Connector, flat cable and connector-cable coupling body

Abstract

To provide a connector capable of easily adjusting a position of a flat cable in a wiring direction by preventing a mounting error of rear and front sides of the flat cable, the flat cable and a connector-cable coupling body.SOLUTION: A connector comprises a cover housing 10 and a base housing 20. The cover housing 10 holds a flat cable 200, in which at least a first cable 211 and a second cable 212 are coupled in parallel, movably in a wiring direction. The base housing 20 includes terminals connected to the first cable 211 and the second cable 212 which are held by the cover housing 10. The cover housing 10 includes a fitted part to be fitted to a fitting part, that the first cable 211 includes, at a position where the first cable 211 is disposed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector, a flat cable, and a connector-cable combination. [Background technology]

[0002] A connector that can be attached to a flat cable having a plurality of electric wires is known. In order to correctly attach the flat cable to the connector, it is necessary to attach the flat cable to the connector with the front and back sides correct.

[0003] Patent document 1 discloses a connector that prevents incorrect installation of a flat cable with the front and back sides by inserting a protrusion formed on the connector into a through hole in the flat cable, which is provided at a position off the center line, when attaching the flat cable to the connector. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2002-246090 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the connector disclosed in Patent Document 1, a protrusion is inserted into a through hole provided in the flat cable, so when adjusting the position of the flat cable in the wiring direction during assembly, it is necessary to remove the flat cable from the protrusion. In addition, since the position is determined by the through hole provided in the flat cable and the protrusion formed on the connector, there is a problem that it is not easy to make fine adjustments. For this reason, with the connector disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is not easy to adjust the position of the flat cable.

[0006] The present invention has been made in light of the above-mentioned circumstances, and has an object to provide a connector, a flat cable, and a connector-cable combination that prevent the flat cable from being attached upside down and allows the position of the flat cable to be easily adjusted in the routing direction. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, the connector according to the present invention comprises: a cover housing that holds a flat cable in which at least a first cable and a second cable are connected in parallel so as to be movable in a wiring direction; a base housing having terminals connected to the first cable and the second cable held by the cover housing, the cover housing has a fitted portion at a position where the first cable is disposed, the fitted portion being fitted into a fitting portion of the first cable; It is characterized by:

[0008] The cover housing may include a holding portion that holds the flat cable movably in the routing direction.

[0009] The holding portion may hold the second cable movably in a wiring direction.

[0010] The cover housing may have a recess in a position where the first cable is disposed, into which a protrusion formed on the first cable fits.

[0011] The cover housing may have a protrusion at a position where the first cable is disposed, into which a recess formed in the first cable fits.

[0012] The cover housing may include a first mated portion that mates with a first mating portion provided on the flat cable, and a second mated portion that mates with a second mating portion provided on the flat cable.

[0013] the cover housing has a recess at a position where the first cable is disposed and a protrusion at a position where the second cable is disposed, It is preferable that a protrusion formed on the first cable fits into the recess of the cover housing, and a recess formed on the second cable fits into the protrusion of the cover housing.

[0014] the cover housing has a first recess at a position where the first cable is arranged, and a second recess having a shape different from that of the first recess at a position where the second cable is arranged, A first protrusion formed on the first cable may be fitted into the first recess, and a second protrusion formed on the second cable may be fitted into the second recess.

[0015] the cover housing has a first protrusion at a position where the first cable is arranged, and a second protrusion having a shape different from that of the first protrusion at a position where the second cable is arranged, It is preferable that a first recess formed in the first cable is fitted into the first convex portion, and a second recess formed in the second cable is fitted into the second convex portion.

[0016] In order to achieve the above object, the flat cable according to the present invention comprises: A flat cable attached to the connector, the fitting portion is fitted to the fitted portion formed on the cover housing, It is characterized by:

[0017] The first cable may be arranged on a side, have the largest diameter among the cables included in the flat cable, and have the mating portion that fits into the mated portion formed in the cover housing.

[0018] The first cable may provide electrical power.

[0019] In order to achieve the above object, the connector cable combination according to the present invention comprises: The connector; the flat cable connected to the connector; The present invention is characterized by comprising:

[0020] The connector comprises: a visible first line is formed at a location where the first cable or the second cable is installed on a surface of the cover housing opposite to a surface that holds the flat cable, the first line extending in a routing direction of the flat cable; When the first cable or the second cable, which has a visible second line extending in the routing direction of the flat cable, is attached to the cover housing in the correct orientation, the first line and the second line may be aligned coaxially.

[0021] The first line is a recess or a protrusion formed on the cover housing and extending in a wiring direction, The second line may be a recess or a protrusion formed on the first cable or the second cable and extending in the wiring direction.

[0022] In order to achieve the above object, the flat cable according to the present invention comprises: A flat cable attached to the connector, the second line is arranged coaxially with the first line formed on the cover housing, It is characterized by:

[0023] The first cable or the second cable is disposed on a side, The second line may be formed in the first cable or the second cable having the largest diameter among the cables included in the flat cable.

[0024] The first cable or the second cable may supply electrical power.

[0025] In order to achieve the above object, the connector cable combination according to the present invention comprises: The connector; the flat cable connected to the connector; The present invention is characterized by comprising:

[0026] The connector comprises: Either the cover housing or the base housing has a protrusion, the other of the cover housing and the base housing has a recessed portion into which the protrusion fits and a blocking portion that interferes with the protrusion, When the cover housing and the base housing are properly attached to each other, the protrusion fits into the recess, If the cover housing and the base housing are not attached normally, the blocking portion may interfere with the protrusion to prevent the cover housing and the base housing from becoming jammed together. Effect of the Invention

[0027] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a connector, a flat cable, and a connector-cable combination that prevent the flat cable from being attached upside down and that allows the position of the flat cable to be easily adjusted in the routing direction. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] 1 is an exploded perspective cross-sectional view showing a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] 1 is an exploded cross-sectional view showing a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating a method of attaching a flat cable to a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] 5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating a method of attaching a flat cable to a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating a method of attaching a flat cable to a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating a connector cable combination according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 13A and 13B are diagrams showing a cover housing and a flat cable according to a modified example. [Figure 9] 13A and 13B are diagrams showing a cover housing and a flat cable according to a modified example. [Figure 10] 13A and 13B are diagrams showing a cover housing and a flat cable according to a modified example. [Figure 11] 13A and 13B are diagrams showing a cover housing and a flat cable according to a modified example. [Figure 12] 13A and 13B are diagrams showing a connector cable combination according to a modified example. [Figure 13] 13A and 13B are diagrams showing a cover housing and a flat cable according to a modified example. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view showing a connector according to a modified example. [Figure 15] 13A and 13B are diagrams showing a connector cable combination according to a modified example. [Figure 16] 13A and 13B are diagrams showing a cover housing and a flat cable according to a modified example. [Figure 17] 13A and 13B are diagrams showing a cover housing and a flat cable according to a modified example. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view showing a connector according to a modified example. [Figure 19] 13A and 13B are diagrams showing a state in which a cover housing according to a modified example is attached to a base housing in a normal orientation. [Figure 20] 13A and 13B are diagrams showing a state in which a cover housing according to a modified example is attached to a base housing in the reverse direction. [Figure 21] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a manufacturing apparatus according to a modified example. [Figure 22] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a manufacturing apparatus according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0029] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A connector according to an embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 1, connector 100 according to this embodiment is used for electrically connecting flat cable 200, and includes a cover housing 10, a base housing 20, and terminals 31-35.

[0031] For ease of understanding, a Cartesian coordinate system is set up in which the extension direction of flat cable 200 is the x-axis direction, the direction perpendicular to flat cable 200 is the z-axis direction, and the direction perpendicular to the x-axis and z-axis directions is the y-axis direction, and will be referred to as appropriate.

[0032] The flat cable 200 includes a first cable 211, a second cable 212, a third cable 213, a fourth cable 214, a fifth cable 215, a convex portion 220, and a cable connection portion 230. In this example, the flat cable 200 is connected midway to the connector 100, and the flat cable 200 extends from the connector 100 in the +x direction and the -x direction.

[0033] The first cable 211 and the second cable 212 are covered electric wires that supply electric power. The third to fifth cables 213-215 are covered electric wires that supply electric signals for communication, and are thinner than the first cable 211 and the second cable 212. The flat cable 200 is connected in parallel by the cable connection part 230 in the order of the first cable 211, the third cable 213, the fourth cable 214, the fifth cable 215, and the second cable 212.

[0034] Convex portion 220 is a convex portion extending in the x-axis direction, and is provided on first cable 211.

[0035] The cover housing 10 is integrally molded from resin, and includes an outer wall portion 11, a recessed portion 12, a holding portion 13, a pressing portion 14, and a locking portion 15, as shown in FIGS.

[0036] The outer wall 11 is made by molding resin into a cube shape, and has an opening edge 11a with a step and recesses 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, and 16e shown in Fig. 1 into which the first to fifth cables 211 to 215 fit, respectively. The outer wall 11 protects the connection portions between the flat cable 200 and the terminals 31 to 35.

[0037] The recess 12 is provided in a portion where the first cable 211 is arranged, and is a portion into which the protrusion 220 provided on the first cable 211 fits. The recess 12 prevents the flat cable 200 from being attached upside down. The protrusion 220 is an example of a fitting portion, and the recess 12 is an example of a fitted portion.

[0038] The holding portion 13 holds the flat cable 200 so as to be movable in the wiring direction, is formed in a portion where the second cable 212 is arranged, and holds the second cable 212 so as to be movable in the wiring direction. The convex portion 220 provided on the flat cable 200 fits into the concave portion 12, and the holding portion 13 holds the second cable 212, thereby holding the flat cable 200 so as to be slidable in the x-axis direction.

[0039] The pressing portion 14 is a portion that presses the flat cable 200, and is formed with recesses 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d, and 14e into which the first to fifth cables 211-215 fit, respectively. When the cover housing 10 is attached to the base housing 20, the recesses 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d, and 14e formed in the pressing portion 14 press the first to fifth cables 211-215 of the flat cable 200 into the terminals 31-35, respectively.

[0040] The locking portion 15 is provided at an end of a lock arm 15 a provided on the outer wall portion 11 , and is a portion that is locked to a first locked portion 23 or a second locked portion 24 provided on the base housing 20 .

[0041] The base housing 20 is integrally molded from resin, and includes an outer wall portion 21, a terminal holding portion 22, a first locked portion 23, a second locked portion 24, and a connection portion 25, as shown in FIG.

[0042] The outer wall 21 is formed by molding resin into a cube shape, and has an opening edge 21a with a step and recesses 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d, and 26e into which the first to fifth cables 211 to 215 fit, respectively. The outer wall 21, together with the outer wall 11 of the cover housing 10, protects the connection portion between the flat cable 200 and the terminals 31 to 35. When the cover housing 10 is attached to the base housing 20, the opening edge 11a of the cover housing 10 fits into the opening edge 21a of the base housing 20, and the flat cable 200 fits between the recesses 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, and 16e and the recesses 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d, and 26e.

[0043] The terminal holding portion 22 is provided inside the outer wall portion 21 and holds the terminals 31-35.

[0044] The first locked portion 23 is a claw that locks with the locking portion 15 of the cover housing 10, and temporarily fastens the cover housing 10 to the base housing 20. When the locking portion 15 is locked with the first locked portion 23, the cover housing 10 holds the flat cable 200 so that the flat cable 200 can slide in the x-axis direction.

[0045] The second locked portion 24 is a claw that locks with the locking portion 15 of the cover housing 10, and fixes the cover housing 10 to the base housing 20. When the cover housing 10 is pushed into the base housing 20 in the -z direction with the locking portion 15 locked to the first locked portion 23, the locking portion 15 of the cover housing 10 locks with the second locked portion 24 of the base housing 20.

[0046] The connection portion 25 is a portion that is connected to a mating connector (not shown).

[0047] The terminals 31-35 are made of elastically deformable metal plates, and as shown in FIG. 3, have slits 31a-35a at one end into which the first to fifth cables 211-215 are inserted, respectively. The other end of the terminals 31-35 has a contact portion to be connected to a terminal of a mating connector (not shown). The slits 31a-35a are each provided with an inclined portion for breaking the coating of the electric wire to facilitate insertion. The inclined portion is provided with a blade for making a cut in the coating of the coated electric wire. As a result, when the first to fifth cables 211-215 are inserted into the slits 31a-35a, respectively, a cut is made in the coating, and when the cables are further pushed in the -z direction, the conductors of the first to fifth cables 211-215 and the terminals 31-35 are electrically connected.

[0048] Next, a method for attaching the flat cable 200 to the connector 100 will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0049] First, as shown in Fig. 4, the flat cable 200 is attached to the cover housing 10. In detail, the convex portion 220 provided on the first cable 211 is fitted into the concave portion 12 provided on the cover housing 10. In addition, the second cable 212 is held by the holding portion 13. As a result, the convex portion 220 provided on the flat cable 200 fits into the concave portion 12, and the holding portion 13 holds the second cable 212, so that the flat cable 200 can be held so as to be slidable in the x-axis direction.

[0050] 5, the cover housing 10 with the flat cable 200 attached thereto is temporarily fixed to the base housing 20. In detail, the cover housing 10 is pushed into the base housing 20 until the locking portion 15 provided on the cover housing 10 locks with the first locked portion 23 provided on the base housing 20. This temporarily fixes the cover housing 10 to the base housing 20. When the locking portion 15 is locked with the first locked portion 23, the cover housing 10 holds the flat cable 200 so that it can slide in the x-axis direction. In this state, the position of the flat cable 200 in the x-axis direction is adjusted.

[0051] Next, as shown in FIG. 6, the cover housing 10 is fixed to the base housing 20. In this figure, the flat cable 200 is omitted for clarity. In detail, the cover housing 10 is further pushed into the base housing 20 in the -z direction until the locking portion 15 provided on the cover housing 10 is locked to the second locked portion 24 provided on the base housing 20. As a result, the recesses 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d, and 14e formed in the pressing portion 14 of the cover housing 10 push the first to fifth cables 211 to 215 of the flat cable 200 into the terminals 31 to 35, respectively. As a result, the conductors of the first to fifth cables 211 to 215 are electrically connected to the terminals 31 to 35. Also, the locking portion 15 of the cover housing 10 is locked to the second locked portion 24 of the base housing 20.

[0052] As a result of the above, a connector / cable combination is obtained in which the flat cable 200 is attached to the connector 100, as shown in FIG.

[0053] The connector 100 having the above configuration can prevent the flat cable 200 from being attached upside down by arranging the recess 12 in the cover housing 10. In addition, by arranging the holding portion 13 in the cover housing 10, the convex portion 220 provided on the flat cable 200 fits into the recess 12, and the holding portion 13 holds the second cable 212, so that the flat cable 200 can be held so as to slide in the x-axis direction. In addition, the cover housing 10 includes a first locked portion 23 that is temporarily fixed to the base housing 20, so that the flat cable 200 can be held so as to slide in the x-axis direction. In this state, the position of the flat cable 200 in the x-axis direction can be adjusted. In addition, the cover housing 10 includes a second locked portion 24 that is fixed to the base housing 20, so that the cover housing 10 can be fixed to the base housing 20.

[0054] (Modification) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the cover housing 10 has the recess 12 into which the protrusion 220 provided on the first cable 211 fits, but the cover housing 10 may have a fitted portion that fits into a fitting portion provided on the first cable 211. For example, as shown in Fig. 8, the cover housing 10 may have a protrusion 17a into which the recess 221 provided on the first cable 211 fits. This also makes it possible to prevent the flat cable 200 from being attached upside down.

[0055] Also, the cover housing 10 may include a first fitted portion that fits into a first fitting portion provided on the flat cable 200, and a second fitted portion that fits into a second fitting portion provided on the flat cable 200. In this case, as shown in Fig. 9, the cover housing 10 includes a recess 12 into which a protrusion 220 provided on the first cable 211 fits, and a protrusion 17b into which a recess 222 provided on the second cable 212 fits. The recess 12 is provided in a portion where the first cable 211 is arranged, and is a portion into which the protrusion 220 provided on the first cable 211 fits. The protrusion 17b is provided in a portion where the second cable 212 is arranged, and is a portion into which the recess 222 provided on the second cable 212 fits. The convex portion 220 is an example of a first fitting portion, the concave portion 12 is an example of a first fitted portion, the concave portion 222 is an example of a second fitting portion, and the convex portion 17b is an example of a first fitted portion. This also makes it possible to prevent the flat cable 200 from being attached upside down. Furthermore, even if the cover-housing 10 does not have the holding portion 13 shown in FIG. 3, the flat cable 200 can be held so as to be slidable in the x-axis direction.

[0056] Also, as shown in FIG. 10, the cover housing 10 may have a first recess 12a at a position where the first cable 211 is arranged, and a second recess 17c having a different shape from the first recess 12a at a position where the second cable 212 is arranged. The first convex portion 223 formed on the first cable 211 fits into the first recess 12a. The second convex portion 224 formed on the second cable 212 has a different shape from the first convex portion 223 and fits into the second recess 17c. This also makes it possible to prevent the flat cable 200 from being attached upside down. Also, even if the cover housing 10 does not have the holding portion 13 shown in FIG. 3, the flat cable 200 can be held so that it can slide in the x-axis direction.

[0057] Also, as shown in FIG. 11, the cover housing 10 may have a first convex portion 17d at a position where the first cable 211 is arranged, and a second convex portion 17e having a different shape from the first convex portion 17d at a position where the second cable 212 is arranged. In this case, the first recess 225 formed in the first cable 211 fits into the first convex portion 17d. The second recess 226 formed in the second cable 212 has a different shape from the first recess 225 and fits into the second convex portion 17e. This also makes it possible to prevent the flat cable 200 from being attached upside down. Also, even if the cover housing 10 does not have the holding portion 13 shown in FIG. 3, the flat cable 200 can be held so that it can slide in the x-axis direction.

[0058] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the middle of the flat cable 200 is connected to the connector 100, but an end of the flat cable 200 may also be connected to the connector 100. In this case, as shown in Fig. 12, the flat cable 200 is attached to the connector 100 so as to extend only in the +x direction from the connector 100. In this way, it is possible to attach the end of the flat cable 200 to the connector 100.

[0059] In the above-described embodiment, the concave portion 12, the first concave portion 12a, the convex portions 17a, 17b, the second concave portion 17c, the first convex portion 17d, or the second convex portion 17e are arranged on the cover housing 10, so that the flat cable 200 can be prevented from being attached upside down. The connector 100 and the flat cable 200 may have a structure capable of preventing the flat cable 200 from being attached upside down. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, the cross-sectional shape of the first cable 211 of the flat cable 200 may be made different from the cross-sectional shape of the second cable 212. In this case, the concave portion 14a of the cover housing 10 into which the first cable 211 fits has a shape into which the first cable 211 fits. Even in this case, the flat cable 200 can be prevented from being attached upside down. In this example, the first cable 211 is an example of a fitting portion, and the concave portion 14a of the cover housing 10 into which the first cable 211 fits is an example of a fitted portion.

[0060] Also, as shown in FIG. 14 and FIG. 15, the cover housing 10 may further have a visible first line 41 extending in the wiring direction of the flat cable 200 at a location where the first cable 211 is installed on the surface 11b of the cover housing 10 opposite to the surface that holds the flat cable 200. In this case, a visible second line 42 extending in the wiring direction and aligned coaxially with the first line 41 formed on the cover housing 10 is formed on the first cable 211 of the flat cable 200. The first line 41 and the second line 42 are, for example, lines of a different color from the cover housing 10 and the flat cable 200. The first line 41 may further be formed on the side surface 11c of the cover housing 10. When the flat cable 200 is attached to the base housing 20 in the correct orientation, the first line 41 and the second line 42 are aligned coaxially. This allows visual confirmation that the flat cable 200 is attached with the correct back side. The first line 41 may be formed at a location where the second cable 212 is installed on the surface 11b opposite to the surface of the cover housing 10 that holds the flat cable 200. In this case, the second line 42 is formed on the second cable 212 of the flat cable 200. The first line 41 and the second line 42 are, for example, printed by laser marking or the like or printed with ink or the like.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 16, the first line 41 may be a convex portion formed on the cover housing 10 and extending in the wiring direction. The second line 42 may be a convex portion formed on the first cable 211 and extending in the wiring direction. By doing so, it is possible to visually confirm that the flat cable 200 is attached with the correct back side. In addition, the cover housing 10 has a recess 12b formed in a portion where the first cable 211 on which the second line 42 is formed is disposed. The recess 12b is a portion into which the convex portion of the second line 42 provided on the first cable 211 fits. The convex portion of the second line 42 and the recess 12b have a function of preventing the flat cable 200 from being attached with the front and back reversed. The convex portion of the second line 42 is an example of a fitting portion, and the recess 12b is an example of a fitted portion.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 17, the first line 41 may be a recess formed in the cover housing 10 and extending in the wiring direction. The second line 42 may be a recess formed in the first cable 211 and extending in the wiring direction. In this way, it is possible to visually confirm that the flat cable 200 is attached with the correct back side. In addition, a convex portion 17f is formed in the cover housing 10 at a portion where the first cable 211 on which the second line 42 is formed is disposed. The convex portion 17f is a portion into which the concave portion, which is the second line 42 provided on the first cable 211, fits. The concave portion, which is the second line 42, and the convex portion 17f have a function of preventing the flat cable 200 from being attached with the front and back reversed. The concave portion, which is the second line 42, is an example of a fitting portion, and the convex portion 17f is an example of a fitted portion.

[0063] The first line 41 may be a recess formed on the cover housing 10 and extending in the wiring direction, and the second line 42 may be a protrusion formed on the first cable or the second cable and extending in the wiring direction. The first line 41 may be a protrusion formed on the cover housing 10 and extending in the wiring direction, and the second line 42 may be a recess formed on the first cable or the second cable and extending in the wiring direction. Even in this case, it is possible to visually confirm that the flat cable 200 is attached with the back side correct. The first line 41 may be printed on the cover housing 10, and the second line 42 may be a protrusion or recess formed on the first cable 211.

[0064] In addition, the cover housing 10 may have protrusions 18a, 18b, 18c, and 18d to prevent the cover housing 10 from being attached to the base housing 20 in the reverse direction, as shown in Fig. 18. In this case, the base housing 20 has recesses 27a, 27b, 27c, and 27d into which the protrusions 18a, 18b, 18c, and 18d fit, respectively, and blocking portions 28a, 28b, 28c, and 28d that interfere with the protrusions 18a, 18b, 18c, and 18d, respectively. As shown in Fig. 19, when the cover housing 10 is normally attached to the base housing 20, the protrusions 18a, 18b, 18c, and 18d of the cover housing 10 fit into the recesses 27a, 27b, 27c, and 27d of the base housing 20, respectively. 20, when the cover housing 10 is attached to the base housing 20 in the reverse direction, the protrusions 18a, 18b, 18c, and 18d of the cover housing 10 interfere with the blocking portions 28a, 28b, 28c, and 28d of the base housing 20, and the cover housing 10 cannot be attached. In this manner, it is possible to prevent the cover housing 10 from being attached to the base housing 20 in the reverse direction. Note that the base housing 20 may have protrusions, and the cover housing 10 may have recesses into which the protrusions fit and blocking portions that interfere with the protrusions.

[0065] The connector 100 of the above-described embodiment can be used in a manufacturing apparatus 300 including an actuator 400, as shown in FIG. 21. The manufacturing apparatus 300 includes a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) 310 that controls the actuator 400, a gateway 320 that converts data transmitted from the PLC 310 into a control signal that controls the actuator 400, a power supply 330 that drives the actuator 400, and the actuator 400. The control signal output from the gateway 320 is transmitted to a junction connector 350 via a signal cable 340. Moreover, the power output from the power supply 330 is output to the junction connector 350 via a power cable 360. One end of the flat cable 200 described above is connected to the junction connector 350. The connector 100 is connected to the middle of the flat cable 200, and supplies the control signal and power to each actuator 400 via the mating connector 110. The terminal 500 is connected to the other end of the flat cable 200. In this way, it is possible to supply control signals and power to each actuator 400 along the flat cable 200. Note that, without using the junction connector 350, the end of the flat cable 200 may be divided and the signal line portion may be directly connected to the gateway 320 and the power line portion may be directly connected to the power source 330. Also, the total length of the wiring can be shortened compared to when wiring is connected to each actuator 400. Also, a controller for controlling the actuator 400 may be provided for each actuator 400, or a controller may not be provided for each actuator 400, and the junction connector 350 may be replaced with the controller of the actuator 400.

[0066] Also, as shown in FIG. 22, the manufacturing apparatus 300 may include an expansion unit 370 connected to the gateway 320. In this case, the power output from the power source 330 is output to the gateway 320. One end of the flat cable 200 described above is connected to the expansion unit 370. It is also possible to split the end of the flat cable 200 and directly connect the signal line portion to the gateway 320 and the power line portion to the power source 330 without using the expansion unit 370. In this way, the wiring can be simplified. Also, a controller that controls the actuator 400 may be installed in each actuator 400, or a controller may not be provided in each actuator 400, and the expansion unit 370 may be replaced with the controller of the actuator 400.

[0067] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the terminals 31-35 have the slits 31a-35a into which the first to fifth cables 211-215 are inserted. The terminals 31-35 may be of another type as long as they are connected to the first to fifth cables 211-215, respectively.

[0068] In the above embodiment, an example in which the flat cable 200 includes the first to fifth cables 211 to 215 has been described, but the flat cable 200 may include at least the first cable 211 and the second cable 212. In addition, when the flat cable 200 includes three or more cables, the first cable 211 having the fitting portion does not need to be a side cable, and any cable may be the first cable 211. In addition, the third cable 213, the fourth cable 214, and the fifth cable 215 are thinner than the first cable 211 and the second cable 212, but the first cable 211 to the fifth cable 215 may be the same thickness. In addition, the thicknesses of the first cable 211 to the fifth cable 215 may be appropriately changed in combination depending on the purpose of use.

[0069] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the flat cable 200 includes the cable connection portion 230. However, the flat cable 200 may include at least the first cable 211 and the second cable 212 connected in parallel.

[0070] Various embodiments and modifications of the present invention are possible without departing from the broad spirit and scope of the present invention. The above-described embodiments are for the purpose of explaining the present invention and do not limit the scope of the present invention. That is, the scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims, not the embodiments. Various modifications made within the scope of the claims and the scope of the meaning of the invention equivalent thereto are considered to be within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0071] 10...cover housing, 11...outer wall portion, 11a...opening edge, 11b...face, 11c...side surface, 12, 12b...recess, 12a...first recess, 13...holding portion, 14...pressing portion, 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d, 14e, 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, 16e, 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d, 26e...recess, 15...engaging portion, 15a...locking arm, 17a , 17b, 17f...convex portion, 17c...second concave portion, 17d...first convex portion, 17e...second convex portion, 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d...projection portion, 20...base housing, 21...outer wall portion, 21a...opening edge, 22...terminal holding portion, 23...first engaged portion, 24...second engaged portion, 25...connection portion, 27a, 27b, 27c, 27d...recessed portion, 28a, 28b, 28c, 28d...blocking portion, 31-35...terminal, 31a-35a...slit, 41...first line, 42...second line, 100...connector, 110...mating connector, 200...flat cable, 211...first cable, 212...second cable, 213...third cable, 214...fourth cable, 215...fifth cable, 220...projection portion, 221, 222...recess, 223...first projection, 224...second projection, 225...first recess, 226...second recess, 230...cable connection portion, 300...manufacturing device, 310...PLC, 320...gateway, 330...power supply, 340...signal cable, 350...junction connector, 360...power cable, 370...extension unit, 400...actuator, 500...terminal

Claims

1. a cover housing that holds a flat cable in which at least a first cable and a second cable are connected in parallel to each other so as to be movable in a wiring direction; a base housing having terminals connected to the first cable and the second cable held by the cover housing, the cover housing has a fitted portion that fits into a fitting portion of the first cable at a position where the first cable is disposed; A connector characterized by:

2. The cover housing includes a holding portion that holds the flat cable movably in a wiring direction.

2. The connector according to claim 1 .

3. The holding portion holds the second cable movably in a wiring direction.

3. The connector according to claim 2.

4. the cover housing has a recess in which a protrusion formed on the first cable fits at a position where the first cable is disposed; 3. The connector according to claim 1 or 2.

5. the cover housing has a protrusion in which a recess formed in the first cable fits at a position where the first cable is disposed; 3. The connector according to claim 1 or 2.

6. the cover housing includes a first fitted portion that fits into a first fitting portion provided on the flat cable, and a second fitted portion that fits into a second fitting portion provided on the flat cable.

3. The connector according to claim 1 or 2.

7. the cover housing has a recess at a position where the first cable is disposed and a protrusion at a position where the second cable is disposed, a protrusion formed on the first cable fits into the recess of the cover housing, and a recess formed on the second cable fits into the protrusion of the cover housing; 3. The connector according to claim 1 or 2.

8. the cover housing has a first recess at a position where the first cable is arranged, and a second recess having a shape different from that of the first recess at a position where the second cable is arranged, a first protrusion formed on the first cable is fitted into the first recess, and a second protrusion formed on the second cable is fitted into the second recess; 3. The connector according to claim 1 or 2.

9. the cover housing has a first protrusion at a position where the first cable is arranged, and a second protrusion having a shape different from that of the first protrusion at a position where the second cable is arranged, a first recess formed on the first cable is fitted into the first protrusion, and a second recess formed on the second cable is fitted into the second protrusion; 3. The connector according to claim 1 or 2.

10. A flat cable to be attached to the connector according to claim 1 or 2, the fitting portion is fitted to the fitted portion formed on the cover housing, A flat cable characterized by:

11. the first cable is disposed on a side portion, has a maximum diameter among the cables included in the flat cable, and has the fitting portion that fits into the fitting portion formed on the cover housing; 11. The flat cable according to claim 10.

12. the first cable provides electrical power; 12. The flat cable according to claim 11.

13. A connector according to claim 1 or 2; the flat cable connected to the connector; A connector cable combination comprising:

14. a first visible line extending in a routing direction of the flat cable is formed at a location where the first cable or the second cable is installed on a surface of the cover housing opposite to a surface that holds the flat cable, When the first cable or the second cable, on which a visible second line extending in the routing direction of the flat cable is formed, is attached to the cover housing in a normal orientation, the first line and the second line are aligned coaxially.

3. The connector according to claim 1 or 2.

15. The first line is a recess or a protrusion formed on the cover housing and extending in a wiring direction, The second line is a recess or a protrusion formed on the first cable or the second cable and extending in the wiring direction.

15. The connector of claim 14.

16. A flat cable attached to the connector of claim 14, the second line is arranged coaxially with the first line formed on the cover housing, A flat cable characterized by:

17. the first cable or the second cable is disposed at a side; the second line is formed in the first cable or the second cable having a maximum diameter among the cables included in the flat cable; 17. The flat cable according to claim 16.

18. the first cable or the second cable supplies electrical power; 18. The flat cable according to claim 17.

19. A connector according to claim 14; the flat cable connected to the connector; A connector cable combination comprising:

20. Either the cover housing or the base housing has a protrusion, the other of the cover housing and the base housing has a recessed portion into which the protrusion fits and a blocking portion that interferes with the protrusion, When the cover housing and the base housing are properly attached to each other, the protrusion fits into the recess, If the cover housing and the base housing are not attached normally, the blocking portion interferes with the protrusion, preventing the cover housing and the base housing from being fitted together.

3. The connector according to claim 1 or 2.

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