Electrical connector, connection structure, and connection method

Abstract

To provide an electrical connector and a connection structure capable of suppressing deterioration of the transmission quality of an electrical signal.SOLUTION: An electrical connector includes a plurality of electric wires each extending along a first direction and a housing having a plurality of holding portions for holding the plurality of electric wires, respectively. The plurality of holding portions hold the plurality of electric wires, respectively, such that a tip end of each of the plurality of electric wires is exposed at a front surface of the housing. A tip end of each of the conductors of the plurality of electric wires protrudes from the front surface of the housing and is configured to be elastically deformable.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electrical connector, a connection structure, and a connection method. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an electrical connector that mates with a mating connector. This electrical connector has electric wires and terminals electrically connected to the electric wires. When this electrical connector mates with the mating connector, the terminals of the electrical connector come into contact with the terminals of the mating connector, thereby electrically connecting the electric wires of the electrical connector to wiring on a board on which the mating connector is provided. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-059372 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the electrical connector described in Patent Document 1, a plurality of connection points between conductors are generated between the electric wires of the electrical connector and the wiring on the board on which the mating connector is provided. For example, in the electrical connector, connection points are generated between the electric wires and the terminals. In the mating connector, connection points are generated between the terminals of the mating connector and the wiring on the board. Between the electrical connector and the mating connector, connection points between the terminals are generated. In such a case, at each connection point between the electric wires of the electrical connector and the wiring on the board, the electrical coupling state between the signal line and the ground line changes, and the characteristic impedance changes from the expected value. As a result, the transmission quality of the electrical signal may deteriorate.

[0005] In addition, at the connection points between conductors, the electric wires used for signal transmission are generally soldered between the connecting parts and the board via connecting parts that match the cross-sectional size of the electric wire to the board to which they are connected. In such cases, in the electrical connector described in Patent Document 1, the size of the electrode pads is larger than the cross-sectional sizes of the electric wire, the terminals, and the wiring. For example, the electrode pads may be configured as conductors with a wide width or a large area for the purpose of connecting with the electric wire. Therefore, the electrical coupling state between the signal line and the ground line changes at each connection point, and the characteristic impedance changes from the expected value. This may cause a deterioration in the transmission quality of the electrical signal.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an electrical connector, a connection structure, and a connection method that can suppress deterioration of the transmission quality of an electrical signal. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present disclosure relates to an electrical connector, as one aspect. The electrical connector includes a plurality of electric wires each extending along a first direction, and a housing having a plurality of holding portions for holding the plurality of electric wires, respectively. The holding portions hold the plurality of electric wires such that the tip ends of the plurality of electric wires are exposed at a front surface of the housing. The tip ends of the conductors of the plurality of electric wires protrude from the front surface of the housing and are configured to be elastically deformable. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an electrical connector, a connection structure, and a connection method that can suppress deterioration of the transmission quality of an electrical signal. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a connection structure according to one embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an electrical connector according to one embodiment. [Diagram 3]3 is an exploded perspective view of the electrical connector shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 4] Parts (a), (b), and (c) of FIG. 4 are diagrams each showing an example of a schematic cross section taken along line IV-IV of the connection structure shown in FIG. [Diagram 5] Parts (a), (b) and (c) of FIG. 5 are diagrams for explaining a method for forming tips of the first electric wires and the second electric wires shown in part (a) of FIG. [Figure 6] Parts (a) and (b) of FIG. 6 are schematic cross-sectional views showing connection structures according to modified examples. [Figure 7] Parts (a) and (b) of FIG. 7 are schematic cross-sectional views showing connection structures according to different modified examples. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] [Description of the embodiments of the present disclosure] First, the contents of the embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described. [1] An electrical connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a plurality of electric wires each extending along a first direction, and a housing having a holding portion for holding each of the plurality of electric wires. The holding portions hold the plurality of electric wires such that a tip end of each of the plurality of electric wires is exposed at a front surface of the housing. A tip end of each conductor of the plurality of electric wires protrudes from the front surface of the housing and is configured to be elastically deformable.

[0011] In this electrical connector, the tips of the conductors of the multiple electric wires are configured to protrude from the front surface of the housing and to be elastically deformable. With this configuration, when the electrical connector is mated with the mating connector, the multiple electric wires can be electrically and directly connected to the electrode pads. This allows the number of connection points between the electric wires of the electrical connector and the wiring on the board to be reduced. Furthermore, with the above configuration, the size of the electrode pads is reduced in the electrical connection between the conductors of the electric wires and the electrode pads. This makes the size of the electrode pads closer to the cross-sectional size of the electric wires. As a result, it is possible to reduce the change in characteristic impedance from the expected value and suppress deterioration of the transmission quality of the electrical signal. Furthermore, since the tips are elastically deformable, the tips of the multiple electric wires can be electrically and directly connected to the electrode pads when the distance between the tips and the electrode pads varies for each electric wire.

[0012] [2] In the electrical connector of [1] above, the tip may be bent so as to be elastically deformable, allowing a plurality of electric wires to be electrically and directly connected to the electrode pads.

[0013] [3] In the electrical connector of [2] above, the tip may be bent so as to be folded back in a V shape. In this case, the tip is elastically deformable in multiple directions, so that multiple electric wires can be electrically and directly connected to the electrode pads both when the electrode pads extend in a direction intersecting the first direction and when the electrode pads extend in the first direction.

[0014] [4] In the electrical connector of [1] above, the tip may extend in a spiral shape. In this case, when the tip contracts and contacts the electrode pad, a part of the tip of the conductor of the electric wire contacts the electrode pad while assuming a circular shape. This suppresses the displacement of the electric wire on the electrode pad. As a result, it becomes possible to more reliably electrically and directly connect the multiple electric wires to the electrode pad.

[0015] [5] In the electrical connector of [1] above, the tip may be formed in an annular shape so as to be elastically deformable. In this case, the tip is elastically deformable in a plurality of directions, so that a plurality of electric wires can be electrically and directly connected to the electrode pads both in the case where the electrode pads extend in a direction intersecting the first direction and in the case where the electrode pads extend in the first direction.

[0016] [6] In any one of the electrical connectors [1] to [5] above, the tip may be covered with a conductive layer. In this case, the thickness of the tip is increased and the rigidity of the tip is increased, so that the elastic modulus of the tip is increased. As a result, when the deformation amount of the tip is the same, the tip is pressed against the electrode pad with a stronger force than when the tip is not covered with the conductive layer. As a result, it is possible to more reliably electrically connect to the electrode pad.

[0017] [7] In the electrical connector of any one of [1] to [6] above, the holding portion may have a plurality of through holes each extending along the first direction and penetrating the housing. In this case, the plurality of through holes hold a plurality of electric wires, so that each tip can be positioned with respect to the electrode pad with higher accuracy. This makes it possible to suppress deterioration of the transmission quality of the electrical signal.

[0018] [8] In any one of the electrical connectors [1] to [7] above, the plurality of electric wires may be a plurality of electric wires of a flexible flat cable.

[0019] [9] A connection structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include any one of the electrical connectors described above in [1] to [8], and a substrate having a substrate body and a plurality of electrode pads provided on a main surface of the substrate body, to which the electrical connector is connected. The tip of each conductor of the plurality of electric wires may contact a corresponding electrode pad among the plurality of electrode pads in an elastically deformed state. According to this configuration, the plurality of electric wires are electrically and directly connected to the electrode pads. This makes it possible to reduce the number of connection points between the electric wires of the electrical connector and the wiring on the substrate. Also, according to the above configuration, the size of the electrode pad is reduced in the electrical connection between the conductor of the electric wire and the electrode pad. This makes the size of the electrode pad closer to the size of the cross section of the electric wire. From the above, it is possible to reduce the change in the characteristic impedance from the expected value and suppress the deterioration of the transmission quality of the electrical signal. Furthermore, since the tip is in contact with the electrode pad in an elastically deformed state, the tip of the plurality of electric wires can be electrically and directly connected to the electrode pad when the distance between the tip and the electrode pad varies for each electric wire.

[0020]

[10] In the connection structure of [9] above, the housing may further include a positioning structure for positioning the electrical connector relative to the substrate, and the substrate may further include a mating connector configured to be able to engage with the positioning structure. In this case, the position of the electrical connector is accurately positioned relative to the substrate, so that the tip is accurately positioned relative to the electrode pad. This makes it possible to more reliably realize that the tip physically contacts the electrode pad and is electrically connected. In addition, when the tip elastically deforms in the first direction and the substrate extends in a direction intersecting the first direction, the tip is sandwiched between the housing and the electrode pad in the first direction and the electrical connector and the substrate are fixed by a guide pin, thereby suppressing the elastic return of the tip. This makes it possible to maintain the state in which the tip physically contacts the electrode pad and is electrically connected.

[0021]

[11] In the connection structure of [9] or

[10] above, the housing may further have a pressing portion configured to be able to press the tip in a second direction intersecting the first direction. In this case, the elastic return of the tip is suppressed. This allows the tip to maintain a state in which it is in physical contact with the electrode pad and electrically connected.

[0022]

[12] A connection method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes the steps of preparing any one of the electrical connectors described in [1] to [8] above, preparing a substrate having a substrate body and a plurality of electrode pads provided on a main surface of the substrate body, and elastically deforming the tips of the conductors of the plurality of electric wires to contact the corresponding electrode pads among the plurality of electrode pads and connecting the electric connector to the substrate. This reduces the change in characteristic impedance from the expected value, thereby suppressing the deterioration of the transmission quality of the electrical signal. In addition, since the tips contact the electrode pads in an elastically deformed state, the tips of the plurality of electric wires can be electrically and directly connected to the electrode pads even when the distance between the tips and the electrode pads varies for each electric wire.

[0023] [Details of the embodiment of the present disclosure] Specific examples of electrical connectors and connection structures according to embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same elements or elements having the same functions will be designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted. Note that the present invention is not limited to these examples, but is indicated by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0024] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a connection structure 100 according to an embodiment. The connection structure 100 includes an electric connector 1 and a substrate 2. The substrate 2 extends along the YZ plane. The main surface 2b of the substrate 2 faces the electric connector 1 in the X direction. The substrate 2 is connected to the electric connector 1. Specifically, the substrate 2 includes a substrate body 2a, a mating connector 3, and a plurality of electrode pads 4. The mating connector 3 and the plurality of electrode pads 4 are provided on the main surface 2b of the substrate body 2a. A pair of mating connectors 3 are arranged to sandwich the plurality of electrode pads 4 in the Y direction. Four pairs of mating connectors 3 are arranged along the Z direction. The mating connector 3 may be a fitting portion configured to be able to fit with a guide pin 70, or may be configured to hold the guide pin 70 in an insertion hole. The plurality of electrode pads 4 are arranged in the Y direction and the Z direction, and correspond to a plurality of first electric wires 7 and a plurality of second electric wires 10, which will be described later, respectively.

[0025] Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing an electrical connector 1 according to one embodiment. Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the electrical connector 1 shown in Fig. 2. The electrical connector 1 includes a plurality of sub-connectors 5 and a frame body 6. The plurality of sub-connectors 5 are sandwiched by the frame body 6.

[0026] The sub-connector 5 includes a plurality of first electric wires 7, a plurality of second electric wires 10, a housing 20, and a pair of guide pins 70. The plurality of first electric wires 7 are integrated by a covering member 13 to form a flexible flat cable (FFC). Similarly, the plurality of second electric wires 10 are integrated by a covering member 14 to form an FFC. Note that the plurality of first electric wires 7 and the plurality of second electric wires 10 may be a plurality of electric wires of a cable, or may form a cable. In this case, the cable may be a cable in which the plurality of first electric wires 7 and the plurality of second electric wires 10 are assembled, and may be, for example, an assembled electric wire bundle.

[0027] The first electric wires 7 are members for transmitting power or electric signals, and are, for example, single-core electric wires. Each of the first electric wires 7 is either a signal wire 8 or a ground wire 9. In one example, the first electric wires 7 have five pairs (ten wires) of signal wires 8 and four pairs (eight wires) of ground wires 9. The signal wires 8 have a conductor 8a. The conductor 8a is a metal such as copper. When the electrical connector 1 is connected to the mating connector 3, the conductor 8a is directly connected to the electrode pad 4 provided on the substrate 2. The signal wires 8 may be insulated wires in which the conductor 8a is covered with an insulator, or may be bare wires in which the conductor 8a is exposed as is.

[0028] The ground wire 9 has a conductor 9a. The conductor 9a is, for example, a metal such as copper. For example, when the electrical connector 1 is connected to the mating connector 3, the conductor 9a is directly connected to an electrode pad 4 provided on the substrate 2. The ground wire 9 may be an insulated wire in which the conductor 9a is covered with an insulator, or may be a bare wire in which the conductor 9a is exposed as is. When the ground wire 9 is an insulated wire, part of the insulator of the insulated wire is removed to expose the conductor 9a.

[0029] The multiple first electric wires 7 each extend along the X direction. The multiple first electric wires 7 are arranged along the Y direction perpendicular to the X direction. In one example, a pair of signal lines 8 and a pair of ground lines 9 are arranged alternately along the Y direction. Adjacent pairs of signal lines 8 are configured to pass currents of opposite phases to each other, and transmit signals by differential transmission in which a signal is transmitted by a potential difference between the pair of signal lines 8. The distance between each conductor of the multiple first electric wires 7 (the distance between the centers) is, for example, 0.6 mm.

[0030] The second electric wires 10 are members for transmitting power or electric signals, and are, for example, single-core electric wires. Each of the second electric wires 10 is either a signal wire 11 or a ground wire 12. As an example, the second electric wires 10 have four pairs (eight wires) of signal wires 11 and five pairs (ten wires) of ground wires 12. The signal wires 11 have a conductor 11a. The conductor 11a is, for example, a metal such as copper. When the electrical connector 1 is connected to the mating connector 3, the conductor 11a is directly connected to the electrode pad 4 provided on the substrate 2. The signal wires 11 may be insulated electric wires in which the conductor 11a is covered with an insulator, or may be bare electric wires in which the conductor 11a is exposed as is.

[0031] The ground wire 12 has a conductor 12a. The conductor 12a is a metal such as copper. When the electrical connector 1 is connected to the mating connector 3, the conductor 12a is directly connected to an electrode pad 4 provided on the substrate 2. The ground wire 12 may be an insulated wire in which the conductor 12a is covered with an insulator, or may be a bare wire in which the conductor 12a is exposed as is. When the ground wire 12 is an insulated wire, part of the insulator of the insulated wire is removed to expose the conductor 12a.

[0032] The covering member 13 is a member that covers the portions of the first electric wires 7 except for the tip portions 7b and rear portions. The material of the covering member 13 is, for example, a resin such as polyester. A part of the covering member 13 that covers the tip portions 7b of the conductors 8a of the signal wires 8 and the tip portions 7b of the conductors 9a of the ground wires 9 has been removed. In other words, the tip portions 7b of the conductors 8a of the signal wires 8 and the tip portions 7b of the conductors 9a of the ground wires 9 are exposed from the covering member 13.

[0033] The covering member 14 is a member that covers the portions of the second electric wires 10 except for the tip portions 10b and rear portions. The material of the covering member 14 is, for example, a resin such as polyester. A part of the covering member 14 that covers the tip portion 10b of the conductor 11a of the signal line 11 and the tip portion 10b of the conductor 12a of the ground line 12 is removed. In other words, the tip portion 10b of the conductor 11a of the signal line 11 and the tip portion 10b of the conductor 12a of the ground line 12 are exposed from the covering member 14.

[0034] The housing 20 is a rectangular parallelepiped member that holds a plurality of first electric wires 7 and a plurality of second electric wires 10. The material of the housing 20 is formed from a resin such as polyphenylene sulfide (PPS). The housing 20 has a first surface 21, a second surface 22, a third surface 23, and a fourth surface 24. The first surface 21 and the second surface 22 are surfaces that extend in the Y direction and the Z direction. The second surface 22 is located on the opposite side of the first surface 21 in the X direction. The third surface 23 and the fourth surface 24 are surfaces that extend in the X direction and the Y direction. The fourth surface 24 is located on the opposite side of the third surface 23 in the Z direction.

[0035] The housing 20 further has a plurality of first through holes 25 (holding portions), a plurality of second through holes 26 (holding portions), and a pair of guide holes .

[0036] The first through hole 25 is a hole extending along the X direction and penetrating the housing 20. The first through hole 25 is open on the first surface 21 and the second surface 22. The shape of the first through hole 25 when viewed from the X direction is, for example, circular. In this embodiment, eighteen first through holes 25 are formed in the housing 20. The multiple first through holes 25 are lined up along the Y direction. The inner diameter of each first through hole 25 is the same as or slightly larger than the outer diameter of the conductor 8a of the signal line 8 and the outer diameter of the conductor 9a of the ground line 9. Either the conductor 8a of the signal line 8 or the conductor 9a of the ground line 9 is disposed inside each first through hole 25. The tip portion 7b of the first electric wire 7 is housed in each first through hole 25. Each first through hole 25 holds the tip portion 7b of the first electric wire 7. The ends 80 of the first electric wires 7 are exposed from the first through holes 25 on the first surface 21, respectively.

[0037] The second through hole 26 is a hole extending along the X direction and penetrating the housing 20. The second through hole 26 is open on the first surface 21 and the second surface 22. The shape of the second through hole 26 when viewed from the X direction is, for example, circular. In this embodiment, eighteen second through holes 26 are formed in the housing 20. The second through holes 26 are aligned along the Y direction. The second through holes 26 are aligned with the first through holes 25 along the Z direction. The inner diameter of each second through hole 26 is the same as or slightly larger than the outer diameter of the conductor 11a of the signal line 11 and the outer diameter of the conductor 12a of the ground line 12. Either the conductor 11a of the signal line 11 or the conductor 12a of the ground line 12 is disposed inside each second through hole 26. The tip portion 10b of the second electric wire 10 is accommodated in each second through hole 26. Each second through hole 26 holds a tip portion 10b of the second electric wire 10. Tips 80 of the second electric wires 10 are exposed from the second through holes 26, respectively, on the first surface 21.

[0038] The pair of guide holes 28 are holes penetrating the housing 20 along the X direction. The shape of the guide hole 28 when viewed from the X direction is circular. The pair of guide holes 28 are each configured to have a guide pin 70 inserted therein. For example, a pair of guide pins 70 are inserted into the inside of the pair of guide holes 28, respectively. The pair of guide holes 28 are formed to sandwich the multiple first through holes 25 and second through holes 26 in the Y direction. The inner diameter of the pair of guide holes 28 is formed to be larger than the inner diameter of each of the first through holes 25 and each of the second through holes 26.

[0039] The pair of guide pins 70 (positioning structures) are pins extending along the X direction. The guide pins 70 are structures for positioning the electrical connector with respect to the board 2. The material of the guide pins 70 is a metal such as stainless steel. Each guide pin 70 is located in each guide hole 28. The pair of guide pins 70 are provided so as to sandwich the first through holes 25 and the second through holes 26 in the Y direction. The guide pins 70 may be, for example, screws. When the sub-connector 5 is fitted to the mating connector 3, the pair of guide pins 70 are fitted to the mating connector 3, so that the positioning of each electric wire, etc. is performed. For example, the housing 20 is fixed to the mating connector 3 with a screw, so that the positioning of each electric wire, etc. is performed.

[0040] The plurality of sub-connectors 5 configured as described above are stacked along the Z direction and sandwiched by a frame body 6. The frame body 6 is an annular member. The material of the frame body 6 is, for example, a resin such as polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). The stacked plurality of sub-connectors 5 are located inside the frame body 6.

[0041] Next, the tips 80, 180, 280 of the first electric wires 7 and the second electric wires 10 will be described in detail with reference to parts (a), (b), and (c) of FIG. 4. Parts (a), (b), and (c) of FIG. 4 are schematic cross-sectional views taken along line IV-IV shown in FIG. 1, showing an example of the tips 80, 180, 280 of the first electric wires 7. In parts (a), (b), and (c) of FIG. 4, the other first electric wires 7 adjacent to the first electric wire 7, the other electrode pads 4 adjacent to the electrode pads 4, and the guide pins 70 are omitted for the sake of explanation. Hereinafter, an example of the tips 80, 180, 280 of the conductors 7a of the first electric wires 7 and a method for forming the tips 80, 180, 280 will be described, but the tips 80, 180, 280 of the conductors 10a of the second electric wires 10 have the same configuration and are formed in the same manner.

[0042] The tip 80 constitutes the tip of the conductor 7a of the first electric wire 7. The tip 80 protrudes from the first surface 21 (front surface) of the housing 20. The tip 80 includes a main body portion 81 and a deformation portion 82. The main body portion 81 extends along the X direction. The deformation portion 82 is continuous with the main body portion 81. The deformation portion 82 is configured to be elastically deformable in the X direction. In an elastically deformed state, the deformation portion 82 contacts a corresponding one of the multiple electrode pads 4.

[0043] In the example shown in part (a) of FIG. 4, the deformation portion 82 is bent so as to be elastically deformable in the X direction. The deformation portion 82 is bent so as to be folded back in a V shape when viewed from the Y direction. The deformation portion 82 includes a first portion 82a and a second portion 82b. The first portion 82a is continuous with the main body portion 81. The first portion 82a is inclined with respect to the X direction and the Z direction when viewed from the Y direction, and extends in a direction away from the main body portion 81 when viewed from the Z direction. The second portion 82b is continuous with the first portion 82a. The second portion 82b is inclined with respect to the X direction and the Z direction when viewed from the Y direction, and extends in a direction approaching the main body portion 81 when viewed from the Z direction.

[0044] The deformation portion 82 can be elastically deformed in the X-direction or the Z-direction. When the deformation portion 82 contracts in the X-direction and comes into contact with the electrode pad 4, the first electric wire 7 is electrically connected to the electrode pad 4. An angle θ1 between an extension line L1 of the main body 81 and a virtual line L2 indicating the direction in which the second portion 82b extends is greater than 0 degrees and smaller than 90 degrees. An angle θ2 between the first portion 82a and the second portion 82b is, for example, 30 degrees. The deformation portion 82 may be covered with a conductive layer 90 (see FIG. 5(c) described later). The magnitude of the external force required for the elastic deformation of the deformation portion 82 varies depending on the number of cores of the electric wire, the thickness of each electric wire, the exposed length of the tip 80 from the first surface 21, and the like.

[0045] Next, referring to part (a) of FIG. 5, a method for forming the tips 80 of the first electric wires 7 will be described in detail. First, as shown in part (a) of FIG. 5, the covering member 13 is removed to expose the tip portions 7b of the first electric wires 7. Next, the first electric wires 7 are inserted into the corresponding first through holes 25, and the tips 80 protrude from the first surface 21 of the housing 20. Next, as shown in part (b) of FIG. 5, the deformation portion 82 of the tip 80 at the tip portion 7b is formed by pressing. Finally, as shown in part (c) of FIG. 5, a conductive layer 90 is formed on the surface of the deformation portion 82 by plating. The conductive layer 90 may be formed by a method other than plating, for example, by disposing solder on the surface of the deformation portion 82. The conductive layer 90 may be formed of a material softer than a soft copper wire. By covering the tip 80 with the conductive layer 90, the thickness of the tip 80 increases, and therefore the rigidity of the tip 80 increases. Finally, by pulling the end portion of the first electric wire 7, the tip 80 of the first electric wire 7 is moved in a direction toward the first surface 21 of the housing 20, and the first electric wire 7 is fixed in the first through-hole 25. In this manner, the tips 80 of the multiple first electric wires 7 are formed to be elastically deformable and have spring properties. This ensures electrical connection (contact) between the tips 80 and the electrode pad 4. Note that the conductive layer 90 does not necessarily have to be formed.

[0046] The shape of the deformation part 82 of the tip 80 is not limited to the above. In the example shown in part (b) of FIG. 4, the deformation part 182 of the tip 180 is formed in a ring shape. The diameter of the deformation part 182 may be 2.0 times or more and 5.0 times or less, for example, 3.0 times, the width of the electrode pad 4 along the Z direction. The deformation part 182 is elastically deformable in the X direction or the Z direction. When the deformation part 182 deforms so as to contract in the X direction, the deformation part 182 deforms so as to contract the axis of the ring along the X direction. When the deformation part 182 deforms so as to contract in the Z direction, the deformation part 182 deforms so as to contract the axis of the ring along the Z direction. In addition, the deformation part 182 is formed by fixing the conductors 7a that cross when the tip parts 7b of the conductors 7a are used to create a ring, instead of the press processing in part (b) of FIG. 5. A conductive layer 90 may be formed on the surface of the deformation part 182, similar to the deformation part 82.

[0047] In the example shown in part (c) of FIG. 4, the deformation portion 282 of the tip 280 extends in a spiral shape centered on the X direction. The deformation portion 282 is a biasing member that is elastically deformable in the X direction. As an example, the deformation portion 282 has a spring shape. The width of the deformation portion 282 in the Z direction may be 0.5 to 2.0 times the width of the electrode pad 4 in the Z direction, for example, 1.0 times. A conductive layer 90 is formed on the surface of the deformation portion 282, similar to the deformation portion 82.

[0048] Next, a description will be given of a connection method for connecting the electrical connector 1 and the board 2. The connection method includes a step of preparing the electrical connector 1, a step of preparing the board 2, and a step of connecting the electrical connector 1 to the board 2.

[0049] First, in the step of preparing the electrical connector 1, a prefabricated electrical connector 1 is prepared. In addition, in the step of preparing the electrical connector 1, a plurality of first electric wires 7 may be inserted into each of the first through holes 25 and fixed. A plurality of second electric wires 10 may be inserted into each of the second through holes 26 and fixed. At this time, tips 80 of the plurality of first electric wires 7 and the plurality of second electric wires 10 may be formed.

[0050] Next, in the step of preparing the substrate 2, a prefabricated substrate 2 is prepared. In the step of preparing the substrate 2, a plurality of mating connectors 3 may be arranged or formed on the main surface 2b of the substrate body 2a, and a plurality of electrode pads 4 may be arranged or formed.

[0051] Finally, in the process of connecting the electrical connector 1 to the board 2, first, the tips 80 of the conductors 7a of the multiple first electric wires 7 and the conductors 10a of the multiple second electric wires 10 are brought into contact with the corresponding electrode pads 4 among the multiple electrode pads 4 while being elastically deformed. Then, the electrical connector 1 is connected to the board 2. Specifically, the first surface 21 of the electrical connector 1 and the main surface 2b of the board body 2a are brought close to each other. As a result, each tip 80 comes into contact with the corresponding electrode pad 4 in an elastically deformed state. Then, the guide pins 70 of the electrical connector 1 are inserted into the corresponding guide holes 28, and the guide pins 70 are fitted into the corresponding mating connectors 3 among the multiple mating connectors 3.

[0052] The effects of the electrical connector 1 according to the present embodiment will be described below. First, in the electrical connector according to the comparative example, a plurality of connection points between conductors are generated between the electric wires of the electrical connector and the wiring on the board on which the mating connector is provided. For example, in the electrical connector, a connection point is generated between the electric wires and the terminals. In the mating connector, a connection point is generated between the terminals of the mating connector and the wiring on the board. Between the electrical connector and the mating connector, a connection point is generated between the terminals. In such a case, at each connection point between the electric wires of the electrical connector and the wiring on the board, the electrical coupling state between the signal line and the ground line changes, and the characteristic impedance changes from the expected value. As a result, the transmission quality of the electrical signal may deteriorate.

[0053] In addition, at the connection points between conductors, the electric wires used for signal transmission are generally soldered between the connecting parts and the board via connecting parts that match the cross-sectional size of the electric wire to the board to which they are connected. In such cases, in the electrical connector according to the comparative example, the size of the electrode pads is larger than the cross-sectional sizes of the electric wire, the terminal, and the wiring. For example, the electrode pads may be configured as conductors with a wide width or a large area for the purpose of connecting with the electric wire. Therefore, the electrical coupling state between the signal line and the ground line changes at each connection point, and the characteristic impedance changes from the expected value. This may cause a deterioration in the transmission quality of the electrical signal.

[0054] In contrast, in the electrical connector 1 according to the present embodiment, the tip 80 of each conductor 7a of the first electric wires 7 and each conductor 10a of the second electric wires 10 protrudes from the first surface 21 of the housing 20 and is configured to be elastically deformable. With this configuration, when the electrical connector 1 is fitted to the mating connector 3, the first electric wires 7 and the second electric wires 10 can be electrically and directly connected to the electrode pads 4. This reduces the number of parts between the first electric wires 7 or the second electric wires 10 of the electrical connector 1 and the wiring on the board 2, so that the number of connection points between the conductors can be reduced. In addition, with the above configuration, the size of the electrode pads 4 is smaller in the electrical connection between the tip 80 of the first electric wires 7 or the second electric wires 10 and the electrode pads 4 than in the electrical connector according to the comparative example. As a result, the size of the electrode pads 4 approaches the size of the first electric wires 7 and the second electric wires 10. Specifically, the tip 80 of the first electric wire 7 or the second electric wire 10 is given spring properties in the electrical connection between the tip 80 and the electrode pad 4, and a connection method is realized by physical contact of the tip 80 with the electrode pad 4. As a result, the electrode pad 4 can be a small electrode pad for spring contact, not a large electrode pad for soldering. From the above, it is possible to reduce the change from the expected value of the characteristic impedance, and therefore it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the transmission quality of the electric signal. In particular, it is possible to realize high-quality transmission in signal transmission using a high-frequency signal. Furthermore, since the tip 80 is elastically deformable, when the distance between the tip 80 and the electrode pad 4 is different for each of the first electric wires 7 or the second electric wires 10, the tips 80 of the multiple first electric wires 7 and the multiple second electric wires 10 can be electrically and directly connected to the electrode pad 4 of the substrate 2.

[0055] In the electrical connector 1, the deformation portion 82 of the tip 80 is bent so as to be elastically deformable. In this case, the first electric wires 7 and the second electric wires 10 can be electrically and directly connected to the electrode pads 4.

[0056] In the electrical connector 1, the deformation portion 82 of the tip 80 is bent so as to be folded back in a V shape. In this case, the tip 80 is elastically deformable in the X and Z directions, so that the first electric wires 7 and the second electric wires 10 can be electrically and directly connected to the electrode pads 4 when the electrode pads 4 extend in the YZ plane and when the electrode pads 4 extend in the XY plane.

[0057] In the electrical connector 1, the deformation portion 182 of the tip 180 is formed in an annular shape so as to be elastically deformable. In this case, the tip 180 is elastically deformable in the X and Z directions, so that the first electric wires 7 and the second electric wires 10 can be electrically and directly connected to the electrode pads 4 when the electrode pads 4 extend in the YZ plane and when the electrode pads 4 extend in the XY plane.

[0058] In the electrical connector 1, the deformation portion 282 of the tip 280 extends in a spiral shape. In this case, when the tip 280 contracts and comes into contact with the electrode pad 4, a portion 282a (see part (c) of FIG. 5) of the tip 280 of the first electric wire 7 or the second electric wire 10 comes into contact with the electrode pad 4 while assuming a circular shape when viewed from the X direction. This suppresses positional deviation of the first electric wire 7 or the second electric wire 10 in the Y direction and the Z direction on the electrode pad 4. As a result, when the electrode pad 4 extends in the YZ plane, it becomes possible to more reliably electrically and directly connect the multiple first electric wires 7 and the multiple second electric wires 10 to the electrode pad 4.

[0059] In the electrical connector 1, the deformed portions 82, 182, 282 of the tips 80, 180, 280 are covered with the conductive layer 90. In this case, the thickness of the tips 80, 180, 280 increases, and the rigidity of the tips 80, 180, 280 increases, so that the elastic modulus of the deformed portions 82, 182, 282 increases. As a result, when the deformation amount of the deformed portions 82, 182, 282 is the same, the deformed portions 82, 182, 282 are pressed against the electrode pad 4 with a stronger force than when they are not covered with the conductive layer 90. As a result, it is possible to more reliably electrically connect to the electrode pad 4.

[0060] In the electrical connector 1, the first through holes 25 and the second through holes 26 each extend along the X direction and penetrate the housing 20, and hold the first electric wires 7 and the second electric wires 10, respectively. In this case, each tip 80 can be positioned with respect to the electrode pad 4 with higher accuracy. This makes it possible to suppress deterioration of the transmission quality of the electrical signal.

[0061] In the electrical connector 1, the magnitude of the external force required for the elastic deformation of the deformation parts 82, 182, 282 of the tips 80, 180, 280 is appropriate, sufficiently large and sufficiently small. To be more specific, the magnitude of the external force required for the elastic deformation of the deformation parts 82, 182, 282 of the tips 80, 180, 280 is sufficiently large. In this case, when the guide pin 70 of the electrical connector 1 is fitted into the mating connector 3 and the tip 80 of the first electric wire 7 or the second electric wire 10 physically contacts the electrode pad 4 on the substrate 2, the tips 80, 180, 280 are firmly fixed, so that the risk of misalignment in the Y direction and Z direction is reduced. This makes it possible to more reliably maintain the physical contact between the tip 80 and the electrode pad 4. As a result, it is possible to more reliably maintain the electrical connection between the tip 80 and the electrode pad 4. In addition, the magnitude of the external force required for the elastic deformation of the deformation parts 82, 182, 282 of the tips 80, 180, 280 is sufficiently small. In this case, when the electrical connector 1 and the substrate 2 are butted together, if the distance between the tips 80, 180, 280 and the electrode pads 4 varies for each of the tips 80, 180, 280, the tips 80, 180, 280 are deformed to have a length corresponding to the distance. That is, the tips 80, 180, 280 are deformed to absorb the flatness tolerance of the tips 80, 180, 280. This allows each tip 80, 180, 280 to be in more reliable physical contact with the corresponding electrode pad 4, and therefore more reliable electrical connection to the electrode pad 4.

[0062] The connection structure 100 according to the present embodiment includes an electric connector 1, a board 2 having a board body 2a and a plurality of electrode pads 4 provided on a main surface 2b of the board body 2a, and to which the electric connector 1 is connected. The tip 80 of each conductor 7a of the plurality of first electric wires 7 and each conductor 10a of the plurality of second electric wires 10 contacts the corresponding electrode pad 4 among the plurality of electrode pads 4 in an elastically deformed state. According to this configuration, the plurality of first electric wires 7 and the plurality of second electric wires 10 are electrically and directly connected to the electrode pad 4. This makes it possible to reduce the number of connection points between the first electric wire 7 or the second electric wire 10 of the electric connector 1 and the wiring on the board 2. Furthermore, according to the above configuration, the size of the electrode pad 4 is smaller in the electrical connection between the tip 80 of the conductor of the first electric wire 7 or the second electric wire 10 and the electrode pad 4, compared to the electric connector according to the comparative example. This makes the size of the electrode pad 4 closer to the cross-sectional size of the first electric wire 7 and the second electric wire 10. From the above, it is possible to reduce the change in the characteristic impedance from the expected value, and therefore to suppress the deterioration of the transmission quality of the electric signal. Furthermore, since the deformation portion 82 contacts the electrode pad 4 in an elastically deformed state, even if the distance between the tip 80 and the electrode pad 4 differs for each of the first electric wires 7 or the second electric wires 10, the tips 80 of the multiple first electric wires 7 and the multiple second electric wires 10 can be electrically and directly connected to the electrode pad 4.

[0063] In the connection structure 100, the housing 20 includes a guide pin 70 for positioning the housing 20 relative to the substrate 2. The substrate 2 includes a mating connector 3 configured to be able to fit with the positioning structure. In this case, the position of the housing 20 is accurately positioned relative to the substrate 2, so that the tips 80 of the first electric wire 7 and the second electric wire 10 are accurately positioned relative to the electrode pad 4. This makes it possible to more reliably realize that the tips 80 come into physical contact with the electrode pad 4 and are electrically connected. In addition, when the tips 80 elastically deform in the X direction and the substrate 2 extends along the YZ plane, the tips 80 are sandwiched between the housing 20 and the electrode pad 4 in the X direction and the electrical connector 1 and the substrate 2 are fixed by the guide pin 70, thereby suppressing the elastic return of the tips 80. This makes it possible to maintain the state in which the tips 80 are in physical contact with the electrode pad 4 and are electrically connected.

[0064] The connection method according to the present embodiment includes the steps of preparing an electric connector 1, preparing a board 2 having a board body 2a and a plurality of electrode pads 4 provided on a main surface 2b of the board body 2a, and connecting the electric connector 1 to the board 2 and elastically deforming the tips 80 of the conductors 7a of the first electric wires 7 and the conductors 10a of the second electric wires 10 to contact the corresponding electrode pads 4 among the plurality of electrode pads 4. This reduces the change from the expected value of the characteristic impedance, thereby suppressing the deterioration of the transmission quality of the electrical signal. In addition, since the tips 80 contact the electrode pads 4 in an elastically deformed state, when the distance between the tips 80 and the electrode pads 4 differs for each of the first electric wires 7 and the second electric wires 10, the conductors 7a of the first electric wires 7 and the tips 80 of the second electric wires 10 can be electrically and directly connected to the electrode pads 4.

[0065] The above provides a detailed description of the connection structure 100 and electrical connector 1 according to the present disclosure, but the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment and can be applied to various embodiments and modified examples.

[0066] In the above embodiment, the electrode pad 4 extends along the YZ plane, but may extend along the XY plane. Parts (a) and (b) of FIG. 6 are schematic cross-sectional views showing the tip 80 of the first electric wire 7 in the connection structure 100 according to the modified example. For example, as shown in parts (a) and (b) of FIG. 6, a plurality of plates 102 extending along the XY plane are provided on the main surface 2b of the substrate 2. Each electrode pad 4 is provided on the main surface 102a of each plate 102. In this case, the deformed portion 82 or the deformed portion 182 contracts in the Z direction and comes into contact with the electrode pad 4, so that the first electric wire 7 or the second electric wire 10 is electrically connected to the electrode pad 4.

[0067] In addition, in the connection structure 100 according to the above modification, the housing 20 may have a pressing portion 29 configured to be able to press the tip 80 in the Z direction. In this case, the elastic return of the tip 80 is suppressed. This allows the tip 80 to maintain a state in which it is in physical contact with the electrode pad 4 and electrically connected. For example, as shown in parts (a) and (b) of FIG. 7, the pressing portion 29 extends along the X direction on the first surface 21 of the housing 20. The pressing portion 29 has a rectangular shape when viewed from the Y direction, for example. The pressing portion 29 presses the deformation portions 82, 182 in the Z direction. In addition, the pressing portion 29 may be fixed to the main surface 102a of the plate 102 by a guide pin such as a screw.

[0068] In particular, in the example shown in part (a) of FIG. 7, the pressing portion 29 has a main body portion 29a and a step portion 29b. The main body portion 29a is provided on the first surface 21 of the housing 20 and extends along the X direction. The step portion 29b is located between the main body portion 29a and the first electric wire 7 or the second electric wire 10 and is continuous with the main body portion 29a. The step portion 29b extends along the X direction in a cross section intersecting with the Y direction and overlaps with the deformation portion 82 when viewed from the Z direction. In this case, the step portion 29b presses the first portion 82a and the second portion 82b of the deformation portion 82 in the Z direction. This suppresses the elastic return of the deformation portion 82 in the Z direction, so that the deformation portion 82 can maintain a state in which it is in physical contact with the electrode pad 4 and electrically connected thereto.

[0069] In the above embodiment, the deformable portion 82 is bent so as to be folded back in a V shape, but the shape of the deformable portion 82 may be other shapes. For example, the deformable portion 82 may be bent two or more times, for example, so as to be folded back in a W shape.

[0070] In the above embodiment, the electrical connector 1 includes a plurality of sub-connectors 5, but it is sufficient to include at least one sub-connector. In this case, the one sub-connector constitutes the electrical connector. [Explanation of symbols]

[0071] 100...Connection structure 1...Electrical connector 2...Substrate 2a…Board body 2b…main surface 3…Mating connector 4. Electrode pad 5...Sub-connector 6…Frame body 7…First wire 7a…conductor 7b...Tip 8…Signal line 8a…conductor 9…Ground wire 9a…conductor 10…Second electric wire 10a…conductor 10b...Tip 11...Signal line 11a…conductor 12…Ground wire 12a…Conductor 13...Covering material 14…Covering material 20. Housing 21…1st side (front) 22…Second side 23...Side 3 24…Side 4 25...1st through hole (holding part) 26…Second through hole (holding part) 28...Guide hole 29…Pressing section 29a…Main body part 29b…Step 70…Guide pin 80,180,280…Tip 81…Main body 82, 182, 282…Deformed part 82a…Part 1 82b…Second part 90...Conductive layer 102…board 102a…main surface 282a…partial θ1…Angle θ2…Angle

Claims

1. A plurality of electric wires each extending along a first direction; a housing having a plurality of holding portions that respectively hold the plurality of electric wires; the plurality of holding portions hold the plurality of electric wires such that tip ends of the plurality of electric wires are exposed at a front surface of the housing, an end of each conductor of the plurality of electric wires protrudes from a front surface of the housing and is configured to be elastically deformable,

2. The electrical connector according to claim 1 , wherein the tip is bent so as to be elastically deformable.

3. The electrical connector according to claim 2 , wherein the tip is bent so as to be folded back in a V shape.

4. The electrical connector of claim 1 , wherein the tip extends helically.

5. The electrical connector according to claim 1 , wherein the tip is formed into an annular shape so as to be elastically deformable.

6. 6. The electrical connector of claim 1, wherein the tip is coated with a conductive layer.

7. The electrical connector according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of holding portions are a plurality of through holes that extend along the first direction and penetrate the housing.

8. 6. The electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of electric wires are a plurality of electric wires of a flexible flat cable.

9. The electrical connector according to any one of claims 1 to 5, a substrate having a substrate body and a plurality of electrode pads provided on a main surface of the substrate body, the substrate being connected to the electrical connector; A connection structure, wherein the tip of each conductor of the plurality of electric wires contacts a corresponding one of the plurality of electrode pads in an elastically deformed state.

10. The housing further includes a positioning structure for positioning the electrical connector relative to the board, The connection structure according to claim 9 , wherein the substrate further comprises a mating connector configured to be matable with the positioning structure.

11. The connection structure according to claim 9 , wherein the housing further includes a pressing portion configured to be able to press the tip in a second direction intersecting the first direction.

12. Providing an electrical connector according to any one of claims 1 to 5; preparing a substrate having a substrate body and a plurality of electrode pads provided on a main surface of the substrate body; a step of elastically deforming the tip of each conductor of the plurality of electric wires to contact a corresponding one of the plurality of electrode pads and connect the electrical connector to the substrate.

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