Flat cable with electric connector

Abstract

To provide a flat cable with a flat cable with an electric connector capable of preventing a deterioration of communication performance.SOLUTION: A flat cable with a flat cable with an electric connector includes: a first flat cable having a first signal line and a first ground line; a first ferrule holding a first tip region; a second flat cable having a second signal line and a second ground line; a second ferrule holding a second tip region; and a shell arranged so as to surround the first ferrule and the second ferrule. The shell includes: a frame body arranged outside the first ferrule and the second ferrule; and a plate arranged between the first ferrule and the second ferrule while electrically connected to the frame body. The plate includes: a body part positioned between the first signal line and the second signal line; and a connection part electrically connected to each of the body part, the first ground line and the second ground.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a flat cable with an electrical connector. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art There is known an electrical connector that includes a cable having a plurality of signal lines and a plurality of ground lines, and a housing provided in a tip region of the cable (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [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] The above-mentioned electrical connector may include multiple cables adjacent to each other. In such a case, noise may be generated due to interference between the signals of the cables, which may result in a decrease in the communication performance of the electrical connector.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a flat cable with an electric connector that can suppress degradation of communication performance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The flat cable with electrical connector of the present disclosure comprises a first flat cable having a first signal wire that is a conductor and a first ground wire that is a conductor, a first ferrule that surrounds a first tip region of the first flat cable and holds the first tip region, a second flat cable having a second signal wire that is a conductor and a second ground wire that is a conductor, a second ferrule that surrounds a second tip region of the second flat cable and holds the second tip region, and a shell made of metal and arranged to surround the first ferrule and the second ferrule, wherein the shell has a frame body arranged on the outside of the first ferrule and the second ferrule, and a plate arranged between the first ferrule and the second ferrule and electrically connected to the frame body, and the plate includes a main body portion located between the first signal wire and the second signal wire, and a connecting portion electrically connected to each of the main body portion, the first ground wire, and the second ground. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a flat cable with an electric connector that can suppress deterioration of communication performance. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view of a flat cable with an electric connector according to one embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the flat cable with electric connector taken along line II-II shown in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the flat cable taken along line III-III shown in FIG. [Figure 4] 4 is a cross-sectional view of the flat cable and the dielectric constant adjusting sheet taken along the line IV-IV shown in FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a partially enlarged view of the flat cable with electrical connector shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a partially enlarged view of the flat cable with electrical connector shown in FIG. [Figure 7]FIG. 7 is a front view of a flat cable with an electric connector according to a modified example. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view of a flat cable according to a modified 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] The flat cable with electric connector of the present disclosure is: [1] "a flat cable with electric connector comprising: a first flat cable having a first signal wire which is a conductor and a first ground wire which is a conductor; a first ferrule which surrounds a first tip region of the first flat cable and holds the first tip region; a second flat cable having a second signal wire which is a conductor and a second ground wire which is a conductor; a second ferrule which surrounds a second tip region of the second flat cable and holds the second tip region; and a shell made of metal and arranged to surround the first ferrule and the second ferrule, wherein the shell has a frame body arranged on the outside of the first ferrule and the second ferrule, and a plate which is arranged between the first ferrule and the second ferrule and is electrically connected to the frame body, the plate including a main body portion located between the first signal wire and the second signal wire, and a coupling portion electrically connected to each of the main body portion, the first ground wire, and the second ground."

[0011] In the flat cable with electrical connectors described in [1] above, a main body is disposed between the first signal wire of the first flat cable and the second signal wire of the second flat cable, and the first ground wire of the first flat cable and the second ground wire of the second flat cable are electrically connected to the main body via a connecting portion. As a result, when the shell is electrically connected to the ground, the ground potentials around the first signal wire of the first flat cable and the second signal wire of the second flat cable are made common, thereby reducing noise caused by signal interference between the first signal wire and the second signal wire. Therefore, this flat cable with electrical connectors can suppress deterioration of communication performance.

[0012] The flat cable with electric connector of the present disclosure may be [2] "the flat cable with electric connector described in [1] above, in which the connecting portion is provided at the tip of the main body portion, the tip surface of the first flat cable is located on substantially the same plane as the tip surface of the first ferrule, the connecting portion is located on the inner side of the first ferrule than the tip surface of the first ferrule, the tip surface of the second flat cable is located on substantially the same plane as the tip surface of the second ferrule, and the connecting portion is located on the inner side of the second ferrule than the tip surface of the second ferrule." In this case, since the tip surface of the first flat cable is located on substantially the same plane as the tip surface of the first ferrule and the tip surface of the second flat cable is located on substantially the same plane as the tip surface of the second ferrule, the first flat cable and the second flat cable can be suitably connected to the mating connector by connecting the tip surface of the first ferrule and the tip surface of the second ferrule to the mating connector. In addition, since the connecting portion is located inside the first ferrule relative to the tip surface of the first ferrule, and is located inside the second ferrule relative to the tip surface of the second ferrule, the connecting portion is prevented from interfering with the connection of the flat cable with electrical connector to the mating connector.

[0013] The flat cable with electric connectors of the present disclosure may be [3] "the flat cable with electric connectors described in [1] or [2] above, further comprising a first dielectric constant adjustment sheet and a second dielectric constant adjustment sheet, the first flat cable further having a first coating covering the first signal line and the first ground wire such that a tip region of the first signal line and a tip region of the first ground wire are exposed, the second flat cable further having a second coating covering the second signal line and the second ground wire such that a tip region of the second signal line and a tip region of the second ground wire are exposed, the first dielectric constant adjustment sheet covers the tip region of the first signal line and the tip region of the first ground wire, the second dielectric constant adjustment sheet covers the tip region of the second signal line and the tip region of the second ground wire, and the connecting portion of the plate penetrates a portion of the first dielectric constant adjustment sheet and the second dielectric constant adjustment sheet, respectively, and is electrically connected to the first ground wire and the second ground wire." In this case, the dielectric constant around each of the first signal line and the second signal line is appropriately adjusted, thereby improving the communication performance of the flat cable with electric connector.

[0014] The flat cable with electric connector of the present disclosure may be [4] "the flat cable with electric connector described in [3] above, in which the first dielectric constant adjustment sheet has a pair of sheets that sandwich the first signal line and the first ground line, and the second dielectric constant adjustment sheet has a pair of sheets that sandwich the second signal line and the second ground line." In this case, the first flat cable and the second flat cable can be easily manufactured.

[0015] The flat cable with electric connector of the present disclosure may be [5] "the flat cable with electric connector according to the above [3] or [4], wherein the first coating has a pair of sheets that sandwich the first signal wire and the first ground wire, and the second coating has a pair of sheets that sandwich the second signal wire and the second ground wire." In this case, impedance matching in the first tip region of the first flat cable and impedance matching in the second tip region of the second flat cable are facilitated.

[0016] The flat cable with electric connector of the present disclosure may be [6] "the flat cable with electric connector according to any one of the above [3] to [5], in which the first dielectric constant adjustment sheet and the first covering in the first end region of the first flat cable are surrounded by the first ferrule, and the second dielectric constant adjustment sheet and the second covering in the second end region of the second flat cable are surrounded by the second ferrule." In this case, the first dielectric constant adjustment sheet can be reliably held by the first ferrule, and the second dielectric constant adjustment sheet can be reliably held by the second ferrule.

[0017] The flat cable with electric connector of the present disclosure may be [7] "The flat cable with electric connector according to any one of [3] to [6] above, wherein the first coating of the first flat cable has a first shield layer having electrical conductivity, and the second coating of the second flat cable has a second shield layer having electrical conductivity, and each of the first shield layer and the second shield layer is electrically connected to the shell." In this case, when the shell is electrically connected to the ground, the ground potentials around the first signal line of the first flat cable and the second signal line of the second flat cable are made common, thereby reducing noise caused by signal interference between the first signal line and the second signal line.

[0018] The flat cable with electric connector of the present disclosure may be [8] "the flat cable with electric connector according to any one of [1] to [7] above, in which the first end region of the first flat cable is bent inside the first ferrule, and the second end region of the second flat cable is bent inside the second ferrule." In this case, the degree of freedom in arranging the flat cable with electric connector is improved.

[0019] [Details of the embodiment of the present disclosure] Specific examples of the flat cable with electrical connector 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.

[0020] Fig. 1 is a front view of the flat cable with electric connector of this embodiment. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the flat cable with electric connector taken along line II-II shown in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the flat cable with electric connector 1 includes a first flat cable 2, a first ferrule 3, a first dielectric constant adjusting sheet 24, a second flat cable 4, a second ferrule 5, a second dielectric constant adjusting sheet 44, and a shell 6.

[0021] The first flat cable 2 is, for example, a flexible flat cable (FFC). The first flat cable 2 has a plurality of first signal lines 21, a plurality of first ground lines 22, and a first coating 23. The first signal line 21 and the first ground line 22 are conductors. The first signal line 21 and the first ground line 22 extend along the Y-axis direction. Each of the first signal line 21 and the first ground line 22 has, for example, a circular shape in a cross section along the XZ plane. The material of each of the first signal line 21 and the first ground line 22 is, for example, copper or a copper alloy. The arrangement of each of the first signal line 21 and the first ground line 22 is appropriately determined depending on the signal to be transmitted. In this embodiment, two first signal lines 21 are arranged in parallel to transmit a differential signal. In this embodiment, the first ground lines 22 are arranged on both sides of the two first signal lines 21 (differential signal line pair).

[0022] The first coating 23 bundles the first signal wires 21 and the first ground wires 22. The first coating 23 partially covers each of the first signal wires 21 and each of the first ground wires 22. Specifically, the first ground wire 22 includes a coating region 22b and a tip region 22c. The coating region 22b is covered by the first coating 23. The tip region 22c is a region of the first ground wire 22 that includes the tip surface 22a of the first ground wire 22. The tip region 22c is exposed from the first coating 23. Like the first ground wire 22, each of the first signal wires 21 includes a coating region 21b (see FIG. 3) covered by the first coating 23 and a tip region 21c (see FIG. 4) exposed from the first coating 23.

[0023] The first dielectric constant adjusting sheet 24 covers the tip region 22c of each of the first ground wires 22. That is, the first dielectric constant adjusting sheet 24 covers the tip region 22c of the first ground wire 22 that is not covered by the first coating 23. The region of the first ground wire 22 that is covered by the first dielectric constant adjusting sheet 24 is the tip region 22c. In this embodiment, the entire side surface of the first ground wire 22 is covered by the first coating 23 and the first dielectric constant adjusting sheet 24. The tip surface 22a of the first ground wire 22 is exposed from the first dielectric constant adjusting sheet 24. In other words, the tip surface 22a of the first ground wire 22 is not covered by the first dielectric constant adjusting sheet 24. The tip region 21c (see FIG. 4) of each of the first signal wires 21 is covered by the first dielectric constant adjusting sheet 24, similar to the tip region 22c of the first ground wire 22. The main component of the first dielectric constant adjusting sheet 24 is, for example, polypropylene, etc. The relative dielectric constant of the first dielectric constant adjusting sheet 24 is 0.9 to 1.1 times the relative dielectric constant of the first coating 23.

[0024] The first ferrule 3 surrounds the first tip region 2b of the first flat cable 2. Specifically, the first ferrule 3 includes a tip face 3a, a rear end face 3b, a side face 3d, and an insertion hole 3c. The tip face 3a and the rear end face 3b are flat faces intersecting with the Y-axis direction. The rear end face 3b faces the opposite side to the tip face 3a. The side face 3d is one of the flat faces intersecting with the Z-axis direction. The insertion hole 3c opens at each of the tip face 3a and the side face 3d. The insertion hole 3c is curved inside the first ferrule 3. The insertion hole 3c includes a region that extends along the Y-axis direction and opens at the tip face 3a, and a region that extends along the Z-axis direction and opens at the side face 3d.

[0025] The first tip region 2b of the first flat cable 2 is inserted into the insertion hole 3c. In other words, the region of the first flat cable 2 that is inserted into the insertion hole 3c is the first tip region 2b. In this embodiment, the region of the first flat cable 2 that is located between the tip face 3a and the side face 3d of the first ferrule 3 is the first tip region 2b.

[0026] The tip surface of the first signal line 21 and the tip surface 22a of the first ground line 22 are exposed from the first ferrule 3. The tip surface of the first signal line 21 and the tip surface 22a of the first ground line 22 are located on substantially the same plane as the tip surface 3a of the first ferrule 3. "Substantially the same" includes not only "completely the same" but also "same within a certain margin of error". The certain margin of error is, for example, about several μm. The tip surface of the first signal line 21 and the tip surface 22a of the first ground line 22 may protrude or recede from the tip surface 3a of the first ferrule 3 within a range in which the first signal line 21 and the first ground line 22 can be electrically connected to a conductor of a mating connector (receptacle). In this embodiment, for example, the tip surface of the first signal line 21 and the tip surface 22a of the first ground line 22 protrude from the tip surface 3a of the first ferrule 3. The portions of the first signal line 21 and the first ground line 22 protruding from the tip face 3a of the first ferrule 3 may be electrically connected to the conductor of the mating connector while being introduced into the inside of the mating connector when the tip face 3a of the first ferrule 3 and the tip face of the mating connector come into contact with each other.

[0027] The first tip region 2b of the first flat cable 2 is disposed inside the insertion hole 3c in a bent state inside the first ferrule 3. The first dielectric constant adjusting sheet 24 in the first tip region 2b of the first flat cable 2 is surrounded by the first ferrule 3. The first coating 23 in the first tip region 2b of the first flat cable 2 is surrounded by the first ferrule 3. The boundary between the first dielectric constant adjusting sheet 24 and the first coating 23 is located inside the first ferrule 3. In this embodiment, the first flat cable 2 is bent at the position of the first coating 23.

[0028] The first ferrule 3 holds the first tip region 2b of the first flat cable 2. The first ferrule 3 is less prone to deformation than the first flat cable 2. The first ferrule 3 has a greater rigidity than the first flat cable 2. The first ferrule 3 is mainly composed of, for example, PEI (polyetherimide), PPS (polyphenylene sulfide), PC (polycarbonate), PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate), PES (polyethersulfone), or the like.

[0029] The second flat cable 4 is disposed next to the first flat cable 2 in the Z-axis direction. The configuration of the second flat cable 4 is the same as the configuration of the first flat cable 2. The second flat cable 4 has a plurality of second signal lines 41, a plurality of second ground lines 42, a second coating 43, and a second dielectric constant adjusting sheet 44.

[0030] The second signal line 41 has the same configuration as the first signal line 21. When viewed from the Z-axis direction, the second signal line 41 overlaps with the first signal line 21. The second ground line 42 has the same configuration as the first ground line 22. When viewed from the Z-axis direction, the second ground line 42 overlaps with the first ground line 22.

[0031] The second coating 43 has the same configuration as the first coating 23. The second coating 43 bundles the multiple second signal wires 41 and the multiple second ground wires 42. The second coating 43 covers the coating region 42b of each second ground wire 42 and the coating region of each second signal wire 41. The tip region 42c of each second ground wire 42 and the tip region of each second signal wire 41 are exposed from the second coating 43.

[0032] The configuration of the second dielectric constant adjusting sheet 44 is the same as the configuration of the first dielectric constant adjusting sheet 24. The second dielectric constant adjusting sheet 44 covers the tip regions 42c of the second ground lines 42 and the tip regions of the second signal lines 41.

[0033] The second ferrule 5 has the same configuration as the first ferrule 3. The second ferrule 5 surrounds the second tip region 4b of the second flat cable 4. Specifically, the second ferrule 5 includes a tip face 5a, a rear end face 5b, a side face 5d, and an insertion hole 5c. The second tip region 4b of the second flat cable 4 is inserted into the insertion hole 5c.

[0034] The tip surface of the second signal line 41 and the tip surface 42a of the second ground line 42 are exposed from the second ferrule 5. The tip surface of the second signal line 41 and the tip surface 42a of the second ground line 42 are located on substantially the same plane as the tip surface 5a of the second ferrule 5. The second tip region 4b of the second flat cable 4 is disposed inside the insertion hole 5c in a bent state inside the second ferrule 5. The second dielectric constant adjusting sheet 44 and the second coating 43 in the second tip region 4b of the second flat cable 4 are surrounded by the second ferrule 5. The second ferrule 5 holds the second tip region 4b of the second flat cable 4.

[0035] The shell 6 is made of metal. The shell 6 is disposed so as to surround the first ferrule 3 and the second ferrule 5. Specifically, the shell 6 has a housing 61 and a plate 62.

[0036] The housing 61 is, for example, box-shaped with an opening. The opening of the housing 61 is formed in a front end surface 61a. The housing 61 is disposed outside the first ferrule 3 and the second ferrule 5. In other words, the first ferrule 3 and the second ferrule 5 are accommodated in the internal space of the housing 61 in a state of contact with each other. The front end surface 3a of the first ferrule 3 and the front end surface 5a of the second ferrule 5 are each located on substantially the same plane as the front end surface 6a of the housing 61. The housing 61 is formed of a metal having electrical conductivity.

[0037] The plate 62 is disposed between the first ferrule 3 and the second ferrule 5. The plate 62 is formed of a conductive metal. The plate 62 includes a main body 621 and a plurality of coupling portions 622. The main body 621 is located at least between the plurality of first signal lines 21 and the plurality of second signal lines 41. Both ends of the main body 621 in the X-axis direction and a rear end of the main body 621 in the Y-axis direction are in contact with the housing 61. Thus, the main body 621 is electrically connected to the housing 61.

[0038] Each coupling portion 622 is located between the first ground wire 22 and the second ground wire 42. The coupling portion 622 is provided at a tip 621a of the main body portion 621 in the Y-axis direction. Both ends of the coupling portion 622 in the Z-axis direction protrude from the main body portion 621. The coupling portion 622 has, for example, a rod shape. Each coupling portion 622 is located on the inside of the first ferrule 3 relative to the tip face 3a of the first ferrule 3, and is located on the inside of the second ferrule 5 relative to the tip face 5a of the second ferrule 5. This prevents the coupling portion 622 from interfering with the connection of the flat cable with electric connector 1 to the mating connector.

[0039] Each of the coupling parts 622 is electrically connected to the main body part 621. Each of the coupling parts 622 is integrally formed of the same material as the main body part 621. The coupling parts 622 penetrate a part of the first dielectric constant adjusting sheet 24 and contact the first ground wire 22. This allows the coupling parts 622 to be electrically connected to the first ground wire 22. The coupling parts 622 penetrate a part of the second dielectric constant adjusting sheet 44 and contact the second ground wire 42. This allows the coupling parts 622 to be electrically connected to the second ground wire 42.

[0040] A predetermined region of the shell 6 is connected to a ground electrode of the mating connector, thereby grounding the shell 6. As a result, the ground potential around the pair of first signal lines 21 and the ground potential around the pair of second signal lines 41 are made common.

[0041] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the first flat cable 2 taken along line III-III in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 3, the first coating 23 has a pair of insulating layers 231, a pair of shielding layers 232, and a protective layer 233. The first signal lines 21 and the first ground lines 22 are disposed between the pair of insulating layers 231. The pair of insulating layers 231 sandwich the first signal lines 21 and the first ground lines 22 in the Z-axis direction. The material of the insulating layer 231 is, for example, a resin. The material of the insulating layer 231 is, for example, a resin having a relatively low relative dielectric constant and a dielectric loss tangent. The material of the insulating layer 231 is, for example, polyethylene or polypropylene. The insulating layer 231 may have a laminated structure formed of, for example, a plurality of layers. The pair of insulating layers 231 are bonded to each other by, for example, an adhesive.

[0042] The pair of shield layers 232 are disposed on the opposite side of the pair of insulating layers 231 to the plurality of first signal lines 21 and the plurality of first ground lines 22. The pair of shield layers 232 sandwich the pair of insulating layers 231 in the Z-axis direction. The shield layer 232 is conductive. The material of the shield layer 232 is, for example, a metal. The material of the shield layer 232 is, for example, copper or aluminum. The thickness of the shield layer 232 is, for example, 5 μm or more and 20 μm or less. The shield layer 232 is bonded to the insulating layer 231 by, for example, an adhesive.

[0043] The protective layer 233 is provided on the outside of the pair of shield layers 232. When viewed from the Y-axis direction, the protective layer 233 surrounds the pair of insulating layers 231 and the pair of shield layers 232. The protective layer 233 covers the main surfaces of each of the pair of shield layers 232, the side surfaces of each of the pair of shield layers 232, and the side surfaces of each of the pair of insulating layers 231. This suppresses the contact of the shield layer 232 with other metal members. For example, a resin having excellent mechanical strength is used as the material of the protective layer 233. For example, the material of the protective layer 233 is PEs (polyester) or PET (polyethylene terephthalate). The protective layer 233 is bonded to the pair of shield layers 232 and the pair of insulating layers 231 by, for example, an adhesive. Like the first coating 23, the second coating 43 also has a pair of insulating layers, a pair of shield layers, and a protective layer.

[0044] 4 is a cross-sectional view of the first flat cable 2 and the first dielectric constant adjusting sheet 24 taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 4, the first dielectric constant adjusting sheet 24 has a pair of sheets 241. The first signal lines 21 and the first ground lines 22 are disposed between the pair of sheets 241. The pair of sheets 241 sandwich the tip region 21c of each of the first signal lines 21 and the tip region 22c of each of the first ground lines 22 in the Z-axis direction. The second dielectric constant adjusting sheet 44, like the first dielectric constant adjusting sheet 24, also has a pair of sheets sandwiching the tip region of each of the second signal lines 41 and the tip region 42c of each of the second ground lines 42.

[0045] Fig. 5 is a partial enlarged view of the V portion of the flat cable with electric connector shown in Fig. 2. As shown in Fig. 5, the shield layer 232 of the first flat cable 2 is electrically connected to the housing 61 of the shell 6. Specifically, the housing 61 includes a through hole 61b. The first flat cable 2 extends to the outside of the housing 61 through the through hole 61b. The inner surface of the through hole 61b of the housing 61 penetrates the protective layer 233 of the first flat cable 2 and contacts the shield layer 232. The shield layer of the second flat cable 4 is also electrically connected to the housing 61 of the shell 6, similar to the shield layer 232.

[0046] 6 is a partial enlarged view of a portion VI of the flat cable with an electric connector shown in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 6, the shield layer 232 of the first flat cable 2 is electrically connected to the main body 621 of the shell 6. Specifically, the main body 621 includes a through hole 621b. The first flat cable 2 extends to the outside of the housing 61 through the through hole 621b. The inner surface of the through hole 621b of the main body 621 penetrates the protective layer 233 of the first flat cable 2 and contacts the shield layer 232. With this configuration, the first ground wire 22, the second ground wire 42, the shield layer 232 of the first coating 23, and the shield layer of the second coating 43 are electrically connected to the shell 6.

[0047] As described above, in the flat cable with electric connectors 1, the ground potential around the first signal line 21 of the first flat cable 2 and the second signal line 41 of the second flat cable 4 are commonized, thereby reducing noise caused by signal interference between the first signal line 21 and the second signal line 41. Therefore, the flat cable with electric connectors 1 can suppress deterioration of communication performance.

[0048] The tip surface 2a of the first flat cable 2 is located on substantially the same plane as the tip surface 3a of the first ferrule 3. The tip surface 4a of the second flat cable 4 is located on substantially the same plane as the tip surface 5a of the second ferrule 5. This allows the first flat cable 2 and the second flat cable 4 to be suitably connected to the mating connector by connecting the tip surface 3a of the first ferrule 3 and the tip surface 5a of the second ferrule 5 to the mating connector. The connecting portion 622 provided on the tip 621a of the main body 621 is located on the inside of the first ferrule 3 relative to the tip surface 3a of the first ferrule 3, and is located on the inside of the second ferrule 5 relative to the tip surface 5a of the second ferrule 5. This prevents the connecting portion 622 from interfering with the connection of the flat cable with electric connector 1 to the mating connector. In addition, for example, in a configuration in which the upper surface portions of a plurality of conductors are exposed at the tip portion of the cable and the wiring portion contacts the upper surface portions of these conductors from above, thereby electrically connecting the wiring and the conductors, 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 surface of the conductor. In this case, there is a risk of large transmission loss due to the influence of signal reflection at the end surface of the conductor. In this embodiment, the tip surface of the first signal line 21 is exposed from the tip surface 3a of the first ferrule 3, and the tip surface of the second signal line 41 is exposed from the tip surface 5a of the second ferrule 5. This allows the tip surface of the first signal line 21 and the tip surface of the second signal line 41 to be electrically connected to the mating connector, and stubs are suppressed compared to, for example, a case in which the first signal line 21 is electrically connected to the mating connector via a conductor electrically connected to the side surface of the tip region 21c or a case in which the second signal line 41 is electrically connected to the mating connector via a conductor electrically connected to the side surface of the tip region 41c.

[0049] The first dielectric constant adjusting sheet 24 and the second dielectric constant adjusting sheet 44 suitably adjust the dielectric constant around the first signal line 21 and the second signal line 41, respectively, so that impedance is matched in the portion of the first flat cable 2 that is attached to the first ferrule 3 and in the portion of the second flat cable 4 that is attached to the second ferrule 5, thereby improving the communication performance of the flat cable with electrical connector 1.

[0050] The first dielectric constant adjusting sheet 24 has a pair of sheets 241 that sandwich the first signal line 21 and the first ground line 22. The second dielectric constant adjusting sheet 44 has a pair of sheets that sandwich the second signal line 41 and the second ground line 42. This makes it easier to manufacture each of the first flat cable 2 and the second flat cable 4.

[0051] The first coating 23 has a pair of sheets (a pair of insulating layers 231 and a pair of shielding layers 232) that sandwich the first signal wire 21 and the first ground wire 22. The second coating 43 has a pair of sheets that sandwich the second signal wire 41 and the second ground wire 42. This makes it easy to manufacture the first flat cable 2 and the second flat cable 4. It also makes it easy to match impedances in the first tip region 2b of the first flat cable 2 and the second tip region 4b of the second flat cable 4.

[0052] The first dielectric constant adjusting sheet 24 and the first coating 23 in the first tip region 2b of the first flat cable 2 are surrounded by the first ferrule 3. The second dielectric constant adjusting sheet 44 and the second coating 43 in the second tip region 4b of the second flat cable 4 are surrounded by the second ferrule 5. This allows the first dielectric constant adjusting sheet 24 to be reliably held by the first ferrule 3, and the second dielectric constant adjusting sheet 44 to be reliably held by the second ferrule 5.

[0053] The first tip region 2b of the first flat cable 2 is bent inside the first ferrule 3, and the second tip region 4b of the second flat cable 4 is bent inside the second ferrule 5. This improves the degree of freedom in the arrangement of the flat cable with electric connector 1.

[0054] The shield layer 232 of the first coating 23 of the first flat cable 2 and the shield layer of the second coating of the second flat cable 4 are each electrically connected to the shell 6. As a result, when the shell 6 is electrically connected to ground, the ground potentials around the first signal line 21 of the first flat cable 2 and the second signal line 41 of the second flat cable 4 are commonized, thereby reducing noise caused by signal interference between the first signal line 21 and the second signal line 41.

[0055] [Variations] FIG. 7 is a front view of a flat cable with an electric connector according to a modified example. As shown in FIG. 7, the flat cable with an electric connector 1A according to the modified example may further include a third flat cable 7, a third ferrule 8, and a third dielectric constant adjusting sheet 74. In this case, the flat cable with an electric connector 1A further includes a plate 63 in addition to the plate 62. The configuration of the third flat cable 7 is the same as that of the first flat cable 2. The third flat cable 7 has a plurality of third signal lines 71, a plurality of third ground lines 72, and a third coating. The configuration of the third ferrule 8 is the same as that of the first ferrule 3. The configuration of the plate 63 is the same as that of the plate 62. The plate 62 is disposed between the second ferrule 5 and the third ferrule 8. The plate 63 includes a main body 631 and a plurality of coupling portions 632. The main body 631 is electrically connected to the housing 61. The coupling portion 632 is electrically connected to the main body portion 631, the second ground wire 42 of the second flat cable 4, and the third ground wire 72 of the third flat cable 7. The flat cable with electric connectors may include four or more flat cables.

[0056] Each of the first coating 23 and the second coating 43 may be integrally formed by, for example, extrusion molding.

[0057] The first tip region 2b of the first flat cable 2 and the second tip region 4b of the second flat cable 4 may not be bent. In this case, the insertion hole 3c may extend along the Y-axis direction and open to each of the tip face 3a and rear end face 3b of the first ferrule 3, and the insertion hole 5c may extend along the Y-axis direction and open to each of the tip face 5a and rear end face 5b of the second ferrule 5.

[0058] Fig. 8 is a schematic perspective view of a modified example of the first flat cable 2. As shown in Fig. 8, the flat cable 2A according to the modified example mainly differs from the first flat cable 2 in that it has a protective layer 25, a shielding layer 26, and a ground bar 27. The protective layer 25 covers the shielding layer 26, but does not cover the shielding layer 26 at the end of the flat cable 2A, so that the shielding layer 26 is exposed. The shielding layer 26 extends over the entire length of the flat cable 2A, but is exposed on both sides of the end (the upper and lower surfaces (not shown) in Fig. 8). The shielding layer 26 is conductive, like the shielding layer 232.

[0059] The ground bar 27 is provided on the surface of each shield layer 26. The ground bar 27 is conductive. The ground bar 27 includes a main body region 271 and a plurality of coupling regions 272. The main body region 271 overlaps the surface of the shield layer 26. The coupling regions 272 protrude from the main body region 271. When viewed from the thickness direction of the flat cable 2A, each coupling region 272 overlaps with each first ground wire 22. The coupling region 272 is electrically connected to the first ground wire 22. As a result, the shield layer 26 is electrically connected to the shell 6 via the ground bar 27 and each first ground wire 22. In this case, the shield layer 26 does not have to be directly connected (in contact) with the shell 6 as shown in FIG. 5 or FIG. 6. The second flat cable 4 may also be configured similarly to the flat cable 2A according to the modified example. [Explanation of symbols]

[0060] 1...Flat cable with electrical connector 2...First flat cable 2A...Flat cable 2b...first tip area 3…First ferrule 3a…Tip surface 3b…Rear end surface 3c…Insertion hole 3d...side 4…Second flat cable 4b…Second tip area 5…Second ferrule 5a…Tip surface 5b…Rear end surface 5c…Insertion hole 5d...side 6…Shell 7…Third flat cable 8…Third ferrule 21…First signal line 21b…Covered area 21c…Tip region 22…1st Grand Line 22a…Tip surface 22b…Covered area 22c…Tip area 23…First coating 24…First dielectric constant adjustment sheet 25...Protective layer 26…Shield layer 27…Grand Bar 41...Second signal line 42…Second Grand Line 42a...Tip surface 42b…Covered area 42c…Tip area 43…Second coating 44…Second dielectric constant adjustment sheet 61…Housing 61a…Tip surface 62...board 63…board 71…Third signal line 72…3rd Grand Line 74…Third dielectric constant adjustment sheet 231...insulating layer 232…Shield layer 241…sheets 271…Body area 272…Connection area 621…Main body 622...Connection part 631…Main body 632...Connection part

Claims

1. a first flat cable having a first signal line that is a conductor and a first ground line that is a conductor; a first ferrule surrounding a first end region of the first flat cable and holding the first end region; a second flat cable having a second signal line that is a conductor and a second ground line that is a conductor; a second ferrule surrounding a second end region of the second flat cable and holding the second end region; a shell made of a metal and arranged to surround the first ferrule and the second ferrule; the shell has a frame body disposed outside the first ferrule and the second ferrule, and a plate disposed between the first ferrule and the second ferrule and electrically connected to the frame body, a flat cable with an electrical connector, the plate including a main body portion located between the first signal line and the second signal line, and a connecting portion electrically connected to each of the main body portion, the first ground line, and the second ground line.

2. The connecting portion is provided at a tip of the main body portion, a tip end surface of the first flat cable is located on substantially the same plane as a tip end surface of the first ferrule, the coupling portion is located on the inner side of the first ferrule relative to the tip end surface of the first ferrule, a tip end surface of the second flat cable is located on substantially the same plane as a tip end surface of the second ferrule, 2. The flat cable with electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein the connecting portion is located inside the second ferrule relative to the tip end surface of the second ferrule.

3. A first dielectric constant adjusting sheet; A second dielectric constant adjusting sheet, the first flat cable further includes a first coating that covers the first signal wire and the first ground wire such that a tip region of the first signal wire and a tip region of the first ground wire are exposed, the second flat cable further includes a second coating that covers the second signal wire and the second ground wire such that a tip region of the second signal wire and a tip region of the second ground wire are exposed, the first dielectric constant adjusting sheet covers a tip region of the first signal line and a tip region of the first ground line, the second dielectric constant adjusting sheet covers a tip region of the second signal line and a tip region of the second ground line, 3. The flat cable with electrical connectors according to claim 1, wherein the connecting portion of the plate penetrates a portion of each of the first dielectric constant adjustment sheet and the second dielectric constant adjustment sheet and is electrically connected to each of the first ground wire and the second ground wire.

4. the first dielectric constant adjusting sheet includes a pair of sheets sandwiching the first signal line and the first ground line therebetween, 4. The flat cable with electric connector according to claim 3, wherein the second dielectric constant adjusting sheet has a pair of sheets sandwiching the second signal line and the second ground line.

5. the first coating includes a pair of sheets that sandwich the first signal line and the first ground line, 4. The flat cable with electrical connector according to claim 3, wherein the second coating has a pair of sheets that sandwich the second signal wire and the second ground wire.

6. the first dielectric constant adjusting sheet and the first coating in the first tip region of the first flat cable are surrounded by the first ferrule, 4. The flat cable with an electric connector according to claim 3, wherein the second dielectric constant adjusting sheet and the second coating in the second tip region of the second flat cable are surrounded by the second ferrule.

7. the first covering of the first flat cable has a first shield layer having electrical conductivity; the second covering of the second flat cable has a second shield layer having electrical conductivity; 4. The flat cable with electrical connector according to claim 3, wherein each of the first shielding layer and the second shielding layer is electrically connected to the shell.

8. the first tip region of the first flat cable is bent inside the first ferrule, 3. The flat cable with an electric connector according to claim 1, wherein the second end region of the second flat cable is bent inside the second ferrule.

Images