ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR FOR FLAT CONDUCTORS

Abstract

An electrical connector for flat conductors, mounted on a printed circuit board and to which a flat conductor is connected, comprises several metal terminals and a housing that holds the several terminals, wherein the several terminals are arranged with a terminal alignment direction that is perpendicular to the front-back and top-bottom directions of the electrical connector for flat conductors in a left-right direction such that the plate faces of the several terminals face each other, wherein the housing has a receiving section and several receiving groove sections, the receiving section being open to the rear to receive a flat conductor inserted from the rear of the housing to the front, wherein the several receiving groove sections are each configured such that they extend in the front-back direction with the terminal alignment direction as the groove width direction and receive the several terminals.wherein the multiple connections each have a connecting section and a restricted section below the receiving section, wherein the connecting section is designed to be connectable to the printed circuit board and the restricted section extends upwards from the connecting section, wherein the multiple receiving groove sections each have a first groove section that receives the connecting section and a second groove section that receives the restricted section, wherein a gap between the connecting section and the inner surfaces of the first groove section in the connection alignment direction is larger than a gap between the restricted section and the inner surfaces of the second groove section in the connection alignment direction.

Description

BACKGROUND 1. Technical field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electrical connector for flat conductors. 2. State of the art

[0002] JP 2007-287398 A discloses a connector mounted on a printed circuit board mounting surface to which a flat cable is inserted. Although JP 2007-287398 A specifies the insertion direction of the flat cable as "towards the rear," the description here is based on the "direction towards the front." In this connector, alternating first and second connections are held within a housing made of insulating material, aligned in a connection direction that corresponds to the width of the flat cable. Adjacent first and second connections are arranged with their plate surfaces facing each other.The housing incorporates first and second terminal retention recesses corresponding to the first and second terminals, respectively. The first terminals are held in the terminal retention recesses by crimping from the rear, and the second terminals are held in the second terminal retention recesses by crimping from the front. In the following description, the first and second terminals are collectively referred to as "terminals" unless otherwise specified, and the first and second terminal retention recesses are collectively referred to as "terminal retention recesses" unless otherwise specified.

[0003] The connectors have a tail section coupled to an end section of an arm section extending along a lower wall of the housing in a front-to-back direction, with the lower end of the tail section being soldered to the mounting surface of the printed circuit board. The connector retention recesses of the housing form a groove shape with a groove width in the connector alignment direction and have a narrow section with a small groove width and a wide section with a larger groove width than the narrow section. For example, in the connector retention recesses, the wide section is formed in an area corresponding to the lower section of the tail section, and the narrow section is formed in an area corresponding to the upper section of the tail section and a corresponding arm section extending from the upper section in a front-to-back direction.

[0004] The lower section of the tail section, when held in the narrow section, is restricted in its movement in the connection alignment direction by the inner surfaces of the narrow section's slots. When the tail section is soldered to the PCB mounting surface in this manner, it comes into contact with flux contained in the solder and, due to capillary action, rises between the PCB surface of the lower tail section and the inner surfaces of the narrow section's slots, resulting in what is known as flux rise. In JP 2007-287398 A, the wide section is formed on the connection retention recesses in the area corresponding to the upper section of the tail section and the arm section.Consequently, the gap between a plate surface of the upper section of the tail section and the arm section and the inner groove surfaces of the wide section increases, preventing capillary action. Therefore, even if a flux rises at the wide section, further flux migration along the wide section is prevented. SUMMARY

[0005] An electrical connector for flat conductors according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is an electrical connector for flat conductors mounted on a printed circuit board and to which a flat conductor is connected, and comprises several metal terminals and a housing that holds the several terminals, wherein the several terminals are arranged with a terminal alignment direction that is a left-right direction perpendicular to the front-back and top-bottom directions of the electrical connector for flat conductors, such that the plate surfaces of the several terminals face each other, wherein the housing has a receiving section and several receiving groove sections, wherein the receiving section is open to the rear to receive the flat conductor which is inserted from the rear of the housing to the front, wherein the several receiving groove sections are each configured such thatthat they extend in the front-to-back direction with the connection alignment direction as the groove width direction and accommodate the multiple connections, wherein the multiple connections each have a connecting section and a restricted section below the receiving section, wherein the connecting section is designed to be connectable to the printed circuit board and the restricted section extends upwards from the connecting section, wherein the multiple receiving groove sections each have a first groove section that accommodates the connecting section and a second groove section that accommodates the restricted section, wherein a gap between the connecting section and the inner surfaces of the first groove section in the connection alignment direction is larger than a gap between the restricted section and the inner surfaces of the second groove section in the connection alignment direction. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating an electrical connector for flat conductors according to an embodiment of the present disclosure together with a flat conductor and illustrating a state immediately before the insertion of the flat conductor. Fig. Figure 2 is a perspective view of an expanded state of the elements of the flat conductor connector. Fig. 3A is a sectional view of a housing at the position of a first connection slot section and Fig. 3B is a sectional view of the electrical connector for flat conductors at the position of the first terminal receiving groove section. Fig. 4A is a sectional view of the housing at the position of a second connector slot section and Fig. 4B is a sectional view of the electrical connector for flat conductors at the position of the second terminal receiving groove section. Fig. 5A is a sectional view of a housing at the position of a locking piece receiving groove section and Fig. 5B is a sectional view of the electrical connector for flat conductors at the position of the locking piece receiving groove section. Fig. 6A is a top view of a section of the electrical connector for flat conductors and Fig. Figure 6B is a view of a section of the electrical connector for flat conductors from below. Fig. 7A and Fig. Figure 7B shows sections at a position of a first contact section of the first terminal, wherein Fig. 7A a state when viewed from an oblique rear angle and Fig. 7B shows a state when viewed from behind. Fig. Figures 8A to 8C are sectional views of the electrical connector for flat conductors immediately before the insertion of the flat conductor, wherein Fig. 8A a cut at the position of the first connection, Fig. 8B a cut at the position of the second connection and Fig. 8C shows a cut at the position of a locking piece. Fig. Figures 9A to 9C are sectional views of the electrical connector for flat conductors immediately after the insertion of the flat conductor, wherein Fig. 9A a cut at the position of the first connection, Fig. 9B a cut at the position of the second connection and Fig. 9C shows a cut at the position of the locking piece. Fig. Figures 10A to 10C are sectional views of the electrical connector for flat conductors after completion of the connection of the flat conductor, wherein Fig. 10A a cut at the position of the first connection, Fig. 10B a cut at the position of the second connection and Fig. 10C shows a cut at the position of a locking piece. Fig. Figure 11 is a perspective view showing a section of a flat conductor electrical connector of a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0006] In the JP 2007-287398 A connector, the narrow section on the terminal retaining recesses is provided in the area corresponding to the lower part of the tail section to stabilize the position of the tail section in the terminal alignment direction. Consequently, the JP 2007-287398 A connector assumes a flux buildup in this area, which is why improvements are needed to prevent this flux buildup.

[0007] In view of the aforementioned circumstances, the present disclosure is based on the objective of providing an electrical connector for flat conductors with which the correct position of the terminals in the terminal alignment direction can be advantageously maintained and at the same time solder rise and flux rise (hereinafter referred to as ‘solder rise’ if no further distinction is required) can be advantageously prevented.

[0008] (1) An electrical connector for flat conductors of the present disclosure is an electrical connector for flat conductors mounted on a printed circuit board and to which a flat conductor is connected, comprising several metal terminals and a housing that holds the several terminals, wherein the several terminals are arranged with a terminal alignment direction that is a left-right direction perpendicular to the front-back and top-bottom directions of the electrical connector for flat conductors, such that the plate surfaces of the several terminals face each other, wherein the housing has a receiving section and several receiving groove sections, the receiving section being open to the rear to receive a flat conductor inserted from the rear of the housing to the front, wherein the several receiving groove sections are each configured such thatthat they extend in the front-to-back direction with the connection alignment direction as the slot width direction and accommodate the multiple connections, wherein the multiple connections each have a connecting section and a restricted section below the receiving section, wherein the connecting section is designed to be connectable to the printed circuit board and the restricted section extends upwards from the connecting section, wherein the multiple receiving slot sections each have a first slot section that accommodates the connecting section and a second slot section that accommodates the restricted section, wherein a gap between the connecting section and the inner surfaces of the first slot section in the connection alignment direction is larger than a gap between the restricted section and the inner surfaces of the second slot section in the connection alignment direction.

[0009] In the present disclosure, the gap between the connecting section and the inner surfaces of the first slot section is larger than the gap between the restricted section and the inner surfaces of the second slot section. Thus, a large gap is formed in the slot width direction between a plate surface of the connecting section, which is the part that is directly soldered to the mounting surface of the printed circuit board, and the inner surfaces of the first slot section. Therefore, when the connecting section is soldered to the printed circuit board, no capillary action occurs between the connecting section and the inner surfaces of the first slot section, thus advantageously preventing solder rise.

[0010] In the present disclosure, the gap between the restricted section and the inner surfaces of the second slot section in the receiving groove sections of the housing is smaller than the gap between the connecting section and the inner surfaces of the first slot section. Consequently, the inner surfaces of the second slot section restrict movement of the restricted section in the connection alignment direction (left-right direction). Therefore, the correct position of the restricted section and the connecting section in the connection alignment direction can be easily maintained. The second slot section is formed above the first slot section in the thickness direction of the flat conductor (top-bottom direction), i.e., on the side facing away from the printed circuit board.If there is no solder rise on the first slot section, which is located on the bottom side of the circuit board, then consequently there will also be no solder rise on the second slot section.

[0011] (2) In the disclosure of (1), the multiple terminals may further each have a held section which is held on the housing, and a contact arm section and a foot arm section which lie below the receiving section and extend rearward from the held section, wherein the contact arm section has a contact section which can come into contact with the flat conductor, wherein the foot arm section lies below the contact arm section and has a region in which it overlaps with the contact arm section in a front-back direction, wherein the connecting section is provided at a rear end of the foot arm section, wherein the receiving groove sections have a third groove section which is connected to the first groove section and receives the foot arm section.wherein the gap between the foot arm section and the inner surfaces of the third groove section in the connection alignment direction is larger than the gap between the restricted section and the inner surfaces of the second groove section in the connection alignment direction.

[0012] Since the contact arm section and the foot arm section are provided in the present disclosure with the overlapping area in the front-to-back direction, the connections can be designed more compactly in the front-to-back direction, corresponding to the overlapping portion. With this shape, the connecting section coupled to the rear end of the foot arm section lies close to the contact section. However, since the arm section is formed with the foot arm section and contact arm section spaced apart from each other, the continuous path from the connecting section to the contact section at the connections is a path along the foot arm section, the held section, and the contact arm section. Consequently, the connecting section and the contact section are far apart along this path.Furthermore, the gap between the foot section and the inner surfaces of the third groove section is larger than the gap between the restricted section and the inner surfaces of the second groove section. Since a large gap is formed between the plate surface of the foot section and the inner surfaces of the third groove section, no solder rise occurs in the foot section area. Consequently, it is advantageously prevented that the molten solder migrates from the connecting section to the contact section.

[0013] (3) In the disclosure of (2), the multiple receiving groove sections can each have a fourth groove section that receives a section of the contact arm section, wherein the gap between the section of the contact arm section and the inner surfaces of the fourth groove section in the connection alignment direction is smaller than the gap between the foot arm section and the inner surfaces of the third groove section in the connection alignment direction. This design allows movement of the contact arm section in the connection alignment direction to be restricted at the inner surfaces of the fourth groove section. Therefore, the correct position of the contact section in the connection alignment direction can be easily maintained.

[0014] (4) In the disclosure of (3), the groove width of the second groove section and the groove width of the fourth groove section can be equal, and the second groove section and the fourth groove section can be connected to form a single groove section. By connecting the second groove section and the fourth groove section to form a single groove section, the shape of the receiving groove sections can be kept simple, which simplifies the manufacture of the housing.

[0015] (5) In the disclosure of (3) or (4), the contact section can project upwards towards the receiving section such that a projecting end of the contact section lies within the receiving section, wherein the multiple receiving groove sections each have a fifth groove section which receives a section of the contact section, wherein the fifth groove section has a front inner surface which lies within the area of ​​the contact section in the front-back direction and extends in the front-back direction from a rear end of the housing to the front inner surface, wherein a gap between the section of the contact section and the groove inner surfaces of the fifth groove section in the connection alignment direction is larger than a gap between the section of the contact arm section and the groove inner surfaces of the fourth groove section in the connection alignment direction.

[0016] Considering the ease of insertion of the flat conductor and the contact condition between the contact section and the flat conductor, it is important that the position of the protruding end of the contact section is correctly determined in the top-bottom direction when it extends into the receiving section. Therefore, a test is sometimes performed on the manufactured connector to determine the position of the protruding end of the contact section. In this case, the test is carried out, for example, by shining light into the receiving section of the connector from behind and recording the reflection of the light from behind.In this test, the position of the protruding end of the contact section is determined in the recorded image by means of the clear difference (contrast) between the light reflected from the contact section protruding into the recording area and the light reflected from the area around the contact section when viewed from behind.

[0017] If the dimension of the gap between the section of the contact section and the inner surfaces of the fifth groove section were equal to or smaller than the dimension of the gap between the section of the contact arm section and the inner surfaces of the fourth groove section, the position of the protruding end of the contact section would be determined by the contrast between the light reflected at the contact section and the light reflected at the rear end face of the part of the housing on which the fifth groove section is formed.However, if the dimension of the gap between the contact section and the inner surfaces of the fifth groove section is larger than the dimension of the gap between the contact arm section and the inner surfaces of the fourth groove section, the rear end face of the part of the housing where the fifth groove section is formed is offset to the rear relative to the contact section. Therefore, it would be difficult to focus both the rear end face and the contact section during image capture, making it impossible to obtain a clear image.

[0018] In the present disclosure, the contact section is included in the fifth groove section, and the gap between the contact section and the inner surfaces of the fifth groove section is larger than the gap between the contact arm section and the inner surfaces of the fourth groove section. Furthermore, the fifth groove section is closed from the front by the front inner surface. In other words, the fifth groove section has a front inner surface that lies within the area of ​​the contact section in the front-to-back direction and extends from the rear end of the housing to the front inner surface. Thus, when viewed from the rear, the front inner surface surrounds the contact section.Consequently, the position of the projecting end of the contact section can be determined by the contrast between the light reflected at the contact section and the light reflected at the front inner surface. In the present disclosure, the front inner surface is located in the front-to-back direction in the region of the contact section, and is close to the contact section in the front-to-back direction. Therefore, when taking an image, both the front inner surface and the contact section can easily be brought into sharp focus, allowing a clear image to be easily captured and the position of the projecting end of the contact section to be determined.

[0019] (6) In the revelation of (1) the groove width of the first groove section is greater than the groove width of the second groove section.

[0020] (7) In the revelation of (2) the groove width of the third groove section is greater than the groove width of the second groove section.

[0021] (8) In the revelation of (3) the groove width of the fourth groove section is smaller than the groove width of the third groove section.

[0022] (9) In the revelation of (5) the groove width of the fifth groove section is greater than the groove width of the fourth groove section.

[0023] In the present disclosure, an electrical connector for flat conductors can be provided with which the correct position of the terminals in the terminal alignment direction can be advantageously maintained and a solder rise can be advantageously prevented.

[0024] In the following, an embodiment of the present disclosure is described with reference to the accompanying figures.

[0025] The electrical connector 1 for flat conductors according to the present embodiment (hereinafter referred to as "connector 1") is mounted on a mounting surface of a printed circuit board (not shown), and a flat conductor C (for example, an FPC) serving as a mating connector body can be inserted and removed from it in a front-to-back direction (X-direction) parallel to the mounting surface. By connecting the flat conductor C, the connector 1 establishes an electrical current connection between the printed circuit board and the flat conductor C.

[0026] In the present embodiment, the X-axis direction is considered the front-back direction, with the X1 direction being forward and the X2 direction being backward. A Y-axis direction forming a right angle with respect to the front-back direction within a plane parallel to the mounting surface of the printed circuit board (XY plane) is considered the left-right direction, with the Y1 direction being the left direction and the Y2 direction being the right direction. In the following description, the left-right direction is also referred to as the pin alignment direction or slot width direction. A Z-axis direction perpendicular to the mounting surface of the printed circuit board is considered the top-down direction, with the Z1 direction being the upward direction and the Z2 direction being the downward direction. The front-back direction, the left-right direction, and the top-down direction are, respectively, the length direction, the width direction, and the thickness direction of the connector 1.In the present embodiment, the left-right direction at a right angle to the front-back direction and to the top-bottom direction is considered the connection alignment direction.

[0027] The flat conductor C forms a flexible ribbon shape that extends in the front-back direction (X-axis direction) and left-right direction (Y-axis direction), and has the top-bottom direction (Z-axis direction) as its thickness direction. The flat conductor C is inserted into and removed from the connector 1 with the front-back direction (X-axis direction) as its insertion and removal direction. The front-back direction can also be referred to as the length direction of the flat conductor C, and the left-right direction as its width direction.

[0028] Several circuit sections extending in the front-to-back direction along the width (Y-axis) of the flat conductor C are arranged in a row. These circuit sections are embedded in an insulating layer of the flat conductor C and extend in the front-to-back direction (X-axis) to a position at the front end of the flat conductor C. Each circuit section has a connecting circuit section C1 exposed on the upper surface of the flat conductor C at its front end (X1-side portion) and is connectable to the first terminals 20 and second terminals 30 of the connector 1, which are described below. The connecting circuit section C1 has first circuit sections C1A, which make contact with the first terminals 20, and second circuit sections C1B, which make contact with the second terminals 30.The first circuit sections C1A and the second circuit sections C1B are positioned alternately in the width direction of the flat conductor C and offset from each other in the front-back direction.

[0029] A recessed section C2 is formed on both side edge sections of the front end part of the flat conductor C. A tab section C3 is formed in front of the recessed section C2 of the flat conductor C. A rear end edge section of the tab section C3 serves as a locking section C3A to engage with a locking section 42B-1 of the connector 1 (see Fig. 10C).

[0030] As in Fig. 1 and Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the connector 1 comprises a housing 10 made of an electrically insulating material such as plastic or the like, several first terminals 20 and second terminals 30 made of sheet metal, locking pieces 40 made of metal, and a movable element 50 made of an electrically insulating material such as plastic or the like. The first terminals 20 and the second terminals 30 are arranged in a left-right direction (Y-axis direction) as the terminal alignment direction and are held in the housing 10. The locking piece 40 is arranged on the two outer sides of a terminal alignment area in the terminal alignment direction. The movable element 50 is designed to be movable into a closed and an open position. The connector 1 is designed such that the flat conductor C is connected to it by inserting it into the connector 1 from back to front.

[0031] As in Fig. 1 and Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the first terminals 20 and the second terminals 30 are arranged alternately in the terminal alignment direction (Y-axis direction), with the first terminals 20 and the second terminals 30 being arranged such that their plate surfaces face each other in the terminal alignment direction. A locking element 40 is provided on each of the two outer sides of the terminal alignment area, and the plate surface of the locking elements 40 in the terminal alignment direction is positioned such that it faces the plate surfaces of the first terminals 20 and second terminals 30.

[0032] The housing 10 shows, as in Fig. Figure 1 shows a substantially cuboid outer shape, the longitudinal direction of which is the connection alignment direction, and a receiving section 11 for receiving the flat conductor C is formed therein as a rearwardly open space. The housing 10 has a lower wall 12 facing the mounting surface of the printed circuit board, an upper wall 13 extending above the lower wall 12 parallel to the lower wall 12, two side walls 14 extending in a top-bottom direction and coupling the two end sections of the lower wall 12 and the upper wall 13 to each other in the connection alignment direction, and a front wall 15 coupling the front ends of the lower wall 12 and the upper wall 13 to each other (see Figure 1). Fig. 3A). In front of the front wall 15 between the two side walls 14 in the direction of connection, a receiving space 16 for the movable element is formed for receiving the movable element 50.

[0033] The receiving section 11 is formed by the lower wall 12, the upper wall 13 and the two side walls 14 and is designed in such a way that it can receive the front end part of the flat conductor C (see Fig. 9A to 9C).

[0034] As in Fig. 1 and Fig. As shown in 3A, a rear end of the part of the lower wall 12 and the upper wall 13 is located further forward in the connection alignment area than a rear end of the part outside the connection alignment area. As shown in Fig. As shown in 3A, a front end of the part of the lower wall 12 and the upper wall 13 is located further back in the connection alignment area than a front end of the part is located outside the connection alignment area.

[0035] As in Fig. 3A, Fig. 4A and Fig. As shown in Figure 5A, the lower wall 12 has a projecting section 12A that extends beyond the front wall 15. An upper surface of the projecting section 12A lies below an upper surface of the remaining part of the lower wall 12 (the part excluding the projecting section 12A), and a lower surface of the projecting section 12A is in the same position in the top-bottom direction as the lower surface of the remaining part. The projecting section 12A is thus thinner than the remaining part of the lower wall 12, i.e., it has a smaller wall thickness.

[0036] On the housing 10 are, as in Fig. 3A and Fig. As shown in Figure 4A, in the connection assembly area, first connection receiving groove sections 17 are formed in the connection assembly direction for receiving and holding the first connections 20, and second connection receiving groove sections 18 are formed for receiving and holding the second connections 30. The first connection receiving groove sections 17 and the second connection receiving groove sections 18 are arranged alternately in the connection assembly direction at defined intervals. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 5A, a locking piece receiving groove section 19 for receiving and holding the locking pieces 40 is formed on the housing 10 on the two end sides of the receiving section 11 in the connection alignment direction or, in other words, on the two outer sides of the connection alignment area.

[0037] The first connecting sections 17 are, as in Fig. Figure 3A shows the grooves formed as slots extending in the front-to-back direction, with the groove width direction corresponding to the connection alignment direction. The first connection-receiving groove sections 17 extend continuously through the housing 10 in the front-to-back direction. These first connection-receiving groove sections 17 comprise several parts with different groove width dimensions (dimensions in the connection alignment direction). Specifically, the first connection-receiving groove sections 17 include a narrow part with a groove width dimension slightly larger than a plate thickness dimension of the first connections 20 (dimensions in the connection alignment direction), and a wide part with a groove width dimension larger than that of the narrow part.

[0038] The first connection groove sections 17 have a lower groove section 17A extending along the lower wall 12 in a front-back direction, an upper groove section 17I extending along the upper wall 13 in a front-back direction and a front groove section 17J extending along the front wall 15 in a top-bottom direction.

[0039] The lower groove section 17A is recessed into the upper surface of the lower wall 12, extends in a front-to-back direction, and passes through the lower wall 12. The lower groove section 17A has, as shown in Fig. 3A shows a central position in the front-back direction, specifically a rear end position of a first connecting retaining section 17K described below, with a front lower groove section 17B as the boundary, which lies in a region P located forward with respect to the intermediate position, and a rear lower groove section 17C located in a region Q located rear with respect to the intermediate position.

[0040] The front lower groove section 17B is narrow across its entire area. The rear section of the front lower groove section 17B is formed in the front-to-back direction in the area of ​​part of the front wall 15, specifically in the area of ​​the first connecting retaining section 17K, and the front section of the front lower groove section 17B is formed further forward than the front wall 15 in the area of ​​the projecting section 12A.

[0041] The rear lower groove section 17C has, as shown in Fig. Figure 3A shows a first groove section 17D, a second groove section 17E, a third groove section 17F, a fourth groove section 17G, and a fifth groove section 17H. The first groove section 17D, the third groove section 17F, and the fifth groove section 17H are wide, and the second groove section 17E and the fourth groove section 17G are narrow. The first groove section 17D is formed at the bottom of the rear section of the rear lower groove section 17C such that it extends through the lower wall 12 in a top-bottom direction. The second groove section 17E is formed at the rear section of the rear lower groove section 17C in an intermediate position in the top-bottom direction. The second slot section 17E is located directly above the first slot section 17D or, in other words, in the top-bottom direction on the side facing away from the circuit board and extends along the first slot section 17D in the front-back direction.The rear end section of the second groove section 17E shows, as in . Fig. 3A and Fig. 6B shows a groove width that increases towards the rear.

[0042] The third groove section 17F extends, as shown in Fig. Figure 3A shows the first groove section 17D extending forward to a front-end position of the rear lower groove section 17C, or, in other words, a rear-end position of the front lower groove section 17B. The third groove section 17F has the same groove width dimension as the first groove section 17D and, together with the first groove section 17D, forms a single wide groove section. By connecting the first groove section 17D and the third groove section 17F in this way to form a single groove section, the shape of the first terminal receiving groove sections 17 can be kept simple, thus simplifying the manufacture of the housing 10.

[0043] The fourth groove section 17G is located, as in Fig. The fourth groove section 17G, shown in Figure 3A, is located in front of the second groove section 17E and the fifth groove section 17H, and immediately above the third groove section 17F. It extends along the third groove section 17F to the front end position of the rear lower groove section 17C. The fourth groove section 17G has the same groove width dimension as the front lower groove section 17B and the second groove section 17E. At the lower groove section 17A, it interacts with the front lower groove section 17B and the second groove section 17E to form a single narrow groove section. By connecting the front lower groove section 17B, the second groove section 17E, and the fourth groove section 17G in this way to form a single groove section, the shape of the first terminal receiving groove sections 17 can be kept simple, thus simplifying the manufacture of the housing 10.

[0044] The fifth groove section 17H is, as in Fig. Figure 3A shows the fifth groove section 17H, formed at the top of the rear portion of the rear lower groove section 17C. The fifth groove section 17H lies immediately above the second groove section 17E and extends along the second groove section 17E from a front-to-back mid-position of the rear lower groove section 17C to the rear end position of the lower wall 12. The fifth groove section 17H has the same groove width dimension as the first groove section 17D and the third groove section 17F, forming a wide groove section.

[0045] The fifth groove section 17H is, as in Fig. 3A shows that the fifth groove section 17H extends in the front-to-back direction from the rear end of the housing 10 (rear end of the lower wall 12) to the front inner surface 17H-1. The front inner surface 17H-1 lies in the front-to-back direction in the area of ​​the first lower contact section 21E-1 of the first terminals 20 (see Figure 3A). Fig. 3B) and forms an inclined surface that slopes upwards towards the front. As described below, the front inner surface 17H-1 is used as a reflective surface which reflects light directed onto it from behind when performing a test to determine the position of a protruding end of the first lower contact section 21E-1.

[0046] The upper groove section 17I is recessed into the lower surface of the upper wall 13, extends in a front-to-back direction, and passes through the upper wall 13. The front groove section 17J extends in a top-to-bottom direction, connecting the lower groove section 17A and the upper groove section 17I, and passes through the front wall 15 in a front-to-back direction. The upper groove section 17I and the front groove section 17J are formed with the same narrow groove width dimension as the front lower groove section 17B, the second groove section 17E, and the fourth groove section 17G on the lower groove section 17A. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3A, a first connection retaining section 17K is formed on the front section of the front groove section 17J for the crimping retention of the first connection 20. The first connection retaining section 17K extends in the groove width direction and couples opposing inner groove surfaces of the front groove section 17J (two surfaces opposite each other in the groove width direction) to each other.

[0047] The second connecting sections 18 are, as in Fig. Figure 4A shows the second connection receiving groove sections 18, which extend in the front-to-back direction with the connection alignment direction as the groove width direction. The second connection receiving groove sections 18 are formed continuously through the housing 10 in the front-to-back direction. The second connection receiving groove sections 18 have several parts with different groove width dimensions. Specifically, the second connection receiving groove sections 18 have a narrow part with a groove width dimension that is slightly larger than a plate thickness dimension of the second connections 30, and a wide part whose groove width dimension is larger than that of the narrow part.

[0048] The second connection receiving groove sections 18 have a lower groove section 18A extending along the lower wall 12 in a front-back direction, an upper groove section 18D extending along the upper wall 13 in a front-back direction and a front groove section 18E extending along the front wall 15 in a top-bottom direction.

[0049] The lower groove section 18A is recessed into the upper surface of the lower wall 12, extends in a front-to-back direction, and passes through the lower wall 12. The lower groove section 18A has a front lower groove section 18B, which is formed in a frontal area with respect to the front wall 15, i.e., in the area of ​​the projecting section 12A, and a rear lower groove section 18C, which is formed in a rearal area with respect to the front lower groove section 18B.

[0050] The front lower groove section 18B is, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 4A, the front lower groove section 18B is wide across its entire area. A front end section 18B-1 of the front lower groove section 18B extends through the projecting section 12A in an up-down direction. The rear lower groove section 18C increases in width towards the front in the area of ​​the front end section of the rear lower groove section 18C and is continuous with the front lower groove section 18B, being narrow in the area of ​​the parts other than the front end section.

[0051] The upper groove section 18D is recessed into the lower surface of the upper wall 13, extends in a front-to-back direction, and passes through the upper wall 13. The front groove section 18E extends in a top-to-bottom direction, connecting the lower groove section 18A and the upper groove section 18D, and passes through the front wall 15 in a front-to-back direction. The upper groove section 18D and the front groove section 18E increase in width towards the front end section and, in areas other than the front end section, are formed with a narrow groove width dimension, as is the rear lower groove section 18C.

[0052] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4A, a second connection retaining section 18F is formed on the rear section of the front groove section 18E for the crimping retention of the second connection 30. The second connection retaining section 18F extends in the groove width direction and couples opposing inner groove surfaces of the front groove section 18E (two surfaces opposite each other in the groove width direction) to each other.

[0053] The locking piece receiving sections 19 are, as in Fig. Figure 5A shows the grooves formed as slots extending in the front-to-back direction with the connection alignment direction as the groove width direction. The locking element receiving groove sections 19 extend continuously through the housing 10 in the front-to-back direction. The locking element receiving groove sections 19 have several parts with different groove width dimensions. Specifically, the locking element receiving groove sections 19 have a narrow part with a groove width dimension slightly larger than a plate thickness dimension of the second locking elements 40, and a wide part with a groove width dimension larger than that of the narrow part.

[0054] The locking piece receiving groove sections 19 have a lower groove section 19A extending along the lower wall 12 in a front-back direction, an upper groove section 19D extending along the upper wall 13 in a front-back direction and a front groove section 19E extending along the front wall 15 in a top-bottom direction.

[0055] The lower groove section 19A is recessed into the upper surface of the lower wall 12, extends in a front-to-back direction, and passes through the lower wall 12. The lower groove section 19A has a front lower groove section 19B, which is formed in a frontal area with respect to the front wall 15, i.e., in the area of ​​the projecting section 12A, and a rear lower groove section 19C, which is formed in a rearal area with respect to the front lower groove section 19B.

[0056] The front lower groove section 19B is, as in Fig. Figure 5A shows that, in the front-to-back direction, except in the area of ​​a front end section 19B-1 of the front lower groove section 19B, the groove is narrow and in the area of ​​the front end section 19B-1, it is wide. The front end section 19B-1 of the front lower groove section 19B extends through the projecting section 12A in the top-to-bottom direction. At the rear section of the front end section 19B-1, the groove width increases towards the front.

[0057] The upper groove section 19D is recessed into the lower surface of the upper wall 13, extends in a front-to-back direction, and passes through the upper wall 13. The upper groove section 19D extends through the upper wall 13 in a top-to-bottom direction at its front and rear sections. The front groove section 19E extends in a top-to-bottom direction, connecting the lower groove section 19A and the upper groove section 19D, and passes through the front wall 15 in a front-to-back direction. The upper groove section 19D and the front groove section 19E increase in width towards the front end and, apart from the front end, are formed with a narrow groove width dimension in all other areas, as is the rear lower groove section 19C.

[0058] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 5A, a locking element retaining section 19F is formed on the rear section of the front groove section 19E for clamping the locking element 40. The locking element retaining section 19F extends in the groove width direction and couples opposing inner groove surfaces of the front groove section 19E (two surfaces opposite each other in the groove width direction) to each other.

[0059] The first connections 20 are, as in Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in Figure 3B, the first connections 20 are produced by punching out a sheet metal element in the thickness direction. They have a lower arm section 21 extending in the front-back direction, an upper arm section 22 extending above the lower arm section 21 in the front-back direction, and a coupling section 23 extending in the top-bottom direction, connecting intermediate sections of the lower arm section 21 and the upper arm section 22. The upper arm section 22 is subject to a compressive force from a first axial section 53 of the movable element 50 and is elastically displaceable about the coupling section 23 as a bearing point (see Figure 3B). Fig. 10A).

[0060] The lower arm section 21 extends, as in Fig. 3B shows the lower arm section 21 extending along the lower wall 12 of the housing 10 in a front-to-back direction and being accommodated in the lower groove section 17A. The lower arm section 21 has an extension section 21A located forward of the coupling section 23 and a foot arm section 21B, a connecting section 21C, a restricted section 21D and a first lower contact arm section 21E located aft of the coupling section 23.

[0061] The extension section 21A extends along a groove bottom surface (lower inner wall surface) of the front lower groove section 17B and is supported from below by the groove bottom surface. The extension section 21A has a support section 21A-1 formed at the front section and a retained section 21A-2 formed at the rear section. The support section 21A-1 lies in the front-to-rear direction in the area of ​​the projecting section 12A. A lower end section of the support section 21A-1 is received in the front lower groove section 17B. The support section 21A-1 supports the first axle section 53 of the movable element 50 from below. The held section 21A-2 is located at a position where it overlaps with the first connecting holding section 17K in the front-back direction, lies directly below the first connecting holding section 17K in the top-bottom direction and is received in the front lower groove section 17B.The held section 21A-2 is held by a crimping nose 21A-3 projecting from the upper end of the held section 21A-2 engaging in the lower surface of the first connecting holding section 17K.

[0062] The foot-arm section 21B extends from the rear end of the lower section of the supported section 21A-2 rearward along the groove bottom surface (lower inner wall surface) of the rear lower groove section 17C and is supported from below by the groove bottom surface. The foot-arm section 21B is smaller in the top-bottom direction than the extension section 21A, i.e., narrower than the latter, and is formed in the third groove section 17F.

[0063] The connecting section 21C is coupled to the rear end of the foot arm section 21B and forms the rear end section of the lower arm section 21 and is received in the first groove section 17D. The connecting section 21C is larger than the foot arm section 21B in the top-bottom direction, i.e., thicker than the latter, and the lower end of the connecting section 21C lies slightly below the lower surface of the lower wall 12 (see Fig. 8A). The connecting section 21C is designed such that the lower end of the connecting section 21C can be soldered to a circuit section (soldering lug) of a mounting surface of the printed circuit board (not shown) by means of surface contact.

[0064] The restricted section 21D is formed such that it extends upwards from the upper end of the connecting section 21C and is accommodated in the second groove section 17E. The restricted section 21D is designed, as described below, such that its movement in the connection alignment direction is restricted by opposing inner wall surfaces of the second groove section 17E.

[0065] The first lower contact arm section 21E extends from the rear end of the upper section of the held section 21A-2 rearward along the foot arm section 21B. The first lower contact arm section 21E is thus positioned such that a front-to-back region overlaps with the foot arm section 21B. By providing the first lower contact arm section 21E and the foot arm section 21B with this front-to-back overlapping region, the first terminals 20 can be designed to be more compact in the front-to-back direction, corresponding to the overlapping section.

[0066] The rear end of the first lower contact arm section 21E is located, as shown in Fig. Figure 3B shows an intermediate position in the front-back direction of the receiving section 11, specifically in front of and near the restricted section 21D. The first lower contact arm section 21E is positioned above the foot arm section 21B, with a gap between it and the foot arm section 21B, and is elastically displaceable within this gap. The first lower contact arm section 21E has a first lower contact section 21E-1 at its rear end, which projects upwards. The first lower contact section 21E-1 projects upwards towards the receiving section 11 such that the projecting end of the first lower contact section 21E-1 lies within the receiving section 11.

[0067] When the flat conductor C is inserted into the receiving section 11, the first lower contact section 21E-1 comes into contact with the lower surface of the flat conductor C and presses against the flat conductor C from below, while the first lower contact arm section 21E moves elastically downwards (see Fig. 10A). As a variation example, if a circuit section is exposed at the front end part of the flat conductor C, the first lower contact section 21E-1 can come into contact with this circuit section.

[0068] The first lower contact arm section 21E is received in the fourth groove section 17G, with the exception of the part on the first lower contact section 21E-1. The first lower contact arm section 21E is designed, as described below, such that its movement in the connection alignment direction is restricted by opposing inner wall surfaces of the fourth groove section 17G. As described in Fig. As shown in Figure 3B, in the free state of the first lower contact arm section 21E, the upper end of the first lower contact section 21E-1 (projecting end) lies in the receiving section 11, and the lower section (part excluding the upper end section) is received in the fifth groove section 17H (see also Fig. 8A).

[0069] The upper arm section 22 extends, as in Fig. 3B shows the upper arm section 22 extending along the groove bottom surface of the upper groove section 17I (upper inner wall surface) in a front-to-back direction. The upper arm section 22 has a pressure-receiving arm section 22A located forward of the coupling section 23 and a first upper contact arm section 22B located aft of the coupling section 23.

[0070] A gap is formed between the upper arm section 22 and the groove base surface of the upper groove section 17I, wherein the upper arm section 22 is elastically displaceable in the area of ​​the gap. The upper arm section 22 is designed such that its movement in the connection alignment direction is restricted by the opposing inner wall surfaces of the upper groove section 17I.

[0071] The front section of the pressure-receiving arm section 22A projects forward from the upper groove section 17I of the housing 10 and lies in the receiving space 16 for the movable element. The front section of the pressure-receiving arm section 22A is formed as a pressure-receiving section 22A-1, which receives the downward-acting pressure force of the first axial section 53 of the movable element 50. The pressure-receiving section 22A-1 has a recessed section formed by indenting its lower edge. The pressure-receiving section 22A-1 is designed such that, when the movable element 50 is in the closed position, it can receive part of the first axial section 53 in the recessed section (see Fig. 10A).

[0072] The rear end of the first upper contact arm section 22B is located, as shown in Fig. 3B is shown at an intermediate position in the front-back direction of the receiving section 11, and specifically in the front-back direction, at the same position as the rear end of the first lower contact arm section 21E. The first upper contact arm section 22B has a first upper contact section 22B-1 at its rear end, which projects downwards.

[0073] When the flat conductor C is inserted into the receiving section 11, the first upper contact section 22B-1 comes into contact with the upper surface of the flat conductor C and, with contact pressure from above, makes contact with the first circuit section C1A on the upper surface of the flat conductor C, while the first upper contact arm section 22B moves elastically upwards (see Fig. 10A).

[0074] The coupling section 23 is received in the front groove section 17J and is adjacent to the first connecting holding section 17K behind the first connecting holding section 17K.

[0075] The second connections 30 are, as in Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in Figure 4B, the first connections 20 are manufactured by punching out a sheet metal element in the thickness direction. The second connections 30 have a lower arm section 31 extending in the front-back direction, an upper arm section 32 extending above the lower arm section 31 in the front-back direction, and a coupling section 33 extending in the top-bottom direction and connecting intermediate sections of the lower arm section 31 and the upper arm section 32. The upper arm section 32 is subject to a compressive force from a second axial section 55 of the movable element 50 and is elastically displaceable about the coupling section 33 as a bearing point (see Figure 4B). Fig. 10B).

[0076] The lower arm section 31 extends, as in Fig. 4B shows the lower arm section 31 extending along the lower wall 12 of the housing 10 in a front-to-back direction and is accommodated in the lower groove section 18A. The lower arm section 31 has a foot arm section 31A and a connecting section 31B, which are located forward with respect to the coupling section 33, and a held section 31C and a second lower contact arm section 31D, which are located aft with respect to the coupling section 33.

[0077] The foot arm section 31A extends along a groove bottom surface (lower inner wall surface) of the front lower groove section 18B and is supported from below by the groove bottom surface. The foot arm section 31A has a support section 31A-1 at its front section, which can support the second axle section 55 of the movable element 50 from below (see Fig. 4B). The bearing section 31A-1 lies in the front-to-back direction in the area of ​​the preceding section 12A, and its lower end section is received in the front lower groove section 18B. The bearing section 31A-1 supports the second axle section 55 from below when the movable element 50 is in the closed position (see Fig. 10B).

[0078] The connecting section 31B is coupled to the front end of the foot arm section 31A and forms the front end section of the lower arm section 31 and is received in the front end section 18B-1 of the lower groove section 18B. The connecting section 31B is larger than the foot arm section 31A in the top-bottom direction, i.e., thicker than the latter, and the lower end of the connecting section 31B lies slightly below the lower surface of the lower wall 12 (see Fig. 8B). The connecting section 31B is designed such that the lower end of the connecting section 31B can be soldered to a circuit section (soldering lug) of the mounting surface of the printed circuit board (not shown) by means of surface contact.

[0079] The held section 31C is located at a position where it overlaps the second connecting holding section 18F in the front-back direction and lies directly below the second connecting holding section 18F in the top-bottom direction. The held section 31C is held by a grouting nose 31C-1 projecting from the upper end of the held section 31C engaging the lower surface of the second connecting holding section 18F.

[0080] The second lower contact arm section 31D extends rearward from the rear end of the held section 31C. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 4B, the second lower contact arm section 31D extends obliquely, i.e., upwards and backwards. The second lower contact arm section 31D is elastically displaceable in an up-down direction within a gap formed between the second lower contact arm section 31D and the groove bottom surface of the rear lower groove section 18C. At its rear end, the second lower contact arm section 31D has a second lower contact section 31D-1 that projects upwards.

[0081] When the flat conductor C is inserted into the receiving section 11, the second lower contact section 31D-1 comes into contact with the lower surface of the flat conductor C and presses against the flat conductor C from below, while the second lower contact arm section 31D moves elastically downwards (see Fig. 10B). The second lower contact arm section 31D is longer than the first lower contact arm section 21E of the first terminals 20, and its rear end extends to near a rear end opening of the receiving section 11. Consequently, the second lower contact section 31D-1 is located further back than the first lower contact section 21E-1. As a variation example, if a circuit section is exposed at the front end portion of the flat conductor C, the second lower contact section 31D-1 can come into contact with this circuit section.

[0082] The upper arm section 32 extends, as in Fig. 4B shows the upper arm section 32 extending along the groove bottom surface of the upper groove section 18D (upper inner wall surface) in a front-to-back direction. The upper arm section 32 has a pressure-receiving arm section 32A located forward of the coupling section 33 and a second upper contact arm section 32B located aft of the coupling section 33.

[0083] A gap is formed between the upper arm section 32 and the groove base surface of the upper groove section 18D, wherein the upper arm section 32 is elastically displaceable in the area of ​​the gap. The upper arm section 32 is designed such that its movement in the connection alignment direction is restricted by the opposing inner wall surfaces of the upper groove section 18D.

[0084] The front section of the pressure-receiving arm section 32A projects forward from the upper groove section 18D of the housing 10 and lies in the receiving space 16 for the movable element. The front section of the pressure-receiving arm section 32A is formed as a pressure-receiving section 32A-1, which receives the downward-acting pressure force of a second axial section 55 of the movable element 50, as described below. The pressure-receiving section 32A-1 has a recessed section formed by indenting its lower edge. The pressure-receiving section 32A-1 is designed such that, when the movable element 50 is in the closed position, it can receive part of the second axial section 55 in the recessed section (see Figure 1). Fig. 10B).

[0085] The second upper contact arm section 32B has a second upper contact section 32B-1 at its rear end, which projects downwards. When the flat conductor C is inserted into the receiving section 11, the second upper contact section 32B-1 comes into contact with the upper surface of the flat conductor C and, with contact pressure from above, makes contact with the second circuit section C1B on the upper surface of the flat conductor C, while the second upper contact arm section 32B moves elastically upwards (see Fig. 10B). The second upper contact arm section 32B is longer than the first upper contact arm section 22B of the first terminals 20, and its rear end extends to near the rear end opening of the receiving section 11. Consequently, the second upper contact section 32B-1 is located in the front-back direction at the same position as the second lower contact section 31D-1 and further back than the first upper contact section 22B-1.

[0086] The coupling section 33 is received in the front groove section 18E and is adjacent to the second connecting section 18F behind the second connecting section 18F.

[0087] The locking pieces 40 are, as in Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in Figure 5B, the locking elements are produced by punching out a sheet metal element in the thickness direction with a greater thickness than the first connections 20 and the second connections 30. The locking pieces 40 have a lower arm section 41 extending in the front-back direction, an upper arm section 42 extending above the lower arm section 41 in the front-back direction, and a coupling section 43 extending in the top-bottom direction and connecting intermediate sections of the lower arm section 41 and the upper arm section 42. The upper arm section 42 is subject to a compressive force from a third axial section 57 of the movable element 50 and is elastically displaceable about the coupling section 43 as a bearing point (see Figure 5B). Fig. 10C).

[0088] The lower arm section 41 extends, as in Fig. 5B shows the lower arm section 41 extending along the lower wall 12 of the housing 10 in a front-to-back direction and is accommodated in the lower groove section 19A. The lower arm section 41 has a foot arm section 41A and a fixing section 41B, which are located forward with respect to the coupling section 43, and a held arm section 41C, which is located aft with respect to the coupling section 43.

[0089] The foot-arm section 41A extends along a groove bottom surface (lower inner wall surface) of the front lower groove section 19B and is supported from below by the groove bottom surface. The foot-arm section 41A has a support section 41A-1 at its front section, which can support a third axle section 57 of the movable element 50 described below from below (see Fig. 5B). The bearing section 41A-1 lies in the front-to-back direction in the area of ​​the preceding section 12A, and its lower end section is received in the front lower groove section 19B. The bearing section 41A-1 supports the third axle section 57 from below when the movable element 50 is in the closed position (see Fig. 10C).

[0090] The fixing section 41B is coupled to the front end of the foot arm section 41A and forms the front end section of the lower arm section 41 and is received in the front end section 19B-1 of the lower groove section 19B. The fixing section 41B is larger than the foot arm section 41A in the top-bottom direction, i.e., thicker than the latter, and the lower end of the fixing section 41B lies slightly below the lower surface of the lower wall 12 (see Fig. 8C). The fixing section 41B is designed such that the lower end of the fixing section 41B can be fixed by soldering through surface contact with a corresponding section (soldering lug) of the mounting surface of the printed circuit board (not shown).

[0091] The held arm section 41C extends along the bottom surface of the groove (lower inner wall surface) of the rear lower groove section 19C and is supported from below by the bottom surface of the groove. The front section of the held arm section 41C is positioned where it overlaps the locking element holding section 19F in the front-to-back direction and lies directly below the locking element holding section 19F in the top-to-bottom direction. A crimping lug 41C-1 is formed on the front section of the held arm section 41C, projecting from the upper end of the held arm section 41C. The held arm section 41C is held by the crimping lug 41C-1 engaging the lower surface of the locking element holding section 19F.

[0092] The upper arm section 42 extends, as in Fig. 5B shows the upper arm section 42 extending along the groove bottom surface of the upper groove section 19D (upper inner wall surface) in a front-to-back direction. The upper arm section 42 has a pressure-receiving arm section 42A located forward of the coupling section 43 and a locking arm section 42B located aft of the coupling section 43.

[0093] A gap is formed between the upper arm section 42 and the groove base surface of the upper groove section 19D, wherein the upper arm section 42 is elastically displaceable in the area of ​​the gap. The upper arm section 42 is designed such that its movement in the connection alignment direction is restricted by the opposing inner wall surfaces of the upper groove section 19D.

[0094] The front section of the pressure-receiving arm section 42A projects forward from the upper groove section 19D of the housing 10 and lies in the receiving space 16 for the movable element. The front section of the pressure-receiving arm section 42A is formed as a pressure-receiving section 42A-1, which receives the downward-acting pressure force of the third axis section 57 of the movable element 50. At the front end of the pressure-receiving section 42A-1, a downwardly projecting projection section 42A-2 is formed, the projection section 42A-2 being able to engage from the front with the third axis section 57 of the movable element 50.

[0095] The locking arm section 42B has a downwardly projecting detent section 42B-1 at its rear end, wherein the detent section 42B-1 can engage from behind the detent section C3A of the flat conductor C (see Fig. 10C). The locking arm section 42B extends with its rear end to near the rear end opening of the receiving section 11. Consequently, the locking section 42B-1 is located in the front-back direction at approximately the same position as the second upper contact section 32B-1 of the second terminals 30 and, with respect to the first upper contact section 22B-1 of the first terminals 20, at the rear.

[0096] The movable element 50 forms, as in Fig. Figure 1 shows a plate shape that extends in the connection alignment direction approximately over the entire width of the receiving space 16 for the movable element. The movable element 50 is located between the opening position in which the plate surface is parallel to the top-bottom direction (see Figure 1). Fig. 1), and the closed position in which the plate surface is parallel to the front-back direction (see Fig. 10A to C), movable (rotatable). In the open position, the movable element 50 is received at its lower section in the receiving space 16 for the movable element, and its upper section projects upwards relative to the receiving space 16 for the movable element. The upper section forms an operating section 51 to accept a control for rotating the movable element 50. The operating section 51 projects outwards from the receiving space 16 for the movable element in every rotational position of the movable element 50.

[0097] As in Fig. 1 and Fig. As shown in Figure 2, on the lower section of the movable element 50 in the open position in the connection alignment direction, first slot sections 52, second slot sections 54 and third slot sections 56 are formed at positions corresponding to the first connections 20, the second connections 30 and the locking pieces 40, respectively, which each extend through the movable element 50 in a front-to-back direction (see also Fig. 3B, Fig. 4B and Fig. 5B). In the connection assembly area, the first slot sections 52 and the second slot sections 54 are thus formed alternately in a row, and a third slot section 56 is formed on each of the two outer sides of the connection assembly area.

[0098] When the movable element 50 is in the open position, the first slot sections 52 assume, as shown in Fig. Figure 3B shows the pressure-receiving sections 22A-1 of the first connections 20. A first axial section 53 is also provided inside the first slot sections 52. The first axial section 53 is located at a lower end position of the first slot sections 52 and couples opposing wall surfaces of the first slot sections 52 to each other in the connection alignment direction. At a section perpendicular to the connection alignment direction, the first axial section 53 essentially has the shape of an ellipse extending in a front-to-back direction, as shown in Fig. 3B shown.

[0099] The first axle section 53 lies, as in Fig. 3B and Fig. 8A shows the first shaft section 53 in the top-bottom direction between the bearing section 21A-1 and the pressure-receiving section 22A-1 of the first ports 20. In the open position, the first shaft section 53 is supported by the upper edge of the bearing section 21A-1 and is located a short distance from the lower edge of the pressure-receiving section 22A-1. As described below, the first shaft section 53 acts as a cam section that pushes the pressure-receiving section 22A-1 upwards, thereby displacing it upwards while supported by the bearing section 21A-1, when the movable element 50 has been moved into the closed position (see Figure 8A). Fig. 10A).

[0100] When the movable element 50 is in the open position, the second slot sections 54 assume, as shown in Fig. Figure 4B shows the pressure-receiving sections 32A-1 of the second ports 30. A second axial section 55 is also provided inside the second slot sections 54. The second axial section 55 is provided at a lower end position of the second slot sections 54 and couples opposing wall surfaces of the second slot sections 54 to one another in the connection alignment direction. The second axial section 55 has a front-to-back extending shape at a section perpendicular to the connection alignment direction, specifically a shape in which an essentially round shape is connected to an upper section of a rear end section of a substantially rectangular shape extending in the front-to-back direction, as shown in Figure 4B. Fig. 4B shown.

[0101] The second axle section 55 lies, as in Fig. 4B and Fig. Figure 8B shows the position in the top-bottom direction between the bearing section 31A-1 and the pressure-receiving section 32A-1 of the second ports 30. In the open position, the second shaft section 55 is located a short distance from the upper edge of the bearing section 31A-1, while the rear end section of the second shaft section 55 is in contact with the lower edge of the recessed section of the pressure-receiving section 22A-1. As described below, the second shaft section 55 acts as a cam section that pushes the pressure-receiving section 32A-1 upwards, thereby displacing it upwards while it is supported on the bearing section 31A-1, when the movable element 50 has been moved into the closed position (see Figure 8B). Fig. 10B).

[0102] When the movable element 50 is in the open position, the third slot sections 56 assume, as shown in Fig. Figure 5B shows the pressure-receiving sections 42A-1 of the locking pieces 40. A third axial section 57 is also provided inside the third slot sections 56. The third axial section 57 is provided at a lower end position of the third slot sections 56 and couples opposing wall surfaces of the third slot sections 56 to one another in the connection alignment direction. The third axial section 57 has a front-to-back extending shape at a section perpendicular to the connection alignment direction, specifically a shape in which an essentially round shape is connected to an upper section of a rear end section of a substantially rectangular shape extending in the front-to-back direction, as shown in Figure 5B. Fig. 5B shown.

[0103] The third axle section 57 lies, as in Fig. 5B and Fig. Figure 8C shows the third axis section 57 in the top-bottom direction between the bearing section 41A-1 and the pressure-receiving section 42A-1 of the locking pieces 40. In the open position, the third axis section 57 is located a short distance from the upper edge of the bearing section 41A-1, while the rear end section is in contact with the lower edge of the pressure-receiving section 42A-1. As described below, the third axis section 57 acts as a cam section that pushes the pressure-receiving section 42A-1 upwards, thereby displacing it upwards while it is supported on the bearing section 41A-1, when the movable element 50 has been moved into the closed position (see Figure 8C). Fig. 10C).

[0104] The connector 1 is assembled as follows. First, the second terminals 30 are crimped from the front into the second terminal receptacle sections 18 of the housing 10. The locking pieces 40 are crimped from the front into the locking piece receptacle sections 19 of the housing 10. Either the second terminals 30 or the locking pieces 40 can be crimped first, or both can be crimped simultaneously.

[0105] Next, the movable element 50 is placed in the open position (see Fig. 2) The lower section of the movable element 50 is positioned from the front in the receiving space 16 for the movable element of the housing 10. The second axial sections 55 are positioned between the bearing sections 31A-1 and the pressure-absorbing sections 32A-1 of the second connections 30, and the third axial sections 57 are positioned between the bearing sections 41A-1 and the pressure-absorbing sections 42A-1 of the locking pieces 40. The first connections 20 are then installed by pressing them from the rear into the first connection receiving groove sections 17 of the housing 10. As a result, the first axial sections 53 of the movable element 50 are positioned between the bearing sections 21A-1 and the pressure-absorbing sections 22A-1 of the first connections 20.

[0106] By attaching the first connections 20 to the housing 10, movement of the first shaft sections 53 in the up-down direction is restricted by means of the bearing sections 21A-1 and the pressure-absorbing sections 22A-1. Part of the rear end section of the second shaft sections 55 is housed in the recessed section of the pressure-absorbing sections 32A-1 (see Fig. 5B), and part of the rear end section of the third axle sections 57 is arranged in a position in which it can engage from behind the projection section 42A-2 of the pressure receiving sections 42A-1 (see Fig. 6B). As a result, accidental detachment of the movable element 50 from the housing 10 can be prevented. In this way, the movable element 50 is attached to the housing 10 in a state that allows movement between the open and closed positions, thus completing the connector 1.

[0107] As in Fig. 3A and Fig. As shown in Figure 3B, in the present embodiment, in a state in which the first terminals 20 are held in the first terminal receiving groove sections 17 by compression, the extension sections 21A of the lower arm sections 21 are received in the narrow front lower groove sections 17B, the foot arm sections 21B in the wide third groove sections 17F, the connecting sections 21C in the wide first groove sections 17D, the restricted sections 21D in the narrow second groove sections 17E, the parts of the first lower contact arm sections 21E except the first lower contact sections 21E-1 in the narrow fourth groove sections 17G and the lower sections of the first lower contact sections 21E-1 (the parts except the upper end sections) in the wide fifth groove sections 17H.The upper arm sections 22 are accommodated in the narrow upper groove sections 17I, with the exception of the pressure receiving sections 22A-1, and the coupling sections 23 are accommodated in the narrow front groove sections 17J.

[0108] At the first terminals 20, the extension sections 21A, the restricted sections 21D, the first lower contact arm sections 21E (except for the first lower contact sections 21E-1), the upper arm sections 22, and the coupling sections 23 are each restricted in their movement in the terminal alignment direction by the opposing inner walls of the narrow groove sections, namely the front lower groove sections 17B, the second groove sections 17E, the fourth groove sections 17G, the upper groove sections 17I, and the front groove sections 17J. As a result, movement of the first terminals 20 in the terminal alignment direction is restricted, which is why the correct position of the first terminals 20 can be easily maintained.

[0109] In particular, since the restricted sections 21D are provided directly above the connecting sections 21C, maintaining the correct position of the connecting sections 21C also makes it easy to maintain the correct position of the restricted sections 21D. Consequently, the connecting sections 21C can be advantageously connected to the corresponding circuit sections on the printed circuit board. In the present embodiment, the fifth slot sections 17H, which accommodate the lower section of the first lower contact sections 21E-1, are wide, but since the opposing inner surfaces of the narrow fourth slot sections 17G restrict the movement of the first lower contact arm sections 21E, the correct position of the first lower contact sections 21E-1 is easily maintained.

[0110] In the present embodiment, when the first connections 20 are held in the compression position in the first connection receiving groove sections 17, the foot arm sections 21B, the connecting sections 21C, and a portion of the first lower contact sections 21E-1 (the portion that is not the upper end section) are each located with a large gap between the plate surfaces and the inner surfaces of the grooves in the groove width direction in the wide groove sections, namely the third groove sections 17F, the first groove sections 17D, and the fifth groove sections 17H. Consequently, the gaps between the plate surfaces of the foot arm sections 21B and the inner surfaces of the third groove sections 17F,the gaps formed between the plate surfaces of the connecting sections 21C and the inner surfaces of the first groove sections 17D and the gaps formed between the plate surfaces of the first lower contact sections 21E-1 and the inner surfaces of the fifth groove sections 17H are larger than the gaps formed between the plate surfaces of the held sections 21A-2 and the inner surfaces of the front lower groove sections 17B, the gaps formed between the plate surfaces of the restricted sections 21D and the inner surfaces of the second groove sections 17E, the gaps formed between the plate surfaces of the first lower contact arm sections 21E and the inner surfaces of the fourth groove sections 17G, the gaps formed between the plate surfaces of the upper arm sections 22 and the inner surfaces of the upper groove sections 17I and the gaps formed between the plate surfaces of the coupling sections 23 and the inner surfaces of the front groove sections 17J.

[0111] In particular, because the gaps formed between the plate surfaces of the connecting sections 21C and the inner surfaces of the first slot sections 17D are large, capillary action does not occur in the gaps when the connecting sections 21C are soldered to the circuit sections of the printed circuit board, thus advantageously preventing solder rise. The third slot sections 17F, which are connected to the first slot sections 17D, are also wide, and the gaps between the plate surfaces of the foot arm sections 21B and the inner surfaces of the third slot sections 17F are also large, which further advantageously prevents solder rise.

[0112] The second slot sections 17E, which accommodate the restricted sections 21D immediately above the connecting sections 21C, are narrow, but as long as there is no solder rise below the second slot sections 17E, i.e. at the first slot sections 17D located on the side of the circuit board, there is also no solder rise at the second slot sections 17E.

[0113] Since, in the present embodiment, the foot arm sections 21B and the first lower contact arm sections 21E at the first terminals 20 are provided with a region of mutual overlap in the front-to-back direction, the connecting sections 21C coupled to the rear ends of the foot arm sections 21B are located close to the first lower contact sections 21E-1. However, since the arm sections are formed with the spaced-apart foot arm sections 21B and the first lower contact arm sections 21E, the continuous path from the connecting sections 21C to the first lower contact sections 21E-1 at the first terminals 20 follows the foot arm sections 21B, the held sections 21A-2, and the first lower contact arm sections 21E. Consequently, the connecting sections 21C and the first lower contact sections 21E-1 are far apart along this path.Furthermore, since a large gap is formed between the foot-arm sections 21B and the inner surfaces of the third groove sections 17F, no solder rise occurs in the area of ​​the foot-arm sections 21B. Consequently, it is advantageously prevented that the molten solder migrates from the connecting sections 21C to the first lower contact sections 21E-1.

[0114] As in Fig. 4A and Fig. As shown in Figure 4B, in the present embodiment, when the second terminals 30 are held in the compression groove sections 18, the parts of the foot arm sections 31A of the lower arm sections 31, with the exception of the bearing sections 31A-1, are received in the narrow part of the front lower groove sections 18B, and the held sections 31C and the second lower contact arm sections 31D are received in the narrow rear lower groove sections 18C. The upper arm sections 32, with the exception of the pressure-receiving sections 32A-1, are received in the narrow upper groove sections 18D, and the coupling sections 33 are received in the narrow front groove sections 18E.

[0115] Consequently, at the second terminals 30, the parts of the foot arm sections 31A (parts except for the bearing sections 31A-1), the held sections 31C, the second lower contact arm sections 31D, the upper arm sections 32, and the coupling sections 33 are each restricted in their movement in the terminal alignment direction by the opposing inner walls of the narrow groove sections, namely the narrow parts of the front lower groove sections 18B, the rear lower groove sections 18C, the upper groove sections 18D, and the front groove sections 18E. As a result, movement of the second terminals 30 in the terminal alignment direction is restricted, which is why the correct position of the second terminals 30 can be easily maintained.

[0116] In the present embodiment, in the state of the pressing holding of the second connections 30 in the second connection receiving groove sections 18, the bearing sections 31A-1 and the connecting sections 31B each lie with a large gap between the plate surfaces and the groove inner surfaces in the groove width direction in the wide groove sections, i.e. the wide parts of the front lower groove sections 18B.

[0117] In particular by, as in Fig. 6A and Fig. As shown in Figure 6B, the gaps formed between the plate surfaces of the connecting sections 31B and the inner surfaces of the front end sections 18B-1 of the front lower slot sections 18B are large. Therefore, when the connecting sections 31B are soldered to the circuit sections of the printed circuit board, no capillary action occurs in the gaps, thus advantageously preventing solder rise. The parts connected to the front end sections 18B-1 of the front lower slot sections 18B are also wide, and the gaps formed between the plate surfaces of the bearing sections 31A-1 and these parts are large, further preventing solder rise. Fig. 6A and Fig. Figure 6B omits the depiction of the movable element 50.

[0118] As in Fig. 5A and Fig. As shown in Figure 5B, in the present embodiment, when the locking elements 40 are held in the clamping position in the locking element receiving groove sections 19, the rear end parts of the foot arm sections 41A of the lower arm sections 41 (the parts excluding the bearing sections 41A-1) are received in the narrow part of the front lower groove sections 19B, and the held arm sections 41C are received in the narrow rear lower groove sections 19C. The upper arm sections 42, with the exception of the pressure receiving sections 42A-1, are received in the narrow upper groove sections 19D, and the coupling sections 43 are received in the narrow front groove sections 19E.

[0119] Consequently, in the locking elements 40, the rear end sections of the foot arm sections 41A, the held arm sections 41C, and the upper arm sections 42 are each restricted in their movement in the connection alignment direction by the opposing inner walls of the narrow groove sections, namely the rear lower groove sections 19C, the upper groove sections 19D, and the front groove sections 19E, which are the narrow parts of the front lower groove sections 19B. As a result, movement of the locking elements 40 in the connection alignment direction is restricted, which is why the correct position of the locking elements 40 can be easily maintained.

[0120] In the present embodiment, when the locking pieces 40 are held in the locking piece receiving groove sections 19, the bearing sections 41A-1 and the fixing sections 41B each have a large gap between the plate surfaces and the inner groove surfaces in the groove width direction in the wide groove sections, i.e. the wide parts of the front lower groove sections 19B.

[0121] In particular by, as in Fig. 6A and Fig. As shown in Figure 6B, the gaps formed between the plate surfaces of the fixing sections 41B and the inner surfaces of the front end sections 19B-1 of the front lower slot sections 19B are large. Therefore, when the fixing sections 41B are soldered to the corresponding sections of the printed circuit board, no capillary action occurs in these gaps, thus advantageously preventing solder rise. The parts in contact with the front end sections 19B-1 of the front lower slot sections 19B are also wide, and the gaps formed between the plate surfaces of the bearing sections 41A-1 and these parts are large, further preventing solder rise.

[0122] In the present embodiment, after the connector 1 has been completed, a test is performed to determine the position of the protruding ends of the first lower contact sections 21E-1 and the first upper contact sections 22B-1 of the first terminals 20 in the top-bottom direction, and the position of the protruding ends of the second lower contact sections 31D-1 and the second upper contact sections 32B-1 of the second terminals 30 in the top-bottom direction. "Protruding ends" are defined as the upper ends of the first lower contact sections 21E-1, the lower ends of the second upper contact sections 32B-1, the upper ends of the second lower contact sections 31D-1, and the lower ends of the second upper contact sections 32B-1.In the following description, the first lower contact sections 21E-1 and the first upper contact sections 22B-1 are also referred to as first contact sections 21E-1, 22B-1, and the second lower contact sections 31D-1 and the second upper contact sections 32B-1 are referred to as second contact sections 31D-1, 32B-1.

[0123] A test device used for the test (not shown) comprises an irradiation unit, an image acquisition unit, and a position determination processing unit. During the test, light is shone from behind onto the recording section 11 by the irradiation unit, and the reflection of this light is recorded from behind by the image acquisition unit. Based on the recorded images, the position of the protruding ends of the individual contact sections is determined by the position determination processing unit.Specifically, the position of the respective projecting ends of the first contact sections 21E-1, 22B-1 and the second contact sections 31D-1, 32B-1 is determined, for example, based on the difference (contrast) between the reflected light from the first contact sections 21E-1, 22B-1 and the second contact sections 31D-1, 32B-1 projecting towards the receiving section 11 and the light reflected from the parts surrounding the first contact sections 21E-1, 22B-1 and the second contact sections 31D-1, 32B-1 when viewed from behind. In the present embodiment, the position of the projecting ends has the position of the rear end of the lower wall 12 as the reference position and is determined by measuring the distance from the reference position in the top-bottom direction.

[0124] In the present embodiment, the first lower contact sections 21E-1 of the first terminals 20 are provided in the front-to-back direction at an intermediate position of the receiving section 11 and are located at the front with respect to the rear end face of the lower wall 12. If the fifth groove sections 17H, which receive the lower sections of the first lower contact sections 21E-1, were narrow, and if, for example, the dimension of the groove width of the fifth groove sections 17H were equal to or smaller than the dimension of the groove width of the fourth groove sections 17G, the position of the upper ends of the first lower contact sections 21E-1 would be determined by the contrast between the light reflected at the first lower contact sections 21E-1 and the light reflected at the rear end face of the lower wall 12 of the housing 10, where the fifth groove sections 17H are formed.As discussed above, the first lower contact sections 21E-1 are located at the front relative to the rear end face of the lower wall 12. In other words, the rear end face of the lower wall 12 is offset to the rear relative to the first lower contact sections 21E-1. Therefore, since the rear end face of the lower wall 12 is significantly offset from the first lower contact sections 21E-1 in the front-to-back direction, it is difficult to focus both the rear end face of the lower wall 12 and the first lower contact sections 21E-1 when taking a picture from the rear, making it impossible to obtain a clear image.

[0125] In the present embodiment, a large gap is formed between the lower sections of the first lower contact sections 21E-1 and the inner surfaces of the fifth groove sections 17H, and the fifth groove sections 17H are closed from the front by the front inner surfaces 17H-1. Thus, when viewed from the rear, as shown in Fig. 7A and Fig. Figure 7B shows the first lower contact sections 21E-1 facing the front inner surfaces 17H-1. Consequently, the position of the upper ends (protruding ends) of the first lower contact sections 21E-1 can be determined by the contrast between the light reflected from the first lower contact sections 21E-1 and the light reflected from the front inner surfaces 17H-1. Specifically, the position of the upper ends of the front inner surfaces 17H-1, which is the same position as the position of the upper end of the rear end surface of the lower wall 12, serves as the reference position, and the distance from the reference position to the upper ends of the first lower contact sections 21E-1 in the top-bottom direction (in the vertical direction) can be determined. Fig. The distance R shown in 7B determines the position of the upper ends. Fig. 7A and Fig. In 7B, the depiction of the movable element 50 was omitted.

[0126] In the present embodiment, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 7A, the front inner surfaces 17H-1 are located in the front-to-back direction in the region of the first lower contact sections 21E-1, or, in other words, the front inner surfaces 17H-1 are located close to the first lower contact sections 21E-1 in the front-to-back direction. Consequently, when taking a picture from the rear, both the front inner surfaces 17H-1 and the first lower contact sections 21E-1 can easily be brought into sharp focus, so that a clear image can easily be taken and the position of the protruding ends of the first lower contact sections 21E-1 can be determined.

[0127] The position of the lower ends (protruding ends) of the first upper contact sections 22B-1 is also determined by using the position of the upper ends of the front inner surfaces 17H-1 of the fifth groove sections 17H as the reference position and calculating the distance from the reference position to the lower ends of the first upper contact sections 22B-1 in the top-bottom direction (in Fig. The distance S shown in Figure 7B is measured. The first upper contact sections 22B-1 are located in the front-to-back direction at the same position as the first lower contact sections 21E-1. Consequently, the front inner surfaces 17H-1 of the fifth groove sections 17H are located close to the first upper contact sections 22B-1 in the front-to-back direction. As a result, when taking a picture from the rear, both the front inner surfaces 17H-1 and the first upper contact sections 22B-1 can easily be brought into sharp focus, so that a clear image can be easily taken and the position of the protruding ends of the first upper contact sections 22B-1 can be determined.

[0128] The position of the protruding ends of the second contact sections 31D-1, 32B-1 of the second terminals 30 is determined by measuring the protruding ends from the upper end position of the rear end face of the lower wall 12 as a reference position. In the present embodiment, the second contact sections 31D-1, 32B-1 are located in the front-to-back direction close to the rear opening end of the receiving section 11, or, in other words, near the rear end face of the lower wall 12. Consequently, when taking a picture from the rear, both the rear end face of the lower wall 12 and the second contact sections 31D-1, 32B-1 can easily be brought into sharp focus, allowing a clear image to be easily captured and the position of the protruding ends of the second contact sections 31D-1, 32B-1 to be determined.

[0129] Next, the process for inserting and removing the flat conductor C from connector 1 is described. First, the connecting sections 21C of the first terminals 20 and the connecting sections 31B of the second terminals 30 of connector 1 are soldered to the corresponding circuit sections of the printed circuit board (not shown). Then, the fixing sections 41B of the locking pieces 40 are soldered to the corresponding sections of the printed circuit board. Finally, connector 1 is attached to the printed circuit board by soldering the connecting sections 21C, 31B, and 41B.

[0130] When the flat conductor C is connected to connector 1, the flat conductor C is, as shown in Fig. 1 and 8A to 8C are shown, positioned so that it extends behind connector 1, which is in the open position with the movable element 50 in the front-to-back direction (X-axis direction).

[0131] Next, the flat conductor C is inserted forward (in the X1 direction) into the receiving section 11 of the connector 1. During insertion of the flat conductor C into the receiving section 11, the front end of the flat conductor C initially comes into contact with the second lower contact sections 31D-1 and the second upper contact sections 32B-1 of the second terminals 30 and pushes the second lower contact arm sections 31D and the second upper contact arm sections 32B apart. The second lower contact arm sections 31D thus move elastically downwards and the second upper contact arm sections 32B elastically upwards. Approximately simultaneously, the front end of the flat conductor C comes into contact with the locking sections 42B-1 of the locking elements 40 and moves the locking arm sections 42B elastically upwards.

[0132] As the flat conductor C is advanced further, its front end comes into contact with the first lower contact sections 21E-1 and the first upper contact sections 22B-1 of the first terminals 20, pushing the first lower contact arm sections 21E and the first upper contact arm sections 22B apart. The first lower contact arm sections 21E thus move elastically downwards, and the first upper contact arm sections 22B move elastically upwards. If the flat conductor C is advanced even further, its front end comes into contact with the front wall 15 from behind, thus completing the insertion of the flat conductor C (see Fig. 9A to 9C).

[0133] Even after the insertion of the flat conductor C is complete, the first lower contact arm sections 21E, the first upper contact arm sections 22B, the second lower contact arm sections 31D, and the second upper contact arm sections 32B retain their elastic displacement state, so that the flat conductor C is clamped by the first contact sections 21E-1, 22B-1 and the second contact sections 31D-1, 32B-1. As a result, the first upper contact sections 22B-1 are in contact with the first circuit sections C1A of the flat conductor C, and the second upper contact sections 32B-1 are in contact with the second circuit sections C1B of the flat conductor C.

[0134] During the insertion of the flat conductor C, the locking pieces 40 on the locking arm sections 42B move elastically upwards, whereupon the tab sections C3 of the flat conductor C pass the position of the locking sections 42B-1, so that the locking arm sections 42B return to their free state and the locking sections 42B-1 penetrate from above into the recess section C2 of the flat conductor C. Consequently, after the insertion of the flat conductor C is complete, the locking sections 42B-1 are positioned so that they can engage from behind the locking sections C3A of the flat conductor C, as shown in Fig. 9C shown. The locking arm sections 42B do not necessarily have to return to a completely free state. For example, the locking arm sections 42B can penetrate the recess sections C2 of the flat conductor C while maintaining a slight elastic displacement at the detent sections 42B-1.

[0135] Next, the operating section 51 of the movable element 50 is operated and moved (rotated) from the open position to the closed position. When the movable element 50 moves into the closed position, as described in Fig. As shown in Figures 10A to 10C, the first axle sections 53, the second axle sections 55, and the third axle sections 57 are positioned such that their top-bottom direction is the longitudinal direction. The first axle sections 53 and the second axle sections 55, whose positions correspond to the first ports 20 and the second ports 30, press downwards against the pressure-receiving sections 22A-1 and the pressure-receiving sections 32A-1, respectively, while supported from below by the bearing sections 21A-1 and the bearing sections 31A-1, and displace the pressure-receiving arm sections 22A and the pressure-receiving arm sections 32A upwards. As shown in Fig. 10A and Fig. As shown in Figure 10B, the upper arm sections 22 and 32 consequently shift about one pivot point, with the first upper contact arm sections 22B and the second upper contact arm sections 32B shifting downwards. The first upper contact sections 22B-1 and the second upper contact sections 32B-1 are now in contact with the first circuit sections C1A and the second circuit sections C1B of the flat conductor C at increased contact pressure, thus maintaining the electrically conductive state.

[0136] When the movable element 50 moves into the closed position, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 10C, the third axle sections 57, whose position corresponds to the locking pieces 40, press upwards against the pressure-receiving sections 42A-1 and displace the pressure-receiving arm sections 42A upwards. As a result, the upper arm sections 42 displace one pivot point, causing the locking arm sections 42B to move downwards and the locking sections 42B-1 to engage deeply into the recess sections C2 of the flat conductor C. Consequently, the state is maintained in which the locking sections 42B-1 can engage the locking sections C3A from behind, thus advantageously preventing the flat conductor C from being pulled out backwards. By moving the movable element 50 into the closed position in this way, the connection process of the flat conductor C to the connector 1 is completed.

[0137] In the embodiment described above, the size of the gaps between the first connections 20 and the inner surfaces of the first connection receiving groove sections 17 is determined by the width of the grooves on the first connection receiving groove sections 17. Thus, the embodiment described above illustrates how changing the groove width of the first connection receiving groove sections 17 alters the size of the gaps between the first connections 20 and the inner surfaces of the first connection receiving groove sections 17.

[0138] Specifically, for the connecting sections 21C and the first groove sections 17D, the thickness dimension of the connecting sections 21C of the first connections 20 is uniform, while the first groove sections 17D of the housing 10, which accommodate the connecting sections 21C, are wide, thus creating a large gap between the connecting sections 21C and the inner surfaces of the first groove sections 17D and thereby preventing capillary action on the connecting sections 21C and thus a solder rise during soldering.

[0139] However, the method for increasing the gap between the connecting sections 21C and the inner surfaces of the first groove sections 17D is not limited to this and can be modified in various ways. For example, as a modification, the size of the gap between the first connections 20 and the inner surfaces of the first connection receiving groove sections 17 can be determined by the thickness of the plates of the first connections 20.

[0140] For example, by using narrower first groove sections 17D, the connecting sections 21C of the first connections 20 can be made thinner in order to increase the space between the connecting sections 21C and the inner surfaces of the first groove sections 17D.

[0141] Fig. Figure 11 is a perspective view of part of connector 101 according to this modification example, viewed from the rear. Fig. In Figure 11, the depiction of the moving element was omitted. Fig. Parts 11, corresponding to those of the embodiment discussed above, are provided with reference numerals to which "100" has been added. The following description focuses on parts whose design differs from that of the embodiment described above, while parts common to the embodiment already discussed are omitted.

[0142] As in Fig.As shown in Figure 11, in this modified example, the first slot sections 117D of the housing 110, which accommodate the connecting sections 121C of the first terminals 120, are formed as narrow slot sections. The connecting sections 121C have a smaller plate thickness dimension at their lower section than at their upper section, i.e., they are thinner. Consequently, a large gap is formed in the slot width direction between the connecting sections 121C and the inner surfaces of the first slot sections 117D. As a result, no capillary action occurs when the connecting sections 121C are soldered to the corresponding circuit sections of the printed circuit board, thus advantageously preventing solder rise.

[0143] This modified example describes a modification for preventing a plumb line rise at the connecting sections 121C of the first connections 120, but the same design can also be applied to the connecting sections 131B of the second connections 130 and the fixing sections 141B of the locking pieces 140. Specifically, the front end sections of the front lower groove sections of the second connection receiving groove sections 118 can be narrow, and the lower sections of the connecting sections 131B of the second connections 130 can be thin, in order to increase the gap between the connecting sections 131B and the inner surfaces of the front end sections of the front lower groove sections.The front end sections of the front lower groove sections of the locking piece receiving groove sections 119 can also be narrow, and the lower sections of the fixing sections 141B can be thin, in order to increase the gap between the fixing sections 141B and the inner surfaces of the front end sections of the front lower groove sections. It is also not necessary to make only the lower sections of the connecting sections 121C, the connecting sections 131B, and the fixing sections 141B thinner; instead, the connecting sections 121C, the connecting sections 131B, and the fixing sections 141B can all be made thinner. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] JP 2007-287398 A [0002, 0004, 0006]

Claims

[1] Electrical connector for flat conductors, mounted on a printed circuit board and to which a flat conductor is connected, comprising several metal terminals and a housing that holds the several terminals, wherein the multiple connections are arranged with a connection alignment direction which is a left-right direction perpendicular to the front-back and top-bottom directions of the electrical connector for flat conductors, such that the plate surfaces of the multiple connections face each other, wherein the housing has a receiving section and several receiving slots, the receiving section is open at the rear to accommodate a flat conductor inserted from the rear of the housing to the front, wherein the multiple receiving groove sections are each designed such that they extend in the front-back direction with the connection alignment direction as the groove width direction and accommodate the multiple connections, wherein the multiple connections each have a connecting section and a restricted section below the receiving section, wherein the connecting section is designed to be connectable to the printed circuit board and the restricted section extends upwards from the connecting section, wherein the multiple receiving groove sections each have a first groove section that receives the connecting section and a second groove section that receives the restricted section, wherein the gap between the connecting section and the inner surfaces of the first groove section in the direction of connection alignment is larger than the gap between the restricted section and the inner surfaces of the second groove section in the direction of connection alignment. [2] Electrical connector for flat conductors according to claim 1, wherein the multiple terminals further comprise a retained section which is held on the housing, and a contact arm section and a foot arm section which are located below the receiving section and extend rearward from the retained section, wherein the contact arm section has a contact section that can come into contact with the flat conductor, wherein the foot arm section lies below the contact arm section and has an area in which it overlaps with the contact arm section in a front-back direction, wherein the connecting section is provided at a rear end of the foot-arm section, wherein the receiving groove sections have a third groove section which is connected to the first groove section and receives the foot arm section, wherein the gap between the foot arm section and the inner surfaces of the third groove section in the direction of connection alignment is larger than the gap between the restricted section and the inner surfaces of the second groove section in the direction of connection alignment. [3] Electrical connector for flat conductors according to claim 2, wherein the multiple receiving groove sections each have a fourth groove section which receives a section of the contact arm section, wherein the gap between the contact arm section and the inner surfaces of the fourth groove section in the connection alignment direction is smaller than the gap between the foot arm section and the inner surfaces of the third groove section in the connection alignment direction. [4] Electrical connector for flat conductors according to claim 3, wherein a slot width of the second slot section and a slot width of the fourth slot section are equal and the second slot section and the fourth slot section are interconnected and form a single slot section. [5] Electrical connector for flat conductors according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the contact section projects upwards towards the receiving section such that a projecting end of the contact section lies within the receiving section, wherein the multiple receiving groove sections each have a fifth groove section which receives a section of the contact section, wherein the fifth groove section has a front inner surface which lies in the front-back direction within the area of ​​the contact section and extends in the front-back direction from a rear end of the housing to the front inner surface, wherein a gap between the section of the contact section and the inner surfaces of the fifth groove section in the connection alignment direction is larger than a gap between the section of the contact arm section and the inner surfaces of the fourth groove section in the connection alignment direction. [6] Electrical connector for flat conductors according to claim 1, wherein a slot width of the first slot section is larger than a slot width of the second slot section. [7] Electrical connector for flat conductors according to claim 2, wherein a slot width of the third slot section is larger than a slot width of the second slot section. [8] Electrical connector for flat conductors according to claim 3, wherein a slot width of the fourth slot section is smaller than a slot width of the third slot section. [9] Electrical connector for flat conductors according to claim 5, wherein a slot width of the fifth slot section is larger than a slot width of the fourth slot section.

Images