Wire harness

Abstract

A wire harness (1) is provided with: a connector (2) having a plurality of terminals (5) each having a rod-shaped or cylindrical insertion part (52), and a housing in which the plurality of terminals are arranged in a plurality of rows and held in a state in which the insertion parts protrude, the plurality of arranged terminals including a first terminal group (5A) and a second terminal group (5B); a first flexible printed wiring board (10) having a through-hole into which the insertion part of the first terminal group is inserted and a printed circuit (12) connected to the insertion part of the first terminal group; and a second flexible printed wiring board (20) having a through-hole into which the insertion part of the second terminal group is inserted, and a printed circuit (22) connected to the insertion part of the second terminal group.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a wire harness. Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a cable connection structure for a flexible cable. The cable connection structure includes a flexible cable, a housing, a cover, and an elastic member sandwiched between the cover and the housing together with the flexible cable to maintain close contact with the flexible cable.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-036502 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0007] In wire harnesses, it is desired to achieve both multipolarization of connectors and suppression of connector size increase.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a wiring harness capable of achieving both multipolarization of a connector and suppressing an increase in the size of the connector.

[0009] Means for solving problems

[0010] The wiring harness of the present invention is characterized in that it comprises: a connector, wherein the connector has a plurality of terminals and a shell, each of the plurality of terminals having a rod-shaped or cylindrical insertion portion, the shell arranging the plurality of terminals into a plurality of columns and holding them in a state in which the insertion portion is protruding, the plurality of arranged terminals including a first terminal group and a second terminal group; a first flexible printed wiring board, wherein the first flexible printed wiring board has a through hole for inserting the insertion portion of the first terminal group and a printed circuit connected to the insertion portion of the first terminal group; and a second flexible printed wiring board, wherein the second flexible printed wiring board has a through hole for inserting the insertion portion of the second terminal group and a printed circuit connected to the insertion portion of the second terminal group.

[0011] Effects of the Invention

[0012] The wiring harness of the present invention comprises: a connector having a plurality of arranged terminals including a first terminal group and a second terminal group; a first flexible printed wiring board having a through-hole for inserting an insertion portion of the first terminal group and a printed circuit connected to the insertion portion of the first terminal group; and a second flexible printed wiring board having a through-hole for inserting an insertion portion of the second terminal group and a printed circuit connected to the insertion portion of the second terminal group. The wiring harness of the present invention achieves the effect of achieving both multipolarization of the connector and suppressing connector enlargement. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 It is a perspective view showing a wire harness and a mating connector according to the embodiment.

[0014] Figure 2 It is a diagram showing components of a wire harness according to an embodiment.

[0015] Figure 3 It is a perspective view of the outer shell of the embodiment.

[0016] Figure 4 It is a perspective view of the inner casing according to the embodiment.

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

[0018] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of a first flexible printed wiring board according to the embodiment.

[0019] Figure 7 This is a perspective view showing a printed circuit of a first flexible printed wiring board according to the embodiment.

[0020] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of a second flexible printed wiring board according to the embodiment.

[0021] Figure 9 It is a perspective view showing a printed circuit of a second flexible printed wiring board according to the embodiment.

[0022] Figure 10 It is a perspective view of the cover according to the embodiment.

[0023] Figure 11 It is a diagram showing the process of inserting the inner case.

[0024] Figure 12 It is a diagram showing the process of inserting the terminal.

[0025] Figure 13 It is a diagram showing the process of installing a flexible printed wiring board.

[0026] Figure 14 It is a top view of the installed flexible printed wiring board.

[0027] Figure 15 It is a figure which shows the process of attaching a cover.

[0028] Figure 16 A diagram showing the process of bending a wiring board.

[0029] Figure 17 It is a diagram showing the process of holding the wiring board.

[0030] Figure 18It is a figure which shows the process of assembling a rod.

[0031] Figure 19 It is a diagram of a wire harness according to a modified example of the embodiment.

[0032] Figure 20 It is a diagram of a wire harness according to a modified example of the embodiment.

[0033] Figure 21 It is a diagram of a wire harness according to a modified example of the embodiment.

[0034] Figure 22 It is a diagram of a wire harness according to a modified example of the embodiment.

[0035] Figure 23 It is a diagram of a wire harness according to a modified example of the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] Hereinafter, a wiring harness according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present invention is not limited to this embodiment. The components in the following embodiment include components that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art or substantially the same components.

[0037] [Implementation Method]

[0038] Reference Figures 1 to 18 , an embodiment will be described. This embodiment relates to a wire harness. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a wiring harness and a mating connector according to an embodiment. Figure 2 1 is a diagram showing components of a wire harness according to an embodiment. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the outer shell of the embodiment, Figure 4 is a perspective view of the inner shell of the embodiment, Figure 5 is a perspective view of a terminal according to an embodiment. Figure 6 is a perspective view of a first flexible printed wiring board according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 7 is a perspective view showing a printed circuit of a first flexible printed wiring board according to an embodiment, Figure 8 is a perspective view of a second flexible printed wiring board according to the embodiment, Figure 9 is a perspective view showing a printed circuit of a second flexible printed wiring board according to the embodiment, Figure 10 It is a perspective view of the cover according to the embodiment.

[0039] Figure 11 1 is a diagram showing the process of inserting the inner shell, Figure 12 1 is a diagram showing the process of inserting the terminal. Figure 13 is a diagram showing a process of setting a flexible printed wiring board, Figure 14 is a top view of the installed flexible printed wiring board, Figure 151 is a diagram showing the process of installing the cover. Figure 16 is a diagram showing the process of bending a wiring board, Figure 17 is a diagram showing a process of holding a wiring board, Figure 18 It is a figure which shows the process of assembling a rod.

[0040] like Figure 1 As shown, the wiring harness 1 of this embodiment includes a connector 2 and flexible printed wiring boards 10 and 20. The wiring harness 1 is installed in a vehicle such as an automobile. The wiring harness 1 can be connected to a device located on the dashboard. The connector 2 mates with a mating connector 100. The mating connector 100 is located on the housing of a device such as a display or an instrument. The wiring harness 1 can also connect a device having the mating connector 100 to a control device that controls the device. The flexible printed wiring boards 10 and 20 have printed circuits including power lines and signal lines.

[0041] The mating connector 100 includes a housing 110 and a plurality of terminals 120 held by the housing 110. The connector 2 connects the printed circuits of the flexible printed wiring boards 10 and 20 to the terminals 120. The illustrated connector 2 is a lever-type connector having a lever 7. The connector 2 can be mated with the housing 110 of the mating connector 100 by a force-increasing mechanism including the lever 7.

[0042] like Figure 2 As shown, connector 2 includes an outer housing 3, multiple inner housings 4, multiple terminals 5, a first flexible printed wiring board 10, a second flexible printed wiring board 20, and a cover 6. The outer housing 3 and inner housing 4 are molded from, for example, an insulating synthetic resin. The illustrated outer housing 3 has a square cylindrical shape and includes a housing portion 31 for accommodating the multiple inner housings 4.

[0043] The inner housing 4 is a member that holds and arranges the terminals 5. The inner housing 4 has cavities for inserting the terminals 5. A plurality of inner housings 4 are stacked and accommodated in the accommodation portion 31 of the outer housing 3.

[0044] In the following description, the direction in which the multiple inner housings 4 are stacked is referred to as the "first direction X." Furthermore, the direction in which the inner housings 4 are inserted into the outer housing 3 is referred to as the "third direction Z." The third direction Z is orthogonal to the first direction X. Furthermore, the direction orthogonal to both the first and third directions Z is referred to as the "second direction Y." The second direction Y is the direction in which the terminals 5 in each inner housing 4 are arranged. In this embodiment, each inner housing 4 linearly arranges and holds the multiple terminals 5 in the second direction Y.

[0045] Flexible printed wiring boards 10 and 20 are flexible, film-like circuit bodies. First flexible printed wiring board 10 and second flexible printed wiring board 20 are independent wiring boards. Terminals 5 are inserted into through-holes in flexible printed wiring boards 10 and 20 and bonded to the printed circuits of these boards.

[0046] The cover 6 is assembled to the outer housing 3 while covering the joints between the flexible printed wiring boards 10 and 20 and the terminals 5. As will be described later, the cover 6 of this embodiment is configured to hold the two flexible printed wiring boards 10 and 20 in an overlapping state.

[0047] like Figure 3 As shown, the outer shell 3 has a cylindrical portion 32 and a bottom wall 33. The cylindrical portion 32 has a square cylindrical shape and includes a pair of main walls 32a and a pair of side walls 32b. The pair of main walls 32a oppose each other in the first direction X and extend in the second direction Y. A cylindrical shaft portion 32c is provided on the outer side of the main walls 32a. The shaft portion 32c rotatably supports the rod 7.

[0048] The pair of side walls 32b face each other in the second direction Y and extend in the first direction X. A plurality of ribs 32d are provided on the inner side surfaces of the side walls 32b for guiding the inner housing 4. The ribs 32d are protrusions that protrude in the second direction Y and extend linearly in the third direction Z.

[0049] The bottom wall 33 closes one end of the cylindrical portion 32. In other words, the outer housing 3 is a cylindrical component with a bottom. The cylindrical portion 32 and the bottom wall 33 form the housing 31. The bottom wall 33 is provided with a plurality of through-holes 33a. The terminals 120 of the mating connector 100 are inserted into the through-holes 33a and connected to the terminals 5. The plurality of through-holes 33a are arranged in a plurality of rows. The through-holes 33a in each row are aligned in the second direction Y.

[0050] like Figure 4 As shown, the multiple inner housings 4 include a first-shaped housing 4A and a second-shaped housing 4B. Both the first-shaped housing 4A and the second-shaped housing 4B are rectangular flat plates. The first-shaped housing 4A has a plurality of first cavities 45 for holding the terminals 5. These first cavities 45 are arranged in the second direction Y and extend through the first-shaped housing 4A along the third direction Z. The second-shaped housing 4B has a plurality of second cavities 46 for holding the terminals 5. These second cavities 46 are arranged in the second direction Y and extend through the second-shaped housing 4B along the third direction Z.

[0051] The first cavity 45 and the second cavity 46 are arranged with their positions offset in the second direction Y. The second cavity 46 is located between two adjacent first cavities 45 in the second direction Y. Therefore, the first cavity 45 and the second cavity 46 arrange and hold the plurality of terminals 5 in a zigzag pattern.

[0052] The wire harness 1 of this embodiment includes a plurality of stackable inner housings 4, thereby being able to accommodate specification changes of the connector 2. For example, when different terminals 5 are used depending on the connector size of the terminals 120 of the mating connector 100, this can be accommodated by changing the inner housing 4.

[0053] The first-shaped shell 4A has a first surface 41 and a second surface 42. The first surface 41 and the second surface 42 are two main surfaces of the first-shaped shell 4A, and face opposite sides to each other. The second-shaped shell 4B has a first surface 43 and a second surface 44. The first surface 43 and the second surface 44 are two main surfaces of the second-shaped outer shell 4B, and face opposite sides to each other. The two shells 4A and 4B can be stacked so that the first surface 41 and the second surface 44 are opposite to each other. In addition, the two shells 4A and 4B can be stacked so that the first surface 43 and the second surface 42 are opposite to each other. That is, the first-shaped shell 4A and the second-shaped shell 4B are configured to be able to be stacked alternately.

[0054] The first-shaped housing 4A includes a first protrusion 41a and a first recess 42a. The first protrusion 41a is provided on the first surface 41. The first recess 42a is provided on the second surface 42. The second-shaped housing 4B includes a second protrusion 43a and a second recess 44a. The second protrusion 43a is provided on the first surface 43. The second recess 44a is provided on the second surface 44. The first protrusion 41a can be fitted with the second recess 44a, and the second protrusion 43a can be fitted with the first recess 42a. The first protrusion 41a is provided with an engaging portion 41b that engages with the second recess 44a. Similarly, the second protrusion 43a is provided with an engaging portion 43b that engages with the first recess 42a.

[0055] The first-shaped housing 4A is provided with a first support protrusion 47. The second-shaped housing 4B is provided with a second support protrusion 48. Support protrusions 47 and 48 are inserted into the flexible printed wiring boards 10 and 20 to reduce stress on the printed circuits and joints. The first support protrusion 47 is located at one end in the second direction Y, and the second support protrusion 48 is located at the other end in the second direction Y.

[0056] like Figure 5 As shown, the terminal 5 has a connecting portion 51 and an inserting portion 52. The terminal 5 is formed of a conductive metal plate. The connecting portion 51 is disposed at the first end 5a of the terminal 5, and the inserting portion 52 is disposed at the second end 5b of the terminal 5. The connecting portion 51 is the portion that connects to the terminal 120 of the mating connector 100. The exemplary connecting portion 51 has a square cylindrical shape into which the terminal 120 is inserted. The connecting portion 51 is inserted into and retained in the cavities 45 and 46 of the inner housing 4.

[0057] Insertion portion 52 is inserted into the through-holes of flexible printed wiring boards 10 and 20. Insertion portion 52 is cylindrical in shape. A tapered portion 52a is provided at the distal end of insertion portion 52. Alternatively, insertion portion 52 may be rod-shaped with no internal space, for example, cylindrical.

[0058] like Figure 6 As shown, first flexible printed wiring board 10 includes base film 11, printed circuit 12, and cover layer 13. Base film 11 and cover layer 13 are films formed of insulating synthetic resin. Printed circuit 12 is a conductive metal foil formed on base film 11. Cover layer 13 covers the pattern of printed circuit 12 and has openings 13a and 13b that expose pads 16b and 17b.

[0059] like Figure 7 As shown, printed circuit 12 includes a first circuit group 14 and a second circuit group 15. First circuit group 14 includes a plurality of circuits 16 extending in a first direction X. Circuits 16 are arranged in a second direction Y. Second circuit group 15 includes a plurality of circuits 17 extending in the first direction X. Circuits 17 are arranged in the second direction Y. Printed circuit 12 is constructed by alternately arranging one circuit 16 from first circuit group 14 and one circuit 17 from second circuit group 15.

[0060] Circuit 16 includes a pattern 16a and a pad 16b disposed at an end of pattern 16a. Circuit 17 includes a pattern 17a and a pad 17b disposed at an end of pattern 17a. Multiple pads 16b are arranged in a straight line along the second direction Y. Multiple pads 17b are arranged in a straight line along the second direction Y. In the first direction X, the positions of pads 17b are offset relative to the positions of pads 16b. More specifically, pads 17b protrude relative to pads 16b toward the end 11a of base film 11. Therefore, pattern 17a passes between two adjacent pads 16b.

[0061] The through hole 16c for inserting the insertion portion 52 of the terminal 5 is formed in the pad 16b. The through hole 16c penetrates the base film 11. Similarly, the through hole 17c is formed in the pad 17b. The through hole 17c penetrates the base film 11. In the first flexible printed wiring board 10, the through holes 16c and the through holes 17c are arranged in a zigzag shape. Figure 6 As shown, the opening 13a of the cover layer 13 exposes the pad 16b of the first circuit group 14. The opening 13b exposes the pad 17b of the second circuit group 15.

[0062] The first flexible printed wiring board 10 is provided with two through-holes 10a and 10b. Through-holes 10a and 10b are arranged at the ends of the second direction Y, sandwiching the printed circuit 12 therebetween. Through-hole 10a is aligned with opening 13a and is positioned on an extension line of the second direction Y relative to the plurality of solder pads 16b. Through-hole 10b is aligned with opening 13b and is positioned on an extension line of the second direction Y relative to the plurality of solder pads 17b. A support protrusion 47 of the first-shaped housing 4A is inserted into one of the two through-holes 10a and 10b. A support protrusion 48 of the second-shaped housing 4B is inserted into the other of the two through-holes 10a and 10b.

[0063] The second flexible printed wiring board 20 is configured similarly to the first flexible printed wiring board 10. Figure 8 As shown, the second flexible printed wiring board 20 includes a base film 21, a printed circuit 22, and a cover layer 23. The cover layer 23 covers the pattern of the printed circuit 22 and has openings 23a and 23b that expose the pads 26b and 27b.

[0064] like Figure 9 As shown, the printed circuit 22 includes a first circuit group 24 and a second circuit group 25. The first circuit group 24 includes a plurality of circuits 26 extending in a first direction X. The plurality of circuits 26 are arranged in a second direction Y. The second circuit group 25 includes a plurality of circuits 27 extending in the first direction X. The plurality of circuits 27 are arranged in the second direction Y. The printed circuit 22 is constructed by alternately arranging one circuit 26 of the first circuit group 24 and one circuit 27 of the second circuit group 25.

[0065] Circuit 26 includes a pattern 26a and a pad 26b disposed at an end of pattern 26a. Circuit 27 includes a pattern 27a and a pad 27b disposed at an end of pattern 27a. Multiple pads 26b and multiple pads 27b are arranged linearly along the second direction Y. Pads 27b protrude toward end 21a of base film 21 relative to pads 26b. Pattern 27a passes between two adjacent pads 26b.

[0066] The through hole 26c for inserting the insertion portion 52 of the terminal 5 is formed in the pad 26b. The through hole 27c is formed in the pad 27b. That is, in the second flexible printed wiring board 20, the through hole 26c and the through hole 27c are arranged in a zigzag shape. Figure 8 As shown, the opening 23a of the cover layer 23 exposes the pad 26b of the first circuit group 24. The opening 23b exposes the pad 27b of the second circuit group 25.

[0067] The second flexible printed wiring board 20 is provided with two through-holes 20a and 20b. The two through-holes 20a and 20b are arranged at the ends in the second direction Y, sandwiching the printed circuit 22. The through-hole 20a is aligned with the opening 23a and is arranged on an extension line of the plurality of solder pads 26b in the second direction Y. The through-hole 20b is aligned with the opening 23b and is arranged on an extension line of the plurality of solder pads 27b in the second direction Y. The support protrusion 47 of the first-shaped housing 4A is inserted into one of the two through-holes 20a and 20b. The support protrusion 48 of the second-shaped housing 4B is inserted into the other of the two through-holes 20a and 20b.

[0068] like Figure 2 As shown, the cover 6 includes a main body 61, a retaining portion 62, and a hinge portion 63. The cover 6 is molded from, for example, an insulating synthetic resin. The main body 61 covers the junction between the flexible printed wiring boards 10 and 20 and the terminals 5 and engages with the outer housing 3. The retaining portion 62 sandwiches and retains the flexible printed wiring boards 10 and 20 between the retaining portion 62 and the main body 61. The hinge portion 63 connects the main body 61 and retaining portion 62 and is flexible.

[0069] like Figure 10 As shown, the main body 61 has a covering portion 64 that covers the joint and four legs 65. The covering portion 64 is in the shape of a rectangular flat plate. The legs 65 are arranged at both ends of the covering portion 64 in the second direction Y. The legs 65 are the parts that engage with the outer shell 3 and protrude from the covering portion 64 in the third direction Z. An engaging recess 65a and an engaging protrusion 65b are provided on the legs 65. The engaging recess 65a is formed on the inner side surface of the leg 65 that is opposite to the outer shell 3. The engaging recess 65a is respectively provided on the four legs 65. As shown Figure 2 As shown, an engaging protrusion 34 is provided on the outer side surface of the outer shell 3. The engaging recess 65a of the cover 6 engages with the engaging protrusion 34.

[0070] The engaging protrusion 65b engages with the holding portion 62 to lock the holding portion 62. The engaging protrusion 65b is provided on two adjacent leg portions 65. The engaging protrusion 65b protrudes in the second direction Y from the outer side surface which is the surface opposite to the engaging recess 65a side.

[0071] The retaining portion 62 includes a first retaining portion 62A and a second retaining portion 62B. The first retaining portion 62A and the second retaining portion 62B are arranged side by side in the first direction X. The first retaining portion 62A and the second retaining portion 62B are rectangular in plan view. A slit 66 is provided between the first retaining portion 62A and the second retaining portion 62B. Therefore, the first retaining portion 62A and the second retaining portion 62B are independent of each other. The first retaining portion 62A retains the first flexible printed wiring board 10. The second retaining portion 62B retains the second flexible printed wiring board 20.

[0072] The hinge portion 63 is disposed at the end of the main body 61 opposite the engaging protrusion 65b. The hinge portion 63 includes a first hinge portion 63A and a second hinge portion 63B. The first hinge portion 63A connects the first retaining portion 62A to the main body 61, and the second hinge portion 63B connects the second retaining portion 62B to the main body 61. Engaging portions 62c that engage with the engaging protrusion 65b are provided at the ends of the first retaining portion 62A and the second retaining portion 62B.

[0073] The covering portion 64 is provided with a rib 64a that restricts the bending of the flexible printed wiring boards 10 and 20. The rib 64a is located on the surface facing the retaining portion 62 and extends in the second direction Y. The cross-sectional shape of the rib 64a in the example is triangular. In other words, the cross-sectional shape of the rib 64a is tapered, with the width in the first direction X decreasing as it approaches the distal end of the protruding direction. The first retaining portion 62A and the second retaining portion 62B are provided with an inclined surface 62d corresponding to the rib 64a. The inclined surface 62d is located at the end adjacent to the slit 66. The rib 64a and the inclined surface 62d ensure that the bending angle of the flexible printed wiring boards 10 and 20 is an obtuse angle.

[0074] The following describes a method for manufacturing the wire harness 1 of this embodiment. The method includes inserting the inner housing, inserting the terminals, placing the flexible printed wiring board, joining the terminals, attaching the cover, regulating the orientation of the wiring board, and assembling the rod.

[0075] Figure 11 The process of inserting the inner housing is shown. In this process, multiple stacked inner housings 4 are inserted into the outer housing 3. Housings 4A of the first shape and housings 4B of the second shape are inserted into the outer housing 3 in an alternating, overlapping manner. The exemplary connector 2 includes two housings 4A of the first shape and two housings 4B of the second shape. The multiple inner housings 4 are inserted into the accommodating portion 31 along the third direction Z while being guided by the ribs 32d. The multiple inner housings 4 are retained by the accommodating portion 31. The inner housings 4 may also have an engaging portion that engages with the outer housing 3.

[0076] Figure 12 The terminal insertion process is shown. Multiple terminals 5 are inserted into cavities 45 of the first-shaped housing 4A and cavities 46 of the second-shaped housing 4B. Connecting portions 51 of terminals 5 are inserted into cavities 45 and 46. Inner housing 4 holds connecting portions 51 while inserting portions 52 of terminals 5 protrude from cavities 45 and 46. This creates four rows of inserting portions 52 arranged in the second direction Y.

[0077] Figure 13The following figure shows the process of installing the flexible printed wiring board. In this process, the insertion portion 52 of the terminal 5 is inserted into the first flexible printed wiring board 10 and the second flexible printed wiring board 20. More specifically, two rows of insertion portions 52 are inserted into the first flexible printed wiring board 10, and another two rows of insertion portions 52 are inserted into the second flexible printed wiring board 20.

[0078] Insertion portion 52 corresponding to first flexible printed wiring board 10 is inserted into pads 16b of first circuit group 14 and pads 17b of second circuit group 15. Insertion portion 52 corresponding to second flexible printed wiring board 20 is inserted into pads 26b of first circuit group 24 and pads 27b of second circuit group 25. Furthermore, support protrusions 47 and 48 are inserted into through-holes of flexible printed wiring boards 10 and 20.

[0079] like Figure 14 As shown, the plurality of terminals 5 include a first terminal group 5A and a second terminal group 5B. The first terminal group 5A is a group of terminals 5 connected to the first flexible printed wiring board 10. The first terminal group 5A includes two rows of terminals 5 arranged in the second direction Y. The first terminal group 5A is the terminal arranged on the first side X1 among the plurality of terminals 5 included in the connector 2. The second terminal group 5B is a group of terminals 5 connected to the second flexible printed wiring board 20. The second terminal group 5B includes two rows of terminals 5 arranged in the second direction Y. The second terminal group 5B is the terminal arranged on the second side X2 among the plurality of terminals 5 included in the connector 2.

[0080] The first flexible printed wiring board 10 has pads 16b and 17b connected to the insertion portion 52 of the first terminal group 5A. Figure 7 As shown, the pads 16b and 17b have through holes 16c and 17c. The insertion portion 52 of the first terminal group 5A is inserted into the through holes 16c and 17c. Figure 14 As shown, one column of the insertion portions 52 of the first terminal group 5A is inserted into the pad 16b, and the other column of the insertion portions 52 is inserted into the pad 17b.

[0081] The second flexible printed wiring board 20 has pads 26b and 27b connected to the insertion portion 52 of the second terminal group 5B. Figure 9 As shown, the pads 26b and 27b have through holes 26c and 27c. The insertion portion 52 of the second terminal group 5B is inserted into the through holes 26c and 27c. Figure 14 As shown, one row of insertion portions 52 of the second terminal group 5B is inserted into the pad 26b, and the other row of insertion portions 52 is inserted into the pad 27b.

[0082] The wiring harness 1 of this embodiment can take into account both the miniaturization of the connector 2 and the multipolarization of the terminal 5. Figure 14As shown, the insertion portion 52 of the terminal 5 is inserted into the pads 16b, 17b, 26b, and 27b and is engaged with the pads 16b, 17b, 26b, and 27b. Therefore, the terminal 5 can be engaged with the pads 16b, 17b, 26b, and 27b with a smaller engagement area. As a result, multiple rows of terminals 5 can be arranged at narrow intervals. For example, in the first terminal group 5A, the intervals between the row of terminals 5 connected to the pad 16b and the row of terminals 5 connected to the pad 17b can be narrowed. Therefore, in the wiring harness 1 of this embodiment, the connector 2 can be miniaturized at least in the first direction X.

[0083] The joining process is a process of joining the insertion portion 52 of the terminal 5 to the pads 16b, 17b, 26b, and 27b. In the wiring harness 1 of this embodiment, the insertion portion 52 is soldered to the pads 16b, 17b, 26b, and 27b. Solder paste may also be pre-applied to the pads 16b, 17b, 26b, and 27b. In this case, during the joining process, welding may also be performed by irradiating the solder paste with a laser. For example, all the pads 16b, 17b, 26b, and 27b may be joined to the insertion portion 52 by a single irradiation. However, the welding method is not limited to laser irradiation and may also be a reflow furnace or other methods.

[0084] The printed circuit 12 of the first flexible printed wiring board 10 extends from the first terminal group 5A toward the first side X1. The printed circuit 22 of the second flexible printed wiring board 20 extends from the second terminal group 5B toward the second side X2. Figure 14 In the illustrated wire harness 1 , the first side X1 is one side in the first direction X, and the second side X2 is the other side in the first direction X. That is, the two printed circuits 12 and 22 extend toward opposite sides to each other.

[0085] In the process of installing the cover, if Figure 15 As shown, the main body 61 of the cover 6 is mounted on the outer housing 3. The cover portion 64 of the main body 61 covers and protects the joints between the flexible printed wiring boards 10 and 20 and the terminals 5. When the main body 61 is assembled to the outer housing 3, the retaining portion 62 is positioned at a position offset in the second direction Y relative to the flexible printed wiring boards 10 and 20.

[0086] The step of regulating the direction of the wiring board includes the step of bending the wiring board and the step of holding the wiring board. Figure 16 This diagram illustrates the process of bending a wiring board. During this process, first and second flexible printed wiring boards 10 and 20 are bent so that they overlap. Flexible printed wiring boards 10 and 20 are bent so that they enclose cover 64, with cover layers 13 and 23 facing each other and overlapping. In other words, flexible printed wiring boards 10 and 20 are bent 180 degrees along cover 64 into a U-shape.

[0087] Figure 17 This is a diagram illustrating a process of holding a wiring board. In the process of holding a wiring board, two flexible printed wiring boards 10 and 20 are held by holding portion 62 of cover 6. Cover 6 of this embodiment holds two flexible printed wiring boards 10 and 20 in an overlapping state.

[0088] The first holding portion 62A engages with the main body 61 while bending the first hinge portion 63A. The first holding portion 62A sandwiches the first flexible printed wiring board 10 between the first holding portion 62A and the main body 61. The second holding portion 62B engages with the main body 61 while bending the second hinge portion 63B. The second holding portion 62B sandwiches the second flexible printed wiring board 20 between the second holding portion 62B and the main body 61. The two flexible printed wiring boards 10 and 20 are drawn out from the slit 66 between the first holding portion 62A and the second holding portion 62B.

[0089] The cover 6 is configured to restrict the path and shape of the flexible printed wiring boards 10 and 20. In this embodiment, the cover 6 is configured to extend the two flexible printed wiring boards 10 and 20 from the slit 66 toward the third direction Z. Thus, the cover 6 of this embodiment not only protects the junction between the flexible printed wiring boards 10 and 20 and the terminals 5 but also restricts the path of the flexible printed wiring boards 10 and 20. The two flexible printed wiring boards 10 and 20 are connected to a device via a connector or the like. The two flexible printed wiring boards 10 and 20 can be connected to the same device or to different devices.

[0090] Figure 18 The figure shows connector 2 assembled with rod 7. During the rod assembly process, rod 7 is assembled to outer housing 3. Connector 2, assembled with rod 7, is mated with mating connector 100. Rod 7 amplifies the force input to rod 7 and transmits it to mating connector 100, causing mating connector 100 to mate with outer housing 3.

[0091] As described above, the wiring harness 1 of this embodiment includes a connector 2, a first flexible printed wiring board 10, and a second flexible printed wiring board 20. The connector 2 includes multiple terminals 5 and housings 3 and 4. The terminals 5 have rod-shaped or cylindrical insertion portions 52. The outer housing 3 and inner housing 4 hold the multiple terminals 5 arranged in multiple rows with the insertion portions 52 protruding. The multiple arranged terminals 5 include a first terminal group 5A and a second terminal group 5B.

[0092] The first flexible printed wiring board 10 has through-holes 16c and 17c for inserting the insertion portion 52 of the first terminal group 5A, and a printed circuit 12 connected to the insertion portion 52 of the first terminal group 5A. The second flexible printed wiring board 20 has through-holes 26c and 27c for inserting the insertion portion 52 of the second terminal group 5B, and a printed circuit 22 connected to the insertion portion 52 of the second terminal group 5B. In the wiring harness 1 of this embodiment, the first terminal group 5A is inserted into the through-holes 16c and 17c to connect to the printed circuit 12, and the second terminal group 5B is inserted into the through-holes 26c and 27c to connect to the printed circuit 22. This connection method allows the connector 2 to be multipolarized while suppressing the size of the connector 2. In addition, in the wiring harness 1 of this embodiment, it is easy to perform visual inspection of the joint using AOI (automated optical inspection).

[0093] In the wiring harness 1 of this embodiment, the printed circuit 12 of the first flexible printed wiring board 10 extends from the first terminal group 5A toward the first side. The printed circuit 22 of the second flexible printed wiring board 20 extends from the second terminal group 5B toward the second side. The second side is different from the first side. Figure 14 In the wiring harness 1 shown, the second side X2 is opposite to the first side X1. In this case, it is easy to join the two flexible printed wiring boards 10 and 20 to the terminals 5 in a single joining process. However, the second side is not limited to the opposite side as long as it is different from the first side.

[0094] like Figure 14 As shown, the terminals 5 of the second terminal group 5B of this embodiment are arranged on the second side X2 relative to the terminals 5 of the first terminal group 5A. In other words, a boundary line is provided between the first terminal group 5A and the second terminal group 5B in the second direction Y. This arrangement of the terminals 5 facilitates the connection of the two flexible printed wiring boards 10 and 20 to the connector 2.

[0095] Furthermore, the number of inner housings 4 included in connector 2 is not limited to four. For example, first cavity 45 and second cavity 46 may be provided in first-shaped housing 4A, while first cavity 45 and second cavity 46 may be provided in second-shaped housing 4B. In this case, connector 2 may also include two inner housings 4.

[0096] The housing of the connector 2 may not be divided into the outer housing 3 and the inner housing 4. For example, the outer housing 3 may be provided with the cavities 45 and 46.

[0097] Connector 2 is not limited to a lever-type connector having lever 7. Cover 6 does not necessarily need to include retaining portion 62. For example, when two flexible printed wiring boards 10 and 20 are routed in different directions from connector 2, the path restriction by retaining portion 62 can be omitted. Furthermore, when the joint is protected by another component, connector 2 does not necessarily need to include cover 6.

[0098] [Modification of the embodiment]

[0099] Reference Figures 19 to 23 , a modified example of the implementation method is described. Figures 19 to 23 It is a diagram of a wire harness according to a modified example of the embodiment.

[0100] The first flexible printed wiring board 10 and the second flexible printed wiring board 20 may also be branched in the middle. Figure 19 In the wiring harness 1 shown, the first flexible printed wiring board 10 is branched. More specifically, the first flexible printed wiring board 10 is branched into two by a slit 10s. Thus, the first flexible printed wiring board 10 can connect the terminals 5 of the first terminal group 5A to two different devices. The flexible printed wiring boards 10 and 20 may also be branched into three or more.

[0101] The wire harness 1 may include three or more flexible printed wiring boards. Figure 20 The wiring harness 1 shown includes a third flexible printed wiring board 30 in addition to flexible printed wiring boards 10 and 20. The first and third flexible printed wiring boards 10 and 30 are connected to terminals 5 of a first terminal group 5A. The second flexible printed wiring board 20 is connected to terminals 5 of a second terminal group 5B, similar to the above-described embodiment. Furthermore, three or more flexible printed wiring boards may be connected to the first terminal group 5A. Multiple flexible printed wiring boards may also be connected to the second terminal group 5B.

[0102] The flexible printed wiring board may be connected to the terminal 5 so as to extend in a direction different from the first direction X. Figure 21 The wiring harness 1 shown includes flexible printed wiring boards 30 and 40 extending in a second direction Y. The plurality of terminals 5 include a third terminal group 5C and a fourth terminal group 5D in addition to a first terminal group 5A and a second terminal group 5B. The third terminal group 5C is arranged on one side Y1 in the second direction Y relative to the first terminal group 5A and the second terminal group 5B. The fourth terminal group 5D is arranged on the other side Y2 in the second direction Y relative to the first terminal group 5A and the second terminal group 5B.

[0103] The third flexible printed wiring board 30 is connected to the third terminal group 5C. The third flexible printed wiring board 30 extends from the third terminal group 5C toward one side Y1. The fourth flexible printed wiring board 40 is connected to the fourth terminal group 5D. The fourth flexible printed wiring board 40 extends from the fourth terminal group 5D toward the other side Y2.

[0104] The two flexible printed wiring boards 10 and 20 may be connected to the terminals 5 so as to extend from the terminal groups 5A and 5B toward the same side. Figure 22 In the wiring harness 1 shown, the first flexible printed wiring board 10 is connected to the first terminal group 5A so as to extend from the first terminal group 5A toward the second side X2. Therefore, the two flexible printed wiring boards 10 and 20 overlap each other and extend from the terminal 5 toward the second side X2.

[0105] The extending direction of the flexible printed wiring boards 10 and 20 is not limited to the first direction X. Figure 23 In the wiring harness 1 shown, the flexible printed wiring boards 10 and 20 extend from the terminals 5 toward the second direction Y. In this case, the first terminal group 5A is a group of terminals 5 located on one side Y1 in the second direction Y among the plurality of terminals 5. The second terminal group 5B is a group of terminals 5 located on the other side Y2 in the second direction Y relative to the first terminal group 5A.

[0106] The first flexible printed wiring board 10 extends from the first terminal group 5A toward one side Y1 in the second direction Y. The second flexible printed wiring board 20 extends from the second terminal group 5B toward the other side Y2 in the second direction Y.

[0107] The contents disclosed in the above-mentioned embodiments and modifications can be implemented in combination as appropriate.

[0108] Description of Reference Numerals

[0109] 1: Wiring harness; 2: Connector; 3: Outer shell

[0110] 4: Inner shell

[0111] 4A: First shape of housing, 4B: Second shape of housing

[0112] 5: Terminal; 5A: First terminal group; 5B: Second terminal group

[0113] 6: cover, 7: rod

[0114] 10: First flexible printed wiring board; 10a, 10b: Through holes

[0115] 11: Base film; 12: Printed circuit; 13: Covering layer

[0116] 14: First circuit group; 15: Second circuit group; 16, 17: Circuit

[0117] 16a, 17a: Pattern; 16b, 17b: Pad

[0118] 16c, 17c: through hole

[0119] 20: Second flexible printed wiring board

[0120] 21: Base film; 22: Printed circuit; 23: Covering layer

[0121] 24: First circuit group; 25: Second circuit group; 26, 27: Circuit

[0122] 26a, 27a: Pattern; 26b, 27b: Pad

[0123] 26c, 27c: through hole

[0124] 31: Containment

[0125] 32: cylindrical portion; 32a: main wall; 32b: side wall; 32c: shaft portion; 32d: rib

[0126] 33: bottom wall; 33a: through hole

[0127] 41: first surface; 41a: first protrusion; 41b: engaging portion

[0128] 42: second surface; 42a: first concave portion

[0129] 43: first surface; 43a: second protrusion; 43b: engaging portion

[0130] 44: second surface; 44a: second concave portion

[0131] 45: First cavity; 46: Second cavity

[0132] 47: First supporting protrusion; 48: Second supporting protrusion

[0133] 51: Connecting part; 52: Inserting part; 52a: Conical part

[0134] 61: Main body

[0135] 62: holding portion; 62A: first holding portion; 62B: second holding portion

[0136] 62c: Engaging portion; 62d: Inclined surface

[0137] 63: Hinge; 63A: First hinge; 63B: Second hinge

[0138] 64: Covering

[0139] 65: Leg; 65a: Engaging recess; 65b: Engaging protrusion

[0140] 66: Slit

[0141] 100: other connector; 110: housing; 120: terminal

[0142] X: first direction; X1: first side; X2: second side

[0143] Y: Second direction; Z: Third direction

Claims

1. A wiring harness, characterized in that: have: A connector comprising a plurality of terminals and a housing, wherein each of the plurality of terminals has a rod-shaped or cylindrical insertion portion, and wherein the housing arranges and holds the plurality of terminals in a plurality of rows with the insertion portion protruding, wherein the plurality of arranged terminals include a first terminal group and a second terminal group; a first flexible printed wiring board having a through-hole into which the insertion portion of the first terminal group is inserted and a printed circuit connected to the insertion portion of the first terminal group; as well as a second flexible printed wiring board having a through-hole into which the insertion portion of the second terminal group is inserted and a printed circuit connected to the insertion portion of the second terminal group.

2. The wiring harness according to claim 1, wherein: The printed circuit of the first flexible printed wiring board extends from the first terminal group to the first side, and The printed circuit of the second flexible printed wiring board extends from the second terminal group to a second side different from the first side.

3. The wire harness according to claim 2, wherein: The second side is a side opposite to the first side.

4. The wire harness according to claim 3, characterized in that The terminals of the second terminal group are arranged on the second side relative to the terminals of the first terminal group.

Images