Cable assembly and connection body

Abstract

To provide a cable assembly and a connection body capable of suppressing an increase in transmission loss.SOLUTION: A cable assembly includes a flat cable having ends of a plurality of conductors exposed from a coating, a ferrule that holds the flat cable with the ends of the plurality of conductors inserted into a plurality of insertion holes, and at least one conductive member that is attached to the ferrule end face and is electrically connected to each of the end faces of the plurality of conductors exposed from the ferrule end face. The conductive member includes an elastic body that is elastically deformable when subjected to a pressing force against the ferrule end face, and a conductive pattern formed on an outer surface of the elastic body. The conductive pattern includes a first portion disposed on the outer surface and contacting an end face of a conductor included in the plurality of conductors, a second portion disposed on the outer surface at a position away from the first portion, and a third portion extending on the outer surface to connect the first portion and the second portion.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to cable assemblies and connections. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a connector including a flat cable and a housing that holds the flat cable. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2019 / 208091 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the connector described above, the upper surface portions of the conductors are exposed at the tip of the flat cable, and the wiring portion provided in the housing contacts the upper surface portions of the conductors from above, electrically connecting the wiring and the conductors. However, in this configuration, a part of the signal propagating through the conductor may branch off at the connection point between the upper surface portions of the conductors and the wiring portion and propagate to the end face of the conductor. In this case, there is a risk of large transmission loss due to the influence of signal reflection at the end face of the conductor.

[0005] The present disclosure provides a cable assembly and a connection body capable of suppressing an increase in transmission loss. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A cable assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: a flat cable including a plurality of conductors arranged in parallel with each other and a coating covering the plurality of conductors, with ends of the plurality of conductors exposed from the coating; a ferrule including a ferrule end face and a plurality of insertion holes extending from the ferrule end face and arranged in parallel with each other, the ferrule holding the flat cable with the ends of the plurality of conductors inserted into the plurality of insertion holes, and at least one conductive member attached to the ferrule end face and electrically connected to each of the end faces of the plurality of conductors exposed from the ferrule end face, the conductive member including an elastic body that is elastically deformable when subjected to a pressing force against the ferrule end face, and a conductive pattern formed on an outer surface of the elastic body, the conductive pattern including a first portion arranged on the outer surface and in contact with the end faces of the conductors included in the plurality of conductors, a second portion arranged on the outer surface at a position spaced from the first portion, and a third portion extending on the outer surface to connect the first portion and the second portion. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the cable assembly and connection body of the present disclosure, an increase in transmission loss can be suppressed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side view showing a connector according to one embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded side view showing the connector of FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is an exploded side view showing the connector as viewed from an angle different from that of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the connector of FIG. [Diagram 5] Fig. 5(a) is a cross-sectional view of the connector taken along line A1-A1 in Fig. 4. Fig. 5(b) is a cross-sectional view of the connector taken along line A2-A2 in Fig. 4. Fig. 5(c) is a cross-sectional view of the connector taken along line A3-A3 in Fig. 4. [Figure 6] Fig. 6(a) is a plan view showing the conductive member of Fig. 3. Fig. 6(b) is a plan view showing the conductive member as viewed from the opposite side to that of Fig. 6(a). [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the tube of FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing an assembly process of the connector. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a step subsequent to that of FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a side view showing a connector according to a modified example. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a connection body according to a comparative example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] [Description of the embodiments of the present disclosure] First, the contents of the embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described.

[0010] (1) A cable assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a flat cable including a plurality of conductors arranged in parallel with each other and a coating covering the plurality of conductors, with ends of the plurality of conductors exposed from the coating, a ferrule including a ferrule end face and a plurality of insertion holes extending from the ferrule end face and arranged in parallel with each other, the ferrule holding the flat cable with the ends of the plurality of conductors inserted into the respective insertion holes, and at least one conductive member attached to the ferrule end face and electrically connected to each of the end faces of the plurality of conductors exposed from the ferrule end face, the conductive member including an elastic body elastically deformable when pressed against the ferrule end face, and a conductive pattern formed on an outer surface of the elastic body, the conductive pattern including a first portion arranged on the outer surface and in contact with the end faces of the conductors included in the plurality of conductors, a second portion arranged on the outer surface at a position spaced apart from the first portion, and a third portion extending on the outer surface to connect the first portion and the second portion. The first portion, the second portion, and the third portion may be integral.

[0011] The above cable assembly includes at least one conductive member electrically connected to each of the end faces of the conductors exposed from the ferrule end face. In this case, the end face of the conductor can be connected to the connection object via the conductive member, so that it is possible to suppress a situation in which a part of a signal propagating through the conductor is branched midway through the conductor. Therefore, it is possible to suppress an increase in transmission loss due to the occurrence of signal reflection at the end face of the conductor. Furthermore, in the above cable assembly, the conductive member includes an elastic body and a conductive pattern formed on the outer surface of the elastic body. According to this configuration, even if the end face is uneven, the conductive pattern can be more reliably brought into contact with the end face of the conductor by utilizing the deformation of the elastic body when connecting the ferrule end face to the connection object. This makes it possible to more reliably ensure conduction between the conductor and the conductive member. Furthermore, in the above cable assembly, the conductive pattern includes a first portion that contacts the end face of the conductor, a second portion that is disposed at a position away from the first portion on the outer surface, and a third portion that extends on the outer surface to connect the first portion and the second portion. Therefore, by bringing the second portion into contact with the connection portion of the connection object, the conductor of the flat cable can be electrically connected to the connection portion of the connection object via the conductive pattern. Therefore, in the above cable assembly, it is possible to suppress an increase in transmission loss of signals propagating through the conductor while ensuring electrical connection between the connection portion of the connection object and the conductor of the flat cable.

[0012] (2) The cable assembly described in (1) above includes one conductive member, and the conductive member includes a tube extending along the arrangement direction of the conductors as an elastic body, and includes a plurality of conductive patterns formed on the outer surface of the tube, and the plurality of conductive patterns may be arranged at intervals along the arrangement direction at positions on the outer surface corresponding to the conductors, respectively, and may be in contact with the end faces of the conductors. In this case, compared to the case where one conductive member is provided for each of the conductors, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a situation in which the stress applied to each conductor occurs when the ferrule end face is connected to the connection object. In other words, the contact pressure of each conductor is made uniform, so that the contact pressure of only a specific conductor does not become large. This makes it possible to suppress the variation in transmission loss of each conductor caused by the difference in contact pressure of each conductor.

[0013] (3) In the cable assembly described in (2) above, the tube may be cylindrical with both ends closed, and an inert liquid may be contained inside the tube. In this case, even if the distance between each conductor and each connection part of the connection object varies slightly when the conductors are electrically connected to the connection object via the conductive member, the force with which the tube presses each conductor and each connection part becomes uniform according to Pascal's principle. This suppresses the variation in transmission loss of each conductor caused by the difference in contact pressure of each conductor.

[0014] (4) In the cable assembly described in (3) above, the tube may include a pair of lids disposed at both ends to close both ends, and the pair of lids may be made of a material harder than the tube. In this case, the elastic force of the tube acts in a direction to bring each conductive pattern into contact with each connection portion of each conductor or connection object. This makes it possible to more reliably ensure conduction between the flat cable and the conductive member.

[0015] (5) In the cable assembly according to any one of (2) to (4) above, each of the plurality of conductive patterns may have an annular shape extending around the central axis of the tube along the outer surface, making it possible to easily bring each conductive pattern into contact with an end face of each conductor.

[0016] (6) In the cable assembly according to any one of (2) to (5) above, the conductive member may further include a plate-shaped frame into which the tube is fitted, the frame including a front surface having a first opening through which a first portion of the conductive patterns is exposed and a back surface having a second opening through which a second portion of the conductive patterns is exposed, the front surface being attached to the ferrule end face. In this case, the tube can be easily attached to the ferrule end face via the plate-shaped frame.

[0017] (7) In the cable assembly according to any one of (1) to (6) above, the ferrule may further include a ferrule side extending from the ferrule end face in the direction in which the conductors extend, and the ferrule side may be provided with an engagement portion capable of engaging with an object to be connected. In this case, the engagement portion can be used to position the ferrule and the object to be connected. This allows the conductive pattern to be more reliably brought into contact with the end face of the conductor when the ferrule end face is connected to the object to be connected. This allows the electrical continuity between the flat cable and the conductive member to be more reliably ensured.

[0018] (8) In the cable assembly according to any one of (1) to (7) above, the ferrule end face may have a recess formed therein that is recessed from the ferrule end face toward the opposite side to the conductive member, and the recess may be configured to accommodate at least a portion of the elastic body. In this case, the contact area of ​​the conductive member with the ferrule can be made larger than when the ferrule end face is a flat surface. This allows the conductive member to be more securely attached to the ferrule by utilizing the recess.

[0019] (9) In the cable assembly according to any one of (1) to (8) above, each of the end faces of the conductors may have a circular shape when viewed in the direction in which the conductors extend. In this case, it is possible to easily bring the conductive pattern into contact with the end face of the conductor.

[0020] (10) A connection body according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: a flat cable including a plurality of conductors arranged in parallel with one another and a coating covering the plurality of conductors, with ends of the plurality of conductors exposed from the coating; a ferrule including a ferrule end face and a plurality of insertion holes extending from the ferrule end face and arranged in parallel with one another, the ferrule holding the flat cable with the ends of the plurality of conductors inserted into the plurality of insertion holes; a connection object facing the ferrule end face, the connection object including a plurality of connection portions facing the end faces of the plurality of conductors, respectively; and at least one conductive member disposed between the ferrule end face and the connection object, electrically connecting each of the end faces of the plurality of conductors exposed from the ferrule end face to each of the plurality of connection portions, the conductive member including an elastic body that is elastically deformable when pressed against the ferrule end face, and a conductive pattern formed on an outer surface of the elastic body, the conductive pattern including a first portion disposed on the outer surface and in contact with the end faces of the conductors included in the plurality of conductors, a second portion disposed on the outer surface at a position spaced from the first portion and in contact with the connection portions included in the plurality of connection portions, and a third portion extending on the outer surface to connect the first portion and the second portion.

[0021] The above-mentioned connection body is obtained by connecting the above-mentioned cable assembly to an object to be connected, and has the above-mentioned functions and effects.

[0022] [Details of the embodiment of the present disclosure] Specific examples of the cable assembly and connection body of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. The present disclosure is not limited to these examples, but is defined by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted.

[0023] Fig. 1 is a side view showing a connection body 1 of this embodiment. Fig. 2 is an exploded side view showing the connection body 1. Fig. 3 is an exploded side view showing the connection body 1 viewed from an angle different from that of Fig. 2. As shown in Figs. 1 to 3, the connection body 1 includes, for example, a cable assembly 2 and a connection board 3 (an example of an "object to be connected"). For convenience, each drawing shows an XYZ orthogonal coordinate system in which the connection direction of the cable assembly 2 to the connection board 3 is the X-axis direction.

[0024] The cable assembly 2 includes, for example, a connector 30 and a conductive member 50. The connector 30 includes, for example, a ferrule 10 and a flat cable 20. The flat cable 20 is, for example, a flexible flat cable (FFC). The ferrule 10 holds an end of the flat cable 20 extending along the X-axis direction.

[0025] The ferrule 10 includes, for example, a ferrule end face 11, a ferrule side face 12, and a ferrule side face 13. The ferrule end face 11 is a face that intersects with the X-axis direction and is located at the tip of the ferrule 10 in the X-axis direction. The ferrule side faces 12 and 13 are faces that intersect with the Z-axis direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction and are aligned along the Z-axis direction. The ferrule side faces 12 and 13 extend from the ferrule end face 11 along the X-axis direction.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, a recess 11a is formed in the ferrule end face 11. The recess 11a is formed in the center of the ferrule end face 11 in the Z-axis direction, and extends linearly along the Y-axis direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction. When a plurality of conductors 23, which will be described later, are arranged in a row, the recess 11a is thus formed in the center of the ferrule end face 11 in the Z-axis direction. On the other hand, when a plurality of conductors 23 are arranged in two or more rows, the recess 11a is formed at a position shifted from the center. In a cross section of the ferrule 10 along an XZ plane perpendicular to the Y-axis direction, for example, the recess 11a has a curved shape recessed from the ferrule end face 11 to the opposite side to the conductive member 50. The recess 11a accommodates an upper portion 51A of a tube 51, which will be described later. An engagement portion 12a for engaging with an engaged portion 37, which will be described later, is formed in the ferrule side face 12.

[0027] FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the connector 30. FIG. 5(a) is a cross-sectional view of the connector 30 taken along the line A1-A1 in FIG. 4. FIG. 5(b) is a cross-sectional view of the connector 30 taken along the line A2-A2 in FIG. 4. FIG. 5(c) is a cross-sectional view of the connector 30 taken along the line A3-A3 in FIG. 4. As shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5(a), the ferrule 10 further includes a plurality of insertion holes 15. The insertion holes 15 are arranged at intervals along the Y-axis direction. The insertion holes 15 open to the ferrule end face 11. As shown in FIG. 5(a), the insertion holes 15 have, for example, a circular shape in the cross section of the ferrule 10 taken along the YZ plane perpendicular to the X-axis direction.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 5B and FIG. 5C, the flat cable 20 includes a plurality of conductors 23 and a coating 25. The plurality of conductors 23 are arranged at intervals along the Y-axis direction and extend along the X-axis direction. Therefore, in this embodiment, the X-axis direction may be an example of the extension direction in which the conductors 23 extend, and the Y-axis direction may be an example of the arrangement direction in which the conductors 23 are arranged. In each figure, for convenience, each conductor 23 is hatched with a dot pattern. The plurality of conductors 23 includes a plurality of first conductors 21 that function as operating electrodes and a plurality of second conductors 22 that function as ground electrodes. For example, two adjacent first conductors 21 and two adjacent second conductors 22 are alternately arranged along the Y-axis direction.

[0029] The coating 25 covers each conductor 23. The coating 25 functions as an insulating layer that ensures electrical insulation between the conductors 23. The end 23p of each conductor 23 is inserted into each insertion hole 15 while being exposed from the coating 25 (see FIG. 4). The end face 23a of each conductor 23 reaches a recess 11a formed in the ferrule end face 11 and is exposed from the recess 11a of the ferrule end face 11. The end face 23a of each conductor 23 has, for example, a circular shape when viewed in the X-axis direction. In addition to each conductor 23, the coating 25 may also be covered by the ferrule 10. In this case, the ferrule 10 is formed with a plurality of round holes (corresponding to the above-mentioned "plurality of insertion holes 15") through which the plurality of conductors 23 pass, and one wide hole through which the coating 25 (the insulating film portion of the flat cable 20) passes.

[0030] The coating 25 includes, for example, an insulating layer 25a, a shielding layer 25b, and a protective layer 25c. The insulating layer 25a is made of, for example, a two-layer film. Each conductor 23 is disposed between the two films of the insulating layer 25a. The insulating layer 25a may be formed by extruding a resin around the conductors 23. The shielding layer 25b is made of two metal shielding layers that sandwich the insulating layer 25a from above and below. For example, a metal (e.g., copper or aluminum) foil having a thickness of 5 μm to 20 μm can be used as the shielding layer 25b. The protective layer 25c is disposed so as to sandwich the shielding layer 25b from above and below. As shown in (c) of FIG. 5, from the viewpoint of preventing the end of the shielding layer 25b in the width direction from being exposed, the protective layer 25c is preferably wound so as to surround the shielding layer 25b. The layers that constitute the coating 25 are preferably bonded to each other by an adhesive. The shield layer 25b is connected to a ground circuit of a connected partner via, for example, a ground line or a shell.

[0031] 1 to 3, the conductive member 50 is disposed between the connector 30 and the connection board 3 in the X-axis direction. The conductive member 50 is attached to the ferrule end surface 11. The conductive member 50 is electrically connected to both the connector 30 and the connection board 3. Therefore, the connector 30 is electrically connected to the connection board 3 via the conductive member 50.

[0032] The connection board 3 includes, for example, a board body 31, a plurality of connection pads 33 (an example of a "connection portion"), and an engagement member 35. The plurality of connection pads 33 are arranged on a main surface 31a of the board body 31. As shown in FIG. 3, the connection pads 33 are arranged at intervals along the Y-axis direction on the main surface 31a. Each connection pad 33 is arranged at a position facing an end surface 23a of each conductor 23 of the connector 30 in the X-axis direction. Each connection pad 33 is electrically connected to the end surface 23a of each conductor 23 via a conductive member 50.

[0033] 1 and 2, the engaging member 35 includes, for example, a protruding portion 36 protruding in the X-axis direction from the main surface 31a of the substrate body 31, and an engaged portion 37 formed at the tip of the protruding portion 36. The engaged portion 37 engages with the engaging portion 12a formed on the ferrule side surface 12 in the X-axis direction. When the engaging portion 12a is engaged with the engaged portion 37 in the X-axis direction, the position of the ferrule 10 in the X-axis direction relative to the connection substrate 3 is fixed. For example, when the engaging portion 12a is a recess, the engaged portion 37 may be a convex portion that fits into the recess. For example, when the engaging portion 12a is a protrusion, the engaged portion 37 may be a concave portion that fits into the convex portion.

[0034] Fig. 6(a) is a plan view of the conductive member 50. Fig. 6(b) is a plan view of the conductive member 50 viewed from the opposite side to that of Fig. 6(a). Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a tube 51 included in the conductive member 50. As shown in Figs. 6(a), 6(b), and 7, the conductive member 50 includes, for example, a tube 51 (an example of an "elastic body"), a pair of cover portions 53, 53, a plurality of conductive patterns 55, and a frame body 57.

[0035] The tube 51 is, for example, a cylindrical elastic member extending along the Y-axis direction. The tube 51 is made of, for example, an elastic body such as rubber or elastic resin. The tube 51 has, for example, a cylindrical shape centered on a central axis CL of the tube 51 along the Y-axis direction. Both ends of the tube 51 along the Y-axis direction are open, and an inert liquid L (see Figs. 8 and 9 described later) is contained inside the tube 51. The inert liquid L may be filled inside the tube 51. The inert liquid L may be, for example, a fluorine-based inert liquid that is an organic solution containing fluorine. The fluorine-based inert liquid has high electrical insulation properties.

[0036] Both ends of the tube 51 are closed by a pair of lid portions 53, 53. Each lid portion 53 may be, for example, a disk-shaped member. Each lid portion 53 is made of a material harder than the tube 51. In other words, each lid portion 53 has a higher Young's modulus than the tube 51. The material of each lid portion 53 may be, for example, a metal or a resin. Each lid portion 53 may be, for example, made of a non-elastic body (rigid body) that does not have elasticity, rather than a deformable elastic body.

[0037] The plurality of conductive patterns 55 are formed on the outer peripheral surface 51a (one example of the "outer surface") of the tube 51. Each conductive pattern 55 is a wiring pattern having electrical conductivity. Each conductive pattern 55 may have elasticity that allows it to expand and contract in response to the elastic deformation of the tube 51. As shown in FIG. 3, each conductive pattern 55 is arranged at intervals along the Y-axis direction on the outer peripheral surface 51a so as to correspond to the arrangement of each conductor 23 of the flat cable 20. Each conductive pattern 55 faces the end surface 23a of each conductor 23 in the X-axis direction. Each conductive pattern 55 is in contact with the end surface 23a of each conductor 23 and is electrically connected to the end surface 23a of each conductor 23. Furthermore, each conductive pattern 55 faces each connection pad 33 in the X-axis direction. Each conductive pattern 55 is in contact with each connection pad 33 and is electrically connected to each connection pad 33.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 7, the conductive pattern 55 has, for example, a circular ring shape centered on the central axis CL. The conductive pattern 55 extends, for example, on the outer peripheral surface 51a so as to go around the central axis CL. The width W1 of the conductive pattern 55 in the Y-axis direction may be constant at each position along the outer peripheral surface 51a. The width W1 of the conductive pattern 55 in the Y-axis direction may be greater than, for example, the width W2 of the conductor 23 in the Y-axis direction (see FIG. 3). The conductive pattern 55 includes at least a conductor contact portion P1 (an example of a "first portion") that contacts the end surface 23a of the conductor 23, a pad contact portion P2 (an example of a "second portion") that contacts the connection pad 33, and an intermediate portion P3 (an example of a "third portion") that connects the conductor contact portion P1 and the pad contact portion P2. In FIG. 7, the conductor contact portion P1 and the pad contact portion P2 are indicated by a two-dot chain line.

[0039] The pad contact portion P2 is disposed at a position on the outer peripheral surface 51a away from the conductor contact portion P1 in the X-axis direction. For example, the pad contact portion P2 is disposed on the opposite side of the conductor contact portion P1 on the outer peripheral surface 51a. That is, the pad contact portion P2 is disposed at a position facing the conductor contact portion P1 in the X-axis direction across the central axis CL. The intermediate portion P3 extends so as to connect the conductor contact portion P1 and the pad contact portion P2 on the outer peripheral surface 51a. Therefore, the conductor 23 is electrically connected to the connection pad 33 via the conductor contact portion P1, the intermediate portion P3, and the pad contact portion P2. The conductive pattern 55 does not necessarily have to have a circular ring shape as long as it includes the conductor contact portion P1, the pad contact portion P2, and the intermediate portion P3, and may have a shape in which a part of the ring is missing, such as a semicircular arc shape.

[0040] The frame body 57 shown in (a) and (b) of FIG. 6 is, for example, a plate-like member having a rectangular outer shape when viewed from the X-axis direction. The frame body 57 includes a front surface 57a facing the ferrule end face 11 and a back surface 57b facing the connection board 3. A first opening 57c formed on the front surface 57a has a rectangular shape that is one size smaller than the outer shape of the frame body 57 when viewed from the X-axis direction. Similarly, a second opening 57d formed on the back surface 57b has a rectangular shape that is one size smaller than the outer shape of the frame body 57 when viewed from the X-axis direction. The tube 51 is fitted inside the frame body 57 by, for example, press-fitting.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 3, the thickness T1 of the frame body 57 in the X-axis direction is thinner than the thickness T2 of the tube 51 in the X-axis direction. The thickness T1 of the frame body 57 may be, for example, half or less of the thickness T2 of the tube 51. When the tube 51 is fitted into the frame body 57, an upper portion 51A of the tube 51 protrudes from the first opening 57c of the frame body 57, and a lower portion 51B of the tube 51 protrudes from the second opening 57d of the frame body 57. The upper portion 51A may be a part of the tube 51 located on one side of the central axis CL in the X-axis direction. The lower portion 51B of the tube 51 may be another part of the tube 51 located on the other side of the central axis CL in the X-axis direction. The upper portion 51A of the tube 51 protruding from the first opening 57c is accommodated in the recess 11a (see FIG. 1) of the ferrule end face 11. The upper portion 51A of the tube 51 being accommodated in the recess 11a means that at least a portion of the upper portion 51A of the tube 51 is disposed within the inner region of the recess 11a.

[0042] 6(a), when the tube 51 is fitted into the frame 57, a conductor contact portion P1 of the conductive pattern 55 formed on the upper portion 51A of the tube 51 is exposed from the first opening 57c. Therefore, the conductor contact portion P1 is disposed at a position protruding from the first opening 57c toward the recess 11a in the X-axis direction. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6(b), a pad contact portion P2 of the conductive pattern 55 formed on the lower portion 51B of the tube 51 is exposed from the second opening 57d. Therefore, the pad contact portion P2 is disposed at a position protruding from the second opening 57d toward the connection pad 33 in the X-axis direction.

[0043] 1, a surface 57a of the frame 57 is fixed to the ferrule end face 11. The method of fixing the frame 57 to the ferrule 10 is not particularly limited. For example, the surface 57a of the frame 57 may be fixed to the ferrule end face 11 by adhesion or welding, or may be fixed to the ferrule end face 11 by another method. An upper portion 51A of the tube 51 may be fixed to the recess 11a.

[0044] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the assembly process of the above-mentioned connection body 1. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a process subsequent to FIG. 8. When assembling the connection body 1, first, the conductive member 50 is attached to the ferrule end face 11 to obtain the cable assembly 2. In this state, the end face 23a of each conductor 23 held by the ferrule 10 is in contact with each conductive pattern 55 of the conductive member 50, and each conductor 23 and each conductive pattern 55 are electrically connected. When connecting the cable assembly 2 to the connection board 3, as shown in FIG. 8, in a state in which the ferrule end face 11 faces the main surface 31a of the connection board 3 via the conductive member 50 in the X-axis direction, the cable assembly 2 is brought close to the connection board 3, and the engaging portion 12a of the ferrule 10 is engaged with the engaged portion 37 of the connection board 3 in the X-axis direction. This determines the position of the cable assembly 2 relative to the connection board 3.

[0045] At this time, as shown in FIG. 9, each conductive pattern 55 of the conductive member 50 contacts each connection pad 33, and the conductive member 50 receives a reaction force from each connection pad 33. The tube 51 of the conductive member 50 receives the reaction force from each connection pad 33 as a pressing force against the ferrule end surface 11 and elastically deforms in the X-axis direction. As a result, each conductive pattern 55 contacts each connection pad 33 while the tube 51 shrinks in the X-axis direction. Here, as in this embodiment, when the tube 51 is filled with the inert liquid L, the pressure generated at one point due to the deformation of the tube 51 is transmitted to all parts of the tube 51 with the same force and acts perpendicularly to the outer circumferential surface 51a of the tube 51. Therefore, the pressing force from the conductive member 50 to each connection pad 33 is evenly distributed to each connection pad 33. As a result, each conductive pattern 55 contacts each connection pad 33 evenly. Through the above process, a connection body 1 in which each conductor 23 is electrically connected to each connection pad 33 via each conductive pattern 55 is obtained.

[0046] The effects obtained by the cable assembly 2 and the connection body 1 of the present embodiment described above will be described together with problems of the comparative example.

[0047] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a connection body 100 according to a comparative example. The connection body 100 includes a conductive member 150 between each conductor 123 of the connector 130 and each connection pad 155 of the connection board 103. The conductive member 150 is attached to the ferrule end face 111 and ensures electrical continuity between each conductor 123 exposed from the ferrule end face 111 and each connection pad 155. The conductive member 150 includes a support plate 151, a plurality of elastic springs 153, and a connection pad 155. Each elastic spring 153 is accommodated in each accommodation hole 151a formed in the support plate 151. One end of each elastic spring 153 contacts each connection pad 155 arranged on one surface of the support plate 151 so as to close each accommodation hole 151a. The other end of each elastic spring 153 contacts each conductor 123 of the connector 130. Each connection pad 155 contacts a corresponding connection pad 133 of the connection board 103. As a result, each conductor 123 is electrically connected to each connection pad 133 via the conductive member 150. Therefore, a signal propagating through the conductor 123 is provided from the ferrule end surface 111 of the connector 130 to the connection pad 133 of the connection board 103 via the elastic spring 153 and the connection pad 155.

[0048] When the conductive member 150 is interposed between the end face 123a and the connection pad 133, depending on the degree of unevenness of the end face 123a, it may be difficult to reliably bring the conductive member 150 into contact with the end face 123a. Therefore, it is conceivable to use the conductive member 150 having the elastic spring 153 that is both conductive and elastic, as in the case of the connection body 100.

[0049] However, when the elastic spring 153 is used as in the connection body 100, the inductance of the elastic spring 153 itself formed by a coil is large. Furthermore, in the connection body 100, between the conductor 123 and the connection pad 155, there are three connection points: a connection point P101 between the conductor 123 and the elastic spring 153, a connection point P102 between the elastic spring 153 and the connection pad 155, and a connection point P103 between the connection pad 155 and the connection pad 133. In this case, the attenuation of the signal becomes relatively large due to the contact resistance at each connection point. Therefore, in the connection body 100, it is difficult to suppress an increase in the transmission loss when a signal is transmitted from the conductor 123 to the connection pad 133 through the conductive member 150 while ensuring the conduction between the conductor 123 and the connection pad 133. Furthermore, in the connection body 100, there is a concern that the pressing force applied from the conductor 123 to the elastic spring 153 varies for each elastic spring 153, causing a change in the transmission characteristic of the signal.

[0050] In contrast, the cable assembly 2 of this embodiment includes a conductive member 50 including a tube 51 and a conductive pattern 55 formed on an outer peripheral surface 51a of the tube 51. Therefore, even if the end face 23a is uneven, when the ferrule end face 11 is connected to the connection board 3, the conductive pattern 55 can be more reliably brought into contact with the end face 23a by utilizing the deformation of the tube 51. This makes it possible to more reliably ensure the conduction between the conductor 23 and the conductive member 50. Furthermore, the conductive pattern 55 includes a conductor contact portion P1 that contacts the end face 23a, a pad contact portion P2 that contacts the connection pad 33, and an intermediate portion P3 that connects the conductor contact portion P1 and the pad contact portion P2. Therefore, the conductor 23 of the flat cable 20 can be electrically connected to the connection pad 33 of the connection board 3 via the conductive pattern 55.

[0051] Therefore, in this embodiment, unlike the connection body 100, the conduction between the conductor 23 and the connection pad 33 is ensured without using the elastic spring 153, so that it is possible to suppress a situation in which the transmission loss increases due to the magnitude of the impedance of the conductive member 50 itself. Furthermore, if the configuration is adopted in which the conduction between the conductor 23 and the connection pad 33 is ensured only via the conductive pattern 55, it is possible to suppress a situation in which the impedance mismatch between the conductor 23 and the connection pad 33 occurs, compared to a case in which a plurality of members such as the elastic spring 153 and the connection pad 155 are interposed between the conductor 23 and the connection pad 33. Furthermore, if the configuration is adopted in which the conductive pattern 55 is interposed between the conductor 23 and the connection pad 33, there are only two connection points between the conductor 23 and the connection pad 33: a connection point P11 between the conductor 23 and the conductive pattern 55 and a connection point P12 between the conductive pattern 55 and the connection pad 33 (see FIG. 9). In this case, the risk of non-contact portions or portions with high electrical resistance between the members at each of the connection points P11 and P12 can be reduced compared to a case where there are three connection points P101, P102, and P103 as in the connection body 100. This makes it possible to more reliably ensure electrical continuity between the conductor 23 and the connection pad 33. As a result, in this embodiment, it is possible to suppress an increase in transmission loss of signals propagating through the conductor 23 while ensuring electrical connection between the connection pad 33 of the connection board 3 and the conductor 23 of the flat cable 20.

[0052] As in this embodiment, the conductive member 50 may include a plurality of conductive patterns 55 formed on the outer peripheral surface 51a of the tube 51. The plurality of conductive patterns 55 may be in contact with the end faces 23a of the plurality of conductors 23, respectively. In this case, compared to the case where one conductive member 50 is provided for each of the plurality of conductors 23, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a situation in which the stress applied to each conductor 23 varies when the ferrule end face 11 is connected to the connection board 3. In other words, the contact pressure of each conductor 23 is made uniform, so that the contact pressure of only a specific conductor 23 does not become large. This makes it possible to suppress the variation in the transmission loss of each conductor 23 caused by the difference in the contact pressure of each conductor 23.

[0053] As in this embodiment, an inert liquid L may be contained inside the tube 51. In this case, when each conductor 23 is connected to the connection board 3 via the conductive member 50, even if the distance between each conductor 23 and each connection pad 33 of the connection board 3 varies slightly, the force with which the tube 51 presses each conductor 23 and each connection pad 33 becomes uniform according to Pascal's principle. This makes it possible to suppress variations in the transmission loss of each conductor 23 caused by differences in the contact pressure of each conductor 23.

[0054] As in this embodiment, the pair of lids 53, 53 may be made of a material harder than the tube 51. In this case, the elastic force of the tube 51 acts in a direction that more reliably brings each conductive pattern 55 into contact with each conductor 23 or each connection pad 33. This makes it possible to more reliably ensure conduction between the flat cable 20 and the conductive member 50.

[0055] As in the present embodiment, each of the plurality of conductive patterns 55 may have an annular shape extending around the central axis CL of the tube 51 along the outer circumferential surface 51a. In this case, it is possible to easily bring each conductive pattern 55 into contact with the end surface 23a of each conductor 23.

[0056] As in the present embodiment, the conductive member 50 may include a plate-shaped frame 57 into which the tube 51 is fitted, and a surface 57a of the frame 57 may be attached to the ferrule end surface 11. In this case, the tube 51 can be easily attached to the ferrule end surface 11 via the plate-shaped frame 57.

[0057] As in this embodiment, the ferrule side surface 12 may be provided with an engagement portion 12a that can engage with the connection board 3. In this case, the engagement portion 12a can be used to position the ferrule 10 and the connection board 3. This allows the conductive pattern 55 to be more reliably brought into contact with the end face 23a of the conductor 23 when the ferrule end face 11 is connected to the connection board 3. This allows the electrical continuity between the flat cable 20 and the conductive member 50 to be more reliably ensured.

[0058] As in this embodiment, the recess 11a of the ferrule end face 11 may be configured to be able to accommodate at least a portion of the tube 51. In this case, the contact area of ​​the conductive member 50 with the ferrule 10 can be made larger than when the ferrule end face 11 is a flat surface. This makes it possible to more reliably attach the conductive member 50 to the ferrule 10 by utilizing the recess 11a.

[0059] As in the present embodiment, each of the end faces 23a of the conductors 23 may have a circular shape when viewed in the X-axis direction. In this case, it is possible to easily bring each conductive pattern 55 into contact with the end face 23a of each conductor 23.

[0060] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various other modifications are possible. Fig. 10 is a side view of a connection body 1A according to a modified example. Unlike the connection body 1A, the conductive member 50A does not need to include a frame body 57. In this case, the tube 51 is fixed to the recess 11a of the ferrule end surface 11. Even with the configuration shown in Fig. 10, the same effect as the above-described embodiment can be obtained.

[0061] In the above-described embodiment, a connection board is exemplified as the "connection object". However, the "connection object" is not limited to a connection board, and may be, for example, another connection part such as a receptacle, as long as it is an object that can be electrically connected to the "cable assembly". In the above-described embodiment, a case in which the "conductive member" is attached to a ferrule is exemplified. However, the "conductive member" may be attached to the "connection object". In the above-described embodiment, a case in which the "cable assembly" includes one "conductive member" is exemplified. However, the "cable assembly" may include multiple "conductive members". In this case, the multiple "conductive members" may be disposed one by one between the end surface of each conductor of the flat cable and each connection part of the connection object. In this case, each of the multiple "conductive members" may include, for example, a rubber ball as an "elastic body", and a conductive pattern may be formed on the outer surface of the rubber ball. [Explanation of symbols]

[0062] 1,1A,100…connector 2...Cable assembly 3...Connection board (an example of an "object to be connected") 10…Ferrule 11,111…Ferrule end face 11a…recess 12,13…Ferrule side 12a...Engagement part 15…Insertion hole 20…Flat cable 21…First conductor 22...Second conductor 23,123…Conductor 23a, 123a...end face 23p...end 25…Covering 30,130…Connector 31a…main surface 33...Connection pad (an example of a "connection part") 35...Engagement member 36...Protrusion 37...Engaged part 50, 50A, 150...Conductive material 51...Tube (an example of an "elastic body") 51a...Outer surface (an example of the "outer surface") 53...Lid part 55...Conductive pattern 57…Frame body 57a…Surface 57b…Back side 57c…first opening 57d…Second opening 103...Connection board 133,155…Connection pad 151...Support plate 151a…Housing hole 153...Elastic spring CL…Central axis L…Inert liquid P1: Conductor contact part (an example of the "first part") P2: Pad contact part (an example of the "second part") P3: Middle part (an example of the "third part") P11, P12, P101, P102, P103...Connection points W1, W2…Width

Claims

1. a flat cable including a plurality of conductors arranged in parallel with each other and a coating covering the plurality of conductors, with ends of the plurality of conductors exposed from the coating; a ferrule including a ferrule end surface and a plurality of insertion holes extending from the ferrule end surface and arranged in parallel with one another, the ferrule holding the flat cable with the ends of the plurality of conductors inserted into the respective insertion holes; at least one conductive member attached to the ferrule end surface and electrically connected to each of the end surfaces of the plurality of conductors exposed from the ferrule end surface; Equipped with The conductive member is an elastic body that is elastically deformable when subjected to a pressing force against the ferrule end face; A conductive pattern formed on an outer surface of the elastic body; Including, The conductive pattern is a first portion disposed on the outer surface and contacting the end surface of a conductor included in the plurality of conductors; a second portion disposed on the outer surface at a position spaced apart from the first portion; a third portion extending to connect the first portion and the second portion on the outer surface; A cable assembly comprising:

2. A conductive member is provided, the conductive member includes a tube as the elastic body extending along an arrangement direction of the plurality of conductors, and includes a plurality of the conductive patterns formed on the outer surface of the tube; The conductive patterns are arranged at intervals along the arrangement direction at positions on the outer surface corresponding to the conductors, and are in contact with the end faces of the conductors, respectively. The cable assembly of claim 1 .

3. The tube has a cylindrical shape with both ends closed, An inert liquid is contained inside the tube. The cable assembly of claim 2.

4. the tube includes a pair of caps disposed at both ends so as to close the both ends, The pair of lid portions are made of a material harder than the tube. The cable assembly according to claim 3.

5. Each of the plurality of conductive patterns has an annular shape extending around a central axis of the tube along the outer surface. The cable assembly according to any one of claims 2 to 4.

6. the conductive member further includes a plate-shaped frame into which the tube is fitted, The frame body is a surface having first openings through which the first portions of the plurality of conductive patterns are exposed; and a back surface having second openings through which the second portions of the conductive patterns are exposed; and Including, the surface is attached to the ferrule end face; The cable assembly according to any one of claims 2 to 4.

7. the ferrule further includes a ferrule side surface extending from the ferrule end surface along an extension direction of the plurality of conductors, An engagement portion capable of engaging with a connection object is provided on a side surface of the ferrule. The cable assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

8. a recess is formed in the ferrule end face so as to be recessed from the ferrule end face toward an opposite side to the conductive member, The recess is configured to be able to accommodate at least a portion of the elastic body. The cable assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

9. Each of the end surfaces of the plurality of conductors has a circular shape when viewed in an extension direction of the plurality of conductors. The cable assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

10. a flat cable including a plurality of conductors arranged in parallel with each other and a coating covering the plurality of conductors, with ends of the plurality of conductors exposed from the coating; a ferrule including a ferrule end surface and a plurality of insertion holes extending from the ferrule end surface and arranged in parallel with one another, the ferrule holding the flat cable with the ends of the plurality of conductors inserted into the respective insertion holes; a connection object including a plurality of connection portions facing the end faces of the plurality of conductors, respectively, and facing the ferrule end face; at least one conductive member disposed between the ferrule end face and the connection object, electrically connecting each of the end faces of the plurality of conductors exposed from the ferrule end face to each of the plurality of connection portions; Equipped with The conductive member is an elastic body that is elastically deformable when subjected to a pressing force against the ferrule end face; A conductive pattern formed on an outer surface of the elastic body; Including, The conductive pattern is a first portion disposed on the outer surface and contacting the end surface of a conductor included in the plurality of conductors; a second portion disposed at a position spaced apart from the first portion on the outer surface and in contact with a connection portion included in the plurality of connection portions; a third portion extending to connect the first portion and the second portion on the outer surface; A connection body including:

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