking portion that can lock onto the flat conductor, and a fixing portion that is soldered to the circuit board on the other side of the housing in the front-rear direction. A plurality of the aforementioned first terminals are arranged in succession to form a terminal group. The aforementioned second terminal is located outside the range of the aforementioned terminal group in the terminal arrangement direction and is adjacent to the first terminal located on the innermost side in the terminal arrangement direction among the first terminals belonging to the aforementioned terminal group. The aforementioned locking metal member is adjacent to the first terminal located on the outermost side in the terminal arrangement direction among the first terminals belonging to the aforementioned terminal group.

8. The flat conductor electrical connector as described in claim 7, wherein, The aforementioned second terminal and the aforementioned locking metal part are of the same shape.

9. The flat conductor electrical connector as described in claim 7, wherein, The first terminal of the aforementioned terminal group, the aforementioned second terminal adjacent to the aforementioned terminal group, and the aforementioned locking metal member adjacent to the aforementioned terminal group are arranged continuously at the same interval.

10. The flat conductor electrical connector as described in claim 7, wherein, There are multiple of the aforementioned terminal groups.

Images