Connection method and connector assembly

Abstract

The present application provides a connection method that can electrically connect a contact to a flexible conductor of a connection object regardless of which surface of the connection object the flexible conductor is exposed to. In the case where the flexible conductor is exposed from the surface of the connection object (F1), the contact (13) is disposed on the surface at a predetermined position of the connection object while maintaining the original state. In the case where the flexible conductor is exposed from the back surface of the connection object (F1), the portion including the connection portion of the connection object (F1) is reversed in a manner such that the connection portion (51A, 52A, 53A, 54A) maintains the predetermined position and faces the surface of the connection object. In this state, the contact (13) is disposed on the surface of the connection object (F1) at the predetermined position, the contact is maintained in the housing mounted to the connection object, and the contact (13) is brought into contact with the connection portion (51A, 52A, 53A, 54A) to be electrically connected to the flexible conductor.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a connection method, and particularly to a connection method of electrically connecting a contact having conductivity to a flexible conductor exposed on one face of a connection object.

[0002] Further, the present application relates to a connector assembly in which a contact having conductivity is electrically connected to a flexible conductor exposed on one face of a connection object. BACKGROUND

[0003] As a connector mounted to a connection object having a flexible conductor, for example, Patent Literature 1 discloses a connector 1 as shown in Figure 26 The connector 1 has a structure of sandwiching and holding the connection object 4 between a first insulating member 2 in a flat plate shape and a second insulating member 3 in a frame shape having an opening portion 3A in the center.

[0004] The first insulating member 2 is formed with a protruding portion 2A protruding toward the opening portion 3A of the second insulating member 3 and a protrusion 2B protruding toward the second insulating member 3 at a position closer to an edge portion of the first insulating member 2 than the protruding portion 2A, and a contact 5 is held to the first insulating member 2 in a manner of being exposed on the surfaces of the protruding portion 2A and the protrusion 2B, respectively. The second insulating member 3 is formed with a concave protrusion housing portion 3B for housing the protrusion 2B of the first insulating member 2 on a face opposite to the first insulating member 2.

[0005] The connection object 4 has a flexible conductor 6 exposed on a back face, i.e., a face opposite to the first insulating member 2. In a state where the connection object 4 is disposed between the first insulating member 2 and the second insulating member 3, when the first insulating member 2 and the second insulating member 3 are pressed toward each other, as shown in Figure 27 the connection object 4 is inserted into the protrusion housing portion 3B of the second insulating member 3 by the protrusion 2B of the first insulating member 2. As a result, the connection object 4 is sandwiched between the inner surface of the protrusion housing portion 3B and the contact 5 disposed on the surface of the protrusion 2B of the first insulating member 2, and the contact 5 is electrically connected to the flexible conductor 6 exposed on the back face of the connection object 4.

[0006] Note that the contact 5 of the first insulating member 2 disposed on the surface of the protruding portion 2A becomes in a state of being electrically connected by being in contact with a contact of a counterpart connector when a part of the counterpart connector is inserted into the opening portion 3A of the second insulating member 3 and the counterpart connector is fitted to the connector 1.

[0007] PRIOR ART DOCUMENT

[0008] PATENT LITERATURE

[0009] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-87515

[0010] Thus, by using the connector of Patent Document 1, the contact 5 can be electrically connected with the flexible conductor 6 exposed on the back surface of the connection object 4.

[0011] However, since the back surface of the connection object 4 is in contact with the contact 5 within the protrusion housing portion 3B of the second insulating member 3, in the case where the flexible conductor 6 is not exposed on the back surface of the connection object 4 but only on the surface of the connection object 4, there is a problem that the contact 5 cannot be electrically connected with the flexible conductor 6. SUMMARY

[0012] The present application has been made to solve such conventional problems, and has an object to provide a connection method capable of electrically connecting a contact with a flexible conductor of a connection object regardless of which surface of the connection object the flexible conductor is exposed.

[0013] In addition, the present application has an object to provide a connector assembly that electrically connects a contact with a flexible conductor of a connection object using a connector mounted to the connection object.

[0014] The connection method of the present application is a connection method that electrically connects a contact having conductivity with a flexible conductor exposed on one surface of a connection object,

[0015] The flexible conductor has a connection portion that is composed of a part of the flexible conductor and is located at a predetermined position when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the connection object,

[0016] In the case where the flexible conductor is exposed from the surface of the connection object, the contact is disposed on the surface at the predetermined position of the connection object in the original state; in the case where the flexible conductor is exposed from the back surface of the connection object, the portion of the connection object where the connection portion is disposed is inverted in a state where the connection portion is kept at the predetermined position, and the contact is disposed on the surface at the predetermined position of the connection object in such a manner that the connection portion faces the surface of the connection object.

[0017] The housing mounted to the connection object holds the contact, and the contact is brought into contact with the connection portion to be electrically connected with the flexible conductor.

[0018] The contact has a cylindrical portion, and the housing has a protrusion corresponding to the cylindrical portion of the contact. When the contact is held in the housing, the connection portion of the flexible conductor is pressed into the cylindrical portion of the contact by the protrusion, thereby electrically connecting the contact with the flexible conductor.

[0019] The connector assembly of the present application comprises:

[0020] a connection object from which a flexible conductor is exposed on one surface; and

[0021] a connector mounted to the connection object;

[0022] The connector has:

[0023] a contact configured on a surface of a connection object and having electric conductivity; and

[0024] a housing mounted to the connection object and holding the contact,

[0025] the flexible conductor has a connection portion composed of a part of the flexible conductor and positioned at a predetermined position when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the connection object,

[0026] in a case where the flexible conductor is exposed from the surface of the connection object, the contact is configured on the surface of the connection object at the predetermined position in the original state, and in a case where the flexible conductor is exposed from the back surface of the connection object, the part of the connection object where the connection portion is provided is inverted so that the connection portion faces the surface of the connection object in a state where the predetermined position is maintained, and the contact is configured on the surface of the connection object at the predetermined position in this state,

[0027] the contact held by the housing is in contact with the connection portion to be electrically connected to the flexible conductor.

[0028] The connection object has a support body having insulating property in a sheet shape, and a flexible conductor configured on one face of the support body, the support body has an island-shaped portion surrounded by a pair of notches opposite to each other and provided with at least one connection portion on one face, and a pair of link portions linking both ends of the island-shaped portion to the surrounding support body, respectively, and the island-shaped portion is inverted around an inversion axis extending along the support body by deforming the pair of link portions.

[0029] The pair of link portions can extend in directions crossing with respect to the inversion axis, respectively, and the island-shaped portion can be inverted by 180 degrees around the inversion axis by folding back the pair of link portions along a fold line provided on the inversion axis.

[0030] Alternatively, the pair of link portions can extend along a straight line parallel to the inversion axis, and the island-shaped portion can be inverted around the inversion axis by twisting the pair of link portions by 180 degrees around the inversion axis.

[0031] Preferably, the connection portion is provided on the inversion axis.

[0032] Two connection portions can be provided along the inversion axis in the island-shaped portion, and the pair of link portions can be provided with the flexible conductor connected to the corresponding connection portion, respectively.

[0033] Preferably, the housing includes a top insulator configured on the surface side of the connection object and a bottom insulator configured on the back surface side of the connection object, and the connection object is sandwiched by the top insulator and the bottom insulator, whereby the contact is held by the housing.

[0034] The contact has a cylindrical portion and a flange formed at one end of the cylindrical portion, and the top insulator has a contact through-hole through which the cylindrical portion of the contact passes and which is smaller than the flange, so that the cylindrical portion of the contact passes through the contact through-hole and the flange is pressed against the surface of the flexible conductor, the top insulator is fixed to the bottom insulator with the flexible conductor sandwiched therebetween, and the contact is held in the housing.

[0035] Preferably, the bottom insulator has a protrusion corresponding to the cylindrical portion of the contact, and when the contact is held in the housing, the connecting portion of the flexible conductor is pressed into the cylindrical portion of the contact by the protrusion, so that the contact is electrically connected to the flexible conductor.

[0036] Effects of the Invention:

[0037] According to the present application, in the case where the flexible conductor is exposed from the surface of the connection object, the contact is arranged on the surface at the predetermined position of the connection object in the original state, and in the case where the flexible conductor is exposed from the back surface of the connection object, the portion of the connection object where the connecting portion is arranged is inverted so that the connecting portion faces the surface of the connection object while maintaining the predetermined position, and the contact is arranged on the surface at the predetermined position of the connection object in this state. Since the contact is held in the housing mounted to the connection object while being in contact with the connecting portion, the contact can be electrically connected to the flexible conductor of the connection object regardless of which surface of the connection object the flexible conductor is exposed from. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0038] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the connector assembly of Embodiment 1 in which the connector is mounted to a connection object from which the flexible conductor is exposed from the back surface, as viewed obliquely from above.

[0039] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the connector assembly of Embodiment 1 in which the connector is mounted to a connection object from which the flexible conductor is exposed from the back surface, as viewed obliquely from below.

[0040] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the connector assembly of Embodiment 1.

[0041] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the top insulator used in the connector assembly of Embodiment 1, as viewed obliquely from above.

[0042] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the top insulator used in the connector assembly of Embodiment 1, as viewed obliquely from below.

[0043] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the bottom insulator used in the connector assembly of Embodiment 1, as viewed obliquely from above.

[0044] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the bottom insulator used in the connector assembly of Embodiment 1, viewed obliquely from below.

[0045] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the contact used in the connector assembly of Embodiment 1, viewed obliquely from above.

[0046] Figure 9 is a perspective view of the contact used in the connector assembly of Embodiment 1, viewed obliquely from below.

[0047] Figure 10 is a perspective view of the reinforcing sheet used in the connector assembly of Embodiment 1, viewed obliquely from above.

[0048] Figure 11 is a plan view showing the surface of the connection object used in the connector assembly of Embodiment 1.

[0049] Figure 12 is a bottom view showing the back of the connection object used in the connector assembly of Embodiment 1.

[0050] Figure 13 is an enlarged perspective view of a main part of the back of the connection object used in the connector assembly of Embodiment 1.

[0051] Figure 14 is a perspective view of the back of the connection object showing the state after the island-shaped part is reversed in Embodiment 1.

[0052] Figure 15 is a perspective view of the surface of the connection object showing the state after the island-shaped part is reversed in Embodiment 1.

[0053] Figure 16 is a perspective view showing the state where the contact is arranged on the connection part of the connection object toward the surface side.

[0054] Figure 17 is a perspective view of the back of the connection object showing the state where the reinforcing sheet and the top insulator are arranged on the surface side.

[0055] Figure 18 is an enlarged view of a main part of Figure 17 .

[0056] Figure 19 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing a main part of the connector assembly of Embodiment 1.

[0057] Figure 20 is a bottom view showing the back of the connection object which becomes a reference example.

[0058] Figure 21is an enlarged perspective view showing a main part of the back surface of a connection object used in the connector assembly of the modification of Embodiment 1.

[0059] Figure 22 is a perspective view showing the back surface of a connection object in a state in which the island portion is reversed in the modification of Embodiment 1.

[0060] Figure 23 is a perspective view showing the surface of a connection object in a state in which the island portion is reversed in the modification of Embodiment 1.

[0061] Figure 24 is a perspective view of the connector assembly of Embodiment 1 in which the connector is mounted to a connection object in which a flexible conductor is exposed on the surface, viewed obliquely from above.

[0062] Figure 25 is a plan view showing the back surface of a connection object used in the connector assembly of Embodiment 2.

[0063] Figure 26 is a sectional view showing a conventional connector.

[0064] Figure 27 is an enlarged view of a main part of Figure 26 .

[0065] Reference Signs

[0066] 1 connector 2 first insulating member 2A protrusion 2B protrusion 3 second insulating member

[0067] 3A opening portion 3B protrusion housing portion 4 connection object 5 contact 6 flexible conductor

[0068] 11 connector 12 housing 13 contact 13A cylindrical portion 13B flange 13C recess

[0069] 14 reinforcing sheet 14A opening portion 14B, 41, 42, 16D through hole 15 top insulator

[0070] 15A recess 15B contact through hole 15C fixing column 15D positioning pin

[0071] 16 bottom insulator 16A flat plate portion 16B protrusion 16C anti-misalignment pin

[0072] 21, 61 first island portion 31, 62 second island portion 22, 23, 32, 33 notch

[0073] 24, 25, 34, 35, 82, 83 link portion 26, 27, 36, 37 fold line

[0074] 51, 52, 53, 54, 71, 72, 91, 92 wiring; 51A, 52A, 53A, 54A, 71A, 72A, 91A, 92A connection part; 81 island-shaped part; F1, F2, F3 connection objects.

[0075] F11, F21, F31 Support body; F12, F22, F32 Flexible conductor

[0076] A1, A2, A3, A4, A5 reverse axes W1, W2 punching width Detailed Implementation

[0077] The embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0078] Implementation Method 1

[0079] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 The connector assembly of Embodiment 1 is shown. The connector assembly is a connector assembly on a sheet-like connecting object F1 with a connector 11 mounted on it.

[0080] The connector 11 can be used, for example, as a clothing-side connector for fitting a wearable device, and has a housing 12. The four contacts 13 are held in the housing 12 in a state of being arranged in two parallel rows, protruding vertically relative to the object to be connected, respectively.

[0081] In addition, the connector 11 and the reinforcing piece 14 for strengthening the connection object F1 are installed together on the connection object F1.

[0082] The connection object F1 is, for example, a flexible sheet-like support F11 made of insulating resin material, on the back of which a wiring consisting of a flexible conductor F12 is exposed. The flexible conductor F12 is not exposed on the surface of the support F11. Alternatively, the connection object F1 can also be a so-called smart textile, which has wiring formed on at least one side by weaving conductive fibers, printing conductive ink, etc.

[0083] For convenience, the direction in which the connecting object F1 extends along the XY plane and the two rows of four contacts 13 are arranged is referred to as the Y direction, and the direction in which each of the four contacts 13 protrudes is referred to as the +Z direction. The Z direction is the mating direction of the connector 11 and the other-side connector (not shown) when they are engaged.

[0084] Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view of the connector assembly. The connector 11 has a top insulator 15 and a bottom insulator 16, which are respectively made of insulating materials such as insulating resin, and the housing 12 is formed by these top insulators 15 and bottom insulators 16.

[0085] In addition, the four contacts 13 are arranged on the surface of the connection object Fl via the opening portions 14A formed in the reinforcing sheet 14, and the connection object Fl is clamped in the Z direction by the top insulator 15 arranged on the surface side of the connection object Fl and the bottom insulator 16 arranged on the back surface side of the connection object Fl, whereby the four contacts 13 and the reinforcing sheet 14 are held in the housing 12.

[0086] As shown in Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the top insulator 15 has a recessed portion 15A opened toward the +Z direction, and four contact through holes 15B are formed in the recessed portion 15A. The four contact through holes 15B respectively correspond to the four contacts 13.

[0087] In the surface of the top insulator 15 toward the -Z direction, a plurality of cylindrical fixing columns 15C protruding in the -Z direction from positions outside the four contact through holes 15B are formed. The plurality of fixing columns 15C are used to fix the bottom insulator 16 to the top insulator 15 when the connector 11 is mounted to the connection object Fl.

[0088] In addition, in the surface of the top insulator 15 toward the -Z direction, four cylindrical positioning pins 15D protruding in the -Z direction from positions between the four contact through holes 15B are formed. These positioning pins 15D are used to position the top insulator 15 with respect to the connection object Fl and have a lower height than the fixing columns 15C.

[0089] As shown in Figure 6 and Figure 7 , the bottom insulator 16 has a flat plate portion 16A extending along the XY plane, and four protrusions 16B protruding in the +Z direction are formed on the surface of the flat plate portion 16A toward the +Z direction. The four protrusions 16B respectively correspond to the four contacts 13.

[0090] In addition, in the surface of the flat plate portion 16A toward the +Z direction, a plurality of anti-misalignment pins 16C protruding in the +Z direction from positions outside the four protrusions 16B are formed. These anti-misalignment pins 16C have a conical shape and perform positioning of the connection object Fl and the reinforcing sheet 14 when the connector 11 is mounted to the connection object Fl.

[0091] Further, in the flat plate portion 16A, a plurality of through holes 16D passing through the flat plate portion 16A in the Z direction are formed at positions outside the four protrusions 16B. The plurality of through holes 16D respectively correspond to the plurality of fixing columns 15C of the top insulator 15.

[0092] As shown in Figure 8 and Figure 9As shown, the contact 13 is a plug-type contact made of a conductive material such as metal, and has: a cylindrical portion 13A in the shape of a cylinder that extends along the +Z direction; and a flange 13B that is integrally formed at the -Z end of the cylindrical portion 13A and extends outward along the XY plane toward the cylindrical portion 13A.

[0093] It should be noted that the cylindrical portion 13A of the contact 13 has an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the contact through hole 15B of the top insulator 15, and the flange 13B of the contact 13 has an outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of the contact through hole 15B of the top insulator 15.

[0094] A recess 13C opening in the -Z direction is formed inside the cylindrical portion 13A. The recess 13C has an inner diameter slightly smaller than the sum of the outer diameter of the protrusion 16B of the bottom insulator 16 plus twice the sum of the thickness of the support F11 of the object to be connected F1 and the thickness of the flexible conductor F12. This contact 13 can be manufactured, for example, by stamping, cutting, drawing, or other processes on the metal material.

[0095] like Figure 10 As shown, the reinforcing sheet 14 has an opening 14A formed in the center and extending through the reinforcing sheet 14, and a plurality of through holes 14B extending through the reinforcing sheet 14 are formed around the opening 14A. The plurality of through holes 14B correspond to a plurality of fixing posts 15C of the top insulator 15.

[0096] This reinforcing sheet 14 can be formed, for example, from a resin with excellent elasticity, such as polyurethane.

[0097] like Figure 11 As shown, a first island-shaped portion 21 and a second island-shaped portion 31 are formed on the sheet-like support F1 that connects to the object F1. These portions are arranged adjacent to each other in the X direction.

[0098] The first island portion 21 is surrounded by a pair of notches 22 and 23 that are opposite each other in the X direction, and the two ends of the first island portion 21 in the Y direction are connected to the surrounding support body F11 by a pair of connecting portions 24 and 25.

[0099] Connecting portions 24 and 25 extend along the X direction, and broken lines 26 and 27 extending along the Y direction are respectively provided at the middle part of the connecting portions 24 and 25 in the X direction. These broken lines 26 and 27 are located at the same position in the X direction and are located on a straight line extending along the Y direction.

[0100] The first island portion 21 is located on the reversal axis A1, which extends in the Y direction through the broken lines 26 and 27. By folding a pair of connecting portions 24 and 25 back along the broken lines 26 and 27 respectively, the first island portion 21 can be reversed 180 degrees around the reversal axis A1.

[0101] Similarly, the second island portion 31 is surrounded by a pair of notches 32 and 33 that are opposite each other in the X direction, and the two ends of the second island portion 31 in the Y direction are connected to the surrounding support body F11 by a pair of connecting portions 34 and 35.

[0102] Connecting portions 34 and 35 extend along the X direction, and broken lines 36 and 37 extending along the Y direction are respectively provided at the middle of the connecting portions 34 and 35 in the X direction. These broken lines 36 and 37 are located at the same position in the X direction and lie on a straight line extending along the Y direction.

[0103] The second island portion 31 is located on the reversal axis A2, which passes through the broken lines 36 and 37 and extends in the Y direction. By folding a pair of connecting portions 34 and 35 back at the broken lines 36 and 37 respectively, the second island portion 31 can be reversed 180 degrees around the reversal axis A2.

[0104] The support F11 of the connected object F1 has a plurality of through holes 41 arranged around the periphery of the first island portion 21 and the second island portion 31. These plurality of through holes 41 correspond to a plurality of fixing posts 15C of the top insulator 15.

[0105] Furthermore, two through holes 42 arranged in the X direction are formed at the center of the first island portion 21 in the Y direction, and similarly, two through holes 42 arranged in the X direction are also formed at the center of the second island portion 31 in the Y direction. These through holes 42 correspond to the four locating pins 15D of the top insulator 15.

[0106] like Figure 12 As shown, four wires 51 to 54, composed of flexible conductors F12, are exposed on the back side of the support body F11 facing the -Z direction. These wires 51 to 54 extend along the Y direction.

[0107] The first island portion 21 is arranged such that it is located on the reversal axis A1 and arranged in the Y direction along the reversal axis A1, and includes a connecting portion 51A, which is a portion of the flexible conductor F12 and connected to the end of the wiring 51, and a connecting portion 52A, which is a portion of the flexible conductor F12 and connected to the end of the wiring 52. The wiring 51 extends from the -Y direction toward the +Y direction on the back side of the support body F11, reaches the first island portion 21 through the connecting portion 24, and is connected to the connecting portion 51A. Similarly, the wiring 52 extends from the +Y direction toward the -Y direction on the back side of the support body F11, reaches the first island portion 21 through the connecting portion 25, and is connected to the connecting portion 52A.

[0108] The second island portion 31 is provided with a connection portion 53A made of a portion of the flexible conductor F12 and connected to the end portion of the wiring 53, and a connection portion 54A made of a portion of the flexible conductor F12 and connected to the end portion of the wiring 54, in a manner arranged on the reverse axis A2 and in the Y direction. The wiring 53 extends on the back surface of the support F11 from the -Y direction toward the +Y direction, reaches the second island portion 31 through the link portion 34, and is connected to the connection portion 53A. Similarly, the wiring 54 extends on the back surface of the support F11 from the +Y direction toward the -Y direction, reaches the second island portion 31 through the link portion 35, and is connected to the connection portion 54A.

[0109] Because of this structure, as shown in Figure 13 , the pair of link portions 24 and 25 are each folded back at the fold lines 26 and 27 in a manner with the wirings 51 and 52 on the inner side and the support F11 on the outer side, whereby the first island portion 21 provided with the connection portions 51A and 52A is reversed 180 degrees around the reverse axis Al.

[0110] Similarly, the pair of link portions 34 and 35 are each folded back at the fold lines 36 and 37 in a manner with the wirings 53 and 54 on the inner side and the support F11 on the outer side, whereby the second island portion 31 provided with the connection portions 53A and 54A is reversed 180 degrees around the reverse axis A2.

[0111] As a result, as shown in Figure 14 and Figure 15 , the connection portions 51A and 52A of the first island portion 21 and the connection portions 53A and 54A of the second island portion 31 are not visible from the -Z direction side, but face the +Z direction.

[0112] Note that the first and second island portions 21 and 31 are arranged in a manner passing over the notches 22, 23, 32, 33 without overlapping the surrounding support F11, in the case of being reversed 180 degrees around the reverse axes Al and A2.

[0113] Note that the connection portions 51A and 52A of the first island portion 21 are arranged on the reverse axis Al, and although there is a difference in whether they face the back surface side or the surface side of the connection target object Fl before and after the first island portion 21 is reversed 180 degrees around the reverse axis Al, they maintain substantially the same predetermined position with respect to the connection target object Fl when viewed from the Z direction perpendicular to the connection target object Fl.

[0114] Similarly, the connecting portions 53A and 54A of the second island portion 31 are arranged on the reversal axis A2. Before and after the second island portion 31 is reversed 180 degrees around the reversal axis A2, although there is a difference between facing the back side or the surface side of the connected object F1, when viewed from the Z direction perpendicular to the connected object F1, they maintain a basically the same predetermined position relative to the connected object F1.

[0115] Here, a method for assembling a connector assembly by mounting the connector 11 on the back side of the connector object F1 with the flexible conductor F12 exposed in the -Z direction will be described.

[0116] First, such as Figure 13 As shown, by folding back a pair of connecting portions 24 and 25 at fold lines 26 and 27, the first island portion 21, on which connecting portions 51A and 52A are disposed, is rotated 180 degrees around the reversal axis A1; and by folding back a pair of connecting portions 34 and 35 at fold lines 36 and 37, the second island portion 31, on which connecting portions 53A and 54A are disposed, is rotated 180 degrees around the reversal axis A2. Thus, the connecting portions 51A and 52A of the first island portion 21 and the connecting portions 53A and 54A of the second island portion 31, facing the -Z direction, are as follows... Figure 15 As shown, it becomes oriented towards the +Z direction.

[0117] In this state, such as Figure 16 As shown, contacts 13 are respectively disposed on the connecting portions 51A, 52A, 53A and 54A facing the +Z direction. Each contact 13 is in a state where the flange 13B contacts the corresponding connecting portion 51A, 52A, 53A and 54A, and the cylindrical portion 13A extends in the +Z direction.

[0118] Next, the reinforcing piece 14 is arranged on the surface of the object to be connected, with four contacts 13 arranged on the connecting portions 51A, 52A, 53A and 54A located in the opening 14A of the reinforcing piece 14, and the top insulator 15 is arranged on the +Z direction side of the reinforcing piece 14.

[0119] At this time, the cylindrical portion 13A of the four contacts 13 is inserted. Figure 4 The four contacts of the top insulator 15 shown are inserted into the through hole 15B and protrude into the recess 15A of the top insulator 15.

[0120] In addition, the multiple fixing posts 15C of the top insulator 15 penetrate the multiple through holes 14B of the reinforcing sheet 14 and the multiple through holes 41 of the connected object F1, and as shown in the figure. Figure 17 As shown, the plurality of fixing posts 15C protrude from the back side of the object to be connected, facing the -Z direction, toward the -Z direction. This allows for the alignment of the top insulator 15 and the reinforcing plate 14 relative to the object to be connected, F1, in the XY direction.

[0121] Moreover, the four positioning pins 15D of the top insulator 15 pass through the two through-holes 42 of the first island portion 21 and the two through-holes 42 of the second island portion 31 of the connection target object Fl. Thus, the first island portion 21 and the second island portion 31 that are inverted by 180 degrees around the inversion axes Al and A2 are positionally aligned with respect to the top insulator 15 and the four contacts 13.

[0122] Note that, as shown in FIG. 6, if one of the two through-holes 42 of the first island portion 21 is formed in a circular shape having a radius corresponding to the outer diameter of the positioning pin 15D of the top insulator 15, and the other through-hole 42 is formed in an elliptical shape having a minor axis corresponding to the outer diameter of the positioning pin 15D of the top insulator 15, the positional alignment of the first island portion 21 can be performed while absorbing the manufacturing tolerances of the top insulator 15 and the connection target object Fl, and the assembly tolerance when the first island portion 21 is inverted. Figure 18

[0123] The same applies to the two through-holes 42 of the second island portion 31.

[0124] After that, the bottom insulator 16 is moved from the -Z direction to the +Z direction, and thus the assembly to the top insulator 15 is started.

[0125] At this time, the positional alignment of the bottom insulator 16 with respect to the top insulator 15 in the XY direction is performed by passing the plurality of fixing columns 15C of the top insulator 15 protruding in the -Z direction from the connection target object Fl through the plurality of through-holes 16D of the bottom insulator 16.

[0126] In this state, when the top insulator 15 and the bottom insulator 16 are pressed in the Z direction so as to approach each other, the four protrusions 16B of the bottom insulator 16 respectively come into contact with the back surface of the connection target object Fl facing the -Z direction, and the connection target object Fl at the contacted site is pressed in the +Z direction.

[0127] As a result, as shown in FIG. 8, the connection target object Fl is sandwiched, and the protrusion 16B of the bottom insulator 16 is inserted into the recessed portion 13C of the corresponding contact 13. Thus, the first island portion 21 of the connection target object Fl and the connection portion 51A exposed on the +Z direction side surface thereof are deformed so as to protrude in the +Z direction toward the recessed portion 13C under the action of the protrusion 16B, and the inner peripheral surface of the recessed portion 13C of the contact 13 comes into contact with the connection portion 51A in the direction along the XY plane. Figure 19

[0128] ​​Here, the first island portion 21 and the connecting portion 51A are respectively composed of a support body F11 of the object to be connected F1 and a part of the flexible conductor F12. The recess 13C of the contact 13 has an inner diameter that is slightly smaller than the sum of the outer diameter of the protrusion 16B of the bottom insulator and the thickness of the support body F11 of the object to be connected F1 and the thickness of the flexible conductor F12. Therefore, the connecting portion 51A is pressed against the inner circumferential surface of the recess 13C of the contact 13 by the protrusion 16B and a contact pressure is applied. The contact 13 is electrically connected to the connecting portion 51A.

[0129] Similarly, the connecting portion 52A of the first island portion 21 and the connecting portions 53A and 54A of the second island portion 31 are electrically connected to the corresponding contacts 13.

[0130] In addition, the flange 13B of the contact 13 has an outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of the contact through hole 15B of the top insulator 15, and is sandwiched between the -Z direction side surface of the top insulator 15 and the +Z direction side surface of the connected object F1.

[0131] The fixing post 15C of the top insulator 15 passes through the through hole 16D of the bottom insulator 16 and protrudes toward the -Z direction side. However, due to the heating deformation of the -Z direction end of the fixing post 15C, the bottom insulator 16 is fixed relative to the top insulator 15. As a result, the contact 13 is held in the housing 12 formed by the top insulator 15 and the bottom insulator 16.

[0132] Furthermore, by pressing the top insulator 15 and the bottom insulator 16 in the Z direction in a manner that brings them close to each other, a conical anti-misalignment pin 16C protruding from the flat plate portion 16A of the bottom insulator 16 in the +Z direction is inserted into the support body F11 and the reinforcing plate 14 of the object to be connected F1, thereby preventing misalignment between the object to be connected F1 and the reinforcing plate 14.

[0133] Thus, as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, connector 11 is installed on the connecting object F1, and the assembly of the connector assembly is completed.

[0134] It should be noted that, as Figure 12 As shown, the connecting portions 51A and 52A of the first island-shaped portion 21 are arranged on the reversal axis A1. Before and after the first island-shaped portion 21 is reversed, when viewed from the Z direction, the connecting portions 51A and 52A maintain substantially the same predetermined position. Similarly, the connecting portions 53A and 54A of the second island-shaped portion 31 are arranged on the reversal axis A2. Before and after the second island-shaped portion 31 is reversed, when viewed from the Z direction, the connecting portions 53A and 54A maintain substantially the same predetermined position. To form such a first island-shaped portion 21 and a second island-shaped portion 31, as follows... Figure 11As shown, the support F11 is punched in the range of the punching width W1 in the X direction, thereby forming the notches 22, 23, 32, 33.

[0135] On the contrary, it is assumed that the first island portion 61 and the second island portion 62 are not located on the inversion axes A3 and A4 as shown in the connection object F2, and the connection portions 71A and 72A connected to the wires 71 and 72 of the flexible conductor F22 are respectively arranged in the first island portion 61 and the second island portion 62, and the first island portion 61 and the second island portion 62 are inverted by 180 degrees around the inversion axes A3 and A4, thereby locating the connection portions 71A and 72A in the predetermined positions same as the connection portions 51A, 52A and 53A, 54A of the connection object F1 as shown. Figure 20 Figure 15

[0136] In this case, the first island portion 61 and the second island portion 62 are not located on the inversion axes A3 and A4 but outside the inversion axes A3 and A4, and therefore the support F21 of the connection object F2 needs to be punched in the range of the punching width W2 wider than the punching width W1 of the connection object F1.

[0137] In the connection object F1 as shown in Figure 11 and Figure 12 The connection portions 51A, 52A and 53A, 54A are respectively arranged on the inversion axes A1 and A2, and therefore the punching width W1 of the support F11 can be reduced. As a result, the notches 22, 23 around the first island portion 21 and the notches 32, 33 around the second island portion 31 of the connection object F1 can be arranged in the region sandwiched by the top insulator 15 and the bottom insulator 16, thereby realizing the miniaturization of the connector 11.

[0138] In addition, as shown, the pair of link portions 24 and 25 are respectively folded back at the fold lines 26 and 27 in a manner that the wires 51 and 52 are inside and the support F11 is outside, and similarly, the pair of link portions 34 and 35 are respectively folded back at the fold lines 36 and 37 in a manner that the wires 53 and 54 are inside and the support F11 is outside, but the present application is not limited thereto. Figure 13 As shown in

[0139] Figure 21 ​​​As shown in FIG. 1, even if the pair of connecting portions 24 and 25 are folded back at the fold lines 26 and 27 in a manner that the wires 51 and 52 are on the outer side and the support body F11 is on the inner side, likewise, even if the pair of connecting portions 34 and 35 are folded back at the fold lines 36 and 37 in a manner that the wires 53 and 54 are on the outer side and the support body F11 is on the inner side, the first island-shaped portion 21 provided with the connecting portions 51A and 52A and the second island-shaped portion 31 provided with the connecting portions 53A and 54A can be reversed by 180 degrees around the reversal axes A1 and A2.

[0140] Even so, as shown in FIG. 1, the connecting portions 51A and 52A of the first island-shaped portion 21 and the connecting portions 53A and 54A of the second island-shaped portion 31 cannot be seen from the -Z direction side, and are directed toward the +Z direction. Therefore, the connector 11 can be mounted on the connection target object F1, and the connector assembly can be assembled, in the same manner as in Embodiment 1. Figure 22 Figure 23 As shown in FIG. 1, the connecting portions 51A and 52A of the first island-shaped portion 21 and the connecting portions 53A and 54A of the second island-shaped portion 31 cannot be seen from the -Z direction side, and are directed toward the +Z direction. Therefore, the connector 11 can be mounted on the connection target object F1, and the connector assembly can be assembled, in the same manner as in Embodiment 1.

[0141] In the above-described Embodiment 1, as shown in FIG. 1, the connector 11 is mounted on the connection target object F1 on which the flexible conductor F12 is exposed on the back surface toward the -Z direction, but as shown in FIG. 2, the connector 11 can also be mounted on the connection target object F1 in a state in which the flexible conductor F12 is exposed on the surface toward the +Z direction and is not exposed on the back surface toward the -Z direction by turning over the connection target object F1. Figure 1 Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1, the connecting portions 51A and 52A of the first island-shaped portion 21 and the connecting portions 53A and 54A of the second island-shaped portion 31 cannot be seen from the -Z direction side, and are directed toward the +Z direction. Therefore, the connector 11 can be mounted on the connection target object F1, and the connector assembly can be assembled, in the same manner as in Embodiment 1. Figure 24 In this case, the connecting portions 51A, 52A, 53A, and 54A provided in the first island-shaped portion 21 and the second island-shaped portion 31 are already directed toward the +Z direction, and therefore the first island-shaped portion 21 and the second island-shaped portion 31 are not reversed by 180 degrees around the reversal axes A1 and A2, and the contact 13 can be disposed on the connecting portions 51A, 52A, 53A, and 54A, respectively, as shown in FIG. 3.

[0142] Figure 16 In this case, the connecting portions 51A, 52A, 53A, and 54A provided in the first island-shaped portion 21 and the second island-shaped portion 31 are already directed toward the +Z direction, and therefore the first island-shaped portion 21 and the second island-shaped portion 31 are not reversed by 180 degrees around the reversal axes A1 and A2, and the contact 13 can be disposed on the connecting portions 51A, 52A, 53A, and 54A, respectively, as shown in FIG. 3.

[0143] Thus, the connector assembly is assembled, and the four contacts 13 are electrically connected to the connecting portions 51A, 52A, 53A, and 54A, respectively.

[0144] ​​​Thus, according to the connector assembly of Embodiment 1, regardless of which of the back surface and the surface of the connection target object F1 the flexible conductor F12 is exposed to, by selecting to reverse the first island portion 21 and the second island portion 31 of the connection target object F1 by 180 degrees around the reversal axes Al and A2 or to leave them as they are without reversing, the connector 11 can be mounted to the connection target object F1 and the contact 13 can be electrically connected to the flexible conductor F12 of the connection target object F1 without using components other than the contact 13, the reinforcing sheet 14, the top insulator 15, and the bottom insulator 16.

[0145] Note that, in Embodiment 1 described above, the connector 11 has four contacts 13, but the number of contacts 13 is not limited to four as long as there is one or more contacts 13.

[0146] In addition, the connection target object F1 has the first island portion 21 and the second island portion 31, but for example, it can have one island portion or three or more island portions depending on the number of contacts 13.

[0147] Further, in Embodiment 1 described above, two connection portions 51A and 52A are provided in the first island portion 21 of the connection target object F1, and two connection portions 53A and 54A are provided in the second island portion 31, but one connection portion can be provided in one island portion. In this case, one connection portion and one pair of wirings can be connected, and these one pair of wirings can be drawn out from the island portion through one pair of link portions that link both ends of the island portion and merged with one wiring on a support body around the island portion. Thus, by connecting one pair of wirings to one connection portion of the island portion, the resistance of the wirings is reduced, and detection of a weak current through the contact 13 can be performed with high precision.

[0148] In addition, three or more connection portions can be provided in one island portion. In this case, by providing two or more wirings in at least one of the pair of link portions that link both ends of the island portion, the wirings can be drawn out from the three or more connection portions, respectively. When the link portions are folded back to reverse the island portion, in order to prevent the two or more wirings provided in the link portions from short-circuiting, as shown in FIG. 10, it is preferable to fold back the link portions with the wirings on the outside and the support body on the inside. As shown in FIG. 11, in the case of folding back the link portions with the wirings on the inside and the support body on the outside, an insulating layer such as an insulating sheet is interposed between the folded-back link portions, whereby the two or more wirings provided in the link portions can be prevented from short-circuiting. Figure 21 Figure 13

[0149] ​​In Embodiment 1 described above, the two ends of the first island-shaped portion 21 in the Y direction of the connected object F1 are connected to the surrounding support body F11 via a pair of connecting portions 24 and 25. However, it is also possible to configure it so that only one end of the first island-shaped portion 21 in the Y direction is connected to the surrounding support body F11 via the connecting portion, and the other ends in the Y direction are not arranged in the connecting portion. However, as in Embodiment 1, when the connecting portions 24 and 25 are arranged at the two ends of the first island-shaped portion 21 in the Y direction, the first island-shaped portion 21 can be stably reversed about the reversal axis A1, which is therefore preferable.

[0150] The connecting parts 34 and 35 of the second island section 31 are the same.

[0151] In addition, in embodiment 1, the connector 11 is installed together with the reinforcing piece 14 on the object to be connected, but the reinforcing piece 14 may be omitted, especially when it is not necessary to reinforce the object to be connected, F1.

[0152] It should be noted that regardless of whether the flexible conductor F12 is exposed on the back or surface of the object F1 being connected, as follows: Figure 16 As shown, contacts 13 are respectively arranged on the connecting portions 51A, 52A, 53A and 54A. Therefore, instead of inserting the connecting portions 51A, 52A, 53A and 54A of the object to be connected F1 into the recesses 13C of the corresponding contacts 13 through the protrusions 16B of the bottom insulator 16, the connecting portions 51A, 52A, 53A and 54A can be electrically connected to the corresponding contacts 13 by soldering or the like.

[0153] Implementation Method 2

[0154] In the above-described embodiment 1, the connecting portions 24, 25, 34, and 35 that connect to the first island portion 21 and the second island portion 31 of the connected object F1 extend along the X direction that intersects with the reversal axes A1 and A2, respectively. The connecting portions 24, 25, 34, and 35 are folded back at the fold lines 26, 27, 36, and 37 along the reversal axes A1 and A2, thereby reversing the first island portion 21 and the second island portion 31 by 180 degrees around the reversal axes A1 and A2. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

[0155] For example, in Figure 25In the connection object F3 shown, the Y-directional both end portions of the island-shaped portion 81 formed in the support F31 are connected to the surrounding support F31 via a pair of connecting portions 82 and 83 extending in the Y-direction respectively. On the back surface of the support F31 in the -Z-direction, two wires 91 and 92 composed of a flexible conductor F32 are exposed, and on the island-shaped portion 81, a connecting portion 91A composed of a portion of the flexible conductor F32 and connected to the end portion of the wire 91, and a connecting portion 92A composed of a portion of the flexible conductor F32 and connected to the end portion of the wire 92 are arranged in a manner that they are on the inversion axis A5 and aligned in the Y-direction along the inversion axis A5.

[0156] The pair of connecting portions 82 and 83 each extend in a straight line along the inversion axis A5, and by twisting these connecting portions 82 and 83 by 180 degrees around the inversion axis A5, the island-shaped portion 81 on which the connecting portions 91A and 92A are arranged can be inverted by 180 degrees around the inversion axis A5.

[0157] The connecting portions 91A and 92A of the island-shaped portion 81 are arranged on the inversion axis A5, and before and after inverting the island-shaped portion 81 by 180 degrees around the inversion axis A5, although there is a difference in the direction toward the back surface side of the connection object F3 or the direction toward the surface side, when viewed in the Z-direction perpendicular to the connection object F3, the same predetermined position is maintained with respect to the connection object F3.

[0158] Therefore, even if this connection object F3 is used, as with the connector assembly of Embodiment 1, in either state in which the flexible conductor F32 is exposed on which face of the back surface and the surface of the connection object F3, by only selecting whether to invert the island-shaped portion 81 of the connection object F3 by 180 degrees around the inversion axis A5 or not to invert and leave as is, without using the components other than the contact 13, the reinforcing sheet 14, the top insulator 15, and the bottom insulator 16 shown in Embodiment 1, the connector 11 can be mounted to the connection object F3, and the contact 13 can be electrically connected to the flexible conductor F32 of the connection object F3.

Claims

1. A connection method of electrically connecting a contact having conductivity with a flexible conductor exposed on one face of a connection object, characterized by: the flexible conductor having a connection portion composed of a part of the flexible conductor and located at a predetermined position when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the connection object; the connection object having a support body in a sheet shape having insulating property and the flexible conductor disposed on one face of the support body; the support body having an island-shaped portion surrounded by a pair of notches opposite to each other and having at least one connection portion disposed on one face and a pair of link portions linking both ends of the island-shaped portion to the surrounding support body, respectively; in a case where the flexible conductor is exposed from a surface of the connection object, disposing the contact on the surface of the connection object at the predetermined position in the original state; in a case where the flexible conductor is exposed from a back surface of the connection object, inverting a portion of the connection object where the connection portion is disposed in a manner that the connection portion is directed to the surface side of the connection object while maintaining the predetermined position, and disposing the contact on the surface of the connection object at the predetermined position in this state, and deforming the pair of link portions to invert the island-shaped portion about an inversion axis extending along the support body; and holding the contact in a housing mounted to the connection object and electrically connecting the contact with the flexible conductor by bringing the contact into contact with the connection portion.

2. The connection method according to claim 1, characterized in that: the contact has a cylindrical portion; the housing has a protrusion corresponding to the cylindrical portion of the contact; and the flexible conductor is pressed into the cylindrical portion of the contact by the protrusion when the contact is held in the housing, thereby electrically connecting the contact with the flexible conductor.

3. A connection system comprising: a connection object in which a flexible conductor is exposed on one face; and a connector mounted to the connection object, the connector having: a contact disposed on a surface of the connection object and having conductivity; and a housing mounted to the connection object and holding the contact, the flexible conductor having a connection portion composed of a part of the flexible conductor and located at a predetermined position when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the connection object, the connection object having a support body in a sheet shape having insulating property and the flexible conductor disposed on one face of the support body, the support body having an island-shaped portion surrounded by a pair of notches opposite to each other and having at least one connection portion disposed on one face and a pair of link portions linking both ends of the island-shaped portion to the surrounding support body, respectively. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 3. A connector assembly characterized by comprising: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ In a case where the flexible conductor is exposed from a surface of the connection object, the contact is arranged on the surface of the connection object at the predetermined position in the original state; in a case where the flexible conductor is exposed from a back surface of the connection object, the portion of the connection object in which the connection portion is arranged is inverted so as to face the surface side of the connection object in a state in which the connection portion is maintained at the predetermined position, and the contact is arranged on the surface of the connection object at the predetermined position in this state, and the island-shaped portion is inverted by deforming the pair of link portions so as to be inverted around an inversion axis extending along the support body; The contact held by the housing is brought into contact with the connection portion to be electrically connected to the flexible conductor.

4. The connector assembly according to claim 3, wherein The pair of link portions extend in directions that cross with respect to the inversion axis, The island-shaped portion is inverted by 180 degrees around the inversion axis by folding back the pair of link portions along a fold line arranged on the inversion axis.

5. The connector assembly according to claim 3, wherein The pair of link portions extend on a straight line parallel to the inversion axis, The island-shaped portion is inverted around the inversion axis by twisting the pair of link portions by 180 degrees around the inversion axis.

6. The connector assembly according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein The connection portion is arranged on the inversion axis.

7. The connector assembly according to claim 6, wherein Two connection portions are arranged on the island-shaped portion along the inversion axis, The pair of link portions each has the flexible conductor connected to the corresponding connection portion.

8. The connector assembly according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein The housing includes a top insulator arranged on the surface side of the connection object and a bottom insulator arranged on the back surface side of the connection object, The connection object is sandwiched by the top insulator and the bottom insulator, whereby the contact is held by the housing.

9. The connector assembly according to claim 8, wherein The contact has a cylindrical portion and a flange formed on one end of the cylindrical portion, The top insulator has a contact through hole through which the cylindrical portion of the contact passes and which is smaller than the flange, The top insulator is fixed to the bottom insulator with the flexible conductor sandwiched therebetween in a manner in which the cylindrical portion of the contact passes through the contact through hole and the flange is pressed against the surface of the flexible conductor, whereby the contact is held by the housing.

10. The connector assembly according to claim 9, wherein The bottom insulator has a protrusion corresponding to the cylindrical portion of the contact, When the contact is held by the housing, the connection portion of the flexible conductor is pressed into the cylindrical portion of the contact by the protrusion, whereby the contact is electrically connected to the flexible conductor.

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