Electric connector

Abstract

To prevent poor contact with a conductive film member, prevents damage to the conductive film member when external force is applied, and also makes it easier to reuse the conductive film member.SOLUTION: An electric connector 1 includes an inner housing 11, an outer housing 13, and a terminal 14 connected to an electric wire 101 and held by the outer housing 13. The inner housing 11 is provided with a protrusion 22 that engages with a hole 100d in an end 100a of a conductive film member 100, and the end 100a of the conductive film member 100 is bent and wrapped around the inner housing 11 for attachment. The inner housing 11, on which the conductive film member 100 is attached, is fitted into the outer housing 13. The terminal 14 includes a pair of contact portions 38 that contacts the conductor 100b of the conductive film member 100 by sandwiching the conductive film member 100 wrapped around the inner housing 11 from both sides in the thickness direction X2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrical connector for connecting an electric wire to a conductive film member having a conductor and an insulating film layer on which the conductor is disposed. [Background technology]

[0002] Conductive film members have been known in the past, each comprising a conductor and an insulating film layer on which the conductor is disposed, and which are electrically connected to an electric wire to be electrically conductive. Examples of conductive film members include conductive film heaters that are configured to generate heat when energized and are used as heaters, and flexible printed circuits (FPCs) or flexible flat cables (FFCs) that are used for wiring to movable parts or three-dimensional wiring.

[0003] To electrically connect the conductive film member to the electric wire, the conductive film member is connected to an electrical connector that is connected to the electric wire. Patent Document 1 (Patent Document 1) discloses an electrical connector 81 having a head portion 85 and a pin portion 83 extending from the head portion 85, and connected to a printed ink film heater member 72, which is a conductive film member. The electrical connector 81 is connected to the printed ink film heater member 72 with the pin portion 83 penetrating the conductive ink layer 44, which is a conductor printed on the film 42 of the printed ink film heater member 72. The pin portion 83 penetrating the conductive ink layer 44 electrically connects the electrical connector 81 to the printed ink film heater member 72. The pin portion 83 penetrating the conductive ink layer 44 is provided with a member in the form of a rivet or a screw. The pin portion 83 is provided with a rivet or a screw, thereby holding the printed ink film heater member 72 to the electrical connector 81. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-92132 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The electrical connector 81 disclosed in Patent Document 1 is electrically connected to the printed ink film heater element 72 by having the pin portion 83 penetrate the conductive ink layer 44 of the printed ink film heater element 72. For this reason, the contact state between the conductive ink layer 44 and the pin portion 83 penetrating this conductive ink layer 44 is likely to become unstable, and there is a risk of poor contact occurring.

[0006] Furthermore, the pin portions 83 of the electrical connector 81 penetrate the conductive ink layer 44 of the printed ink film heater element 72, and rivets or screws are provided on the pin portions 83, thereby holding the printed ink film heater element 72. For this reason, if a tensile force acts on the printed ink film heater element 72 as an external force, the printed ink film heater element 72 may tear at the portion where the pin portions 83 penetrate, and the printed ink film heater element 72 may be damaged.

[0007] Furthermore, the electrical connector 81 holds the printed ink film heater element 72 by providing rivets or screws on pin portions 83 that penetrate the conductive ink layer 44 of the printed ink film heater element 72. This can cause scratches on the printed ink film heater element 72 at the locations where the rivets or screws are joined, which creates the problem of making it difficult to reuse the printed ink film heater element 72.

[0008] In view of the above-mentioned circumstances, the present invention aims to provide an electrical connector that can prevent poor contact with a conductive film member, prevent the conductive film member from being damaged when an external force is applied to the conductive film member, and further prevent scratches from occurring on the conductive film member, making it easier to reuse the conductive film member. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] (1) An electrical connector according to one aspect of the present invention for achieving the above object relates to an electrical connector for connecting an electric wire to a conductive film member including a conductor and an insulating film layer on which the conductor is disposed. The electrical connector according to one aspect of the present invention includes: an inner housing, which has a protrusion that engages with a hole formed in the film layer at an end of the conductive film member, and which is attached by bending and wrapping the end of the conductive film member with the hole and the protrusion engaged; an outer housing into which the wrapped and attached conductive film member fits; and a terminal, which is connected to the electric wire and held by the outer housing, and which comes into contact with the conductor of the conductive film member when the inner housing is fitted to the outer housing, and which has a pair of contact portions that contact the conductor by sandwiching the conductive film member wrapped around the inner housing from both sides in the thickness direction of the inner housing.

[0010] According to this configuration, the conductive film member is wrapped around the inner housing with the holes provided in the film layer at the end of the conductive film member engaging with the protrusions on the inner housing, positioning the conductive film member relative to the inner housing. The inner housing with the wrapped conductive film member is then fitted into the outer housing. When the inner housing is fitted into the outer housing, a pair of contact portions of the terminals held by the outer housing sandwich the conductive film member wrapped around the inner housing from both sides in the thickness direction of the inner housing, thereby contacting the conductors of the conductive film member from both sides in the thickness direction of the inner housing. This electrically connects the electrical connector and the conductive film member.

[0011] According to the above configuration, the terminal connected to the electric wire does not penetrate the conductor of the conductive film member, but rather contacts the conductor of the conductive film member from both sides in the thickness direction by sandwiching the conductive film member wrapped around the inner housing from both sides in the thickness direction of the inner housing, thereby achieving stable and strong contact between the terminal and the conductor of the conductive film member, thereby preventing poor contact with the conductive film member.

[0012] Furthermore, with the above-described configuration, the end of the conductive film member is held within the outer housing while being wrapped around the inner housing, and is held stably between the inner and outer housings. When the conductive film member is held in the electrical connector, the terminals contact the conductors of the conductive film member without penetrating the conductive film member. Therefore, even when an external force acts on the conductive film member connected to the electrical connector, the conductive film member will not tear at the portion where the terminals contact, and damage to the conductive film member can be suppressed.

[0013] Furthermore, with the above configuration, the end of the conductive film member is held in the outer housing while being wrapped around the inner housing, and is held in a stable state between the inner and outer housings. When the conductive film member is held in the electrical connector, the terminals do not penetrate the conductive film member, and no rivets or screws are provided on the terminals. This allows the conductive film member to be held in a stable state without causing scratches on the conductive film member. This prevents scratches from occurring on the conductive film member, making it easier to reuse the conductive film member.

[0014] As described above, with the above configuration, an electrical connector can be provided that can prevent poor contact with the conductive film member, prevent the conductive film member from being damaged when an external force is applied to the conductive film member, and further prevent scratches from occurring on the conductive film member, making it easier to reuse the conductive film member.

[0015] (2) The electrical connector may further include a retainer that is attached to the inner housing so as to sandwich the conductive film member wrapped around the inner housing from both sides in the thickness direction of the inner housing, and the retainer may be configured to be attached to the inner housing so as to sandwich the conductive film member from both sides in the thickness direction of the inner housing with the conductor exposed to the outside of the inner housing.

[0016] According to this configuration, the retainer is attached to the inner housing so as to sandwich the conductive film member wrapped around the inner housing from both sides in the thickness direction of the inner housing, thereby firmly holding the conductive film member wrapped around the inner housing to the inner housing. The inner housing holding the conductive film member is then fitted to the outer housing with the conductive film member firmly held to the inner housing by the retainer. This facilitates the fitting of the inner housing around which the conductive film member is wrapped to the outer housing. Furthermore, when the inner housing around which the conductive film member is wrapped is fitted to the outer housing, the position of the conductive film member relative to the inner housing can be stably maintained. This ensures more stable contact between the conductors of the conductive film member and the terminals held in the outer housing when the inner and outer housings are fitted together. Furthermore, because the retainer is attached to the inner housing so as to sandwich the conductive film member from both sides in the thickness direction of the inner housing with the conductors exposed to the outside of the inner housing, it is possible to prevent any adverse effects on the contact between the terminals and the conductors.

[0017] (3) The retainer may be provided with an engaging projection that engages with the inner housing when the retainer is attached to the inner housing.

[0018] With this configuration, when the retainer is attached to the inner housing so as to sandwich the conductive film member wrapped around the inner housing from both sides in the thickness direction of the inner housing, the engaging protrusions of the retainer engage with the inner housing, thereby preventing the retainer, which holds the conductive film member wrapped around the inner housing to the inner housing, from falling off the inner housing, and enabling the conductive film member to be held more stably and firmly to the inner housing.

[0019] (4) The protrusion may be provided so as to protrude from one side in the thickness direction of the inner housing, and a convex portion may be provided on the other side in the thickness direction of the inner housing, which engages with a notch provided on both sides in the width direction of the conductive film member.

[0020] With this configuration, the conductive film member wrapped around the inner housing is positioned relative to the inner housing on one side in the thickness direction of the inner housing by engaging with a protrusion protruding from the inner housing in a hole provided at an end of the conductive film member. The conductive film member wrapped around the inner housing is also positioned relative to the inner housing on the other side in the thickness direction of the inner housing by engaging with a protrusion provided on the inner housing in a notch provided on both sides in the width direction of the conductive film member. Therefore, the conductive film member wrapped around the inner housing can be positioned relative to the inner housing on both sides in the thickness direction of the inner housing.

[0021] (5) The inner housing may be provided with a locking arm that engages with a locking portion provided on a mounting member to which the inner housing, with the conductive film member wrapped around it, is attached.

[0022] With this configuration, the locking arms of the inner housing engage with locking portions provided on the mounting member to which the inner housing is attached, so that the inner housing with the conductive film member wrapped around it can be stably attached to the mounting member. [Effects of the Invention]

[0023] According to the present invention, an electrical connector can be provided that can prevent poor contact with the conductive film member, can prevent the conductive film member from being damaged when an external force is applied to the conductive film member, and can further make the conductive film member less susceptible to scratches, making it easier to reuse the conductive film member. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of an electrical connector according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing a conductive film member and an electrical wire connected by the electrical connector; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the electrical connector, showing a conductive film member and an electrical wire. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the electrical connector, showing a conductive film member and an electrical wire. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the electrical connector. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a conductive film member. [Figure 6] 6A and 6B are perspective views showing the inner housing of the electrical connector. [Figure 7] 7A, 7B, and 7C are views showing the inner housing, with FIG. 7A being a plan view, FIG. 7B being a front view, and FIG. 7C being a bottom view. [Figure 8] 8(A) and 8(B) are perspective views showing a state in which the conductive film member is attached to the inner housing. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a retainer of the electrical connector. [Figure 10] 10A is a plan view, FIG. 10B is a front view, FIG. 10C is a bottom view, and FIG. 10D is a side view showing a retainer. [Figure 11] 10 is a perspective view showing a state in which a retainer is further attached to an inner housing to which a conductive film member is attached. FIG. [Figure 12] 12A to 12C are diagrams showing the state in which a conductive film member and a retainer are attached to an inner housing, where FIG. 12A is a plan view, FIG. 12B is a front view, and FIG. 12C is a bottom view. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the outer housing of the electrical connector. [Figure 14]14A is a plan view showing the outer housing, FIG. 14B is a front view, and FIG. 14C is a plan view. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a state in which a terminal connected to an electric wire is held in an outer housing. [Figure 16] 16A to 16C are diagrams showing a state in which a terminal connected to an electric wire is held in an outer housing, where FIG. 16A is a plan view, FIG. 16B is a front view, and FIG. 16C is a rear view. [Figure 17] 17A, 17B, and 17C are diagrams showing a terminal connected to an electric wire, with FIG. 17A being a perspective view, FIG. 17B being a plan view, and FIG. 17C being a side view. [Figure 18] 18(A), 18(B), and 18(C) are diagrams for explaining the operation of attaching the conductive film member to the inner housing. [Figure 19] 19(A) and 19(B) are diagrams showing a state in which a conductive film member is attached to an inner housing, where FIG. 19(A) is a front view and FIG. 19(B) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 19(A). [Figure 20] 20(A) and 20(B) are diagrams for explaining the operation of mounting the retainer to the inner housing to which the conductive film member is attached. [Figure 21] 21(A) and 21(B) are diagrams showing the state in which a conductive film member and a retainer are attached to an inner housing, where FIG. 21(A) is a front view and FIG. 21(B) is a cross-sectional view taken from the position of the arrow BB in FIG. 21(A). [Figure 22] 10 is an enlarged view of a portion of the inner housing with a conductive film member and a retainer attached thereto; FIG. [Figure 23] 23(A) and 23(B) are diagrams for explaining the operation of attaching the inner housing, to which the conductive film member and the retainer are attached, to the attachment member. [Figure 24] 24(A) and 24(B) are diagrams for explaining the operation of connecting the inner housing, to which the conductive film member and the retainer are attached, and the outer housing by fitting them together. [Figure 25] 25A and 25B are diagrams showing a state in which an inner housing, to which a conductive film member and a retainer are attached, and an outer housing are connected by fitting, where FIG. 25A is a side view and FIG. 25B is a cross-sectional view. [Figure 26] 25(A) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC in FIG. 25(A). [Figure 27] 27A and 27B are diagrams showing a state in which an inner housing, to which a conductive film member and a retainer are attached, and an outer housing are connected by fitting, where FIG. 27A is a side view and FIG. 27B is a cross-sectional view. [Figure 28] FIG. 27(B) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line DD in FIG. 27(A). [Figure 29] FIG. 27B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line EE in FIG. 27A. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] The present invention can be broadly applied to electrical connectors that connect an electric wire to a conductive film member that includes a conductor and an insulating film layer on which the conductor is disposed.

[0026] [Outline of electrical connector] 1 to 3 are perspective views of an electrical connector 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing a conductive film member 100 and an electric wire 101 to be connected by the electrical connector 1. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the electrical connector 1. FIGS. 1 and 2 show a state before an inner housing 11 equipped with a conductive film member 100 and an outer housing 13 holding terminals 14 are connected by fitting. Note that FIG. 1 shows a state in which the inner housing 11 is attached to a mounting member 102. Also, FIG. 3 shows a state in which the inner housing 11 and the outer housing 13 are connected by fitting. Also, in FIGS. 1 to 4, only a portion of the conductive film member 100 and the electric wire 101 are shown cut away.

[0027] 1 to 4, the electrical connector 1 is configured as a connector that electrically connects a conductive film member 100 and a plurality of electric wires 101. The electrical connector 1 is configured to include an inner housing 11, a retainer 12, an outer housing 13, and a plurality of terminals 14. The inner housing 11 is formed of an insulating resin material and configured to have the conductive film member 100 wrapped around it and attached to it. The retainer 12 is formed of an insulating resin material and configured to be attached to the inner housing 11 around which the conductive film member 100 is wrapped and attached. The outer housing 13 is formed of an insulating resin material and configured to fit and connect the conductive film member 100 and the inner housing 11 to which the retainer 12 is attached. Each of the plurality of terminals 14 is formed of a conductive metal material and configured to be connected to the electric wires 101 and inserted into and held in the outer housing 13.

[0028] Referring to FIG. 2, once the conductive film member 100 is attached to the inner housing 11, the retainer 12 is attached to the inner housing 11 with the conductive film member 100 attached. Referring to FIG. 1, the inner housing 11 with the conductive film member 100 and the retainer 12 attached is attached to a mounting member 102. The mounting member 102 is configured as a member to which the inner housing 11 with the conductive film member 100 wrapped around it is attached, and is provided, for example, as a flat, plate-like member that forms part of a base on which the electrical connector 1 is installed. Referring to FIGS. 1, 3, and 4, the mounting member 102 is provided with a locking portion 102a that engages with a locking arm 25 (described below) that is provided on the inner housing 11. The locking portion 102a is provided, for example, as a wall portion protruding from the mounting member 102, and is provided with a groove that engages with the locking arm 25. The locking arms 25 of the inner housing 11 engage with the locking portions 102 a of the mounting member 102 , thereby mounting the inner housing 11 to the mounting member 102 .

[0029] Furthermore, by attaching the inner housing 11 to the mounting member 102, the electrical connector 1, which includes the inner housing 11 and the outer housing 13 to which the inner housing 11 is fitted, is installed on the mounting member 102. Note that in this embodiment, a flat plate-like member is exemplified as the mounting member 102 to which the inner housing 11 is attached to install the electrical connector 1, but this is not the only option. The mounting member 102 may be various other members, such as a member that constitutes a housing, a frame-like member, or a panel-like member.

[0030] 4, a plurality of electric wires 101 are connected to the plurality of terminals 14, respectively. That is, each electric wire 101 is connected to each terminal 14. Each terminal 14 is connected to each electric wire 101 by crimping and fitting each terminal 14 to an end of each electric wire 101. Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, the terminals 14 connected to the electric wires 101 are inserted into and held in the outer housing 13. The electrical connector 1 of this embodiment is provided with a terminal position assurance member 15. The terminal position assurance member 15 is attached to the outer housing 13 and engages with the terminals 14 inserted and held in the outer housing 13, thereby ensuring the position of the terminals 14 in the outer housing 13. When the terminals 14 connected to the electric wires 101 are inserted into and held in the outer housing 13, the terminal position assurance member 15 is attached to the outer housing 13 and engages with the terminals 14, thereby ensuring the position of the terminals 14.

[0031] 3, when the inner housing 11, to which the conductive film member 100 and the retainer 12 are attached, is attached to the attachment member 102, and the terminals 14 connected to the electric wires 101 are inserted into and held in the outer housing 13, the inner housing 11 and the outer housing 13 are mated. When the inner housing 11, to which the conductive film member 100 and the retainer 12 are attached, is mated with the outer housing 13, which holds the terminals 14 connected to the electric wires 101, the inner housing 11 and the outer housing 13 are mechanically connected, and the conductive film member 100 and the terminals 14 are electrically connected. The electrical connection between the conductive film member 100 and the terminals 14 electrically connects the conductive film member 100 and the electric wires 101.

[0032] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the conductive film member 100. The conductive film member 100 is provided, for example, as a conductive film heater configured to generate heat when energized and used as a heater. The conductive film member 100 may also be provided as a flexible substrate or flexible flat cable used for wiring to movable parts or three-dimensional wiring. The conductive film member 100 is provided in a ribbon shape having a longitudinal direction, and FIG. 5 shows a portion of the conductive film member 100 including an end portion 100a in the longitudinal direction of the conductive film member 100. The conductive film member 100 is configured to be bent and wrapped around the inner housing 11 at the end portion 100a. The exploded perspective view of FIG. 4 schematically illustrates the end portion 100a of the conductive film member 100 in a bent state. Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, the conductive film member 100 attached to the inner housing 11 includes a plurality of conductors 100b and an insulating film layer 100c on which the plurality of conductors 100b are arranged.

[0033] The film layer 100c is made of an insulating resin material and is formed into a thin, flexible sheet, extending in a long, slender ribbon shape. The multiple conductors 100b are each formed in a long, slender shape and arranged at predetermined intervals on the surface of the film layer 100c. The multiple conductors 100b extend along the longitudinal direction of the conductive film member 100 and are arranged so as to extend parallel to one another. The direction in which the multiple conductors 100b arranged so as to extend parallel to one another corresponds to the width direction of the conductive film member 100. Each conductor 100b is formed, for example, as a long, slender, flat, foil-like metal wire.

[0034] In this embodiment, the conductive film member 100 is provided as a conductive film heater, and is configured so that the plurality of conductors 100b generate heat when current is passed through them. When the inner housing 11 on which the conductive film member 100 is mounted is fitted with the outer housing 13 holding the plurality of terminals 14, the plurality of conductors 100b of the conductive film member 100 come into contact with the plurality of terminals 14 and are electrically connected. When current is passed through the terminals 14 connected to the electric wires 101, the conductors 100b of the conductive film member 100 generate heat.

[0035] Furthermore, the conductive film member 100 has a hole 101d formed in the film layer 100c at an end 100a in the longitudinal direction. The hole 101d formed in the film layer 100c at the end 100a of the conductive film member 100 is a hole penetrating the film layer 100c in the thickness direction. Two holes 101d are formed at the end 100a of the conductive film member 100, and are arranged side by side in the width direction of the conductive film member 100. The number of holes 101d is not limited to two, and one or three or more holes 100d may be formed at the end 100a of the conductive film member 100. The holes 100d are formed as holes into which a protrusion 22 (described later) of the inner housing 11 is inserted and engaged when the conductive film member 100 is attached to the inner housing 11.

[0036] The conductive film member 100 also has cutouts 100e. The cutouts 100e are provided in pairs on both sides of the conductive film member 100 in the width direction. The cutouts 100e on both sides of the conductive film member 100 in the width direction are formed by cutting out a portion of the film layer 101c in a rectangular shape. The cutouts 100e are cut out so that a protrusion 23 (described below) on the inner housing 11 can engage with the cutouts 100e when the conductive film member 100 is attached to the inner housing 11.

[0037] The configuration of the electrical connector 1 will be described in more detail below. In the following description, the connection direction X1, thickness direction X2, and width direction X3 of the electrical connector 1 are defined as shown by double-ended arrows X1, X2, and X3 in Figures 1 to 5 and the following drawings. The connection direction X1 is configured as a direction parallel to the direction in which the inner housing 11 and the outer housing 13 of the electrical connector 1 are mated and connected. The thickness direction X2 and width direction X3 are configured as directions perpendicular to the connection direction X1, and the thickness direction X2 and width direction X3 are configured as directions perpendicular to each other. The connection direction X1 of the electrical connector 1 also defines the connection direction X1 of the inner housing 11, the retainer 12, the outer housing 13, the terminals 14, and the conductive film member 100. The connection direction X1 of the conductive film member 100 corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the conductive film member 100. The thickness direction X2 of the electrical connector 1 defines the thickness direction X2 of the inner housing 11, the retainer 12, the outer housing 13, the terminals 14, and the conductive film member 100. The width direction X3 of the electrical connector 1 defines the width direction X3 of the inner housing 11, the retainer 12, the outer housing 13, the terminals 14, and the conductive film member 100. The width direction X3 corresponds to the direction in which the multiple conductors 100b in the conductive film member 100 attached to the inner housing 11 are arranged, and also corresponds to the direction in which the multiple terminals 14 held by the outer housing 13 are arranged on the outer housing 13.

[0038] [Inner housing] Figures 6(A) and 6(B) are perspective views showing the inner housing 11 of the electrical connector 1. Figure 7 shows the inner housing 11, with Figure 7(A) being a plan view, Figure 7(B) being a front view, and Figure 7(C) being a bottom view. Figures 6(A) and 6(B) are views in which the orientations in the thickness direction X2 are reversed to each other.

[0039] 1 to 4, 6 and 7, the inner housing 11 of the electrical connector 1 is formed of an insulating resin material and is configured to have a conductive film member 100 attached thereto. With the conductive film member 100 attached, the inner housing 11 is configured to have a retainer 12 attached thereto and to be fitted and connected to the outer housing 13. The inner housing 11 has a basic rectangular outer shape that is long in the width direction X3 and whose length in the connection direction X1 is shorter than its length in the width direction X3.

[0040] 4 to 7, the inner housing 11 has a main body 21 that extends in a rectangular shape along the connection direction X1 and the width direction X3 and that is formed like a thin plate in the thickness direction X1. The main body 21 constitutes a portion around which the conductive film member 100 is attached by being wrapped around it. In this embodiment, both surfaces of the plate-shaped main body 21 in the thickness direction X1 are formed with an uneven shape to apply an appropriate frictional force to the wrapped-around attached conductive film member 100, thereby preventing it from slipping.

[0041] 1 to 4, 6, and 7, the inner housing 11 is provided with a pair of side walls 24 on both sides of the main body 21 in the width direction X3. The pair of side walls 24 are set to have a thickness dimension in the thickness direction X2 greater than that of the main body 21 on both sides of the width direction X3 of the main body 21, and are provided to extend along the connecting direction X1. The inner housing 11 is also provided with a lock arm 25 on each of the pair of side walls 24. The lock arm 25 is provided as a portion that engages with a lock portion 102a provided on a mounting member 102 to which the inner housing 11 is attached. The lock arm 25 is provided to extend from each of the pair of side walls 24 outside the width direction X3 of the inner housing 11. The lock arm 25 is provided to extend in a cantilevered manner from each of the pair of side walls 24 along the connecting direction X1. At the tip of each cantilevered locking arm 25, a claw portion that engages with a locking portion 102a of the mounting member 102 is provided.

[0042] 8(A) and 8(B) are perspective views showing a state in which the conductive film member 100 is attached to the inner housing 11. Note that FIGS. 8(A) and 8(B) show the inner housing 11 in opposite positions in the thickness direction X2. Referring to FIGS. 5 to 7 and 8(A), the inner housing 11 is provided with protrusions 22 that engage with holes 100d provided in the film layer 100c of the end portion 100a of the attached conductive film member 100. The protrusions 22 are provided in pairs and protrude from one side in the thickness direction X2 of the main body 21 of the inner housing 11. The protrusions 22 are provided in pairs corresponding to the pair of holes 100d provided in the end portion 100a of the conductive film member 100. Each of the pair of protrusions 22 is provided in a short cylindrical shape and protrudes along the thickness direction X2 from one surface of the main body 21 in the thickness direction X2. The pair of protrusions 22 are arranged side by side in the width direction X3 on one surface of the main body 21 in the thickness direction X2.

[0043] 8(A), when the conductive film member 100 is attached to the inner housing 11, first, the protrusion 22 is inserted into the hole 100d of the end 100a of the conductive film member 100, and with the protrusion 22 engaged with the hole 100d, the end 100a of the conductive film member 100 is placed on the main body 21. Then, with the hole 100d engaged with the protrusion 22, the end 100a of the conductive film member 100 is bent and wrapped around the main body 21 of the inner housing 11 to be attached.

[0044] 1, 2, 5 to 7, and 8(B), the inner housing 11 is provided with protrusions 23 that engage with notches 100e provided on both sides of the attached conductive film member 100 in the width direction X3. The protrusions 23 are provided in pairs, and are provided on the other side of the main body 21 of the inner housing 11 in the thickness direction X2. That is, the pair of protrusions 23 are provided on the other side of both sides of the main body 21 of the inner housing 11 in the thickness direction X2, which is the surface opposite to the one side on which the protrusion 22 is provided. Furthermore, the protrusions 23 are provided on the other surface of the main body 21, at both ends in the width direction X3. The protrusions 23 are provided as rectangular parallelepiped-shaped protruding portions on both ends of the main body 21 in the width direction X3. Referring to Figure 8(B), when the end 100a of the conductive film member 100 is bent and wrapped around the main body 21 of the inner housing 11 and attached, a pair of protrusions 23 provided on the inner housing 11 fit into and engage with a pair of cutouts 101e provided on both sides of the conductive film member 100 in the width direction X3.

[0045] 1, 2, and 6 to 8, the inner housing 11 is provided with engagement grooves 26 that engage with the retainer 12 that is attached to the inner housing 11 to which the conductive film member 100 is attached. A pair of engagement grooves 26 is provided on each of both sides of the main body 21 of the inner housing 11 in the thickness direction X2. The pair of engagement grooves 26 that are provided on each of both sides of the main body 21 in the thickness direction X2 are provided on both ends of the main body 21 in the width direction X3. That is, the pair of engagement grooves 26 provided on one side of the main body 21 in the thickness direction X2 are provided on both ends of the main body 21 in the width direction X3, and the pair of engagement grooves 26 provided on the other side of the main body 21 in the thickness direction X2 are also provided on both ends of the main body 21 in the width direction X3. In addition, the retainer 12 is provided with an engagement protrusion 30, which will be described later, and when the retainer 12 is attached to the inner housing 11, the engagement protrusion 30 engages with the engagement groove 26, thereby engaging the retainer 12 with the inner housing 11.

[0046] 1, 2, and 6 to 8, the inner housing 11 is provided with locking protrusions 27 that engage with the inner wall of the outer housing 13 when the inner housing 11 is fitted to the outer housing 13, thereby locking the inner housing 11 to the outer housing 13. A pair of locking protrusions 27 are provided, and are provided on both ends of the main body 21 of the inner housing 11 in the width direction X3. The locking protrusions 27 are provided as portions that protrude convexly outward in the width direction X3, on both ends of the main body 21 in the width direction X3. In this embodiment, the locking protrusions 27 are provided on the end side of the inner housing 11 that fits into the outer housing 13 in the connection direction X1.

[0047] [Retainer] Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing the retainer 12 of the electrical connector 1. Fig. 10 shows the retainer 12, with Fig. 10(A) being a plan view, Fig. 10(B) being a front view, Fig. 10(C) being a bottom view, and Fig. 10(D) being a side view. Fig. 11 is a perspective view showing a state in which the retainer 12 is further attached to the inner housing 11 to which the conductive film member 100 is attached. Fig. 12 shows a state in which the conductive film member 100 and the retainer 12 are attached to the inner housing 11, with Fig. 12(A) being a plan view, Fig. 12(B) being a front view, and Fig. 12(C) being a bottom view.

[0048] 1, 2, 4, and 9 to 12, the retainer 12 is formed of an insulating resin material and is configured to be attached to the inner housing 11 around which the conductive film member 100 is wrapped. Furthermore, the retainer 12 is configured to be attached to the inner housing 11 so as to sandwich the conductive film member 100 wrapped around the inner housing 11 from both sides in the thickness direction X2 of the inner housing 11.

[0049] Referring to Figures 1, 2, and 9 to 12, the retainer 12 is configured to include a pair of plate-like portions 28 extending in the shape of flat plates, and a connecting portion 29 formed integrally with the pair of plate-like portions 28 and connecting the pair of plate-like portions 28.

[0050] The pair of plate-like portions 28 of the retainer 12 are arranged side by side in the thickness direction X2, are formed like plates extending in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction X2, and are provided to extend parallel to each other. When the retainer 12 is attached to the inner housing 11 around which the conductive film member 100 is wrapped, the pair of plate-like portions 28 are arranged on both sides of the inner housing 11 around which the conductive film member 100 is wrapped in the thickness direction X2. In other words, when the retainer 12 is attached to the inner housing 11 so as to sandwich the conductive film member 100 wrapped around the inner housing 11 from both sides in the thickness direction X2 of the inner housing 11, the retainer 12 is attached to the inner housing 11 so as to sandwich the conductive film member 100 from both sides in the thickness direction X2 of the inner housing 11.

[0051] The connecting portion 29 of the retainer 12 is provided as a portion that connects the pair of plate-like portions 28 at one end side in the connection direction X1. The connecting portion 29 is provided so as to extend while curving over approximately 180°, and integrally connects the end portions of the pair of plate-like portions 28 at one end side in the connection direction X1. In addition, the connecting portion 29 is provided in a pair, and is They are located on both ends of the X3.

[0052] Each of the pair of plate-like portions 28 has an opening recess 28a that is cut out at one end in the connection direction X1 so as to recess toward the other end in the connection direction X1 and extend across the width direction X3. Because each of the pair of plate-like portions 28 has the opening recess 28a, when the retainer 12 is attached to the inner housing 11 around which the conductive film member 100 is wrapped, the conductor 100b of the conductive film member 100 is exposed to the outside of the inner housing 11 through the opening recess 28a of the retainer 12, as shown in FIGS. 1 , 2 , 11 , and 12 . Thus, the retainer 12 is configured to be attached to the inner housing 11 by sandwiching the conductive film member 100 from both sides of the inner housing 11 in the thickness direction X2, with the conductor 100b exposed to the outside of the inner housing 11.

[0053] 9 to 12, the retainer 12 is provided with engagement protrusions 30 that engage with the inner housing 11 when the retainer 12 is attached to the inner housing 11 around which the conductive film member 100 is wrapped. The engagement protrusions 30 are configured to engage with the engagement grooves 26 of the inner housing 11 when the retainer 12 is attached to the inner housing 11. A pair of engagement protrusions 30 is provided on each of the pair of plate-shaped portions 28. The pair of engagement protrusions 30 on each of the pair of plate-shaped portions 28 is provided on both ends of the plate-shaped portion 28 in the width direction X3. That is, the pair of engagement protrusions 30 provided on the plate-shaped portion 28 that is disposed on one side of the pair of plate-shaped portions 28 in the thickness direction X2 is provided on both ends of the one plate-shaped portion 28 in the width direction X3. The pair of engagement protrusions 30 provided on the plate-shaped portion 28 that is disposed on the other side of the pair of plate-shaped portions 28 in the thickness direction X2 is provided on both ends of the other plate-shaped portion 28 in the width direction X3. When the retainer 12 is attached to the inner housing 11 around which the conductive film member 100 is wrapped, the engaging projections 30 of the retainer 12 engage with the engaging grooves 26 of the inner housing 11 .

[0054] [Outer housing] Fig. 13 is a perspective view showing the outer housing 13 of the electrical connector 1. Fig. 14 is a view showing the outer housing 13, with Fig. 14(A) being a plan view, Fig. 14(B) being a front view, and Fig. 14(C) being a plan view. Fig. 15 is a perspective view showing a state in which terminals 14 connected to electric wires 101 are held in the outer housing 13. Fig. 16 is a view showing a state in which terminals 14 connected to electric wires 101 are held in the outer housing 13, with Fig. 16(A) being a plan view, Fig. 16(B) being a front view, and Fig. 16(C) being a rear view.

[0055] 1 to 4 and 13 to 16, the outer housing 13 of the electrical connector 1 is formed from an insulating resin material and is configured to be fitted and connected to the inner housing 11, which has a conductive film member 100 wrapped around it. The outer housing 13 is also configured to be fitted and connected to the inner housing 11, which has the conductive film member 100 wrapped around it and a retainer 12 attached thereto. The outer housing 13 is also configured to receive and hold a plurality of terminals 14, each connected to an electric wire 101, inserted therein.

[0056] 1 to 4 and 13 to 16, the outer housing 13 is thin in the thickness direction X2 and has a basic housing-like outer shape whose length in the connection direction X1 is shorter than its length in the width direction X1. The outer housing 13 is configured so that the terminals 14 are inserted into it from one side in the connection direction X1, and the inner housing 11 is fitted to it from the other side in the connection direction X1.

[0057] 1 to 4, 13, 14(B), and 16(B), a plurality of terminal insertion holes 31 into which a plurality of terminals 14 are respectively inserted are opened on one side of the outer housing 13 in the connection direction X1. The plurality of terminal insertion holes 31 are arranged side by side in the width direction X3 in the outer housing 13, and each terminal insertion hole 31 is provided so as to extend along the connection direction X1 within the outer housing 13. The terminal 14 connected to the electric wire 101 is inserted from the terminal insertion hole 31 into the outer housing 13 along the connection direction X1 and is held by the outer housing 13 inside the terminal insertion hole 31.

[0058] 1 to 4 and 13 to 16, the outer housing 13 is provided with a terminal position assurance member (TPA) insertion hole 32 into which a terminal position assurance member (TPA) 15 is inserted. The TPA insertion hole 32 is open on one side of the outer housing 13 in the thickness direction X2 and communicates with the plurality of terminal insertion holes 31 inside the outer housing 13. With the plurality of terminals 14 inserted into and held in the outer housing 13 through the plurality of terminal insertion holes 31, the TPA member 15 is inserted into the TPA insertion hole 32. When the TPA member 15 is inserted into the TPA insertion hole 32, the TPA member 15 engages with the plurality of terminals 14 inside the outer housing 13. When the TPA member 15 engages with the plurality of terminals 14 inside the outer housing 13, the positions of the terminals 14 in the outer housing 13 are assured.

[0059] 14(C), 15, and 16(C), a fitting opening 33 into which the inner housing 11 is inserted and fitted is open on the other side of the outer housing 13 in the connection direction X1. The fitting opening 33 opens toward the outside of the outer housing 13 on the other side of the outer housing 13 in the connection direction X1, widening along the width direction X3. The inner housing 11, with the conductive film member 100 wrapped around it and the retainer 12 further attached, is inserted into the outer housing 13 through the fitting opening 33 and fitted thereto. Inside the outer housing 13, the fitting opening 33 communicates with a plurality of terminal insertion holes 31.

[0060] Furthermore, on the inner wall of the outer housing 13 inside the fitting opening 33 of the outer housing 13, locking claws 34 are provided that engage with the locking protrusions 27 of the inner housing 11 inserted through the fitting opening 33 (see FIGS. 14(C) and 16(C)). A pair of locking claws 34 are provided on both sides in the width direction X3 inside the outer housing 13. The locking claws 34 are provided so as to protrude in a claw-like manner inside the fitting opening 33. When the inner housing 11 is inserted into the outer housing 13 through the fitting opening 33 and fitted, the locking protrusions 27 of the inner housing 11 engage with the locking claws 34 of the outer housing 13, thereby locking the inner housing 11 to the outer housing 13 and preventing the inner housing 11 from falling off the outer housing 13.

[0061] Terminal 17A to 17C are diagrams showing the terminal 14 in a state connected to the electric wire 101, where Fig. 17A is a perspective view, Fig. 17B is a plan view, and Fig. 17C is a side view. With reference to Figs. 1 to 4, 16, and 17, the terminal 14 is formed of a conductive metal material, is connected to the electric wire 101, and is configured to be inserted into and held in the outer housing 13. Furthermore, the terminal 14 in a state held in the outer housing 13 is configured to come into contact with the conductor 100b of the conductive film member 100 when the inner housing 11, to which the conductive film member 100 is attached, is fitted into the outer housing 13, thereby being electrically connected to the conductor 100b.

[0062] 17, the terminal 14 is configured to have a main body portion 35, a wire crimping portion 36, a coating crimping portion 37, and a pair of contact portions 38. The main body portion 35, the wire crimping portion 36, the coating crimping portion 37, and the pair of contact portions 38 are integrally provided. In the terminal 14, the wire crimping portion 36 and the coating crimping portion 37 are provided on one side of the main body portion 35 in the connecting direction X1, and the pair of contact portions 38 are provided on the other side of the main body portion 35 in the connecting direction X1.

[0063] The core wire crimping portion 36 is provided as a portion to be crimped to the core wire 101a of the electric wire 101, and the covering crimping portion 37 is provided as a portion to be crimped to the covering 101b of the electric wire 101. The electric wire 101 has the core wire 101a provided as a conductor made of a metal wire, and the covering 101b made of an insulating material that covers the periphery of the core wire 101a. The electric wire 101 is connected to the terminal 14 at its end with the covering 101b partially removed to expose the core wire 101a. When the terminal 14 and the electric wire 101 are connected, the core wire crimping portion 36 of the terminal 14 is crimped and crimped to the core wire 101a exposed at the end of the electric wire 101, and the covering crimping portion 37 of the terminal 14 is crimped and crimped to the covering 101b at the end of the electric wire 101.

[0064] The pair of contact portions 38 are provided as portions that come into contact with the conductor 100b of the conductive film member 100 and thereby are electrically connected to the conductor 100b. Each of the pair of contact portions 38 is provided to extend in a cantilevered manner from the main body portion 35 of the terminal 14 along the connection direction X1. The pair of contact portions 38 are provided to extend substantially parallel to each other from the main body portion 35 along the connection direction X1 and are arranged opposite each other in the thickness direction X2.

[0065] When the terminals 14 are held inside the outer housing 13, the pair of contact portions 38 are arranged facing the fitting opening 33. An inter-contact area 39, which is a spatial area between the pair of opposing contact portions 38 in the thickness direction X2, forms a spatial area into which one end of the inner housing 11 wrapped with the conductive film member 100 in the connection direction X1 is inserted when the inner housing 11 wrapped with the conductive film member 100 is inserted into the outer housing 13 through the fitting opening 33.

[0066] When the inner housing 11 around which the conductive film member 100 is wrapped is inserted into the outer housing 13 and inserted into the inter-contact region 39 between the pair of contact portions 38 within the outer housing 13, the pair of contact portions 38 sandwich the conductive film member 100 wrapped around the inner housing 11 from both sides in the thickness direction X2. The pair of contact portions 38 are configured to contact the conductors 100b of the conductive film member 100 by sandwiching the conductive film member 100 wrapped around the inner housing 11 from both sides in the thickness direction X2. When the inner housing 11 around which the conductive film member 100 is wrapped is inserted into and fitted into the outer housing 13, each of the multiple terminals 14 sandwiches the conductive film member 100 between the pair of contact portions 38 in the thickness direction X2, and the pair of contact portions 38 of each of the multiple terminals 14 contacts each of the multiple conductors 100b. The plurality of terminals 14 come into contact with the plurality of conductors 100b at the pair of contact portions 38, thereby electrically connecting the plurality of terminals 14 to the plurality of conductors 100b, respectively.

[0067] [Connection operation using an electrical connector] Next, the operation of connecting the conductive film member 100 and the plurality of electric wires 101 using the electric connector 1 will be described.

[0068] When connecting the conductive film member 100 and the plurality of electric wires 101 using the electrical connector 1, first, the plurality of terminals 14 are crimped and connected to each of the plurality of electric wires 101 (see FIGS. 4 and 17 ). The terminals 14 are connected to the electric wires 101 by crimping the core crimping portion 36 onto the core wire 101a at the end of the electric wire 101 and crimping the insulation crimping portion 37 onto the insulation 101b at the end of the electric wire 101. Referring to FIGS. 1 , 2 , 15 and 16 , the plurality of terminals 14 connected to the plurality of electric wires 101 respectively are inserted into the plurality of terminal insertion holes 31 of the outer housing 13 and held in the outer housing 13. Once the plurality of terminals 14 are inserted and held in the outer housing 13, the terminal position assurance members 15 are inserted into the terminal position assurance member insertion holes 32 of the outer housing 13, and the positions of the plurality of terminals 14 in the outer housing 13 are assured.

[0069] When connecting the conductive film member 100 and a plurality of electric wires 101 using the electrical connector 1, first, the terminals 14 connected to the electric wires 101 are inserted into and held in the outer housing 13, and the conductive film member 100 is attached to the inner housing 11. Figures 18(A), 18(B), and 18(C) are views for explaining the operation of attaching the conductive film member 100 to the inner housing 11. Note that Figures 18(A) to 18(C) are views showing the inner housing 11 as viewed from one side in the width direction X3, and show the state in which the operation of attaching the conductive film member 100 to the inner housing 11 is performed in the order of Figures 18(A), 18(B), and 18(C).

[0070] 8(A) and 18(A), when the conductive film member 100 is attached to the inner housing 11, first, the end 100a of the conductive film member 100 is placed on one surface of the main body 21 of the inner housing 11 in the thickness direction X2. At this time, the end 100a of the conductive film member 100 is placed on the main body 21 of the inner housing 11 with the protrusion 22 of the inner housing 11 inserted into and engaged with the hole 100d of the end 100a of the conductive film member 100. The engagement of the protrusion 22 with the hole 100d determines the position of the end 100a of the conductive film member 100 relative to the inner housing 11.

[0071] Once the end 100a of the conductive film member 100 is placed in the main body 21 of the inner housing 11 with the protrusion 22 engaged in the hole 100d, the inner housing 11 is then rotated relative to the conductive film member 100 so that the conductive film member 100 is wrapped around the inner housing 11, as shown in Fig. 18(B). Note that in Fig. 18(B), the arrow indicates the direction in which the inner housing 11 is rotated relative to the conductive film member 100.

[0072] By rotating the inner housing 11 relative to the conductive film member 100, the conductive film member 100 is wrapped around and attached to the main body 21 of the inner housing 11, as shown in FIGS. 8(B) and 18(C). FIG. 19 shows the state in which the conductive film member 100 is attached to the inner housing 11, with FIG. 19(A) being a front view and FIG. 19(B) being a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 19(A). With reference to FIGS. 8(B) and 19, when the conductive film member 100 is attached to the inner housing 11, the end 100a of the conductive film member 100 is wrapped around and attached to the main body 21 of the inner housing 11 so as to cover the surface from one side to the other side in the thickness direction X2. When the conductive film member 100 is attached to the inner housing 11, the protrusion 22 of the inner housing 11 is inserted into and engaged with the hole 100d of the conductive film member 100. Furthermore, when the conductive film member 100 is attached to the inner housing 11, the protrusions 23 provided on the inner housing 11 fit into and engage with the cutout portions 101e provided on both sides of the conductive film member 100 in the width direction X3.

[0073] When the end 100a of the conductive film member 100 is wrapped around and attached to the inner housing 11, the retainer 12 is attached to the inner housing 11 on which the conductive film member 100 is attached. FIGS. 20(A) and 20(B) are views for explaining the operation of attaching the retainer 12 to the inner housing 11 on which the conductive film member 100 is attached. Referring to FIG. 20(A), the retainer 12 is attached to the inner housing 11 on which the conductive film member 100 is attached by sliding it along the connection direction X1. In FIG. 20(A), the direction in which the retainer 12 is attached by sliding it relative to the inner housing 11 is indicated by an arrow F.

[0074] Fig. 21 shows a state in which the conductive film member 100 and the retainer 12 are attached to the inner housing 11, with Fig. 21(A) being a front view and Fig. 21(B) being a cross-sectional view taken from the position of the arrow BB in Fig. 21(A). Fig. 22 is an enlarged view of a portion in which the conductive film member 100 and the retainer 12 are attached to the inner housing 11. Referring to Figs. 11, 12, 20(B), 21, and 22, when the retainer 12 is attached to the inner housing 11 around which the conductive film member 100 is wrapped, the conductive film member 100 wrapped around the inner housing 11 is sandwiched from both sides in the thickness direction X2 between the pair of plate-like portions 28 of the retainer 12. The retainer 12 sandwiches the conductive film member 100 between the pair of plate-like portions 28 from both sides in the thickness direction X2, with the conductor 100b at the end 100a of the conductive film member 100 exposed to the outside through the opening recess 28a. Furthermore, as clearly shown in Figure 22, when the retainer 12 is attached to the inner housing 11 around which the conductive film member 100 is wrapped, the engaging protrusions 30 provided on both sides in the width direction X3 of each plate-like portion 28 of the retainer 12 engage with the engaging grooves 26 of the inner housing 11.

[0075] When the retainer 12 is attached to the inner housing 11 around which the end 100a of the conductive film member 100 is wrapped, the inner housing 11 is attached to the attachment member 102. Figures 23(A) and 23(B) are diagrams for explaining the operation of attaching the inner housing 11, to which the conductive film member 100 and the retainer 12 are attached, to the attachment member 102.

[0076] 23(A), the inner housing 11, to which the conductive film member 100 and the retainer 12 are attached, is operated by moving it along the connection direction X1 in a direction parallel to the surface of the mounting member 102, and is attached to the mounting member 102 by engaging with the locking portion 102a of the mounting member 102. Note that in FIG. 20(A), the arrow G indicates the direction in which the inner housing 11 is attached to the mounting member 102 by moving it parallel to the surface of the mounting member 102. When the inner housing 11 is operated to move parallel to the surface of the mounting member 102, the locking arm 25 abuts against the locking portion 102a and bends. Further operation of the inner housing 11 causes the locking arm 25 to elastically recover and engage with the locking portion 102a, as shown in FIG. 23(B). When the locking arm 25 engages with the locking portion 102a, the inner housing 11, to which the conductive film member 100 and the retainer 12 are attached, is attached to the mounting member 102.

[0077] When the inner housing 11, to which the conductive film member 100 and the retainer 12 are attached, is attached to the attachment member 102, the outer housing 13, which holds the terminals 14 to which the electric wires 101 are connected, is fitted and connected to the inner housing 11. FIGS. 24(A) and 24(B) are views for explaining the operation of fitting and connecting the inner housing 11, to which the conductive film member 100 and the retainer 12 are attached, to the outer housing 13. FIG. 25 is a view showing the state in which the inner housing 11, to which the conductive film member 100 and the retainer 12 are attached, and the outer housing 13 are fitted and connected, where FIG. 25(A) is a side view and FIG. 25(B) is a cross-sectional view. FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view taken from the position of the arrow CC in FIG. 25(A). Note that FIGS. 24(A), 25, and 26 show the state before the inner housing 11 and the outer housing 13 are fitted together.

[0078] 24(A), 25, and 26, when the inner housing 11 and the outer housing 13 are fitted and connected, the outer housing 13 is operated so as to be displaced relative to the inner housing 11 attached to the mounting member 102 in the connection direction X1. In FIG. 24(A), the direction in which the outer housing 13 is operated so as to be displaced relative to the inner housing 11 in the connection direction X1 is indicated by an arrow H. By operating the outer housing 13 so as to be displaced relative to the inner housing 11 attached to the mounting member 102, one end of the inner housing 11 in the connection direction X1, to which the conductive film member 100 and the retainer 12 are attached, is inserted into the fitting opening 33 of the outer housing 13, as shown in FIGS. When the end of the inner housing 11 is inserted into the fitting opening 33 of the outer housing 13, the inner housing 11 equipped with the conductive film member 100 and the retainer 12 is fitted and connected to the outer housing 13 which holds the terminal 14 connected to the electric wire 101.

[0079] Fig. 27 shows a state in which the inner housing 11, to which the conductive film member 100 and the retainer 12 are attached, and the outer housing 13 are connected by fitting, Fig. 27(A) being a side view and Fig. 27(B) being a cross-sectional view. Fig. 28 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line DD in Fig. 27(A). Fig. 29 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line EE in Fig. 27(A).

[0080] 24(B), 27 to 29, together with 25 and 26, when the inner housing 11 is fitted and connected to the outer housing 13, one end of the inner housing 11 in the connection direction X1, to which the conductive film member 100 and the retainer 12 are attached, is inserted deep into the fitting opening 33 of the outer housing 13. When the inner housing 11 is fitted to the outer housing 13, one end of the inner housing 11 in the connection direction X1, around which the conductive film member 100 is wrapped, is inserted into the inter-contact region 39 between the pairs of contact portions 38 of each of the multiple terminals 14, inside the outer housing 13. As a result, the conductive film member 100 wrapped around the inner housing 11 is sandwiched between the pairs of contact portions 38 of each terminal 14 from both sides in the thickness direction X2, and the pair of contact portions 38 of each terminal 14 comes into contact with each conductor 100b of the conductive film member 100 from both sides in the thickness direction X2. When the inner housing 11 is fitted into the outer housing 13 and the multiple terminals 14 come into contact with the multiple conductors 100b of the conductive film member 100, the electric wires 101 connected to the terminals 14 are electrically connected to the conductive film member 100.

[0081] Furthermore, when the inner housing 11 is fitted to the outer housing 13, a pair of locking protrusions 27 provided on both sides of the inner housing 11 in the width direction X3 inside the outer housing 13 engage with a pair of locking claws 34 provided on both sides of the inner housing 13 in the width direction X3 (see FIG. 28 ). By the locking protrusions 27 of the inner housing 11 engaging with the locking claws 34 of the outer housing 13, the inner housing 11 fitted to the outer housing 13 is locked with respect to the outer housing 13, and the inner housing 11 is prevented from falling off from the outer housing 13.

[0082] [Actions and Effects of This Embodiment] According to this embodiment, the hole 100d provided in the film layer 100c of the end portion 100a of the conductive film member 100 engages with the protrusion 22 of the inner housing 11, positioning the conductive film member 100 relative to the inner housing 11. The conductive film member 100 is then wrapped around the inner housing 11. The inner housing 11 with the conductive film member 100 wrapped around it is then fitted into the outer housing 13. When the inner housing 11 is fitted into the outer housing 13, the pair of contact portions 38 of the terminals 14 held by the outer housing 13 sandwich the conductive film member 100 wrapped around the inner housing 11 from both sides in the thickness direction X2 of the inner housing 11, thereby contacting the conductors 100b of the conductive film member 100 from both sides in the thickness direction X2 of the inner housing 11. This electrically connects the electrical connector 1 and the conductive film member 100.

[0083] According to the present embodiment, the terminal 14 connected to the electric wire 101 does not penetrate the conductor 100b of the conductive film member 100, but sandwiches the conductive film member 100 wrapped around the inner housing 11 from both sides in the thickness direction X2 of the inner housing 11, thereby contacting the conductor 100b of the conductive film member 100 from both sides in the thickness direction X2. This results in stable and strong contact between the terminal 14 and the conductor 100b of the conductive film member 100, thereby preventing poor contact with the conductive film member 100.

[0084] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the end 100a of the conductive film member 100 is held within the outer housing 13 while wrapped around the inner housing 11, and is held stably between the inner housing 11 and the outer housing 13. When the conductive film member 100 is held in the electrical connector 1, the terminals 14 contact the conductors 100b of the conductive film member 100 without penetrating the conductive film member 100. Therefore, even when an external force acts on the conductive film member 100 connected to the electrical connector 1, the conductive film member 100 will not tear at the portion where the terminals 14 contact, and damage to the conductive film member 100 can be suppressed.

[0085] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the end 100a of the conductive film member 100 is held within the outer housing 13 while wrapped around the inner housing 11, and is held in a stable state between the inner housing 11 and the outer housing 13. When the conductive film member 100 is held in the electrical connector 1, the terminals 14 do not penetrate the conductive film member 100, and no rivets or screws are provided on the terminals 14. This allows the conductive film member 100 to be held in a stable state without causing scratches on the conductive film member 100. This prevents scratches from occurring on the conductive film member 100, making it easier to reuse the conductive film member 100.

[0086] As described above, according to this embodiment, an electrical connector 1 can be provided that can prevent poor contact with the conductive film member 100, prevent the conductive film member 100 from being damaged when an external force is applied to the conductive film member 100, and further prevent scratches from occurring on the conductive film member 100, making it easier to reuse the conductive film member 100.

[0087] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the retainer 12 is attached to the inner housing 11 so as to sandwich the conductive film member 100 wrapped around the inner housing 11 from both sides in the thickness direction X2 of the inner housing 11. This allows the conductive film member 100 wrapped around the inner housing 11 to be firmly held to the inner housing 11. Then, with the conductive film member 100 firmly held to the inner housing 11 by the retainer 12, the inner housing 11 holding the conductive film member 100 is fitted into the outer housing 13. This facilitates the fitting of the inner housing 11 around which the conductive film member 100 is wrapped into the outer housing 13. Furthermore, when the inner housing 11 around which the conductive film member 100 is wrapped is fitted into the outer housing 13, the position of the conductive film member 100 relative to the inner housing 11 can be stably maintained. This ensures more stable contact between the conductors 100b of the conductive film member 100 and the terminals 14 held by the outer housing 13 when the inner housing 11 and the outer housing 13 are fitted together. Furthermore, the retainer 12 is attached to the inner housing 11 by sandwiching the conductive film member 100 from both sides in the thickness direction X2 of the inner housing 11, with the conductor 100b exposed to the outside of the inner housing 11, thereby preventing any influence on the contact between the terminal 14 and the conductor 100b.

[0088] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, when the retainer 12 is attached to the inner housing 11 so as to sandwich the conductive film member 100 wrapped around the inner housing 11 from both sides in the thickness direction X2 of the inner housing 11, the engaging protrusions 30 of the retainer 12 engage with the inner housing 11. This prevents the retainer 12, which holds the conductive film member 100 wrapped around the inner housing 11 to the inner housing 11, from falling off the inner housing 11, making it possible to hold the conductive film member 100 more stably and firmly to the inner housing 11.

[0089] Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the conductive film member 100 wrapped around the inner housing 11 is positioned relative to the inner housing 11 on one side in the thickness direction X2 of the inner housing 11 by engaging with the protrusions 22 protruding from the inner housing 11 at holes 100d provided in the end portions 100a of the conductive film member 100. The conductive film member 100 wrapped around the inner housing 11 is also positioned relative to the inner housing 11 on the other side in the thickness direction X2 of the inner housing 11 by engaging with the protrusions 23 provided on the inner housing 11 at cutout portions 100e provided on both sides of the conductive film member 100 in the width direction X3. Therefore, the conductive film member 100 wrapped around the inner housing 11 can be positioned relative to the inner housing 11 on both sides in the thickness direction X2 of the inner housing 11.

[0090] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the locking arms 25 of the inner housing 11 engage with the locking portions 102a provided on the mounting member 102 to which the inner housing 11 is attached. Therefore, the inner housing 11 with the conductive film member 100 wrapped around it can be stably attached to the mounting member 102.

[0091] [Variations] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. For example, the following modifications may be made.

[0092] (1) In the above embodiment, the inner housing 11, onto which the conductive film member 100 is wrapped and attached, is attached to the attachment member 102 and then fitted and connected to the outer housing 13, but this is not the only possible configuration. Alternatively, the lock arm 25 may not be provided on the inner housing 11, and the inner housing 11, onto which the conductive film member 100 is wrapped and attached, may be fitted and connected to the outer housing 13 without being attached to the attachment member 102.

[0093] (2) In the above-described embodiment, an example was given in which the lock arm 25 of the inner housing 11 engages with the lock portion 102a of the mounting member 102, thereby attaching the inner housing 11 to the mounting member 102. However, this is not a limitation. An embodiment may be implemented in which the inner housing 11 is not provided with the lock arm 25, and the inner housing 11 is attached to the mounting member 102 via a fastening member in the form of a bolt or a screw. In this embodiment, the inner housing 11 is provided with an insertion hole through which the fastening member is inserted. If the fastening member is a bolt, the mounting member 102 is provided with a through hole through which the bolt is inserted, and a nut is configured to screw into the bolt that passes through the through hole. In this way, the inner housing 11 is attached to the mounting member 102 via the bolt. If the fastening member is a screw, the mounting member 102 is provided with a threaded hole, and the screw is threaded into the threaded hole, thereby attaching the inner housing 11 to the mounting member 102 via the screw. By attaching the inner housing 11 to the mounting member 102 via the fastening members, the inner housing 11 can be firmly fixed and attached to the mounting member 102. Therefore, even when the electrical connector 1 is used in an environment where vibrations are likely to occur, such as when it is installed in a vehicle, the electrical connector 1 can be suitably prevented from falling off the mounting member 102.

[0094] Alternatively, a configuration may be implemented in which the inner housing 11 is attached to the mounting member 102 via fastening members, and the outer housing 13 fitted to the inner housing 11 is also attached to the mounting member 102 via fastening members. In this configuration, the outer housing 13 is also provided with insertion holes through which fastening members are inserted. The fastening members inserted into the outer housing 13 are configured as fastening members separate from the fastening members inserted into the inner housing 11. If the fastening members inserted into the outer housing 13 are bolts, the mounting member 102 is provided with through holes through which the bolts are inserted, and a nut is configured to thread onto the bolt passing through the through hole. As a result, the outer housing 13 fitted to the inner housing 11 attached to the mounting member 102 is also attached to the mounting member 102 via the bolts. If the fastening members inserted into the outer housing 13 are screws, the mounting member 102 is provided with threaded holes into which the screws inserted into the outer housing 13 are threaded. Then, screws are inserted into the insertion holes of the outer housing 13 that is fitted with the inner housing 11 attached to the mounting member 102, and the screws are further threaded into the threaded holes of the mounting member 102. As a result, the outer housing 13 that is fitted with the inner housing 11 attached to the mounting member 102 is also attached to the mounting member 102 via the screws. By attaching the inner housing 11 to the mounting member 102 via the fastening members and also attaching the outer housing 13 that is fitted with the inner housing 11 to the mounting member 102 via the fastening members, the entire structure of the electrical connector 1 can be more firmly fixed and attached to the mounting member 102.

[0095] (3) In the above-described embodiment, the retainer 12 includes a pair of plate-shaped portions 28 and a pair of connecting portions 29 connecting the pair of plate-shaped portions 28 on both sides in the width direction X3. However, this is not a limitation. Alternatively, a configuration may be implemented in which multiple clip-shaped retainers are provided, each having a small dimension in the width direction X3 and a pair of clip portions extending along the connection direction X1. In this configuration, the multiple clip-shaped retainers are attached to the inner housing 11 so as to sandwich the conductive film member 100 wrapped around the inner housing 11 from both sides in the thickness direction X2. Each clip-shaped retainer is attached to a portion of the conductive film member 100 where the conductor 100b is not disposed and the film layer 100c is exposed. A configuration including multiple clip-shaped retainers like this may also be implemented. [Industrial Applicability]

[0096] The present invention can be widely applied to electrical connectors that connect an electric wire to a conductive film member that includes a conductor and an insulating film layer on which the conductor is disposed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0097] 1: electrical connector, 11: inner housing, 12: retainer, 13: outer housing, 14: terminal, 21: main body, 22: protrusion, 23: convex portion, 25: lock arm, 26: engagement groove, 28: plate-shaped portion, 28a: opening recess, 29: connecting portion, 30: engagement protrusion, 31: terminal insertion hole, 38: contact portion, 100: conductive film member, 100a: end portion, 100b: conductor, 100c: film layer, 100d: hole, 100e: notch portion, 101: electric wire, 102: mounting member, 102a: lock portion

Claims

1. An electrical connector for connecting an electric wire to a conductive film member including a conductor and an insulating film layer on which the conductor is disposed, an inner housing provided with a protrusion that engages with a hole formed in the film layer at an end of the conductive film member, and around which the end of the conductive film member is bent and wound in a state in which the hole and the protrusion are engaged; an outer housing into which the inner housing, on which the conductive film member is wrapped and attached, fits; a terminal connected to the electric wire and held by the outer housing, the terminal contacting the conductor of the conductive film member when the inner housing is fitted to the outer housing, and electrically connected to the conductor; Equipped with An electrical connector characterized in that the terminal has a pair of contact portions that contact the conductor by sandwiching the conductive film member wrapped around the inner housing from both sides in the thickness direction of the inner housing.

2. 2. The electrical connector of claim 1, a retainer attached to the inner housing so as to sandwich the conductive film member wrapped around the inner housing from both sides in a thickness direction of the inner housing; An electrical connector characterized in that the retainer is configured to be attached to the inner housing by sandwiching the conductive film member from both sides of the inner housing in the thickness direction, with the conductor exposed to the outside of the inner housing.

3. 3. The electrical connector of claim 2, The electrical connector is characterized in that the retainer is provided with an engaging projection that engages with the inner housing when the retainer is attached to the inner housing.

4. 3. The electrical connector according to claim 1, the protrusion is provided so as to protrude from one side in a thickness direction of the inner housing, an inner housing provided on the other side in the thickness direction with a protrusion that engages with a notch provided on each side in the width direction of the conductive film member;

5. 3. The electrical connector according to claim 1, The electrical connector is characterized in that the inner housing is provided with a locking arm that engages with a locking portion provided on a mounting member to which the inner housing, on which the conductive film member is wrapped and attached, is attached.

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