Connector structure and connector

Abstract

A connector structure (1) comprises a connector (100) and a flexible printed circuit board (200). The connector (100) comprises: a connector body (110) having a terminal portion (116); and a positioning protrusion (120) for determining the position of the flexible printed circuit board (200) relative to the connector body (110) in such a way that the electrode portion (222) contacts the terminal portion (116) at a regular position. An insertion hole (210h) for inserting the positioning protrusion (120) is provided at a portion of the flexible printed circuit board (200) away from the electrode portion (222). The positioning protrusion (120) moves the flexible printed circuit board (200) as it is inserted into the insertion hole (210h), so that the position of the flexible printed circuit board (200) becomes the regular position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a connector structure and a connector. Background Art

[0002] A connector structure for connecting a flexible printed circuit board to an electronic device or the like is known. For example, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2000-77122 (hereinafter referred to as "Patent Document 1") discloses a clip-type relay connector having a clip body and a flexible printed circuit board. The clip body has a spacer for positioning an edge portion in a width direction of the flexible printed circuit board, a stopper for positioning a top end portion in an insertion direction of the flexible printed circuit board, and a pin block component having a probe that contacts a terminal of the flexible printed circuit board.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2000-77122

[0004] In the clip-type relay connector described in Patent Document 1, in order to ensure that the flexible printed circuit substrate and the clip body are in contact at the appropriate position, the positioning of the flexible printed circuit substrate relative to the clip body, that is, the processing of the edge portion in the width direction of the flexible printed circuit substrate and the processing of the top end portion in the insertion direction of the flexible printed circuit substrate require high precision. Summary of the invention

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a connector structure and a connector capable of relaxing the required conditions for the processing accuracy of a flexible printed circuit board for positioning the flexible printed circuit board relative to a connector.

[0006] The connector structure of one aspect of the present invention comprises: a connector having a terminal portion; and a flexible printed circuit substrate having an electrode portion that can be connected to the above-mentioned terminal portion, the above-mentioned connector comprising: a connector body having the above-mentioned terminal portion; and a positioning protrusion, which is used to determine the position of the above-mentioned flexible printed circuit substrate relative to the above-mentioned connector body in a manner that the above-mentioned electrode portion contacts the above-mentioned terminal portion at a predetermined regular position, and an insertion hole for inserting the above-mentioned positioning protrusion is provided at a portion of the above-mentioned flexible printed circuit substrate away from the above-mentioned electrode portion, and the above-mentioned positioning protrusion moves the above-mentioned flexible printed circuit substrate as it is inserted into the above-mentioned insertion hole, so that the position of the above-mentioned flexible printed circuit substrate becomes the above-mentioned regular position.

[0007] In addition, a connector according to one aspect of the present invention is a connector that can be connected to a flexible printed circuit substrate having an electrode portion and an insertion hole provided at a position away from the above-mentioned electrode portion, and comprises: a connector body, which has a terminal portion that can be connected to the above-mentioned electrode portion; and a positioning protrusion, which is used to determine the position of the above-mentioned flexible printed circuit substrate relative to the above-mentioned connector body in such a way that the above-mentioned electrode portion contacts the above-mentioned terminal portion at a predetermined regular position, and the above-mentioned positioning protrusion moves the above-mentioned flexible printed circuit substrate as it is inserted into the above-mentioned insertion hole, so that the position of the above-mentioned flexible printed circuit substrate becomes the above-mentioned regular position.

[0008] As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a connector structure and a connector that can relax the requirements for the processing accuracy of the flexible printed circuit board for positioning the flexible printed circuit board relative to the connector. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing a state in which the connector body is in a clamping posture in the connector structure according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0010] Figure 2 It means in Figure 1 A perspective view of the connector structure shown in the state where the connector body is in a released posture.

[0011] Figure 3 It is a perspective view showing the relationship among the first base, the positioning protrusions, and the flexible printed circuit board 200.

[0012] Figure 4 It is a top view schematically showing a flexible printed circuit board.

[0013] Figure 5 It is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a state before the flexible printed circuit board and the connector are connected.

[0014] Figure 6 It is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a state where the flexible printed circuit board is connected to the connector.

[0015] Figure 7 This is a diagram for explaining the machining accuracy of the through hole.

[0016] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a state in which an external force acts on the flexible printed circuit board in a state in which the flexible printed circuit board is connected to the connector.

[0017] Fig. 9 It is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a state in which the positioning protrusion is disengaged from the insertion hole.

[0018] Fig.10 It is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the installation position of the support member.

[0019] Fig.11 It is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the installation position of the support member.

[0020] Fig.12 It is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the positioning protrusion.

[0021] Fig.13 It is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the size of the insertion hole.

[0022] Fig.14 It is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the size of the insertion hole. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings referred to below, the same or corresponding components are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing a state in which the connector body is in a clamping posture in the connector structure according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 It means in Figure 1 A perspective view of the connector structure shown in the state where the connector body is in a released posture. Figure 3 It is a perspective view showing the relationship among the first base, the positioning protrusions, and the flexible printed circuit board 200.

[0025] The connector structure 1 of the present embodiment includes a connector 100, a flexible printed circuit board 200, and a reinforcing layer 300 (see Figure 4 ) and the supporting member 400 (refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 ).

[0026] The connector 100 can be connected to the flexible printed circuit board 200. The connector 100 includes a connector body 110 and a positioning protrusion 120.

[0027] The connector body 110 has a terminal portion 116 connected to the flexible printed circuit board 200. In the present embodiment, the connector body 110 has a first base body 111, a second base body 112, a support shaft 113, a biasing member 114, and a substrate 115 having the terminal portion 116.

[0028] like Figure 3 As shown, the first base 111 holds the support shaft 113. The second base 112 is held so as to be able to swing around the support shaft 113 relative to the first base 111. Specifically, the second base 112 can be in a clamping posture ( Figure 1 The posture shown in FIG. 1 and the releasing posture ( FIG. 10 ) of releasing the clamping of the flexible printed circuit board 200 Figure 2 The second base 112 is swung relative to the first base 111 between the postures shown in the figure. The second base 112 has a pressing portion 112a for pressing the flexible printed circuit board 200 toward the first base 111.

[0029] The urging member 114 is disposed between the first base 111 and the second base 112. The urging member 114 urges the second base 112 relative to the first base 111 so that the second base 112 is in a clamping position. In the present embodiment, a coil spring is used as the urging member 114.

[0030] As described above, the first base 111 , the second base 112 , the support shaft 113 , and the urging member 114 are formed in a so-called clip shape.

[0031] like Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , the substrate 115 is fixed to the first base 111. The terminal portion 116 of the substrate 115 is arranged on the side opposite to the side where the force applying member 114 is arranged with respect to the support shaft 113. Figure 3 In FIG. 1 , the portion of the terminal portion 116 hidden by the flexible printed circuit substrate 200 is shown by a dotted line. The substrate 115 has a structure capable of connecting to the cable 2 (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 3 ) connected part.

[0032] The positioning protrusion 120 will be described later.

[0033] Figure 4 FIG. 1 is a schematic top view of a flexible printed circuit board. Figure 4 As shown, the flexible printed circuit substrate 200 has an insulating layer 210 and a wiring pattern 220 .

[0034] The insulating layer 210 has a main surface on one side (hereinafter referred to as "pattern forming surface S1") and a main surface on the other side (hereinafter referred to as "opposite surface S2"). The thickness of the insulating layer 210 is set to about 40 μm, for example. The insulating layer 210 has an insertion direction ( Figure 4 The top end portion (in the downward direction) is also the insertion end portion 214.

[0035] The wiring pattern 220 is provided on the pattern forming surface S1 of the insulating layer 210. The thickness of the wiring pattern 220 is set to about 20 μm, for example. The wiring pattern 220 has an electrode portion 222 connected to the terminal portion 116. Although not shown in the figure, the wiring pattern 220 includes a predetermined pattern connected to the electrode portion 222.

[0036] The electrode portion 222 is provided on the pattern forming surface S1 of the insertion end portion 214. The electrode portion 222 has a perpendicular direction ( Figure 4 Multiple patterns arranged in the left-right direction (in the left and right direction).

[0037] Here, the structure for determining the position of the flexible printed circuit board 200 relative to the connector body 110 so that the electrode portion 222 contacts the terminal portion 116 at a predetermined regular position will be described. This structure is composed of the positioning protrusion 120 of the connector 100 and the insertion hole 210h provided in the insulating layer 210 of the flexible printed circuit board 200.

[0038] The positioning protrusion 120 is a portion for determining the position of the flexible printed circuit board 200 relative to the connector body 110 in such a manner that the electrode portion 222 and the terminal portion 116 are in contact at a regular position. The positioning protrusion 120 moves the flexible printed circuit board 200 as it is inserted into the insertion hole 210h, and the position of the flexible printed circuit board 200 becomes the regular position. The positioning protrusion 120 has a shape that protrudes from a portion of the first base 111 that is opposite to the second base 112 toward the second base 112.

[0039] In this embodiment, the positioning protrusion 120 includes a first pin 121 and a second pin 122. The first pin 121 is provided on one side of a portion of the first base 111 that is opposite to the pressing portion 112a in a direction parallel to the support shaft 113. The second pin 122 is provided on the other side of a portion of the first base 111 that is opposite to the pressing portion 112a in a direction parallel to the support shaft 113. Each of the pins 121 and 122 includes a base end portion 124 and a through end portion 126.

[0040] The base end portion 124 has a shape protruding from the first base body 111 toward the second base body 112. In the present embodiment, the base end portion 124 is formed in a cylindrical shape.

[0041] The insertion end portion 126 is connected to the base end portion 124. The insertion end portion 126 has a shape in which the outer shape of the insertion end portion 126 gradually becomes smaller as it moves away from the first base body 111. In the present embodiment, the insertion end portion 126 is formed in a conical shape. The diameter of the end portion of the insertion end portion 126 on the base end portion 124 side is the same as the diameter of the base end portion 124.

[0042] Furthermore, the base end portion 124 and the insertion end portion 126 may be formed in a cone shape as a whole, for example.

[0043] In addition, if Figure 3As shown, the substrate 115 is provided with a through hole 115h for inserting the positioning protrusion 120. That is, the positioning protrusion 120 has both the function of positioning the substrate 115 relative to the first base 111 and the function of positioning the flexible printed circuit board 200 relative to the connector body 110.

[0044] Next, the insertion hole 210h will be described. Figure 4 As shown, the insertion hole 210h is provided in a portion of the insulating layer 210 away from the electrode portion 222. In the present embodiment, the insertion hole 210h has a first hole 211h and a second hole 212h. The first hole 211h is provided on one side of the insulating layer 210 close to the electrode portion 222 in the orthogonal direction. The second hole 212h is provided on the other side of the insulating layer 210 close to the electrode portion 222 in the orthogonal direction. The first pin 121 and the second pin 122 are provided at positions where a pulling force acts on the electrode portion 222 in the orthogonal direction when the first pin 121 and the second pin 122 are inserted through the holes 211h and 212h. Each hole 211h and 212h is set to be circular. However, the shape of each hole 211h and 212h is not limited to a circle, and may also be an ellipse, a polygon, etc. Each hole 211h and 212h is smaller than the outer shape of the base end portion 124 of the positioning protrusion 120.

[0045] The insulating layer 210 is preferably made of an elastically deformable material so that the insertion hole 210h is expanded when the positioning protrusion 120 is inserted into the insertion hole 210h. The insulating layer 210 is more preferably made of an elastically deformable material so that the insertion hole 210h is reduced when the positioning protrusion 120 is separated from the insertion hole 210h. In the present embodiment, the insulating layer 210 is made of thermoplastic polyurethane. In addition, the insulating layer 210 may also be made of silicone resin or a modified resin thereof.

[0046] The reinforcing layer 300 is a layer for reinforcing the flexible printed circuit board 200. The reinforcing layer 300 has a higher rigidity than the flexible printed circuit board 200. For example, the reinforcing layer 300 is made of an acrylic resin having a Shore D hardness of 70 or more and 80 or less. However, the reinforcing layer 300 may also be made of a polyurethane resin. The ratio of the thickness of the reinforcing layer 300 to the thickness of the insulating layer 210 is preferably set to 1:1 or more and 1:4 or less, and more preferably set to 1:2 or more and 1:3 or less. In the present embodiment, the thickness of the reinforcing layer 300 is set to about 0.1 mm.

[0047] The reinforcing layer 300 is provided on at least one of the pattern forming surface S1 and the opposite surface S2 of the insulating layer 210. In the present embodiment, the reinforcing layer 300 is provided only on the pattern forming surface S1. The reinforcing layer 300 covers a portion of the wiring pattern 220 except for the electrode portion 222, and exposes the electrode portion 222. Figure 4In FIG. 5 , the reinforcing layer 300 is indicated by oblique lines. In addition, when the reinforcing layer 300 is provided on the opposite surface S2 , the reinforcing layer 300 can be provided at any position on the opposite surface S2 .

[0048] In this embodiment, the reinforcement layer 300 includes a hole periphery reinforcement portion 310 and an electrode portion reinforcement portion 320 .

[0049] The hole periphery reinforcement portion 310 reinforces the area around the insertion hole 210h in the flexible printed circuit board 200. Figure 4 As shown, the hole peripheral reinforcement portion 310 has an inner peripheral surface 312 surrounding the insertion hole 210h. In this embodiment, the inner peripheral surface 312 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The diameter of the inner peripheral surface 312 is set to be larger than the diameter of the insertion hole 210h and less than or equal to the diameter of the base end portion 124.

[0050] The electrode reinforcement part 320 is a part for reinforcing the electrode part 222 in the flexible printed circuit board 200. In this embodiment, the electrode reinforcement part 320 is provided with an exposure opening 320h for exposing the electrode part 222. The electrode reinforcement part 320 reinforces the insertion end part 214 of the insulating layer 210.

[0051] The support member 400 is provided on the leading end side of the flexible printed circuit board 200 in the insertion direction of the positioning protrusion 120 into the insertion hole 210h. Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 1 , in this embodiment, the support member 400 is bonded to the opposite surface S2 of the flexible printed circuit substrate 200. The support member 400 is preferably formed in a shape covering the entire area of ​​the opposite surface S2 of the insulating layer 210. Figure 1 to Figure 3 In the figure, the supporting member 400 is omitted. When the positioning protrusion 120 is inserted into the insertion hole 210h, the supporting member 400 receives the portion 213 (see FIG. 214 ) of the flexible printed circuit board 200 that bulges in the insertion direction. Figure 6 ) while supporting the flexible printed circuit board 200. The supporting member 400 is made of a material that deforms to match the shapes of the part 213 of the flexible printed circuit board 200 and the positioning protrusion 120 when the positioning protrusion 120 is inserted into the insertion hole 210h, and restores to the original shape when the positioning protrusion 120 is separated from the insertion hole 210h. The supporting member 400 is made of a material with low resilience (rubber sponge, etc.).

[0052] Next, the operation of connecting the flexible printed circuit board 200 and the connector 100 will be described.

[0053] First, the first base body 111 and the second base body 112 are manipulated (pinched) while overcoming the biasing force of the biasing member 114, so that the second base body 112 is brought into a released position.

[0054] Then, the flexible printed circuit board 200 is inserted along the insertion direction until the insertion hole 210h and the positioning protrusion 120 are substantially aligned in the thickness direction of the flexible printed circuit board 200. Figure 5 Indicates the current status.

[0055] Next, the first base 111 and the second base 112 are released by the force of the force applying member 114, so that the second base 112 is in a clamping position. Figure 5 Move in the direction indicated by the arrow AR1.

[0056] In this way, if Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , even if the positioning protrusion 120 and the insertion hole 210h are slightly offset in the thickness direction of the flexible printed circuit board 200, as the positioning protrusion 120 is inserted into the insertion hole 210h, Figure 6 As shown by the middle arrow AR2, the flexible printed circuit board 200 is moved to the regular position by pressing the portion of the predetermined insertion hole 210h in the insulating layer 210 with the insertion end portion 126. Therefore, the necessary condition of the processing accuracy of the flexible printed circuit board 200 for positioning the flexible printed circuit board 200 relative to the connector 100 is relaxed.

[0057] In addition, when the positioning protrusion 120 is inserted into the insertion hole 210h, the insertion hole 210h is enlarged. Figure 7 As shown, even if the shape of the insertion hole 210h is slightly different from the preset shape (circular in this embodiment), the positioning protrusion 120 is inserted into the insertion hole 210h to move the flexible printed circuit board 200 to the regular position. Figure 6 The state after the positioning protrusion 120 is inserted into the insertion hole 210h is shown.

[0058] Furthermore, while the flexible printed circuit board 200 is moved to the normal position, the portion of the electrode portion 222 between the holes 211h and 212h is pressed by the pressing portion 112a toward the terminal portion 116. Therefore, a good contact state between the electrode portion 222 and the terminal portion 116 is ensured.

[0059] In addition, in the connector structure 1, if Figure 8 As shown, in a state where the positioning protrusion 120 has been inserted into the insertion hole 210h, the flexible printed circuit board 200 is moved relative to the connector 100, for example, in a direction opposite to the above-mentioned insertion direction ( Figure 8When an external force displacing in the direction indicated by the middle arrow (in the direction indicated by the middle arrow) acts on the flexible printed circuit substrate 200, the reinforcement portion 310 around the hole abuts against the positioning protrusion 120, thereby suppressing the relative displacement of the flexible printed circuit substrate 200 with respect to the connector 100, that is, suppressing the deterioration of the contact state between the terminal portion 116 and the electrode portion 222.

[0060] Next, an operation of removing the flexible printed circuit board 200 from the connector 100 will be described.

[0061] Similar to the case of connecting the flexible printed circuit board 200 to the connector 100 , first, the first base body 111 and the second base body 112 are operated while overcoming the biasing force of the biasing member 114 , so that the second base body 112 is brought into the released position.

[0062] Then, the positioning protrusion 120 is released from the insertion hole 210 h by moving the flexible printed circuit board 200 away from the first base body 111 .

[0063] In this way, if Fig. 9 As shown, the insertion hole 210h is shrunk to a shape smaller than the shape of the base end portion 124. Therefore, when the positioning protrusion 120 is inserted into the insertion hole 210h again, the insertion hole 210h is expanded and the flexible printed circuit board 200 moves to the regular position. Fig. 9 In the figure, the wiring pattern 220 is omitted.

[0064] The embodiments disclosed herein are to be considered in all respects as illustrative rather than restrictive. The scope of the present invention is not indicated by the description of the embodiments described above but by the claims, and includes all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0065] For example, Fig.10 and Fig.11 As shown, the support member 400 may also be fixed to a portion of the second base body 112 that is opposite to the positioning protrusion 120 .

[0066] In addition, if Fig.12 As shown, each pin 121, 122 may be formed into a shape that applies an outward pulling force in an orthogonal direction (the direction in which the plurality of patterns constituting the electrode portion 222 are arranged) to the flexible printed circuit board 200 as the pins 121, 122 are inserted into the holes 211h, 212h. In this manner, the portion of the insulating layer 210 supporting the electrode portion 222 is prevented from being bent, thereby ensuring a good contact state between the electrode portion 222 and the terminal portion 116.

[0067] In addition, the diameter of the inner circumferential surface 312 of the hole periphery reinforcement portion 310 may also be set to be larger than the diameter of the base end portion 124 of the positioning protrusion 120. In this embodiment, the positioning protrusion 120 is inserted into the insertion hole 210h until the base end portion 124 is located inside the inner circumferential surface 312. Therefore, when an external force in the direction opposite to the insertion direction is applied to the flexible printed circuit board 200, the inner circumferential surface 312 abuts against the base end portion 124, thereby suppressing the displacement of the flexible printed circuit board 200 in the above-mentioned opposite direction.

[0068] In addition, if Fig.13 and Fig.14 As shown, the diameter of the insertion hole 210 h may be set to be the same as the outer shape of the base end portion 124 .

[0069] The structures of the connector structure 1 and the connector 100 described above and the effects brought about by the connector structure 1 and the connector 100 are summarized as follows.

[0070] The connector structure comprises: a connector having a terminal portion; and a flexible printed circuit substrate having an electrode portion that can be connected to the terminal portion. The connector comprises: a connector body having the terminal portion; and a positioning protrusion for determining the position of the flexible printed circuit substrate relative to the connector body in such a manner that the electrode portion contacts the terminal portion at a predetermined regular position. A through hole for inserting the positioning protrusion is provided at a portion of the flexible printed circuit substrate away from the electrode portion. The positioning protrusion moves the flexible printed circuit substrate as it is inserted into the through hole, so that the position of the flexible printed circuit substrate becomes the regular position.

[0071] In this connector structure, the positioning protrusion moves the flexible printed circuit board as it is inserted into the insertion hole provided in the flexible printed circuit board, so that the position of the flexible printed circuit board becomes the regular position. Therefore, by assembling the flexible printed circuit board to the connector body in a manner in which the positioning protrusion is inserted into the insertion hole, the electrode portion and the terminal portion are effectively contacted at the regular position. As a result, the necessary conditions for the processing accuracy of the flexible printed circuit board for positioning the flexible printed circuit board relative to the connector are relaxed.

[0072] In addition, the positioning protrusion preferably includes a base end portion connected to the connector body and an insertion end portion connected to the base end portion, wherein the insertion end portion has an outer shape that gradually becomes smaller as it moves away from the connector body.

[0073] In this embodiment, the above-mentioned effects are effectively exhibited.

[0074] Specifically, it is preferred that the insertion hole has a shape smaller than an outer shape of a boundary portion between the base end portion and the insertion end portion, and the flexible printed circuit board is elastically deformable so that the insertion hole expands when the positioning protrusion is inserted into the insertion hole.

[0075] In this aspect, when the positioning protrusion is inserted into the insertion hole, the insertion hole is enlarged and the flexible printed circuit board moves to the regular position, so that the formation position of the insertion hole is allowed to deviate from the designed position.

[0076] In addition, in the above-mentioned connector structure, it is preferred to further include a supporting member, which is arranged at the top end side of the above-mentioned flexible printed circuit substrate in the insertion direction of the above-mentioned positioning protrusion into the above-mentioned insertion hole, and supports the above-mentioned flexible printed circuit substrate while receiving a part of the above-mentioned flexible printed circuit substrate bulging along the above-mentioned insertion direction when the above-mentioned positioning protrusion is inserted into the above-mentioned insertion hole.

[0077] In this method, the supporting component receives a portion (excess material) of the flexible printed circuit substrate that bulges out in the insertion direction while supporting the flexible printed circuit substrate, thereby taking into account both suppressing deformation of the flexible printed circuit substrate in the insertion direction and suppressing expansion of the insertion hole when the positioning protrusion is inserted into the insertion hole to effectively insert the positioning protrusion into the insertion hole.

[0078] Furthermore, it is preferable that the flexible printed circuit board is elastically deformable so that the insertion hole is reduced in size when the positioning protrusion is removed from the insertion hole.

[0079] In this aspect, since the insertion hole is reduced in size after the positioning protrusion is removed, when the positioning protrusion is inserted into the insertion hole again, the insertion hole is expanded and the flexible printed circuit board moves to the normal position.

[0080] In addition, in the connector structure, a hole surrounding reinforcement portion for reinforcing the area around the insertion hole in the flexible printed circuit board may also be provided. In this case, the hole surrounding reinforcement portion preferably has an inner peripheral surface surrounding the insertion hole, the inner peripheral surface being larger than the outer shape of the insertion hole and smaller than or equal to the outer shape of the positioning protrusion.

[0081] In this method, the relative displacement of the positioning protrusion with respect to the reinforcement portion around the hole is suppressed, and even if an external force that causes the flexible printed circuit substrate to displace in a direction orthogonal to its thickness direction relative to the connector acts on the flexible printed circuit substrate, the reinforcement portion around the hole abuts against the positioning protrusion, thereby suppressing the relative displacement of the flexible printed circuit substrate with respect to the connector.

[0082] In addition, in this case, the flexible printed circuit board preferably has: an insulating layer having a pattern forming surface on which the electrode portion is formed; and a wiring pattern arranged on the pattern forming surface and including the electrode portion, and the hole periphery reinforcement portion is arranged on the pattern forming surface.

[0083] In this way, the wiring pattern and the hole periphery reinforcement portion can be formed on the insulating layer in the same process.

[0084] In addition, in the above connector structure, it is preferable to further include an electrode portion reinforcing portion for reinforcing the electrode portion.

[0085] Thus, the connection of the electrode portion to the connector body becomes stable.

[0086] Alternatively, the electrode portion may include a plurality of patterns arranged in an orthogonal direction orthogonal to the thickness direction of the flexible printed circuit board, the insertion hole may include a pair of holes provided on both sides of the electrode portion in the orthogonal direction, and the positioning protrusion may include a pair of pins respectively inserted into the pair of holes. In this case, it is preferred that the pair of pins are provided at positions where an outward pulling force in the orthogonal direction is applied to the electrode portion when the pins are inserted into the pair of holes.

[0087] In this way, the electrode portion is prevented from being bent, thereby ensuring a good contact state between the electrode portion and the terminal portion.

[0088] In addition, the connector body may include: a first base and a second base that can clamp the electrode portion from both sides in the thickness direction thereof; and a substrate that is fixed to a portion of one of the first base and the second base that is opposite to the other base and has the terminal portion. In this case, it is preferred that the positioning protrusion is connected to a portion of the first base that is opposite to the second base, and the first base and the second base clamp the substrate and the flexible printed circuit substrate in a manner that the electrode portion and the terminal portion contact each other when the positioning protrusion is inserted into the insertion hole.

[0089] In addition, the connector is a connector that can be connected to a flexible printed circuit substrate having an electrode portion and an insertion hole set at a position away from the above-mentioned electrode portion, and comprises: a connector body, which has a terminal portion that can be connected to the above-mentioned electrode portion; and a positioning protrusion, which is used to determine the position of the above-mentioned flexible printed circuit substrate relative to the above-mentioned connector body in a manner that the above-mentioned electrode portion contacts the above-mentioned terminal portion at a predetermined regular position, and the above-mentioned positioning protrusion moves the above-mentioned flexible printed circuit substrate as it is inserted into the above-mentioned insertion hole, so that the position of the above-mentioned flexible printed circuit substrate becomes the above-mentioned regular position.

[0090] In addition, the connector body may include: a substrate having the terminal portion; and a base body that holds the substrate. In this case, the substrate is preferably provided with a through hole for inserting the positioning protrusion, and the positioning protrusion is connected to a portion of the base body that is inserted into the through hole of the substrate held by the base body.

[0091] In this embodiment, the positioning protrusion not only has the function of positioning the flexible printed circuit board relative to the connector body, but also has the function of positioning the board relative to the base. Therefore, the structure becomes simpler than the case where a dedicated portion is provided for positioning the board relative to the base.

[0092] Description of Reference Numerals

[0093] 1…connector structure; 2…cable; 100…connector; 110…connector body; 111…first base body; 112…second base body; 113…support shaft; 114…force-applying member; 115…substrate; 115h…through hole; 116…terminal portion; 120…positioning protrusion; 121…first pin; 122…second pin; 124…base end portion; 126…insertion end portion; 200…flexible printed circuit substrate; 210…insulating layer; 210h…through hole; 211h…first hole; 212h…second hole; 214…insertion end portion; 220…wiring pattern; 222…electrode portion; 300…reinforcement layer; 310…hole periphery reinforcement portion; 312…inner circumference; 320…electrode portion reinforcement portion; 320h…exposed opening; 400…support member; S1…pattern forming surface; S2…opposite surface.

Claims

1. A connector structure, wherein: have: a connector having a terminal portion; and a flexible printed circuit board having an electrode portion connectable to the terminal portion, The connector has: A connector body having the terminal portion; and a positioning protrusion for determining the position of the flexible printed circuit board relative to the connector body in such a manner that the electrode portion contacts the terminal portion at a predetermined regular position, An insertion hole for inserting the positioning protrusion is provided at a portion of the flexible printed circuit board away from the electrode portion. The positioning protrusion moves the flexible printed circuit board as it is inserted into the insertion hole, so that the position of the flexible printed circuit board becomes the regular position. The connector structure further includes a hole periphery reinforcement portion for reinforcing a portion around the insertion hole in the flexible printed circuit board. The hole periphery reinforcement portion has an inner peripheral surface surrounding the insertion hole, The inner peripheral surface is larger than an outer shape of the insertion hole and is smaller than or equal to an outer shape of the positioning protrusion.

2. The connector structure according to claim 1, wherein: The positioning protrusion has: a base end portion connected to the connector body; and an insertion end portion connected to the base end portion, The insertion end portion has a shape in which the outer shape of the insertion end portion gradually becomes smaller as it moves away from the connector body.

3. The connector structure according to claim 2, wherein: The insertion hole has a shape smaller than the outer shape of the boundary portion between the base end portion and the insertion end portion. The flexible printed circuit board is elastically deformable so that the insertion hole expands when the positioning protrusion is inserted into the insertion hole.

4. The connector structure according to claim 3, wherein: The connector structure also includes a supporting component, which is arranged on the top side of the flexible printed circuit substrate in the insertion direction of the positioning protrusion into the insertion hole, and supports the flexible printed circuit substrate while receiving a part of the flexible printed circuit substrate bulging along the insertion direction when the positioning protrusion is inserted into the insertion hole.

5. The connector structure according to claim 3 or 4, wherein: The flexible printed circuit board is elastically deformable so that the insertion hole is reduced in size when the positioning protrusion is disengaged from the insertion hole.

6. The connector structure according to claim 1, wherein: The flexible printed circuit substrate has: an insulating layer having a pattern forming surface on which the electrode portion is formed; and a wiring pattern provided on the pattern forming surface and including the electrode portion, The hole periphery reinforcement portion is provided on the pattern forming surface.

7. The connector structure according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The electrode portion has a plurality of patterns arranged in a direction orthogonal to a thickness direction of the flexible printed circuit board. The insertion hole includes a pair of holes provided on both sides of the electrode portion in the orthogonal direction. The positioning protrusion has a pair of pins respectively inserted into the pair of holes. The pair of pins are provided at positions where an outward pulling force in the orthogonal direction acts on the electrode portion when the pins are inserted into the pair of holes.

8. The connector structure according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The connector body has: A first substrate and a second substrate, which can clamp the electrode portion from both sides in the thickness direction thereof; and a substrate fixed to a portion of one of the first substrate and the second substrate that faces the other substrate and having the terminal portion, The positioning protrusion is connected to a portion of the first base body that is opposite to the second base body. The first base and the second base sandwich the substrate and the flexible printed circuit board so that the electrode portion and the terminal portion are in contact with each other in a state where the positioning protrusion is inserted into the insertion hole.

9. A connector structure, wherein: have: a connector having a terminal portion; and a flexible printed circuit board having an electrode portion connectable to the terminal portion, The connector has: A connector body having the terminal portion; and a positioning protrusion for determining the position of the flexible printed circuit board relative to the connector body in such a manner that the electrode portion contacts the terminal portion at a predetermined regular position, An insertion hole for inserting the positioning protrusion is provided at a portion of the flexible printed circuit board away from the electrode portion. The positioning protrusion moves the flexible printed circuit board as it is inserted into the insertion hole, so that the position of the flexible printed circuit board becomes the regular position. The connector structure further includes an electrode reinforcement portion for reinforcing the electrode portion. The electrode portion reinforcing portion reinforces an insertion end portion of the insulating layer of the flexible printed circuit board.

10. The connector structure according to claim 9, wherein: The electrode portion has a plurality of patterns arranged in a direction orthogonal to a thickness direction of the flexible printed circuit board. The insertion hole includes a pair of holes provided on both sides of the electrode portion in the orthogonal direction. The positioning protrusion has a pair of pins respectively inserted into the pair of holes. The pair of pins are provided at positions where an outward pulling force in the orthogonal direction acts on the electrode portion when the pins are inserted into the pair of holes.

11. The connector structure according to claim 9, wherein: The connector body has: A first substrate and a second substrate capable of clamping the electrode portion from both sides in a thickness direction thereof; and a substrate fixed to a portion of one of the first substrate and the second substrate that faces the other substrate and having the terminal portion, The positioning protrusion is connected to a portion of the first base body that is opposite to the second base body. The first base and the second base sandwich the substrate and the flexible printed circuit board so that the electrode portion and the terminal portion are in contact with each other in a state where the positioning protrusion is inserted into the insertion hole.

12. A connector that can be connected to a flexible printed circuit board having an electrode portion and an insertion hole provided at a position away from the electrode portion, wherein: have: a connector body having a terminal portion connectable to the electrode portion; and a positioning protrusion for determining the position of the flexible printed circuit board relative to the connector body in such a manner that the electrode portion contacts the terminal portion at a predetermined regular position, The positioning protrusion moves the flexible printed circuit board as it is inserted into the insertion hole, so that the position of the flexible printed circuit board becomes the regular position. The connector body has: a substrate having the terminal portion; and a base body which fixes the substrate, The substrate is provided with a through hole for inserting the positioning protrusion. The positioning protrusion is connected to a portion of the base body that is inserted into the through hole of the substrate fixed to the base body.

Images