Connector and connector device

Abstract

A first connector (2): a first housing (5) provided on the front surface (93) side of the flexible substrate (9); and a first cover (6) disposed on the rear surface (94) side of the flexible substrate (9) and provided so that the flexible substrate (9) is sandwiched between the first cover (6) and the first case (5), the first cover (6) having a plate-shaped plate section (61) extending further toward the flexible substrate (9) than the first case (5), and the plate section (61) being configured so as to be joined to the flexible substrate (9).

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Conventionally, regarding connectors and connector devices, there is known a connector mounted on a flexible substrate as described in, for example, Patent Document 1. This connector mounts terminals on the flexible substrate, mounts a holding plate on the flexible substrate, and assembles and holds the terminals in a housing.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2004-220864

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Problems to be solved by the invention

[0007] In the above connector, there is room for improvement in that stress is easily concentrated on a planar circuit body such as a flexible substrate. That is, the above connector is in a state where the planar circuit body extends from a retaining plate, and when vibration is applied to the connector, stress is easily concentrated on the root portion of the planar circuit body extending from the retaining plate.

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a connector and a connector assembly that reduce stress concentration on a planar circuit body.

[0009] Means for solving problems

[0010] That is, the connector involved in the present invention includes: a shell, which is arranged on the front side of a planar circuit body; and a cover, which is arranged on the back side of the planar circuit body and is configured to clamp the planar circuit body between the cover and the shell, one of the cover and the shell has a plate-like plate portion, the plate portion extends toward the planar circuit body than the other of the cover and the shell, and the plate portion is joined to the planar circuit body.

[0011] Effects of the Invention

[0012] According to the connector and the connector device of the present invention, it is possible to reduce stress concentration on a planar circuit body. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 It is a perspective view showing the connector device of the embodiment.

[0014] Figure 2 It is an exploded perspective view of the first connector of the connector device of the embodiment.

[0015] Figure 3It is an exploded perspective view of the first connector of the connector device of the embodiment.

[0016] Figure 4 It is an exploded perspective view of the second connector of the connector device of the embodiment.

[0017] Figure 5 It is a perspective view of a terminal of the connector device according to the embodiment.

[0018] Figure 6 It is an explanatory diagram of the connection of the connector device of the embodiment.

[0019] Figure 7 It is an explanatory diagram of the connection of the connector device of the embodiment.

[0020] Figure 8 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a connected state of the connector device of embodiment VIII-VIII. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail based on the accompanying drawings. In addition, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment. In addition, the constituent elements in the following embodiments include elements that can be easily replaced by those skilled in the art, or substantially the same elements.

[0022] [Example]

[0023] The present embodiment relates to a connector and a connector device. Figure 1 It is a perspective view showing the connector device of the embodiment. Figure 2 and Figure 3 It is an exploded perspective view of the first connector of the connector device of the embodiment. Figure 4 It is an exploded perspective view of the second connector of the connector device of the embodiment.

[0024] Figure 5 It is a perspective view of a terminal of the connector device according to the embodiment. Figure 6 and Figure 7 It is an explanatory diagram of the connection of the connector device of the embodiment. Figure 8 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a connected state of the connector device of embodiment VIII-VIII.

[0025] In addition, in the following description, the first direction among the mutually intersecting first direction, second direction and third direction is referred to as "connection direction X", the second direction is referred to as "width direction Y", and the third direction is referred to as "height direction Z". Here, the connection direction X, the width direction Y and the height direction Z are orthogonal to each other. The connection direction X is equivalent to the connection direction between the first connector and the second connector or the extension direction of the wire. The width direction Y and the height direction Z are equivalent to the intersection direction that intersects with the connection direction X. In addition, the directions used in the following description represent the directions in the state where the parts are assembled to each other unless otherwise specified. In addition, the orthogonal mentioned here includes the case of being approximately orthogonal.

[0026] like Figure 1 As shown, the connector device 1 of this embodiment is a device that connects a flexible substrate 9 and an electric wire 10, and is used, for example, when mounted on a vehicle, as a wire harness WH that connects electrical devices installed in the vehicle. The electrical devices include electronic control devices, sensors, circuit devices, motors, batteries, etc. For example, the flexible substrate 9 is used as a trunk portion of the wire harness WH, and the electric wire 10 is used as a branch portion of the wire harness WH.

[0027] The connector device 1 includes a first connector 2 , a second connector 3 , and a terminal 4 . Figure 1 The connector device 1 showing the state in which the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 are connected is shown in a state in which a part of the second connector 3 is cut away for the convenience of explanation.

[0028] The first connector 2 is a connector involved in this embodiment, which is mounted on a flexible substrate 9 and is configured to be connectable to the second connector 3. The flexible substrate 9 is a planar circuit body in which the circuit is configured in a planar shape, which is called a flexible wiring substrate (FPC (Flexible Printed Cericits)), and is a printed wiring substrate with flexibility. The planar shape mentioned here also includes a roughly planar shape. The flexible substrate 9 is formed by, for example, bonding a base film, a conductor foil, and a cover layer via an adhesive layer. The conductor foil is a wiring pattern of the flexible substrate 9 and constitutes a wiring portion 91 of the flexible substrate 9. The flexible substrate 9 can be a single-sided substrate having a wiring pattern only on one side of the base film, or a double-sided substrate having wiring patterns on both sides of the base film. In addition, the flexible substrate 9 can be installed with electrical components such as resistors and capacitors on the wiring pattern, or it can be installed without electrical components.

[0029] like Figure 2As shown, the first connector 2 has a first housing 5 and a first cover 6, and is mounted on, for example, an end portion 92 of a flexible substrate 9. Specifically, the first housing 5 and the first cover 6 are joined with the flexible substrate 9 sandwiched therebetween, so that the first connector 2 is mounted on the flexible substrate 9. The first housing 5 has a plate-like housing body portion 51 extending in the width direction Y, and is arranged on the front surface 93 side of the flexible substrate 9. The first housing 5 is a first component provided on the front surface 93 side of the flexible substrate 9. The first cover 6 is arranged on the back surface 94 side of the flexible substrate 9, and has a plate-like plate portion 61. The first cover 6 is a second component arranged on the back surface 94 side of the flexible substrate 9.

[0030] The plate portion 61 is a plate body extending toward the flexible substrate 9, and extends toward the flexible substrate 9 more than the first housing 5. The plate portion 61 functions as a main body of the first cover 6, and is formed along the back surface 94 of the flexible substrate 9. The plate portion 61 functions as a component for suppressing deformation of the flexible substrate 9 and suppressing stress concentration on the flexible substrate 9. The plate portion 61 is formed into a structure that is more rigid than the flexible substrate 9 and is less likely to deform. The plate portion 61 is, for example, a hollow structure in the form of a rectangular parallelepiped or a substantially rectangular parallelepiped, and has ribs 611 assembled in a lattice shape inside.

[0031] The plate portion 61 is bonded to the flexible substrate 9. For example, the setting surface 61A of the plate portion 61 is bonded to the flexible substrate 9, and the plate portion 61 and the flexible substrate 9 are integrated. The setting surface 61A is a surface of the plate portion 61 that is opposite to the flexible substrate 9 and sandwiches the flexible substrate 9 between the first housing 5. Specifically, the plate portion 61 is bonded to the flexible substrate 9 by an adhesive, an adhesive tape, or the like. The entire setting surface 61A of the plate portion 61 may be bonded to the flexible substrate 9, or a portion of the setting surface 61A may be bonded to the flexible substrate 9. In addition, the plate portion 61 and the flexible substrate 9 may be bonded by a method other than bonding, for example, they may be bonded using fasteners such as perforations, screws, or the like.

[0032] The plate portion 61 extends toward the flexible substrate 9 from the first housing 5, and the length L of the extension is, for example, the same as the length W of the flexible substrate 9. Figure 1In the embodiment of the present invention, the flexible substrate 9 becomes the trunk of the wire harness WH and is formed along the width direction Y of the connector device 1. In this case, the length W of the flexible substrate 9 is the length in the connection direction X, which is the length in the extension direction of the plate portion 61. In addition, the same length mentioned here includes substantially the same length. In addition, the extension length L of the plate portion 61 is preferably more than half of the length W of the flexible substrate 9. By setting such a length, the connection operation of the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 can be smoothly performed. That is, in the connection operation of the first connector 2 and the second connector 3, the operator holds the second connector 3 with one hand and holds the first connector 2 with the other hand for connection, but even if the operator holds the plate portion 61 with the other hand, the flexible substrate 9 does not deform, and the operation of the first connector 2 becomes easy. In this case, in the connection direction X, it is preferred that the extension length L of the plate portion 61 is the same as the length W of the flexible substrate 9, but as long as the extension length L of the plate portion 61 is more than half of the length W of the flexible substrate 9, it becomes very easy to operate.

[0033] The convex portion 62 is provided on the installation surface 61A of the first cover 6. The installation surface 61A is a surface of the plate portion 61 that faces the flexible substrate 9 and sandwiches the flexible substrate 9 between the first housing 5. The convex portion 62 protrudes from the installation surface 61A toward the back surface 94 of the flexible substrate 9. The protruding length of the convex portion 62 is set to be longer than the thickness of the flexible substrate 9. A plurality of convex portions 62 are provided, for example, one is provided at each end 63 in the width direction Y of the first cover 6, and two are provided at the middle position between the end 63 and the end 63, and a total of four are provided. A through hole 95 is formed in the flexible substrate 9. The through hole 95 is a hole that penetrates the front surface 93 and the back surface 94. A plurality of through holes 95 are formed, and are formed at positions corresponding to the convex portion 62. The recessed portion 52 is formed on the installation surface 51A of the first housing 5. The installation surface 51A is a surface of the housing body portion 51 that faces the flexible substrate 9 and sandwiches the flexible substrate 9 between the first housing 6. The recessed portion 52 is formed by recessing the installation surface 51A, and is formed to have a size that allows the protruding portion 62 to be inserted therethrough. A plurality of recessed portions 52 are provided, and are formed at positions corresponding to the protruding portions 62.

[0034] An engaging portion 64 is formed at the end 63 of the first cover 6, and an engaged portion 54 is formed at the end 53 of the first housing 5. The engaging portion 64 and the engaged portion 54 constitute a locking mechanism for locking the first cover 6 and the first housing 5. For example, the engaged portion 54 is a protrusion protruding laterally from the side surface of the first housing 5, and the engaging portion 64 extends from the end 63 of the first cover 6 to the first housing 5 side to form a hole 64A into which the engaged portion 54 can be inserted.

[0035] For mounting the first cover 6 and the first housing 5 on the flexible substrate 9, the first cover 6 is firstly arranged on the back surface 94 of the flexible substrate 9 so that the protrusion 62 is inserted into the through hole 95. The protrusion 62 is in a state of passing through the through hole 95 and protruding from the front surface 93. At this time, the flexible substrate 9 and the plate portion 61 of the first cover 6 are joined and integrated by bonding or the like. Thus, the flexible substrate 9 is kept from being deformed.

[0036] Furthermore, the convex portion 62 protruding from the front surface 93 of the flexible substrate 9 is inserted into the concave portion 52, thereby setting the first housing 5. As a result, the first cover 6 and the first housing 5 are set at accurate positions relative to the flexible substrate 9. That is, in the flexible substrate 9, the first cover 6, and the first housing 5, the through hole 95, the convex portion 62, and the concave portion 52 function as a portion for positioning, and function as a portion for preventing the flexible substrate 9 from falling off between the first cover 6 and the first housing 5.

[0037] The engaging portion 64 of the first cover 6 engages with the engaged portion 54 of the first housing 5, and the first housing 5 and the first cover 6 are joined in an uneasy manner. Thus, the first cover 6 and the first housing 5 are joined with the flexible substrate 9 sandwiched therebetween, and the first cover 6 and the first housing 5 are attached to the flexible substrate 9.

[0038] The first housing 5 has a receiving portion 55. The receiving portion 55 is a portion into which the protrusion 72 of the second connector 3 is inserted, and defines a receiving space 55A for the protrusion 72. For example, the receiving portion 55 is formed by a wall portion 55B provided on the housing body 51. The wall portion 55B allows the second connector 3 side (at the Figure 2 The receiving space 55A is opened in the width direction Y and is arranged along the connection direction X. The length of the receiving space 55A in the width direction Y is set to be the same or substantially the same as the length of the protrusion 72 in the width direction Y. By inserting the protrusion 72 into the receiving portion 55, the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 are accurately connected, and the terminal 4 contacts the desired wiring portion 91. In addition, the length of the receiving space 55A in the connection direction X is a length that can suppress the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 from being connected obliquely. Therefore, the connector device 1 can suppress the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 from being obliquely fitted and connected.

[0039] The receiving portion 55 is formed with a tapered portion 551. The tapered portion 551 is formed by tilting the wall portion 55B with respect to the connection direction X so that the length L1 of the receiving portion 55 in the width direction Y is enlarged relative to the length L2 of the protrusion 72 in the width direction Y at the entrance position of the receiving portion 55. That is, the tapered portion 551 functions as a portion that facilitates the insertion of the protrusion 72 into the receiving portion 55. For example, the tapered portion 551 is formed so that the length L1 of the receiving space 55A in the width direction Y is enlarged relative to the length L2 of the protrusion 72 in the width direction Y at the entrance portion of the receiving portion 55, and the length L1 of the receiving space 55A in the width direction Y is reduced relative to the length L2 of the protrusion 72 in the width direction Y as it approaches the inner side of the receiving portion 55. The tapered portion 551 is formed, for example, at the left and right positions in the width direction Y at the entrance portion of the receiving portion 55. The connector device 1 is formed so that the protrusion 72 is easily inserted into the receiving portion 55, and the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 can be connected smoothly. In particular, even when the gap between the housing space 55A of the housing portion 55 and the protruding portion 72 is small, the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 can be easily connected.

[0040] The receiving portion 55 is formed, for example, at a central position in the width direction Y of the first housing 5. In addition, a plurality of receiving portions 55 may be formed, or they may be formed at positions separated in the width direction Y of the first housing 5. The receiving portion 55 is provided with a latched portion 56. The latched portion 56 is a portion that is latched with the latching portion 74 of the second connector 3, and is used for latching when the first connector 2 is connected to the second connector 3. The latched portion 56 is, for example, a protrusion that protrudes in the height direction Z, is latched by the latching portion 74, and functions as a locking mechanism for the first connector 2 and the second connector 3.

[0041] like Figure 3 As shown, the plate portion 61 is provided with a mounting portion 66. The mounting portion 66 is a portion for mounting the connector device 1 on a structure such as a vehicle body. For example, the mounting portion 66 functions as a mounting clip or a mounting clamp for fixing the connector device 1. The mounting portion 66 is formed on the back side 61B of the plate portion 61.

[0042] A wiring portion 91 is formed on the flexible substrate 9. The wiring portion 91 is a portion that becomes a contact portion of the electrical connection of the flexible substrate 9 and is a part of the wiring pattern. At the location of the wiring portion 91, the surface protection cover layer is removed, and the conductor foil is exposed. In addition, the wiring portion 91 is subjected to a surface treatment for preventing oxidation of the conductor foil, for example. For example, a plurality of wiring portions 91 are arranged in parallel along the width direction Y at the end 92 of the back surface 94 of the flexible substrate 9. The number of wiring portions 91 is set, for example, according to the number of terminals 4 of the second connector 3. The end 92 of the flexible substrate 9 formed with the wiring portion 91 is arranged adjacent to the connection insertion portion 51B of the first housing 5. The connection insertion portion 51B is a part of the housing body 51 of the first housing 5, and is a plate-shaped portion that protrudes toward the second connector 3 along the connection direction X.

[0043] like Figure 4 As shown, the second connector 3 is a connector connected to the first connector 2 and electrically connects the terminal 4 to the wiring portion 91 of the flexible substrate 9. That is, the second connector 3 is configured to hold the terminal 4 and be connectable to the first connector 2, and the terminal 4 is directly contacted and connected to the wiring portion 91 of the flexible substrate 9 by being connected to the first connector 2.

[0044] The second connector 3 has a second housing 7 and a second cover 8. For ease of description, Figure 4 The second housing 7 and the second cover 8 are partially cut away and a portion of the wire 10 is omitted. The second housing 7 is a component for holding the terminal 4 mounted on the wire 10, and the second cover 8 is a component mounted on the second housing 7 to hold the wire 10 and prevent the terminal 4 from falling off.

[0045] The second housing 7 is a component for holding the terminal 4 mounted on the electric wire 10, and is formed in a block shape, for example. The second housing 7 forms a housing chamber 71 for accommodating the terminal 4 and the electric wire 10, and holds the terminal 4 together with the second cover 8. The second connector 3 can hold a plurality of terminals 4, and a plurality of housing chambers 71 are arranged in parallel along the width direction Y in the second housing 7. The housing chamber 71 extends along the connection direction X and can accommodate the terminal 4 and the electric wire 10. The housing chamber 71 includes a first housing chamber 71A and a second housing chamber 71B. The first housing chamber 71A is a space for accommodating the electric wire 10, and the second housing chamber 71B is a space for accommodating the terminal 4. The second housing chamber 71B is formed on the first connector 2 side relative to the first housing chamber 71A. The second housing chamber 71B is formed to be narrower than the first housing chamber 71A in the width direction Y. Therefore, the terminal 4 accommodated in the second housing chamber 71B is held in the second housing chamber 71B with limited movement. In other words, the terminal 4 is positioned and held relative to the second connector 3 in the width direction Y and the height direction Z by being accommodated in the second housing chamber 71B.

[0046] In addition, a support portion 712 (see Figure 8 The support portion 712 is a portion that supports a first contact piece 421A of a terminal 4 described later. The support portion 712 is formed in a state separated from the inner surface of the second accommodation chamber 71B.

[0047] The two ends of the receiving chamber 71 in the connection direction X are open. The connection insertion portion 51B of the first connector 2 and the end 92 of the flexible substrate 9 can be inserted into the end of the receiving chamber 71 on the first connector 2 side. The electric wire 10 extends out from the end of the receiving chamber 71 on the opposite side of the first connector 2. In the second housing 7, a partition 711 is formed between adjacent receiving chambers 71 and 71, so that adjacently arranged terminals 4 are not short-circuited.

[0048] A protrusion 72 and a latched portion 73 are formed on the upper surface 75A of the top portion 75 of the second housing 7. The protrusion 72 is a block-shaped or plate-shaped portion protruding toward the first connector 2 side, and together with the receiving portion 55 of the first connector 2, constitutes a connection guide portion or an inclined connection inhibiting portion. That is, the protrusion 72 is formed to a size that can be inserted into the receiving portion 55, and is inserted into the receiving portion 55 when the first connector 2 is connected to the second connector 3. As a result, the protrusion 72 inhibits the inclined engagement of the first connector 2 and the second connector 3, so that the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 are properly connected. A latching portion 74 is provided on the protrusion 72. The latching portion 74 is a portion for latching when the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 are connected, and together with the latched portion 56 of the first connector 2, constitutes a locking mechanism. The latching portion 74 is an arm-shaped portion formed with a latching hole 74A that can be latched with the protruding latched portion 56, and is latched with the latched portion 56 when the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 are connected. The locked portion 73 is a portion that is engaged with the locking portion 83 of the second cover 8, and together with the locking portion 83, constitutes a locking mechanism of the second housing 7 and the second cover 8. The locked portion 73 is a protrusion protruding from the upper surface 75A. A plurality of the locked portions 73 are provided separately in the width direction Y, for example, three are provided.

[0049] The second cover 8 is mounted on the second housing 7 from the connection direction X to hold the terminal 4 and the wire 10. For example, the second cover 8 is a plate-shaped component extending in the width direction Y, and is mounted on the second housing 7 that accommodates the terminal 4 and the wire 10 to hold the terminal 4 and the wire 10. The second cover 8 has a top 81 and a contact portion 82. The top 81 and the contact portion 82 extend side by side in the connection direction X and are formed separately in the height direction Z. The top 81 and the contact portion 82 are connected on the side opposite to the connection side of the first connector 2, and the top 81 is located above the contact portion 82. The second cover 8 is mounted on the second housing 7 in a manner that the top 75 of the second housing 7 is clamped by the top 81 and the contact portion 82.

[0050] A locking portion 83 is formed at the top 81. The locking portion 83 is a portion that is engaged with the locked portion 73 of the second housing 7. The locking portion 83 extends from the top 81 toward the second housing 7 along the connection direction X and is formed in an arm shape, and is formed with a locking hole 83A that is locked by the locked portion 73. A plurality of the locking portions 83 are separately provided in the width direction Y, for example, three are provided. The locking portion 83 is engaged with the locked portion 73 when the second cover 8 is assembled with the second housing 7, and is locked so that the second cover 8 and the second housing 7 do not fall off.

[0051] like Figure 5 As shown, the terminal 4 is a terminal mounted on the electric wire 10, for example, a crimping terminal mounted on the end of the electric wire 10 by crimping. The terminal 4 has a wire connecting portion 41 and a substrate connecting portion 42. The terminal 4 is made of, for example, a conductive metal, and is formed by stamping or bending a plate having a shape corresponding to the wire connecting portion 41 and the substrate connecting portion 42, thereby integrally forming the wire connecting portion 41 and the substrate connecting portion 42. The terminal 4 is formed by connecting the wire connecting portion 41 and the substrate connecting portion 42 along the connection direction X. The electric wire 10 uses, for example, an electric wire in which a sheath portion 10B is provided on the outer periphery of a conductor 10A.

[0052] The wire connection portion 41 includes, for example, a sheath crimping portion 411 and a conductor crimping portion 412. The sheath crimping portion 411 is crimped to the sheath portion 10B of the wire 10. For example, the sheath crimping portion 411 includes two barrels 411A, and is attached to the sheath portion 10B by winding the barrels 411A around and crimping them to the sheath portion 10B. For example, the conductor crimping portion 412 includes two barrels 412A, and is attached to the conductor 10A by pressing the barrels 412A tightly and crimping them to the conductor 10A exposed by removing the sheath portion 10B.

[0053] The substrate connection portion 42 is a portion for making contact with the flexible substrate 9, and has a pair of contact pieces 421. The pair of contact pieces 421 is composed of a first contact piece 421A and a second contact piece 421B. The substrate connection portion 42 makes connection with the flexible substrate 9 by, for example, making the second contact piece 421B directly contact the flexible substrate 9. The first contact piece 421A and the second contact piece 421B are plate-like bodies or rod-like bodies extending along the connection direction X, separated in the height direction Z, and connected by a connecting portion 423 on the base end side. That is, the substrate connection portion 42 including the pair of contact pieces 421 forms a tuning fork terminal portion in a forked shape. The second contact piece 421B is formed to be able to bend and elastically deform in a direction away from the first contact piece 421A (height direction Z). When connecting to the first connector 2, the flexible substrate 9 is inserted between the first contact piece 421A and the second contact piece 421B. During the insertion, the second contact piece 421B is elastically deformed in a direction away from the first contact piece 421A, thereby smoothly inserting the flexible substrate 9. In addition, the second contact piece 421B is strongly in contact with the flexible substrate 9 by the restoring force of the elastic deformation. At this time, the first contact piece 421A functions as a load receiving portion that receives the contact load of the second contact piece 421B.

[0054] The axial direction B of the substrate connection portion 42 is offset in the height direction Z relative to the axial direction A of the wire connection portion 41. That is, the axial direction B in which the substrate connection portion 42 extends deviates from the axial direction A in which the wire connection portion 41 extends in the direction intersecting the axial direction A. Therefore, the substrate connection portion 42 is formed to protrude in the direction (height direction Z) intersecting the axial direction A relative to the wire connection portion 41. Here, the axial direction A of the wire connection portion 41 is the central axis of the wire connection portion 41, and the axial direction B of the substrate connection portion 42 is the central axis of the substrate connection portion 42. For example, the substrate connection portion 42 is formed to protrude to a position where the axial direction B deviates from the wire connection portion 41.

[0055] The first contact piece 421A is provided with a convex portion 421C that protrudes toward the second contact piece 421B. That is, the convex portion 421C protrudes inwardly compared to other portions of the first contact piece 421A, thereby narrowing the distance between the first contact piece 421A and the second contact piece 421B. The convex portion 421C is formed, for example, at a position closer to the base end than the center position in the connection direction X of the first contact piece 421A.

[0056] A contact portion 421D is formed at the end of the second contact piece 421B. The contact portion 421D protrudes toward the first contact piece 421A side compared to the other parts of the second contact piece 421B, so that the distance between the first contact piece 421A and the second contact piece 421B is narrowed. The contact portion 421D is a portion that contacts the wiring portion 91 of the flexible substrate 9, and is, for example, in a mountain shape toward the first contact piece 421A. Figure 5, the terminal 4 is attached to the electric wire 10 by crimping, but the terminal 4 may be attached to the electric wire 10 by a method other than crimping, for example, by crimping or welding.

[0057] Next, connection of the connector device 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0058] like Figure 6 As shown, the connection of the connector device 1 is performed by connecting the first connector 2 and the second connector 3. The first connector 2 is provided with a flexible substrate 9, and the second connector 3 holds the terminal 4 to be attached to the electric wire 10.

[0059] The first connector 2 and the second connector 3 are arranged in a state separated in the connection direction X. And, for example, the second connector 3 is brought close to the first connector 2 for connection. At this time, by forming the plate portion 61 on the first cover 6 of the first connector 2, the connection can be easily and smoothly performed. For example, in the connection operation between the first connector 2 and the second connector 3, the operator holds the second connector 3 with one hand and holds the first connector 2 with the other hand for connection. At this time, even if the plate portion 61 is grasped with the other hand, the flexible substrate 9 will not be deformed, and the first connector 2 is easy to operate. Therefore, the connection between the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 is easy and smooth. For example, if the plate portion 61 is not provided on the first cover 6, the other hand cannot hold the part of the flexible substrate 9 that is easy to deform, but holds the first housing 5 that is shorter in the connection direction X. Therefore, the connection operation is not easy. In contrast, the connector device 1 of this embodiment forms the plate portion 61 on the first connector 2, so that the plate portion 61 and the part of the flexible substrate 9 can be grasped at the same time, and the connection between the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 can be easily and smoothly performed.

[0060] When the first connector 2 is connected to the second connector 3, first, the protrusion 72 of the second connector 3 is inserted into the receiving portion 55 of the first connector 2. Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 5 , a tapered portion 551 is formed at the entrance of the receiving portion 55 , and the opening width of the receiving portion 55 is formed to be wide. Therefore, the protrusion 72 is smoothly inserted into the receiving portion 55 through the tapered portion 551 .

[0061] The protrusion 72 enters along the wall portion 55B of the receiving portion 55 in the connection direction X. Thus, the second connector 3 is prevented from being inserted obliquely relative to the first connector 2, and the second connector 3 is prevented from being obliquely mated with the first connector 2. Furthermore, when the protrusion 72 is inserted deep into the receiving portion 55, the locking portion 74 is engaged with the locked portion 56, and the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 are connected and locked.

[0062] like Figure 8As shown, by connecting the first connector 2 and the second connector 3, the connection insertion portion 51B of the first connector 2 and the flexible substrate 9 are inserted into the second housing 7 of the second connector 3. That is, the connection insertion portion 51B and the flexible substrate 9 are inserted into the receiving chamber 71 of the second housing 7, and inserted between the first contact piece 421A and the second contact piece 421B of the terminal 4 held by the receiving chamber 71. At this time, due to the insertion of the connection insertion portion 51B, the distance between the first contact piece 421A and the second contact piece 421B is expanded, and the second contact piece 421B is bent in a manner away from the first contact piece 421A. As a result, the connection insertion portion 51B and the flexible substrate 9 can be smoothly inserted between the first contact piece 421A and the second contact piece 421B.

[0063] Furthermore, the first contact piece 421A is crimped and contacted with the wiring portion 91 of the flexible substrate 9, the flexible substrate 9 is connected to the terminal 4, and the flexible substrate 9 is electrically connected to the electric wire 10. Thus, the flexible substrate 9 and the electric wire 10 are connected via one terminal 4, and the electrical performance of the flexible substrate 9 and the electric wire 10 can be improved. That is, by using the flexible substrate 9 as a contact point, the provision of the terminal can be omitted in the first connector 2, and the physical contact portion can be set to two in the connection between the electric wire 10 and the flexible substrate 9. Therefore, the connector device 1 can reduce the risk of increased resistance and poor connection caused by oxidation, wear, foreign matter, etc. at the contact portion, and can improve the electrical performance of the flexible substrate 9 and the electric wire 10. In addition, the connector device 1 can omit the provision of the terminal in the first connector 2, so the cost of the connector device 1 can be reduced.

[0064] like Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , the connector device 1 is installed on a vehicle in a state where the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 are connected. Figure 3 As shown, the connector device 1 is fixed to the vehicle body or the like using the mounting portion 66 provided on the plate portion 61. Therefore, the flexible substrate 9, the first connector 2, and the connector device 1 can be stably mounted on the vehicle.

[0065] exist Figure 1 In the embodiment, when the connector device 1 is mounted on a vehicle, even if vibration or shaking is applied to the connector device 1, stress concentration on the flexible substrate 9 can be suppressed. That is, the portion of the flexible substrate 9 extending from the first housing 5 and the first cover 6 is integrated with the plate portion 61. Therefore, the flexible substrate 9 is supported by the plate portion 61, and deformation due to swinging in the up-and-down direction is restricted. Therefore, stress concentration on the flexible substrate 9 is suppressed.

[0066] As described above, in the connector device 1 and the first connector 2 of the present embodiment, the plate portion 61 is provided on the first cover 6 , thereby making it possible to suppress the concentration of stress on the flexible substrate 9 .

[0067] In addition, the connector device 1 and the first connector 2 of the present embodiment are provided with the mounting portion 66 on the plate portion 61 , so that the connector device 1 and the first connector 2 including the flexible substrate 9 can be stably mounted on the vehicle.

[0068] In addition, the connector device 1 and the first connector 2 according to the present embodiment can reliably join the plate portion 61 to the flexible substrate 9 by bonding, and can be integrated.

[0069] The connector and connector device of the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims. The connector device 1 and the first connector 2 of this embodiment can also be configured by appropriately combining the components of the above-described embodiments and modifications.

[0070] For example, although the connector device 1 and the first connector 2 of the above-mentioned embodiment are described as being mounted on a vehicle, they may be used without being mounted on a vehicle.

[0071] In addition, the connector device 1 and the first connector 2 of the above-mentioned embodiment use the flexible substrate 9 as the planar circuit body, but a planar circuit body other than the flexible substrate 9 may be used. For example, a flat cable (FC (Flat Cable)), a flexible flat cable (FFC (Flexible Flat Cable)), etc. may be used as the planar circuit body and connected to the terminal 4. Even such a connector device can obtain the same effects as the connector device 1 and the first connector 2 of the above-mentioned embodiment. That is, the connector device and the connector can suppress the stress concentration on the flexible substrate 9 by providing the plate portion 61 on the first cover 6.

[0072] In the connector device 1 and the first connector 2 of the above-described embodiment, the plate portion 61 is provided on the first cover 6, but the plate portion 61 may be provided on the first housing 5. In this case, the same effects as those of the connector device 1 and the first connector 2 of the above-described embodiment can be obtained, and stress concentration on the flexible substrate 9 can be suppressed.

[0073] Description of Reference Numerals

[0074] 1: Connector device

[0075] 2: First connector (connector)

[0076] 3: Second connector

[0077] 4: Terminal

[0078] 5: First housing (first component)

[0079] 6: First cover (second component)

[0080] 9: Flexible substrate (planar circuit body)

[0081] 10: Wires

[0082] 61: Board

[0083] 66: Installation

[0084] 91: Wiring Department

[0085] L: extended length

[0086] W: Length

Claims

1. A connector, characterized in that: a housing, the housing being disposed on the front side of the planar circuit body; and a cover, the cover being arranged on the back side of the planar circuit body and being arranged to sandwich the planar circuit body between the cover and the housing, One of the cover and the housing has a plate-shaped plate portion extending toward the planar circuit body from the other of the cover and the housing, and The plate portion is joined to the planar circuit body.

2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein: The connector is mounted on a vehicle for use, and The plate portion is formed with a mounting portion for mounting to the vehicle.

3. The connector according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The plate portion is bonded to the planar circuit body by bonding.

4. The connector according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The planar circuit body is a flexible substrate.

5. A connector device, characterized in that: have: A first connector, wherein the first connector is mounted on a planar circuit body; as well as a second connector, the second connector holding a terminal mounted on the electric wire and being configured to be connectable to the first connector, the second connector being connected to the first connector so that the terminal contacts the planar circuit body, The first connector comprises: a first component, the first component is arranged on the front side of the planar circuit body; and a second component, the second component is arranged on the back side of the planar circuit body and is arranged to sandwich the planar circuit body between the second component and the first component. One of the first component and the second component is formed with a plate-shaped plate portion, the plate portion extending toward the planar circuit body from the other of the first component and the second component, and The plate portion is joined to the planar circuit body.

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