connector

Abstract

The present application provides a connector that can electrically connect a contact to a flexible conductor of a connection object even if the flexible conductor is exposed on either of a front surface and a back surface of the connection object. An inner contact (18) has a first constituent portion (18A) including a contact point portion (P1) that can be elastically displaced and that is in contact with a plug contact (13), and a second constituent portion (18B) including a pressing portion (P2) that can be elastically displaced independently of the elastic displacement of the contact point portion (P1), a portion of a sheet-like conductive member (15) being sandwiched between the pressing portion (P2) and an inner surface of a recessed portion (13C) of the plug contact (13) in a direction orthogonal to a fitting axis, the inner surface of the recessed portion (13C) being in contact with a surface of the sheet-like conductive member (15), and the pressing portion (P2) being in contact with a back surface of the sheet-like conductive member (15).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector, and more particularly to a connector for connecting to a sheet-like connecting object with a flexible conductor exposed on at least one side. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, so-called smart fabrics that can obtain users' biometric information such as heart rate and body temperature simply by wearing them have attracted attention. These smart fabrics have electrodes installed in the measuring areas, and by electrically connecting wearable devices, which serve as measuring devices, to the electrodes, biometric information can be transmitted to the wearable devices.

[0003] The connection between the electrodes and wearable devices can be made, for example, by using a connector that connects to a flexible conductor extending from the electrodes.

[0004] As such a connector, for example, is disclosed in Patent Document 1. Figure 35 The connector shown is a housing 2 and a base component 3, which sandwich a flexible substrate 1 in the middle and are disposed on both sides of the flexible substrate 1. The cylindrical portion 4A of the contact 4 passes through the contact through hole 2A of the housing 2, and the flange 4B of the contact 4 is sandwiched between the housing 2 and the flexible conductor 1A exposed on the surface of the flexible substrate 1.

[0005] In this state, by pushing the base component 3 into the housing 2, as... Figure 36 As shown, the protrusion 3A of the base component 3 sandwiches the flexible substrate 1 in the middle and inserts it into the protrusion receiving portion 4C of the contact 4. The inner surface of the protrusion receiving portion 4C contacts the flexible conductor 1A with a specified contact force, thereby electrically connecting the contact 4 and the flexible conductor 1A.

[0006] In addition, such as Figure 35 As shown, the housing 2 and the base component 3 are fixed together by pressing the housing fixing post 3B protruding from the base component 3 into the post receiving portion 2B of the housing 2.

[0007] Existing technical documents

[0008] Patent documents

[0009] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-129244

[0010] By fitting the wearable device with the connector disclosed in Patent Document 1, the wearable device can be connected to an electrode made of a flexible conductor.

[0011] However, in the case where the flexible conductor 1A is exposed on the back side of the flexible substrate 1, there is a problem in the connector of Patent Document 1 that the flexible conductor 1A cannot be electrically connected to the contact 4. Summary of the Invention

[0012] The present invention was made to solve such conventional problems, and its object is to provide a connector that can electrically connect the contacts to the flexible conductor of the connected object even if the flexible conductor is exposed on either the front or back side of the connected object.

[0013] The connector of the present invention comprises:

[0014] The cylindrical conductive plug contact has a recess extending along the mating axis;

[0015] The conductive internal contact is composed of a plate component inserted into the recess.

[0016] The plate component has:

[0017] The first component includes a contact portion that is elastically displaceable in a direction orthogonal to the fitting axis and contacts the plug contact within the recess.

[0018] The second component includes a pressing portion capable of elastic displacement in a direction orthogonal to the fitting axis, independent of the elastic displacement of the contact portion in the first component; and

[0019] The connecting part connects the first component and the second component so that they are separated from each other along the fitting axis.

[0020] A portion of a sheet-like connecting object, with a flexible conductor exposed on at least one side, is sandwiched between the inner surfaces of a pressing portion and a recess in a direction orthogonal to the mating axis. The inner surface of the recess contacts the surface of the connecting object, and the pressing portion contacts the back side of the connecting object. When the flexible conductor is exposed on the surface of the connecting object, the plug contact is directly electrically connected to the flexible conductor. When the flexible conductor is exposed on the back side of the connecting object, the plug contact is electrically connected to the flexible conductor via an inner contact.

[0021] Preferably, the second component is configured to be closer to the opening end of the recess than the first component.

[0022] It can be configured such that the first component has at least two cantilever beam portions extending in a direction orthogonal to the fitting axis on both sides of the fitting axis, and a contact portion is formed at the front end of each of the at least two cantilever beam portions.

[0023] Alternatively, the first component may have two pairs of cantilever beams that are interconnected and arranged opposite each other.

[0024] It can also be configured such that the first component has: a cantilever beam portion disposed on one side of the fitting axis and extending in a direction orthogonal to the fitting axis; and a flat plate portion disposed on the other side of the fitting axis and extending in a direction orthogonal to the fitting axis, with contact portions formed at the front ends of the cantilever beam portion and the flat plate portion respectively.

[0025] Alternatively, the first component may have a double support beam extending in two directions: one orthogonal to the fitting axis and the other along the fitting axis. The double support beam has a pair of mating points facing opposite directions in the direction orthogonal to the fitting axis.

[0026] Alternatively, the first component may have an auxiliary connecting portion that extends along the fitting axis and connects the front end of the double support beam portion along the fitting axis and the base of the first component.

[0027] Alternatively, the second component may have at least one arm that is bent or flexed around the fitting axis, and a pressing portion is formed on the outer surface of the at least one arm in a direction orthogonal to the fitting axis.

[0028] In this case, it is preferable that the second component has a pair of arms that bend or curve in opposite directions.

[0029] Preferably, the plug contact has a cylindrical portion and a flange formed at one end of the cylindrical portion, and the recess is formed by the interior of the cylindrical portion.

[0030] Preferably, the connector has a housing for maintaining insulation of the connected object, the plug contacts, and the inner contacts.

[0031] The housing has:

[0032] The top insulator has a through hole for the plug contact, smaller than the flange, through which the cylindrical portion of the plug contact passes; and

[0033] The bottom insulator has a retaining hole for holding the inner contact.

[0034] The top insulator is fixed to the bottom insulator in such a way that the cylindrical portion of the plug contact passes through the through hole of the contact, and the object to be connected and the flange are sandwiched between the top insulator and the bottom insulator.

[0035] The effects of the invention:

[0036] According to the present invention, the inner contact inserted into the recess of the plug contact is composed of a plate member having: a first component including a contact portion capable of elastic displacement in a direction orthogonal to the engagement axis and contacting the plug contact within the recess; a second component including a pressing portion capable of elastic displacement in a direction orthogonal to the engagement axis independently of the elastic displacement of the contact portion in the first component; and a connecting portion connecting the first and second components; by having a portion of the object to be connected sandwiched between the pressing portion and the inner surface of the recess in a direction orthogonal to the engagement axis, the inner surface of the recess contacts the surface of the object to be connected, and the pressing portion contacts the back surface of the object to be connected, thereby, when the flexible conductor is exposed on the surface of the object to be connected, the plug contact is directly electrically connected to the flexible conductor; when the flexible conductor is exposed on the back surface of the object to be connected, the plug contact is electrically connected to the flexible conductor via the inner contact. Therefore, even if the flexible conductor is exposed on the back surface of the object to be connected, the contact can be electrically connected to the flexible conductor of the object to be connected. Attached Figure Description

[0037] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the connector of Embodiment 1.

[0038] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of the connector of Embodiment 1 as viewed from an oblique top.

[0039] Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view of the connector of Embodiment 1 as viewed from a slightly lower angle.

[0040] Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing the top insulator used in the connector of Embodiment 1.

[0041] Figure 5 This is a perspective view showing the bottom insulator used in the connector of Embodiment 1.

[0042] Figure 6 This is a perspective view showing the plug contacts used in the connector of Embodiment 1.

[0043] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view showing the plug contacts used in the connector of Embodiment 1.

[0044] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the object to be connected to the connector in Embodiment 1, viewed from an oblique top.

[0045] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of the object to be connected to the connector in Embodiment 1, viewed from a slightly lower angle.

[0046] Figure 10 This is a perspective view showing the reinforcing sheet used in the connector of Embodiment 1.

[0047] Figure 11 This is a perspective view showing the inner contact used in the connector of Embodiment 1.

[0048] Figure 12 This is a front view showing the inner contact used in the connector of Embodiment 1.

[0049] Figure 13 This is a top view showing the inner contact used in the connector of Embodiment 1.

[0050] Figure 14 This is a perspective view showing the inner contact in Embodiment 1, which is held in the bottom insulator.

[0051] Figure 15 This is a partial side cross-sectional view showing the state of the plug with the inner contact inserted in the connector of Embodiment 1, which is connected to the object to be connected.

[0052] Figure 16 From and Figure 15 A partial side cross-sectional view of the state of the plug contacts with internal contacts inserted in the connector of Implementation Method 1, which is connected to the object being connected, from different perspectives.

[0053] Figure 17 This is a partial top sectional view showing the state of the plug contact with the inner contact inserted in the connector of Embodiment 1, which is connected to the object to be connected.

[0054] Figure 18 This is a perspective view showing the internal contact in Embodiment 2.

[0055] Figure 19 This is a front view showing the inner contact in Embodiment 2.

[0056] Figure 20 This is a top view showing the inner contact in Embodiment 2.

[0057] Figure 21 This is a perspective view showing the internal contact in embodiment 3.

[0058] Figure 22 This is a front view showing the inner contact in embodiment 3.

[0059] Figure 23 This is a top view showing the inner contact in embodiment 3.

[0060] Figure 24 This is a side view showing the inner contact in embodiment 3.

[0061] Figure 25 This is a perspective view showing the internal contact in embodiment 4.

[0062] Figure 26 This is a front view showing the inner contact in embodiment 4.

[0063] Figure 27 This is a top view showing the inner contact in embodiment 4.

[0064] Figure 28 This is a perspective view showing the internal contact in embodiment 5.

[0065] Figure 29 This is a front view showing the inner contact in embodiment 5.

[0066] Figure 30 This is a top view showing the inner contact in embodiment 5.

[0067] Figure 31 This is a perspective view showing the internal contact in embodiment 6.

[0068] Figure 32 This is a front view showing the inner contact in embodiment 6.

[0069] Figure 33 This is a top view showing the inner contact in embodiment 6.

[0070] Figure 34 This is a perspective view showing the internal contact in embodiment 7.

[0071] Figure 35 This is an exploded 3D view of an existing connector.

[0072] Figure 36 This is a partial cross-sectional view showing the existing connector.

[0073] Figure Labels

[0074] 1 Flexible substrate, 1A Flexible conductor, 2 Housing, 2A Through-hole for contacts, 2B Post receiving portion, 3 Base component, 3A Protrusion, 3B Post for housing fixing, 4 Contact, 4A Cylindrical portion, 4B Flange, 4C Protrusion receiving portion, 11 Connector, 12 Housing, 13 Plug contact, 13A Cylindrical portion, 13B Flange, 13C Recess, 14 Reinforcing piece, 14A Opening, 14B Notch, 15 Sheet conductive component, 15A Contact arrangement area, 15B, 15E Wiring layers, 15C, 15F Insulating layers, 15D Cutout, 15G Through-hole, 16 Top insulator, 16A Recess, 16B Through-hole for contacts, 16C Protrusion. 17 Bottom insulator, 17A Flat plate, 17B Recess, 17C Holding hole, 17D Through hole, 18, 28, 38, 48, 58, 68, 78 Inner contacts, 18A, 38A, 58A, 68A, 78A First component, 18B, 28B, 48B Second component, 18C, 28C, 38C, 48C, 58C, 68C Connecting part, 18D, 38D Cantilever beam part, 18E, 28E, 48E Arm part, 18F Fixing part, 38G Bending part, 58G Flat plate, 68G Double support beam part, 68H Opening part, 78J Auxiliary connecting part, C Fitting shaft, P1 Contact part, P2 Pressing part. Detailed Implementation

[0075] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0076] Implementation Method 1

[0077] Figure 1 The connector 11 of Embodiment 1 is shown. The connector 11, for example, serves as a clothing-side connector for fitting wearable devices, and has a housing 12 made of insulating material. Four plug contacts 13 are held in the housing 12; furthermore, reinforcing tabs 14 and sheet-like conductive members 15 are held in an overlapping manner by the housing 12. The sheet-like conductive members 15 constitute the connection objects for connecting the connector 11.

[0078] The four plug contacts 13 are arranged in two parallel rows and protrude perpendicularly relative to the sheet-like conductive component 15.

[0079] For convenience, the reinforcing piece 14 and the sheet-like conductive component 15 extend along the XY plane. The arrangement direction of the four plug contacts 13 is called the Y direction, and the direction in which the four plug contacts 13 protrude is called the +Z direction. The Z direction is the mating direction of the connector 11 and the other side connector.

[0080] Figure 2 and Figure 3An exploded perspective view of connector 11 is shown. Connector 11 has a top insulator 16 and a bottom insulator 17, which together form housing 12.

[0081] The top insulator 16 houses four plug contacts 13. Furthermore, a reinforcing plate 14 is disposed on the back side of the top insulator 16 in the -Z direction, and a sheet-like conductive member 15 is disposed on the -Z direction side of the reinforcing plate 14. Additionally, four inner contacts 18 are disposed on the -Z direction side of the sheet-like conductive member 15, and a bottom insulator 17 is disposed on the -Z direction side of the inner contacts 18. The four inner contacts 18 correspond to the four plug contacts 13 respectively.

[0082] like Figure 4 As shown, the top insulator 16 has a recess 16A opening in the +Z direction and four contact through holes 16B formed within the recess 16A. The recess 16A constitutes a counterpart connector receiving portion that accommodates a part of a counterpart connector (not shown), and the four contact through holes 16B correspond to four plug contacts 13. Furthermore, a plurality of protrusions 16C protruding in the -Z direction are formed on the surface of the top insulator 16.

[0083] like Figure 5 As shown, the bottom insulator 17 has a flat plate portion 17A, on which four circular recesses 17B are formed, each opening in the +Z direction. The four recesses 17B correspond to four plug contacts 13. Retention holes 17C for retaining inner contacts 18 are formed in each of the four recesses 17B.

[0084] In addition, a plurality of through holes 17D are formed in the flat plate portion 17A, corresponding to a plurality of protrusions 16C of the top insulator 16.

[0085] The four plug contacts 13 are each formed of a conductive material such as metal. When a portion of the opposite-side connector (not shown) is accommodated in the recess 16A of the top insulator 16, the four plug contacts 13 are connected to the corresponding contacts of the opposite-side connector.

[0086] like Figure 6 As shown, the plug contact 13 has a cylindrical portion 13A extending in the Z direction along the mating axis C, and a flange 13B extending along the XY plane from the -Z direction end of the cylindrical portion 13A. Furthermore, as... Figure 7 As shown, a recess 13C that opens toward the -Z direction is formed inside the cylindrical portion 13A.

[0087] In addition, the mating shaft C is a shaft that passes through the center of the cylindrical portion 13A and extends in the mating direction of the connector 11 and the other side connector.

[0088] Furthermore, the cylindrical portion 13A has a cylindrical shape, but as long as it has a recess 13C inside, the cross-sectional shape is not limited to a circle, and can also have various cross-sectional shapes such as ellipse or polygon.

[0089] In addition, all four plug contacts 13 can be used as terminals for transmitting electrical signals.

[0090] The sheet-like conductive component 15 has a multilayer structure with multiple wiring layers formed by flexible conductors and multiple insulating layers stacked on top of each other.

[0091] like Figure 8 As shown, four contact configuration areas 15A for arranging four plug contacts 13 are divided on the surface of the sheet-like conductive member 15 facing the +Z direction. In the four contact configuration areas 15A, the wiring layer 15B is exposed facing the +Z direction, and the insulating layer 15C is exposed in the areas outside the four contact configuration areas 15A.

[0092] Multiple cuts 15D are formed in the four contact configuration areas 15A, extending through the sheet-like conductive member 15 in the Z direction. These cuts 15D extend through the sheet-like conductive member 15 in the Z direction, thus... Figure 9 As shown, on the back side of the sheet-like conductive member 15 facing the -Z direction, cutouts 15D can also be observed at positions corresponding to the four contact configuration areas 15A.

[0093] On the back side of the sheet-like conductive component 15 facing the -Z direction, wiring layers 15E are exposed facing the -Z direction at positions corresponding to the four contact configuration areas 15A, and insulating layers 15F are exposed in other areas.

[0094] In addition, such as Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, a plurality of through holes 15G corresponding to a plurality of protrusions 16C of the top insulator 16 are formed on the periphery of the sheet-like conductive member 15.

[0095] like Figure 10 As shown, the reinforcing piece 14, which is used to reinforce the mounting object such as clothing (not shown) on which the connector 11 is mounted, is made of insulating material and has an opening 14A formed in the center. In addition, a plurality of notches 14B corresponding to a plurality of protrusions 16C of the top insulator 16 are formed along the periphery of the opening 14A of the reinforcing piece 14.

[0096] Figures 11-13The structure of the inner contact 18 is shown. The inner contact 18 is formed of a conductive material such as metal and is composed of a bent plate component. It has a first component 18A disposed along the fitting axis C at the +Z direction end of the inner contact 18, a second component 18B disposed on the -Z direction side closer to the first component 18A, and a connecting portion 18C that connects the first component 18A and the second component 18B to form a separation between them along the fitting axis C.

[0097] The first component 18A has a flat shape extending along the YZ plane, and has a pair of cantilever beams 18D on both sides of the fitting shaft C, which is separated by the fitting shaft C, extending in the -Z direction and with their front ends extending in opposite directions in the Y direction.

[0098] The second component 18B has a pair of arms 18E, which are bent or flexed in the XY plane and extend from the connection portion with the connecting portion 18C in a generally cylindrical shape surrounding the fitting shaft C, facing each other in the Y direction. The front ends of the pair of arms 18E are close to each other and facing each other in the Y direction.

[0099] The connecting portion 18C connects the first component 18A and the second component 18B in such a way that it is inclined in the X direction relative to the fitting axis C and the second component 18B is located on the -Z direction side of the first component 18A.

[0100] A pair of joints P1 are formed by the front ends of a pair of cantilever beams 18D of the first component 18A facing opposite directions. They are capable of elastic displacement in the Y direction orthogonal to the fitting axis C.

[0101] Furthermore, a plurality of pressing portions P2 are formed on the outer surfaces of the pair of arms 18E of the second component 18B, each capable of elastic displacement in an XY plane orthogonal to the fitting axis C. Specifically, as Figure 13 As shown, when viewed from the Z direction, the second component 18B has a generally trapezoidal outline, and four pressing parts P2 are formed on the outer surface of the arm 18E located at the four vertices of the trapezoid.

[0102] Here, the first component 18A and the second component 18B are positioned separately in the Z direction via the connecting portion 18C. The four pressing portions P2 in the second component 18B are configured to be elastically displaced independently relative to the elastic displacement of one contact portion P1 in the first component 18A. That is, neither the elastic deformation in the contact portion P1 nor the elastic deformation in the pressing portion P2 will affect the other.

[0103] In addition, the inner contact 18 has a fixing portion 18F that protrudes from the second component 18B in the -Z direction.

[0104] Such an internal contact 18 can be easily manufactured, for example, by bending a metal plate that has been cut into a specified shape.

[0105] In addition, the Y-direction spacing of a pair of contact portions P1 is set to be slightly larger than the inner diameter of the recess 13C of the portion of the pair of contact portions P1 that is in contact when the inner contact 18 is inserted into the recess 13C of the plug contact 13.

[0106] Therefore, if the inner contact 18 is inserted into the recess 13C of the plug contact 13, a pair of contact portions P1 will elastically displace in the direction toward the fitting axis C while contacting the inner surface of the recess 13C with a specified contact pressure.

[0107] Furthermore, the distance of each pressing part P2 in the XY plane from the fitting axis C is set to be slightly greater than half the inner diameter of the recess 13C of the part in contact with the four pressing parts P2 minus the thickness of the sheet-like conductive member 15 when the inner contact 18 is inserted into the recess 13C of the plug contact 13.

[0108] Therefore, if the sheet-like conductive member 15 is pushed in while the inner contact 18 is inserted into the recess 13C of the plug contact 13, the four pressing parts P2 will elastically displace in the direction toward the fitting axis C, pressing the sheet-like conductive member 15 against the inner surface of the recess 13C with a specified contact pressure.

[0109] like Figure 14 As shown, the inner contact 18 is held in the bottom insulator 17 by inserting the fixing part 18F into the retaining hole 17C of the corresponding recess 17B of the bottom insulator 17.

[0110] The four contacts of the top insulator 16 are arranged in a position aligned with each other in the Z direction by the through hole 16B, the four plug contacts 13, the four contact arrangement areas 15A of the sheet conductive member 15, the four inner contacts 18, and the four recesses 17B of the bottom insulator 17.

[0111] Furthermore, the plurality of protrusions 16C of the top insulator 16, the plurality of notches 14B of the reinforcing sheet 14, the plurality of through holes 15G of the sheet-like conductive member 15, and the plurality of through holes 17D of the bottom insulator 17 are arranged in positions aligned with each other in the Z direction.

[0112] When assembling connector 11, firstly, as Figure 14 As shown, the inner contacts 18 are held in the bottom insulator 17 by inserting the fixing part 18F of each inner contact 18 into the holding hole 17C of the corresponding recess 17B of the bottom insulator 17.

[0113] Next, the multiple protrusions 16C of the top insulator 16 are inserted into the multiple notches 14B of the reinforcing plate 14. At this time, the four contacts of the top insulator 16 are located in the openings 14A of the reinforcing plate 14 through the through holes 16B.

[0114] Furthermore, the cylindrical portion 13A of the plug contact 13 is inserted into the four contact through holes 16B of the corresponding top insulator 16 from the -Z direction, and the bottom insulator 17 clamps the sheet-like conductive member 15 in the middle and is pressed towards the top insulator 16 in the +Z direction.

[0115] At this time, the flange 13B of each plug contact 13 is located above the corresponding contact configuration area 15A of the sheet conductive member 15, and each inner contact 18 held in the bottom insulator 17 is pushed into the contact configuration area 15A of the sheet conductive member 15 and inserted into the recess 13C of the corresponding plug contact 13.

[0116] In addition, multiple cuts 15D are formed in the four contact configuration areas 15A of the sheet-like conductive component 15, so that the four inner contacts 18 are inserted into the recesses 13C of the plug contacts 13 while opening the multiple cuts 15D of the corresponding contact configuration area 15A.

[0117] Furthermore, by pressing the bottom insulator 17 against the top insulator 16, the plurality of protrusions 16C of the top insulator 16 sequentially penetrate the plurality of notches 14B of the reinforcing sheet 14, the plurality of through holes 15G of the sheet-like conductive member 15, and the plurality of through holes 17D of the bottom insulator 17. Moreover, by thermally deforming the front ends of the plurality of protrusions 16C protruding towards the -Z direction side of the bottom insulator 17, the top insulator 16 and the bottom insulator 17 are fixed together, completing the assembly of the connector 11.

[0118] Additionally, each plug contact 13 is fixed to the top insulator 16 and the bottom insulator 17 by being clamped between the top insulator 16 and the bottom insulator 17 via the flange 13B.

[0119] like Figure 15 As shown, the first component 18A of the inner contact 18 is inserted into the inner side of the recess 13C of the plug contact 13, that is, the +Z direction side of the recess 13C. A pair of cantilever beams 18D formed in the first component 18A are pressed against the inner surface of the recess 13C of the plug contact 13, and the inner contact 18 is electrically connected to the plug contact 13.

[0120] In addition, such as Figure 16As shown, the second component 18B, which is disposed on the -Z direction side of the first component 18A via the connecting portion 18C, is inserted into the opening end of the recess 13C of the plug contact 13, which is closer to the first component 18A than the first component 18A, i.e., the -Z direction side within the recess 13C. Furthermore, the sheet-like conductive member 15, which is pushed into the recess 13C of the plug contact 13 by the inner contact 18, is pressed against the inner surface of the recess 13C of the plug contact 13 by the pressing portions P2 of the pair of arms 18E formed on the second component 18B of the inner contact 18.

[0121] Specifically, such as Figure 17 As shown, when viewed from the Z direction, the sheet-like conductive member 15 is pressed against the inner surface of the recess 13C of the plug contact 13 by the four pressing portions P2 of the second component 18B, which has a roughly trapezoidal outline.

[0122] Here, as Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the wiring layer 15B is exposed on the contact configuration area 15A on the surface of the sheet conductive member 15, and on the back side of the sheet conductive member 15, the wiring layer 15E is exposed at a position corresponding to the contact configuration area 15A.

[0123] Therefore, the wiring layer 15B on the surface of the sheet conductive member 15 contacts the inner surface of the recess 13C of the plug contact 13 with a specified contact pressure. In addition, the wiring layer 15E on the back side of the sheet conductive member 15 contacts the pressing portion P2 of the inner contact 18 with a specified contact pressure.

[0124] Therefore, the wiring layer 15B exposed on the surface of the sheet-like conductive member 15 is directly electrically connected to the plug contact 13, and the wiring layer 15E exposed on the back side of the sheet-like conductive member 15 is electrically connected to the plug contact 13 via the inner contact 18. That is, both wiring layers 15B and 15E are connected to the plug contact 13.

[0125] Thus, according to connector 11, by using inner contact 18, both wiring layer 15B, which is composed of flexible conductors disposed on the surface side of sheet conductive member 15, and wiring layer 15E, which is composed of flexible conductors disposed on the back side, can be electrically connected to a plug contact 13.

[0126] Therefore, if the connector 11 is connected to a sheet-like conductive member where the flexible conductor is exposed only on the surface side, the plug contact 13 can be electrically connected to the flexible conductor on the surface side of the sheet-like conductive member. Furthermore, if the connector 11 is connected to a sheet-like conductive member where the flexible conductor is exposed only on the back side, the plug contact 13 can be electrically connected to the flexible conductor on the back side of the sheet-like conductive member.

[0127] Furthermore, if the connector 11 is connected to a sheet conductive member, such as the sheet conductive member 15 in Embodiment 1, where the flexible conductors are exposed on both the surface and back sides, the plug contact 13 can be electrically connected to both the flexible conductors on the surface and back sides of the sheet conductive member. For example, if the flexible conductors forming shielding layers are exposed on both the surface and back sides, and a multi-layer sheet conductive member with flexible conductors forming signal wiring layers between these shielding layers in a state of insulation from both shielding layers is used as the connection object, then by connecting the plug contact 13 connected to the shielding layers on the surface and back sides to the ground potential, the shielding effect on the signal wiring layer can be achieved, and high-precision signal transmission with suppression of interference caused by electromagnetic waves and the like can be performed.

[0128] In the connector 11 of embodiment 1, a reinforcing piece 14 is provided between the bottom insulator 17 and the top insulator 16. However, if it is not necessary to reinforce the object to which the connector 11 is installed, such as clothing, the reinforcing piece 14 can be omitted.

[0129] Implementation Method 2

[0130] Figures 18-20 The inner contact 28 used in the connector of Embodiment 2 is shown. This inner contact 28 is used in Embodiment 1 and... Figures 11-13 In the inner contact 18 shown, the second component 18B and the connecting portion 18C are replaced by the second component 28B and the connecting portion 28C, and the other structures are the same as those of the inner contact 18. That is, in the inner contact 28, the second component 28B is connected to the first component 18A via the connecting portion 28C.

[0131] The second component 28B has a pair of arms 28E, which bend and extend in the same rotational direction from both ends of the connection portion with the connecting portion 28C in the Y direction in such a way as to form a generally cylindrical shape surrounding the fitting shaft C.

[0132] A pair of pressing parts P2 are formed on the outer surfaces of a pair of arm parts 28E of the second component part 28B, each capable of elastic displacement in the XY plane orthogonal to the fitting axis C.

[0133] The connecting portion 28C has a flat plate shape along the YZ plane, and connects the first component 18A and the second component 28B in such a way that the second component 28B is located at a position separated from the first component 18A in the -Z direction.

[0134] Therefore, the pressing part P2 of the second component 28B is configured to be elastically displaceable independently relative to the elastic displacement of a contact part P1 in the first component 18A.

[0135] If the inner contact 28 of this structure is pushed into the sheet-like conductive member 15 and inserted into the recess 13C of the plug contact 13, then a pair of mating portions P1 of the first constituent part 18A are pressed against the inner surface of the recess 13C of the plug contact 13, and the inner contact 28 is electrically connected to the plug contact 13. In addition, the sheet-like conductive member 15, which is pushed into the recess 13C, is pressed against the inner surface of the recess 13C of the plug contact 13 by a pair of pressing portions P2 of the inner contact 28.

[0136] Therefore, in the connector 11 of embodiment 1, even when using Figures 18-20 The inner contact 28 shown can replace the inner contact 18, and can also electrically connect the wiring layer 15B disposed on the surface side of the sheet conductive member 15 and the wiring layer 15E disposed on the back side to the plug contact 13.

[0137] In addition, Figures 18-20 In this case, the pressing part P2 is shown only at the center of the outer surface of each arm 28E of the second component 28B. However, it can also be configured such that the sheet-like conductive member 15 is pressed against the inner surface of the recess 13C of the plug contact 13 by forming a strip-shaped pressing part P2 along the outer periphery of the pair of arms 28E that form a generally cylindrical shape.

[0138] Implementation Method 3

[0139] Figures 21-24 The inner contact 38 used in the connector of Embodiment 3 is shown. This inner contact 38 is used in Embodiment 1 and... Figures 11-13 In the inner contact 18 shown, the first component 18A and the connecting portion 38C are used instead of the first component 18A and the connecting portion 38C, and the other structures are the same as those of the inner contact 18. That is, in the inner contact 38, the second component 18B is connected to the first component 38A via the connecting portion 38C.

[0140] The first component 38A has two pairs of cantilever beams 38D that extend along the YZ plane and are spaced apart from each other in the X direction. The two pairs of cantilever beams 38D are connected to each other by a U-shaped bend 38G that opens toward the -Z direction. Each pair of cantilever beams 38D has the same structure as a pair of cantilever beams 18D in the first component 18A of the inner contact 18 in Embodiment 1.

[0141] Two mating point portions P1 are formed at the front ends of the two pairs of cantilever beam portions 38D of the first component portion 38A, which are capable of elastic displacement in the Y direction orthogonal to the fitting axis C.

[0142] The connecting portion 38C is inclined in the X direction relative to the fitting shaft C, and the first component 38A and the second component 18B are connected in such a way that the second component 18B is located in a position separated from the first component 38A in the -Z direction.

[0143] Thus, the two mating points P1 of the first component 38A are configured to be elastically displaced independently relative to the elastic displacement of the four pressing parts P2 in the second component 18B.

[0144] If the inner contact 38 of this structure is pushed into the sheet-like conductive member 15 and inserted into the recess 13C of the plug contact 13, then the two mating points P1 of the first component 38A are pressed against the inner surface of the recess 13C of the plug contact 13, and the inner contact 38 is electrically connected to the plug contact 13. In addition, the sheet-like conductive member 15, which is pushed into the recess 13C, is pressed against the inner surface of the recess 13C of the plug contact 13 by the four pressing parts P2 of the inner contact 38.

[0145] Therefore, in the connector 11 of embodiment 1, even when using Figures 21-24 The inner contact 38 shown can replace the inner contact 18, and can also electrically connect the wiring layer 15B disposed on the surface side of the sheet conductive member 15 and the wiring layer 15E disposed on the back side to the plug contact 13 in the same way.

[0146] If the inner contact 38 in Embodiment 3 is used, the four contact portions P1 of the two pairs of cantilever beam portions 38D formed in the first constituent portion 38A contact with the inner surface of the recess 13C of the plug contact 13, thereby improving the reliability of the electrical connection between the inner contact 38 and the plug contact 13.

[0147] Implementation Method 4

[0148] Figures 25-27 The inner contact 48 used in the connector of Embodiment 4 is shown. This inner contact 48 is used in Embodiment 1 and... Figures 11-13 In the inner contact 18 shown, the second component 18B and the connecting portion 18C are replaced by the second component 48B and the connecting portion 48C, and the other structures are the same as those of the inner contact 18. That is, in the inner contact 48, the second component 48B is connected to the first component 18A via the connecting portion 48C.

[0149] The second component 48B has an arm 48E that bends and extends in the XY plane from the +Y direction end of the connection portion with the connecting portion 48C in a generally cylindrical shape that surrounds the fitting shaft C.

[0150] A pair of pressing parts P2 are formed on the outer surface of one arm 48E of the second component 48B, each capable of elastic displacement in the XY plane orthogonal to the fitting axis C.

[0151] The connecting portion 48C has a flat plate shape along the YZ plane, and connects the first component 18A and the second component 48B in such a way that the second component 48B is located at a position separated from the first component 18A in the -Z direction.

[0152] Therefore, the pressing part P2 of the second component 48B is configured to be elastically displaceable independently relative to the elastic displacement of a contact part P1 in the first component 18A.

[0153] If the inner contact 48 of this structure is pushed into the sheet-like conductive member 15 and inserted into the recess 13C of the plug contact 13, then a pair of mating portions P1 of the first constituent part 18A are pressed against the inner surface of the recess 13C of the plug contact 13, and the inner contact 48 is electrically connected to the plug contact 13. In addition, the sheet-like conductive member 15, which is pushed into the recess 13C, is pressed against the inner surface of the recess 13C of the plug contact 13 by a pair of pressing portions P2 of the inner contact 48.

[0154] Therefore, in the connector 11 of embodiment 1, even when using Figures 25-27 The inner contact 48 shown can replace the inner contact 18, and can also electrically connect the wiring layer 15B disposed on the surface side of the sheet conductive member 15 and the wiring layer 15E disposed on the back side to the plug contact 13.

[0155] In addition, Figures 25-27 In this case, the pressing part P2 is shown only at the point on the outer surface of the arm portion 48E of the second component portion 48B that is closest to the +X direction and the point on the outer surface that is closest to the -X direction. However, it can also be configured such that the sheet-like conductive member 15 is pressed against the inner surface of the recess 13C of the plug contact 13 by forming a strip-shaped pressing part P2 along the outer periphery of the arm portion 48E that forms a generally cylindrical shape.

[0156] Implementation Method 5

[0157] Figures 28-30 The inner contact 58 used in the connector of Embodiment 5 is shown. This inner contact 58 is used in Embodiment 2 and... Figures 18-20 In the inner contact 28 shown, the first component 18A and the connecting portion 28C are replaced by the first component 58A and the connecting portion 58C, and the other structures are the same as those of the inner contact 28. That is, in the inner contact 58, the second component 28B is connected to the first component 58A via the connecting portion 58C.

[0158] The first component 58A has a flat shape extending along the YZ plane, and has a cantilever beam portion 18D extending in the -Z direction on the +Y direction side of the fitting axis C and extending its front end in the +Y direction, and a flat plate portion 58G extending along the YZ plane on the -Y direction side of the fitting axis C.

[0159] The cantilever beam portion 18D is the same as the cantilever beam portion 18D of the first component portion 18A of the inner contact 28 used in Embodiment 2, and has a front end extending in the +Y direction. The flat plate portion 58G has a front end extending in the -Y direction at its end in the -Z direction.

[0160] A contact portion P1 is formed at the front end of the cantilever beam portion 18D extending in the +Y direction and at the front end of the plate portion 58G extending in the -Y direction. Through the elastic deformation of the cantilever beam portion 18D, which has a shape extending in the -Z direction, a pair of contact portions P1 formed at the front end of the cantilever beam portion 18D and the front end of the plate portion 58G can elastically displace each other in the Y direction orthogonal to the fitting axis C.

[0161] The connecting portion 58C has a flat plate shape along the YZ plane, and connects the first component 58A and the second component 28B in such a way that the second component 28B is located at a position separated from the first component 58A in the -Z direction.

[0162] Therefore, the pressing part P2 of the second component 28B is configured to be elastically displaceable independently relative to the elastic displacement of a contact part P1 in the first component 58A.

[0163] If the inner contact 58 of this structure is pushed into the sheet-like conductive member 15 and inserted into the recess 13C of the plug contact 13, then a pair of mating portions P1 of the first constituent part 58A is pressed against the inner surface of the recess 13C of the plug contact 13, and the inner contact 58 is electrically connected to the plug contact 13. In addition, the sheet-like conductive member 15, which is pushed into the recess 13C, is pressed against the inner surface of the recess 13C of the plug contact 13 by a pair of pressing portions P2 of the inner contact 58.

[0164] Therefore, in the connector 11 of embodiment 1, even when using Figures 28-30 The inner contact 58 shown can replace the inner contact 18, and can also electrically connect the wiring layer 15B disposed on the surface side of the sheet conductive member 15 and the wiring layer 15E disposed on the back side to the plug contact 13.

[0165] In addition, Figures 28-30 In this case, the pressing part P2 is shown only at the center of the outer surface of each arm 28E of the second component 28B. However, it can also be configured such that the sheet-like conductive member 15 is pressed against the inner surface of the recess 13C of the plug contact 13 by forming a strip-shaped pressing part P2 along the outer periphery of the pair of arms 28E that form a generally cylindrical shape.

[0166] Implementation Method 6

[0167] Figures 31-33 The inner contact 68 used in the connector of Embodiment 6 is shown. This inner contact 68 is used in Embodiment 2 and... Figures 18-20In the inner contact 28 shown, the first component 18A and the connecting portion 28C are replaced by the first component 68A and the connecting portion 68C, and the other structures are the same as those of the inner contact 28. That is, in the inner contact 68, the second component 28B is connected to the first component 68A via the connecting portion 68C.

[0168] The first component 68A has a double support beam 68G extending in both the Y direction (orthogonal to the fitting axis C) and the +Z direction (along the fitting axis C) within the YZ plane. The double support beam 68G extends around the opening 68H located on the fitting axis C, and its two ends are connected to the +Y and -Y direction ends of the base of the first component 68A, which are connected to the connecting portion 68C. A pair of contact points P1 are formed on the double support beam 68G, each facing opposite directions in the Y direction. These contact points P1 are configured to elastically displace in the Y direction through elastic deformation of the double support beam 68G.

[0169] The connecting portion 68C has a flat plate shape along the YZ plane, and connects the first component 68A and the second component 28B in such a way that the second component 28B is located at a position separated from the first component 68A in the -Z direction.

[0170] Therefore, the pressing part P2 of the second component 28B is configured to be elastically displaceable independently relative to the elastic displacement of a contact part P1 in the first component 68A.

[0171] If the inner contact 68 of this structure is pushed into the sheet-like conductive member 15 and inserted into the recess 13C of the plug contact 13, then a pair of mating portions P1 of the first constituent part 68A is pressed against the inner surface of the recess 13C of the plug contact 13, and the inner contact 68 is electrically connected to the plug contact 13. In addition, the sheet-like conductive member 15, which is pushed into the recess 13C, is pressed against the inner surface of the recess 13C of the plug contact 13 by a pair of pressing portions P2 of the inner contact 68.

[0172] Therefore, in the connector 11 of embodiment 1, even when using Figures 31-33 The inner contact 68 shown can replace the inner contact 18, and can also electrically connect the wiring layer 15B disposed on the surface side of the sheet conductive member 15 and the wiring layer 15E disposed on the back side to the plug contact 13 in the same way.

[0173] In addition, Figures 31-33 In this case, the pressing part P2 is shown only at the center of the outer surface of each arm 28E of the second component 28B. However, it can also be configured such that the sheet-like conductive member 15 is pressed against the inner surface of the recess 13C of the plug contact 13 by forming a strip-shaped pressing part P2 along the outer periphery of the pair of arms 28E that form a generally cylindrical shape.

[0174] Implementation Method 7

[0175] Figure 34 The inner contact 78 used in the connector of embodiment 7 is shown. This inner contact 78 is used in embodiment 6 and... Figures 31-33 In the inner contact 68 shown, a first component 78A is used instead of the first component 68A, and the other structures are the same as those of the inner contact 68. That is, in the inner contact 78, a second component 28B is connected to the first component 78A via a connecting portion 68C.

[0176] In the first component 78A of the inner contact 68 in Embodiment 6, an auxiliary connecting portion 78J is formed in the double support beam portion 68G. The auxiliary connecting portion 78J extends along the fitting axis C in such a way that it divides the opening 68H surrounded by the double support beam portion 68G into two parts in the Y direction, and connects the base of the first component 78A, which is connected to the connecting portion 68C, and the +Z direction end of the double support beam portion 68G.

[0177] The double support beam portion 68G located on the +Y direction side of the auxiliary connection portion 78J and the double support beam portion 68G located on the -Y direction side of the auxiliary connection portion 78J are respectively provided with a contact portion P1 that is capable of elastic displacement in the Y direction.

[0178] In connector 11 of embodiment 1, even when using Figure 34 The inner contact 78 shown can replace the inner contact 18, and can also electrically connect the wiring layer 15B disposed on the surface side of the sheet conductive member 15 and the wiring layer 15E disposed on the back side to the plug contact 13.

[0179] In embodiments 1 to 7 described above, the plug contact 13 disposed in the contact configuration region 15A of the sheet conductive member 15 is connected to both the wiring layer 15B exposed on the surface side of the sheet conductive member 15 and the wiring layer 15E exposed on the back side of the sheet conductive member 15. However, for example, it is also possible to connect only the wiring layer 15E exposed on the back side of the sheet conductive member 15 to the plug contact 13 disposed in the contact configuration region 15A.

[0180] The sheet-like conductive component 15 used in embodiments 1 to 7 described above has a multilayer structure, but is not limited thereto, as long as it has a flexible conductor exposed on at least one side.

[0181] Furthermore, in the embodiments 1 to 7 described above, a flexible conductor consisting of two layers of wiring layers 15B and 15E of the sheet-like conductive member 15 is connected to a plug contact 13. However, it is not limited to this, and three or more flexible conductors may also be connected to a plug contact 13.

[0182] Furthermore, the connector 11 of embodiments 1 to 7 described above has four plug contacts 13, but the number of plug contacts 13 is not limited, as long as at least one plug contact 13 is electrically connected to the flexible conductor exposed on at least one side of the sheet-like conductive member 15.

Claims

1. A connector, characterized in that, have: A cylindrical conductive plug contact having a recess extending along the mating axis; and The conductive inner contact is composed of a plate component inserted into the recess. The plate component has: The first component includes a contact portion that is elastically displaceable in a direction orthogonal to the fitting axis and contacts the plug contact within the recess; The second component includes a pressing portion that is capable of elastic displacement in a direction orthogonal to the fitting axis, independent of the elastic displacement of the contact portion in the first component; as well as The connecting portion connects the first component and the second component so that they are separated from each other along the fitting axis. A portion of a sheet-like connecting object, exposed on at least one side by a flexible conductor, is sandwiched between the inner surfaces of the pressing portion and the recess in a direction orthogonal to the fitting axis. The inner surface of the recess contacts the surface of the connecting object, and the pressing portion contacts the back side of the connecting object. When the flexible conductor is exposed on the surface of the connecting object, the plug contact is directly electrically connected to the flexible conductor. When the flexible conductor is exposed on the back side of the connecting object, the plug contact is electrically connected to the flexible conductor via the inner contact.

2. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second component is configured to be closer to the opening end of the recess than the first component.

3. The connector according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first component has at least two cantilever beam portions on each side of the fitting axis, which is separated by the fitting axis, extending in a direction orthogonal to the fitting axis. The contact portion is formed at the front end of each of the at least two cantilever beam portions.

4. The connector according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first component has two pairs of cantilever beams that are interconnected and arranged opposite each other.

5. The connector according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first component includes: a cantilever beam portion disposed on one side of the fitting axis and extending in a direction orthogonal to the fitting axis; and a flat plate portion disposed on the other side of the fitting axis and extending in a direction orthogonal to the fitting axis. The contact portion is formed at the front end of the cantilever beam portion and the flat plate portion, respectively.

6. The connector according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first component has a double-support beam portion extending in two directions: one orthogonal to the fitting axis and the other along the fitting axis. The double support beam portion has a pair of contact portions that are oriented in opposite directions in a direction orthogonal to the fitting axis.

7. The connector according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first component has an auxiliary connecting portion that extends along the fitting axis and connects the front end of the double support beam portion and the base of the first component in the direction along the fitting axis.

8. The connector according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second component has at least one arm that is bent or flexed about the fitting axis. The pressing portion is formed on the outer surface of at least one arm portion in a direction orthogonal to the fitting axis.

9. The connector according to claim 8, characterized in that, The second component has a pair of arms that bend or curve in opposite directions.

10. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The plug contact has a cylindrical portion and a flange formed at one end of the cylindrical portion. The recess is formed by the interior of the cylindrical portion.

11. The connector according to claim 10, characterized in that, The connector includes a housing for maintaining insulation of the connected object, the plug contacts, and the inner contacts. The housing has: The top insulator has a through hole for the plug contact, which is smaller than the flange, through which the cylindrical portion of the plug contact passes; and The bottom insulator has a retaining hole for holding the inner contact. The top insulator is fixed to the bottom insulator such that the cylindrical portion of the plug contact passes through the through hole for the contact, and the connecting object and the flange are sandwiched between the top insulator and the bottom insulator.

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