Electrical connector

Abstract

The present invention provides an electrical connector that allows for smooth mating operations between a flexible conductive member having multiple conductors, an insulating layer sandwiching the multiple conductors, and a ground conductive portion laminated in a stepped manner on one surface of the insulating layer, while suppressing a decrease in transmission characteristics. [Solution] The electrical connector 1 comprises a housing 10, a first terminal 11 connected to a conductor 102, and a second terminal 12 connected to a ground conductive part 105. The housing 10 is provided with an opening 15 and a space region 16, and a flat wall portion 17 is provided on the inner wall of the space region 16, and the contact portion 11a of the first terminal 11 and the contact portion 12a of the second terminal 12 protrude from the wall portion 17 and are exposed in the space region 16. In the space region 16, a protrusion 18 is provided at a position corresponding to the first terminal 11, and the protrusion 18 has a guide portion 18a that guides the tip of the flexible conductive member 100 from the wall portion 17 to the contact portion 11a.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrical connector to which a flexible conductive member having a plurality of conductors, an insulating layer sandwiching the plurality of conductors, and a ground conductive portion laminated on one surface of the insulating layer is connected.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in electronic devices, an electrical connector for connecting a flexible conductive member such as a FFC (Flexible Flat Cable) or a FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit) to a substrate has been used. The flexible conductive member is configured to have a plurality of conductors and an insulating layer sandwiching the plurality of conductors. The end of the flexible conductive member is inserted into and fitted with the electrical connector, and the flexible conductive member is connected to the electrical connector. In recent years, with the progress of high functionality and multi-functionality of electronic devices, along with an increase in the amount of data transmitted, a flexible conductive member capable of high-speed transmission of higher frequency signals has been used. And in the flexible conductive member, measures against electromagnetic interference (EMI) are required. As a flexible conductive member with such measures against electromagnetic interference, a flexible conductive member in which a ground conductive portion that contacts and is electrically connected to a ground terminal for grounding in an electrical connector is laminated in a stepped shape on one surface of the insulating layer is used. Patent Document 1 discloses an electrical connector to which a flexible conductive member having a plurality of conductors, an insulating layer sandwiching the plurality of conductors, and a ground conductive portion laminated in a stepped shape on one surface of the insulating layer is connected.

[0003] A flat conductor 3, which is a flexible conductive member, is connected to the electrical connector disclosed in Patent Document 1. The flat conductor 3 has multiple conductive wires 3c, which are multiple conductors, an insulating layer 3d sandwiching the multiple conductive wires 3c, and a ground plate 3a, which is a ground conductive part, laminated in a stepped manner on one surface of the insulating layer 3d. At the end of the flat conductor 3, there is a first connection part 8, which is the tip side where the ground plate 3a is not laminated, and a second connection part 9, which is the part where the ground plate 3a is laminated in a stepped manner. At the first connection part 8, the multiple conductive wires 3c are exposed.

[0004] The electrical connector described in Patent Document 1 comprises a housing 4 made of an insulating resin material, a plurality of signal terminals 5 held in the housing 4, and a ground terminal 7 for earthing held in the housing 4. The housing 4 has a housing portion 4f formed therein, which is a space into which the ends of a flat conductor 3 having a first connection portion 8 and a second connection portion 9 are fitted and housed. The housing portion 4f is provided with a first space portion 4f1, which is a space into which the signal terminals 5 are arranged and the conductive wires 3c of the first connection portion 8 are connected, and a second space portion 4f2, which is a space into which the ground terminal 7 is arranged and the ground plate 3a of the second connection portion 9 is connected.

[0005] The first space 4f1 and the second space 4f2 in the housing 4f have different height dimensions, with the second space 4f2 being larger than the first space 4f1. Therefore, in the housing 4f of the housing 4, a stepped portion is formed between the first space 4f1 and the second space 4f2. When the flat conductor 3 is connected to the electrical connector, the end of the flat conductor 3 is inserted into the housing 4 and fitted into the housing 4, and is housed in the housing 4f within the housing 4. At this time, the first connection part 8, in which multiple conductive wires 3c are exposed, is inserted into the first space 4f1, which has a smaller height dimension, and the second connection part 9, in which the ground plate 3a is stacked, is inserted into the second space 4f2, which has a larger height dimension. In this way, because a stepped portion is provided in the housing portion 4f, which is the space within the housing 4, the flat conductor 3 is inserted into and fitted into the space with different height dimensions, with either the first connection portion 8 or the second connection portion 9 having different thicknesses, and the end of the flat conductor 3 is connected to the electrical connector. This allows for smooth fitting of the flexible conductive member having multiple conductors, an insulating layer sandwiching the multiple conductors, and a ground conductive portion laminated in a stepped manner on one surface of the insulating layer. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5814411 Specification [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] In the electrical connector disclosed in Patent Document 1, a stepped portion is provided in the housing portion 4f, which is the space within the housing 4 into which the end of the flexible conductive member is inserted and mated. This allows for smooth mating with the flexible conductive member, which has a ground conductive portion stacked in a stepped manner on one surface. However, in the electrical connector of Patent Document 1, because a stepped portion is provided in the space within the housing 4, the stepped portion is provided in such a way that it narrows the spatial area within the housing 4. On the other hand, the stepped portion is part of the housing 4, which is made of a resin material, and the stepped portion is also made of a resin material, which has a dielectric constant several times higher than that of air. Therefore, in the spatial area within the housing 4, the stepped portion made of a resin material with a high dielectric constant is arranged around the signal terminal 5. The arrangement of a stepped portion made of a resin material with a high dielectric constant around the signal terminal 5 causes significant impedance disturbance in the circuit through which high-frequency signals are transmitted via the terminal 5. Therefore, the electrical connector of Patent Document 1 has the problem that the impedance disturbance in the circuit through which high-frequency signals are transmitted becomes large, resulting in a decrease in transmission characteristics.

[0008] In view of the above circumstances, the present invention aims to provide an electrical connector that can smoothly perform the mating operation of a flexible conductive member having a plurality of conductors, an insulating layer sandwiching the plurality of conductors, and a ground conductive portion laminated in a stepped manner on one surface of the insulating layer, while suppressing a decrease in transmission characteristics. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] (1) An electrical connector according to a certain aspect of the present invention for achieving the above objective relates to an electrical connector to which a flexible conductive member is connected, having a plurality of conductors, an insulating layer sandwiching the plurality of conductors, and a ground conductive portion laminated in a stepped manner on one surface of the insulating layer. The electrical connector according to a certain aspect of the present invention comprises a housing, a plurality of first terminals held in the housing and connected to the plurality of conductors, and a second terminal held in the housing and connected to the ground conductive portion, wherein the first terminals are provided with a first contact portion that contacts the conductors and is electrically connected, and the second terminals are provided with a second contact portion that contacts the ground conductive portion and is electrically connected, and the housing is provided with an opening into which the end of the flexible conductive member is inserted, and a space region continuous with the opening and accommodating the end of the flexible conductive member, and the space region The inner wall defining the area is provided with a flat wall portion along a surface that extends in the insertion direction into which the flexible conductive member is inserted and in the width direction in which the plurality of first terminals are lined up, the first contact portion and the second contact portion are arranged to protrude from the wall portion and be exposed in the spatial area, the spatial area is provided with a protrusion that protrudes from the wall portion at a position corresponding to the first terminal in the insertion direction and on the opening side of the first terminal, and the protrusion has a guide portion that guides the tip of the flexible conductive member inserted into the spatial area from the opening from the wall portion to the first contact portion.

[0010] In this configuration, when the flexible conductive member is connected to the electrical connector, the end of the flexible conductive member is inserted through the opening in the housing and fitted into the housing. The end of the flexible conductive member fitted into the housing is housed in the spatial region within the housing. When the end of the flexible conductive member is fitted into the housing, the multiple conductors of the flexible conductive member and the first contact points of the multiple first terminals exposed in the spatial region come into contact with each other, and each of the multiple conductors and multiple first terminals is electrically connected. The first terminals are used as signal terminals, and signals are transmitted between the circuit board to which the electrical connector is connected and the flexible conductive member via the electrical connector. Furthermore, when the end of the flexible conductive member is fitted into the housing, the ground conductive part of the flexible conductive member and the second contact point of the second terminal of the electrical connector come into contact and are electrically connected. The second terminal is used as a ground terminal for earthing, and by electrically connecting the second terminal and the ground conductive part and grounding it, measures are taken against electromagnetic interference (EMI) in the flexible conductive member.

[0011] Furthermore, according to the above configuration, when the end of the flexible conductive member is inserted through the opening of the housing and fitted into the housing, the tip of the flexible conductive member is first guided in the direction of travel by a protrusion that extends in a projection-like manner from a flat wall portion that extends in the insertion direction and width direction within the spatial region of the housing. The tip of the flexible conductive member is then guided by the protrusion that protrudes from the wall portion within the spatial region of the housing and is led to the first contact portion of the first terminal that protrudes from the wall portion. As the tip of the flexible conductive member is guided to the first contact portion, the multiple conductors at the end of the flexible conductive member come into contact with the first contact portions of the multiple first terminals, respectively, and are electrically connected. In addition, as the tip of the end of the flexible conductive member inserted into the spatial region of the housing is guided along the protrusion, the ground conductive portion, which is stacked in a stepped manner at the end of the flexible conductive member, is prevented from interfering with the opening of the housing, and the end of the flexible conductive member is smoothly inserted into the spatial region and fitted into the housing. Therefore, a flexible conductive member having multiple conductors, an insulating layer sandwiching the multiple conductors, and a ground conductive portion laminated in a stepped manner on one surface of the insulating layer can be smoothly mated with an electrical connector.

[0012] Furthermore, according to the above configuration, the structure for smoothly fitting the end of the flexible conductive member, which has a stepped ground conductive portion laminated on one surface of the insulating layer, into the housing is provided as a protruding portion that projects from a flat wall portion in the spatial region within the housing, and is configured as a small protruding structure. As a result, the spatial region within the housing is suppressed from being narrowed by the structure for smoothly fitting the end of the flexible conductive member into the housing, and a wide spatial region is formed within the housing. In other words, according to the above configuration, a structure such as a stepped portion that significantly narrows the spatial region within the housing, as in the electrical connector of Patent Document 1, is not provided, and a wide spatial region is formed within the housing. As a result, it is possible to suppress the placement of elements made of resin material with a high dielectric constant around the first terminal used as a signal terminal. This makes it possible to suppress large disturbances in the impedance of the circuit through which high-frequency signals are transmitted via the first terminal, and to suppress a deterioration in transmission characteristics.

[0013] As described above, the above configuration makes it possible to provide an electrical connector that allows for smooth mating operations between a flexible conductive member having multiple conductors, an insulating layer sandwiching the multiple conductors, and a ground conductive portion laminated in a stepped manner on one surface of the insulating layer, while suppressing a decrease in transmission characteristics.

[0014] (2) The guide portion may be provided in the spatial region such that it rises along the height direction perpendicular to the insertion direction and the width direction as it moves toward the insertion direction.

[0015] In this configuration, the guiding portion on the protrusion is provided so as it rises along the height direction in the spatial region as it moves toward the insertion direction. As a result, the tip of the flexible conductive member is smoothly displaced along the height direction as it moves toward the insertion direction in the spatial region of the housing, and is more smoothly guided toward the first contact portion of the first terminal.

[0016] (3) The guiding part may be provided as a flat tapered surface that extends in the height direction as it goes in the insertion direction.

[0017] According to this configuration, the guiding part is provided as a flat tapered surface that extends in the height direction as it goes in the insertion direction. Therefore, a guiding part that efficiently guides the tip of the flexible conductive member to the first contact part of the first terminal can be configured with a simple structure.

Effect of the Invention

[0018] According to the present invention, it is possible to smoothly perform the fitting operation of a flexible conductive member having a plurality of conductors, an insulating layer sandwiching the plurality of conductors, and a ground conductive part laminated stepwise on one surface of the insulating layer, and it is possible to provide an electrical connector that can suppress a decrease in transmission characteristics.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view showing an electrical connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a perspective view showing a state where the electrical connector is connected to a substrate, and is shown together with a flexible conductive member connected to the electrical connector. [Figure 3] It is a perspective view showing a state where a flexible conductive member is connected to the electrical connector in a state where the electrical connector is connected to the substrate. [Figure 4] It is an exploded perspective view of the electrical connector. [Figure 5] It is a plan view showing the flexible conductive member. [Figure 6] FIG. 6(A) is a cross-sectional view of the flexible conductive member, which is a cross-sectional view seen from the position of the arrow A-A in FIG. 5, and FIG. 6(B) is a view showing a part of FIG. 6(A) enlarged. [Figure 7] It is a front view of the electrical connector. <000​​ [Figure 9] A cross-sectional view of an electrical connector, where FIG. 9(A) is a cross-sectional view seen from the position of the arrow in the B-B line of FIG. 7, and FIG. 9(B) is a cross-sectional view seen from the position of the arrow in the C-C line of FIG. 7. [Figure 10] A plan view of the electrical connector in a state of being connected to a substrate. [Figure 11] A cross-sectional view of the electrical connector connected to a substrate, which is a cross-sectional view seen from the position of the arrow in the D-D line of FIG. 10. [Figure 12] A perspective view showing the first terminal in the electrical connector. [Figure 13] FIGS. 13(A) and 13(B) are perspective views showing the second terminal. [Figure 14] A front view showing the state of the flexible conductive member being connected to the electrical connector. [Figure 15] A cross-sectional view showing the state of the flexible conductive member being connected to the electrical connector, which is a cross-sectional view seen from the position of the arrow in the E-E line of FIG. 14. [Figure 16] A front view showing the state of the flexible conductive member being connected to the electrical connector. [Figure 17] A cross-sectional view showing the state of the flexible conductive member being connected to the electrical connector, which is a cross-sectional view seen from the position of the arrow in the F-F line of FIG. 16. [Figure 18] A cross-sectional view showing the state of the flexible conductive member being connected to the electrical connector, which is a cross-sectional view seen from the position of the arrow in the G-G line of FIG. 16.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0020] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The present invention can be widely applied to various applications as an electrical connector to which a flexible conductive member having a plurality of conductors, an insulating layer sandwiching the plurality of conductors, and a ground conductive portion laminated stepwise on one surface of the insulating layer is connected.

[0021] [Schematic Configuration of Electrical Connector] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an electrical connector 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the electrical connector 1 connected to a substrate 101, and shows the electrical connector 1 together with a flexible conductive member 100 connected to the electrical connector 1. Figure 3 shows the electrical connector 1 connected to the substrate 101 with the flexible conductive member 100 connected to it. Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the electrical connector 1. Note that in Figures 2 and 3, only a portion of the flexible conductive member 100 and the substrate 101 are shown in a cutout state.

[0022] Referring to Figures 1 to 4, the electrical connector 1 is configured as a connector that electrically connects the flexible conductive member 100 and the substrate 101. The electrical connector 1 comprises a housing 10, a plurality of first terminals 11, second terminals 12, and a locking operation member 13. In this embodiment, the electrical connector 1 is provided with 20 first terminals 11 and a pair of second terminals 12, i.e., two.

[0023] The housing 10 is made of an insulating resin material and has a basic outer shape that is approximately a rectangular parallelepiped. The housing 10 is configured to connect to the flexible conductive member 100 by fitting its end 100a into it. The housing 10 also holds a plurality of first terminals 11 and a pair of second terminals 12.

[0024] Each of the multiple first terminals 11 is formed of a conductive metallic material. Each of the multiple first terminals 11 is press-fitted into the housing 10 and held in the housing 10. When the electrical connector 1 is connected to the flexible conductive member 100, each of the multiple first terminals 11 held in the housing 10 contacts and electrically connects with each of the multiple conductors 102 in the flexible conductive member 100, which will be described later. In addition, one end of each first terminal 11 is configured to be electrically connected to the substrate 101 by soldering. The first terminals 11 are used as signal terminals, and signals are transmitted via the electrical connector 1 between the flexible conductive member 100 to which the electrical connector 1 is connected and the substrate 101.

[0025] The second terminal 12 is made of a conductive metal material. The second terminal 12 is press-fitted into the housing 10 and held in the housing 10. When the electrical connector 1 is connected to the flexible conductive member 100, the second terminal 12 held in the housing 10 comes into contact with the ground conductive part 105 of the flexible conductive member 100, which will be described later, and is electrically connected. The second terminal 12 is used as a ground terminal for earthing, and by electrically connecting the second terminal 12 and the ground conductive part 105 and grounding it, measures are taken against electromagnetic interference (EMI) in the flexible conductive member 100.

[0026] The locking operating member 13 is made of a metal material and is provided as a member that engages with the flexible conductive member 100 fitted into the housing 10 of the electrical connector 1 to prevent the flexible conductive member 100 from coming off the electrical connector 1. The locking operating member 13 is attached to the housing 10 and is configured to be detachably engaged with the end 100a of the flexible conductive member 100 that is connected to the electrical connector 1.

[0027] The electrical connector 1 is configured to be mounted on the circuit board 101 by being fixed to the circuit board 101 by soldering at a plurality of first terminals 11 and being mechanically and electrically connected. Furthermore, the electrical connector 1 is configured to be connected to the flexible conductive member 100 while mounted on the circuit board 101.

[0028] In Figures 2 and 3, only a portion of the circuit board 101 on which the electrical connector 1 is mounted is schematically shown in a cutaway state, and only the portion on which the electrical connector 1 is mounted and its vicinity are shown. The circuit board 101 is configured as a circuit board with a circuit pattern provided on its surface. Note that the circuit pattern on the circuit board 101 is not shown in Figures 2 and 3. When the electrical connector 1 is mounted on the circuit board 101, each of the multiple first terminals 11 of the electrical connector 1 is connected to the circuit board 101 by soldering.

[0029] <Flexible conductive material> Figure 5 is a plan view showing the flexible conductive member 100. Figure 6(A) is a cross-sectional view of the flexible conductive member 100, taken from the position indicated by the arrow AA in Figure 5, and Figure 6(B) is an enlarged view of a part of Figure 6(A). In Figures 5 and 6, only a part of the flexible conductive member 100 is shown in a cutaway state, showing only the end portion 100a of the flexible conductive member 100 and the portion near it. Referring to Figures 5 and 6, the flexible conductive member 100 has a plurality of conductors 102, insulating layers (103, 104) sandwiching the plurality of conductors 102, and a ground conductive portion 105 that is laminated in a stepped manner on one surface of the insulating layers (103, 104).

[0030] The multiple conductors 102 in the flexible conductive member 100 are made of a conductive metallic material and are each formed in an elongated shape. Each conductor 102 is formed, for example, in an elongated foil shape. The multiple conductors 102 are arranged at equal intervals in the flexible conductive member 100 and extend parallel to each other. Each of the multiple conductors 102 contacts each of the multiple first terminals 11 in the electrical connector 1 when the flexible conductive member 100 is connected to the electrical connector 1, thereby making an electrical connection.

[0031] The insulating layers (103, 104) in the flexible conductive member 100 are made of an insulating material, for example, a resin material. The insulating layers (103, 104) are provided in pairs, on both sides in the thickness direction of the flexible conductive member 100, and are provided so as to sandwich a plurality of conductors 102 in the thickness direction of the flexible conductive member 100. In this embodiment, the insulating layer 103 provided on one side in the thickness direction of the flexible conductive member 100 is provided in the form of a thin film, and the insulating layer 104 provided on the other side in the thickness direction of the flexible conductive member 100 is provided in the form of a sheet that is thicker than the insulating layer 103.

[0032] The ground conductive portion 105 of the flexible conductive member 100 is made of a conductive metal material and is provided in the shape of a rectangular sheet. The ground conductive portion 105 is laminated in a stepped manner on the surface of one of the insulating layers (103, 104) that sandwich the multiple conductors 102 and is fixed to the insulating layer 103. When the flexible conductive member 100 is connected to the electrical connector 1, the ground conductive portion 105 comes into contact with the second grounding terminal 12 of the electrical connector 1 and is electrically connected.

[0033] Furthermore, at the end 100a of the flexible conductive member 100, a conductor exposure portion 106 is provided in which the ends of the multiple conductors 102 are exposed. The conductor exposure portion 106 is provided at the end 100a of the flexible conductive member 100 by removing the tip portion of one of the insulating layers (103, 104) that sandwich the multiple conductors 102, thereby exposing the ends of the multiple conductors 102. When the flexible conductive member 100 is connected to the electrical connector 1, the multiple first terminals 11 of the electrical connector 1 contact the multiple conductors 102 at the ends of the multiple conductors 102 exposed in the conductor exposure portion 106 and are electrically connected. Note that at the end 100a of the flexible conductive member 100, the conductor exposure portion 106 exposes the multiple conductors 102 on the same side as the side in the thickness direction of the flexible conductive member 100 where the ground conductive portion 105 is provided.

[0034] Furthermore, the end portion 100a of the flexible conductive member 100 is provided with a locking portion 107 that engages with the locking operating member 13 of the electrical connector 1 when the flexible conductive member 100 is connected to the electrical connector 1. A pair of locking portions 107 are provided at the end portion 100a of the flexible conductive member 100, and are provided on both sides in the width direction of the flexible conductive member 100. The locking portions 107 are formed as notches that are recessed inward in the width direction at the edges on both sides in the width direction of the end portion 100a of the flexible conductive member 100. When the flexible conductive member 100 is connected to the electrical connector 1, the pair of locking portions 107 at the end portion 100a of the flexible conductive member 100 are engaged with the pair of locking projections 13d of the locking operating member 13 of the electrical connector 1, which will be described later.

[0035] [Detailed configuration of electrical connectors] The following describes the configuration of the electrical connector 1 in more detail. In the following description, the insertion direction X1, width direction X2, and height direction X3 of the electrical connector 1 are defined as shown by the double-ended arrows X1, X2, and X3 in Figures 1 to 6 and the drawings described later. The insertion direction X1 is configured as a direction parallel to the direction in which the end 100a of the flexible conductive member 100 is inserted into the housing 10. The insertion direction X1 of the electrical connector 1 is also configured as the insertion direction X1 in the housing 10, and as the insertion direction X1 of the first terminal 11 and the second terminal 12. Furthermore, the insertion direction X1 of the electrical connector 1 corresponds to the longitudinal direction X1 of the flexible conductive member 100. The width direction X2 is a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction X1, and is configured as the direction in which the multiple first terminals 11 held in the housing 10 are arranged in a line in the housing 10. The width direction X2 of the electrical connector 1 is also configured as the width direction X2 of the housing 10, and as the width direction X2 of the first terminal 11 and the second terminal 12. Furthermore, the width direction X2 of the electrical connector 1 corresponds to the width direction X2 of the flexible conductive member 100. The height direction X3 is configured as a direction perpendicular to both the insertion direction X1 and the width direction X2. The height direction X3 of the electrical connector 1 is also configured as the height direction X3 of the housing 10, and as the height direction X3 of the first terminal 11 and the second terminal 12. Furthermore, the height direction X3 of the electrical connector 1 corresponds to the thickness direction X3 of the flexible conductive member 100.

[0036] <Housing> Figure 7 is a front view of the electrical connector 1. Figure 8(A) is a plan view of the electrical connector 1, and Figure 8(B) is a side view of the electrical connector 1. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the electrical connector 1, where Figure 9(A) is a cross-sectional view taken from the position indicated by the arrow BB in Figure 7, and Figure 9(B) is a cross-sectional view taken from the position indicated by the arrow CC in Figure 7. Figure 10 is a plan view of the electrical connector 1 connected to the substrate 101. Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the electrical connector 1 connected to the substrate 101, taken from the position indicated by the arrow DD in Figure 10. Referring to Figures 1 to 4 and Figures 7 to 11, the housing 10 is made of a resin material and is provided as a structural member having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped outer shape, and is configured to be fitted into the end 100a of the flexible conductive member 100. The housing 10 is also configured to hold a plurality of first terminals 11 and a pair of second terminals 12.

[0037] Referring to Figures 1 to 4, 7, 9, and 11, the housing 10 is provided with an opening 15 into which the end 100a of the flexible conductive member 100 is inserted, and a spatial region 16 that is continuous with the opening 15 and accommodates the end 100a of the flexible conductive member 100.

[0038] Referring to Figures 1 to 4, Figure 7, Figure 9, and Figure 11, the opening 15 is provided in the housing 10 so as to open to the outside on one side in the insertion direction X1. The opening 15 is an elongated rectangular shape in the width direction X2 on one side in the insertion direction X1 of the housing 10. The width direction X2 dimension of the opening 15 is set to be slightly larger than the width direction X2 dimension of the flexible conductive member 100. Also, the height direction X3 dimension of the opening 15 is set to be slightly larger than the thickness direction X3 dimension of the portion where the ground conductive part 105 is stacked at the end 100a of the flexible conductive member 100. When the flexible conductive member 100 is fitted and connected to the housing 10, the end 100a of the flexible conductive member 100 is inserted into the interior of the housing 10 through the opening 15.

[0039] Referring to Figures 1 to 4, 7, 9, and 11, the spatial region 16 is configured as an internal space of the housing 10 that communicates with the opening 15 and extends from the opening 15 into the interior of the housing 10. When the flexible conductive member 100 is connected to the electrical connector 1, the end 100a of the flexible conductive member 100 is inserted into the spatial region 16 through the opening 15. The end 100a of the flexible conductive member 100 inserted into the spatial region 16 is housed in the spatial region 16 and fitted into the housing 10. The spatial region 16 is configured as a space that extends in a roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape within the housing 10. The width direction X2 dimension of the spatial region 16 is set to be slightly larger than the width direction X2 dimension of the flexible conductive member 100. Also, the height direction X3 dimension of the spatial region 16 is set to be slightly larger than the thickness direction X3 dimension of the portion where the ground conductive part 105 is stacked at the end 100a of the flexible conductive member 100.

[0040] Referring to Figures 1, 2, 4, 7, 9, and 11, the inner wall that partitions the spatial region 16, which extends in a roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape inside the housing 10, is provided with a wall portion 17 along a surface that extends in the insertion direction X1 into which the flexible conductive member 100 is inserted and in the width direction X2 where the multiple first terminals 11 are lined up. That is, the inner wall that partitions the spatial region 16 is provided with a wall portion 17 along a surface that extends in a direction perpendicular to the height direction X3. The wall portion 17 is configured as one of the inner walls in the height direction X3 of the inner wall that partitions the spatial region 16 inside the housing 10. The wall portion 17 along the surface perpendicular to the height direction X3 of the inner wall that partitions the spatial region 16 is provided with grooves through which the first contact portion 11a, which will be described later, of each of the multiple first terminals 11 held in the housing 10 protrudes. The wall portion 17 is also provided with grooves through which the second contact portion 12a, which will be described later, of the second terminal 12 held in the housing 10 protrudes.

[0041] Furthermore, referring to Figures 7, 9, and 11, the spatial region 16 within the housing 10 is provided with a protrusion 18 that projects from the wall portion 17 at a position corresponding to the insertion direction X1 with respect to the first terminal 11 held by the housing 10. Moreover, the protrusion 18 provided in the spatial region 16 and projecting from the wall portion 17 into the spatial region 16 is provided at a position corresponding to the first terminal 11 in the insertion direction X1, and is located on the opening 15 side of the first terminal 11. The protrusion 18 has a guide portion 18a that guides the tip of the flexible conductive member 100 inserted into the spatial region 16 from the wall portion 17 to the first contact portion 11a of the first terminal 11. The guide portion 18a is provided in the spatial region 16 so as it moves toward the insertion direction X1, it rises along the height direction X3 which is perpendicular to the insertion direction X1 and the width direction X2. Furthermore, the guide portion 18a is provided as a flat tapered surface that extends in the height direction X3 as it approaches the insertion direction X1. Although there are multiple protrusions 18, they are not located at positions corresponding to all of the multiple first terminals 11 held by the housing 10, but rather at positions corresponding to some of the first terminals 11.

[0042] <First terminal> Figure 12 is a perspective view showing the first terminal 11 of the electrical connector 1. Referring to Figures 4, 7 to 12, the multiple first terminals 11 are held in the housing 10 and are configured to contact and electrically connect to the multiple conductors 102 in the flexible conductive member 100 when the flexible conductive member 100 is connected to the electrical connector 1. Each of the multiple first terminals 11 held in the housing 10 is configured to be connected to the substrate 101 by soldering. The first terminals 11 are used as signal terminals, and signals are transmitted via the electrical connector 1 between the flexible conductive member 100 to which the electrical connector 1 is connected and the substrate 101.

[0043] Multiple first terminals 11 are inserted into the housing 10 in a direction parallel to the insertion direction X1 and are held in the housing 10 in a state where they are aligned in the width direction X2 of the housing 10. The housing 10 is provided with multiple slit-shaped grooves 19 that open at the end opposite to the opening 15 side in the insertion direction X1 (see Figure 9(B)). Each of the multiple first terminals 11 is inserted into the multiple grooves 19 provided in the housing 10 in the insertion direction X1 and held in the housing 10.

[0044] Referring to Figures 7 to 12, each of the plurality of first terminals 11 is made of a conductive metal material and is formed by punching out and bending a metal sheet. All of the plurality of first terminals 11 are formed to be the same shape. Each of the plurality of first terminals 11 has a first contact portion 11a, a body portion 11b, and a lead portion 11c. The first contact portion 11a, the body portion 11b, and the lead portion 11c are provided integrally.

[0045] The body portion 11b of the first terminal 11 is provided as a part that is press-fitted into the housing 10 and held in the housing 10 when the first terminal 11 is inserted into the housing 10. In this embodiment, the body portion 11b is provided as a plate-shaped portion that extends elongated along the insertion direction X1. The first terminal 11 is inserted into a groove 19 provided in the housing 10, at which time the body portion 11b is press-fitted into the groove 19, and the first terminal 11 is held in the housing 10. The body portion 11b is provided with press-fitting claws 11d that protrude in the width direction X2, and when the body portion 11b is press-fitted into the groove 19 of the housing 10, the press-fitting claws 11d engage with the inner wall that defines the groove 19 by biting into it. As a result, the first terminal 11 is press-fitted into the housing 10 at the body portion 11b and held in the housing 10.

[0046] The first contact portion 11a of the first terminal 11 is provided as a contact portion that contacts the conductor 102 of the flexible conductive member 100 and makes an electrical connection when the flexible conductive member 100 is connected to the electrical connector 1. When the flexible conductive member 100 is connected to the electrical connector 1, the first contact portion 11a of each of the multiple first terminals 11 held in the housing 10 makes contact with each of the multiple conductors 102 exposed at the conductor exposed portion 106 of the end 100a of the flexible conductive member 100, and the multiple conductors 102 and the multiple first terminals 11 are electrically connected.

[0047] The first contact portion 11a is provided as a rod-shaped spring contact portion that extends cantilevered from the body portion 11b and extends with a mountain-like protrusion while partially bending. More specifically, the first contact portion 11a is provided as a spring contact portion that extends from the body portion 11b along the insertion direction X1 and extends with a mountain-like protrusion along the height direction X3 while partially bending, and is provided so as to be elastically deformable and flex in the height direction X3.

[0048] Furthermore, referring to Figures 7, 9, and 11, when the first terminal 11 is inserted into and held in the housing 10, the first contact portion 11a is positioned to protrude from the wall portion 17 within the housing 10 and be exposed in the spatial region 16. The first terminal 11 is inserted into the housing 10 in the groove 19 and held in the housing 10. Within the housing 10, the groove 19 opens from the wall portion 17 to the spatial region 16. The first contact portion 11a of the first terminal 11, which is inserted into and held in the housing 10 in the groove 19, is positioned to protrude from the wall portion 17 toward the spatial region 16 and be exposed in the spatial region 16. The first contact portion 11a is formed in a shape that rises in a mountain-like manner along the height direction X3 on the first terminal 11, and within the housing 10, the mountain-like raised portion of the first contact portion 11a protrudes from the wall portion 17 and is exposed in the spatial region 16.

[0049] Furthermore, referring to Figures 7, 9, and 11, in the spatial region 16 within the housing 10, a protrusion 18 is positioned in the insertion direction X1 corresponding to the first contact portion 11a that protrudes from the wall portion 17 and is exposed in the spatial region 16. The protrusion 18, which protrudes from the wall portion 17, is positioned in the spatial region 16 in the insertion direction X1 corresponding to the first contact portion 11a, and is located on the opening 15 side of the first contact portion 11a. The protrusion 18 is also positioned to face the first contact portion 11a in the insertion direction X1, and the guide portion 18a, which is provided as a tapered surface of the protrusion 18, rises along the height direction X3 as it approaches the insertion direction X1 and extends toward the first contact portion 11a. This allows the tip of the flexible conductive member 100 inserted into the spatial region 16 from the opening 15 to be smoothly guided from the wall portion 17 toward the first contact portion 11a.

[0050] Referring to Figures 7 to 12, the lead portion 11c of the first terminal 11 is provided as a part that is connected to the substrate 101 by soldering and is mechanically and electrically connected to the substrate 101. The lead portion 11c is formed as a prismatic portion that extends cantilevered from the body portion 11b and bends twice at approximately 90°. Furthermore, the lead portion 11c is provided so as to protrude cantilevered from the side opposite to the side from which the first contact portion 11a of the body portion 11b protrudes cantilevered.

[0051] <Second terminal> Figures 13(A) and 13(B) are perspective views showing the second terminal 12. Referring to Figures 1 to 4, 7, 9, 12, and 13, the second terminal 12 is held in the housing 10 and is configured to contact the ground conductive portion 105 of the flexible conductive member 100 and make an electrical connection when connecting the flexible conductive member 100 to the electrical connector 1. The second terminal 12, held in the housing 10, is also configured to be connected to the substrate 101 by soldering. The second terminal 12 is soldered to the substrate 101 in the ground circuit pattern for grounding on the surface of the substrate 101 and is mechanically and electrically connected to the substrate 101. The second terminal 12 is used as a ground terminal for grounding and is configured to connect the ground conductive portion 105 of the flexible conductive member 100 to the ground circuit pattern of the substrate 101 and make an electrical connection.

[0052] The second terminals 12 are provided in pairs and are held on both sides in the width direction X2 within the housing 10. The pair of second terminals 12 have similar structures but are formed in a symmetrical manner. Figure 13(A) is a perspective view of one of the pair of second terminals 12, and Figure 13(B) is a perspective view of the other of the pair of second terminals 12.

[0053] The second terminal 12 is inserted into the housing 10 in a direction parallel to the insertion direction X1 and held in the housing 10. The housing 10 is provided with a groove shaped to correspond to the second terminal 12, and the second terminal 12 is fitted into this groove to be attached to the housing 10. The second terminal 12 is made of a conductive metal material and is formed by punching out and bending a metal plate. The second terminal 12 has a second contact portion 12a, a base portion 12b, and a press-fit portion 12c. The second contact portion 12a, the base portion 12b, and the press-fit portion 12c are provided integrally.

[0054] The base portion 12b of the second terminal 12 is provided as the main body portion of the second terminal 12, on which the second contact portion 12a and the press-fit portion 12c are integrally provided, and is formed as a plate-like portion that extends with a partial bend. The base portion 12b is positioned exposed on one side in the height direction X3 of the housing 10 when the second terminal 12 is mounted in the housing 10. The one side in the height direction X3 of the housing 10 is the side of the housing 10 that faces the substrate 101 when the electrical connector 1 is connected to the substrate 101, and the base portion 12b is positioned exposed on the side of the housing 10 that faces the substrate 101. When the electrical connector 1 is connected to the substrate 101, the base portion 12b exposed from the housing 10 is soldered to the substrate 101 for connection. The base portion 12b is soldered to the substrate 101 in the ground circuit pattern for earthing on the surface of the substrate 101 and is mechanically and electrically connected to the substrate 101.

[0055] The press-fit portion 12c of the second terminal 12 is provided as a portion that is press-fitted into the housing 10 when the second terminal 12 is inserted into and held in the housing 10. In this embodiment, there are two press-fit portions 12c, each provided as a rectangular prism-shaped portion that extends cantilevered from the base portion 12b. When the second terminal 12 is inserted into the housing 10, the press-fit portion 12c is press-fitted into the housing 10, thereby holding the second terminal 12 in the housing 10.

[0056] The second contact portion 12a of the second terminal 12 is provided as a contact portion that contacts the ground conductive portion 105 of the flexible conductive member 100 and makes an electrical connection when the flexible conductive member 100 is connected to the electrical connector 1. When the flexible conductive member 100 is connected to the electrical connector 1, the second contact portion 12a of the second terminal 12 held in the housing 10 contacts the ground conductive portion 105 laminated on one of the insulating layers 103 at the end 100a of the flexible conductive member 100, and the ground conductive portion 105 and the second terminal 12 are electrically connected.

[0057] The second contact portion 12a is provided as a spring contact portion that extends cantilevered from the base portion 12b and curves in an arc shape. More specifically, the second contact portion 12a extends from the base portion 12b along the insertion direction X1, then curves in an arc shape along the height direction X3 for approximately 180° or more, and further extends in a mountain-like shape along the height direction X3, and is provided as a spring contact portion that is elastically deformable and can bend in the height direction X3.

[0058] Furthermore, referring to Figures 1, 2, 7, 9, and 11, when the second terminal 12 is inserted into and held in the housing 10, the second contact portion 12a is positioned to protrude from the wall portion 17 within the housing 10 and be exposed in the spatial region 16. The second terminal 12 is inserted into and held in the housing 10, and the housing 10 is provided with a groove 20 into which the second contact portion 12a of the second terminal 12 is inserted (see Figures 1, 7, and 9(A)). Within the housing 10, the groove 20 opens from the wall portion 17 to the spatial region 16. The second contact portion 12a of the second terminal 12, which is inserted into and held in the housing 10 by the groove 20, is positioned to protrude from the wall portion 17 toward the spatial region 16 and be exposed in the spatial region 16. The second contact portion 12a is formed in the second terminal 12 in a shape that curves in an arc along the height direction X3 and then rises up in a mountain-like shape. Inside the housing 10, the mountain-like raised portion of the second contact portion 12a protrudes from the wall portion 17 and is exposed in the spatial region 16.

[0059] Furthermore, referring to Figures 7, 9, and 11, in the spatial region 16 within the housing 10, the second contact portion 12a protruding from the wall portion 17 and exposed in the spatial region 16 is positioned closer to the opening 15 than the first contact portion 11a protruding from the wall portion 17 and exposed in the spatial region 16. Moreover, in the spatial region 16, the second contact portion 12a protruding from the wall portion 17 is positioned offset in the width direction X2 relative to the first contact portion 11a protruding from the wall portion 17. That is, in the spatial region 16, the second contact portion 12a protruding from the wall portion 17 is positioned offset in the width direction X2 relative to the first contact portion 11a protruding from the wall portion 17, without overlapping in the insertion direction X1 when viewed from the insertion direction X1. Furthermore, in the spatial region 16, the protrusion height in the height direction X3 of the second contact portion 12a protruding from the wall portion 17 is set to be smaller than the protrusion height in the height direction X3 of the first contact portion 11a protruding from the wall portion 17. Therefore, when the end portion 100a of the flexible conductive member 100 is inserted into the spatial region 16 of the housing 10, the conductor 102 in the conductor exposed portion 106, which has a small thickness and is provided on the tip side of the end portion 100a of the flexible conductive member 100, is more likely to come into contact with the first contact portion 11a, and the portion of the end portion 100a of the flexible conductive member 100 where the ground conductive portion 105, which has a large thickness, is laminated is more likely to come into contact with the second contact portion 12a.

[0060] <Locking operating component> Referring to Figures 1 to 4 and Figure 9, the locking operating member 13 is provided as a member that engages with the flexible conductive member 100 fitted into the housing 10 of the electrical connector 1 to prevent the flexible conductive member 100 from coming off the electrical connector 1. The locking operating member 13 is attached to the housing 10 and is configured to be detachably engaged with the end 100a of the flexible conductive member 100 connected to the electrical connector 1.

[0061] The locking operating member 13 is provided with a pair of fixing parts 13a, a pair of elastic arm parts 13b, an operating part 13c, and a pair of locking projections 13d.

[0062] The pair of fixing portions 13a in the locking operating member 13 are provided as parts that are press-fitted into the housing 10 and fixed to the housing 10. Each of the pair of elastic arm portions 13b in the locking operating member 13 is provided integrally with each of the pair of fixing portions 13a and is provided as a curved and extending arm-shaped part. The operating portion 13c in the locking operating member 13 bridges the pair of elastic arm portions 13b and is provided as a part that is pressed by the operator. When the operating portion 13c is pressed, each of the pair of elastic arm portions 13b elastically deforms and bends.

[0063] The pair of locking projections 13d on the locking operating member 13 are provided on each of the pair of elastic arm portions 13b and are provided as projections that engage with the end portion 100a of the flexible conductive member 100 on both sides in the width direction of the end portion 100a of the flexible conductive member 100 fitted into the housing 10. When the pair of locking projections 13d engage with the end portion 100a of the flexible conductive member 100, the end portion 100a of the flexible conductive member 100 fitted into the housing 10 is locked to the electrical connector 1. The end portion 100a of the flexible conductive member 100 is provided with a locking portion 107 that is cut out so as to be recessed in the width direction X2 on both sides in the width direction X2 (see Figures 2 and 5). When the flexible conductive member 100 is connected to the electrical connector 1, the pair of locking projections 13d on the locking operating member 13 engage with the pair of locking portions 107 on the end portion 100a of the flexible conductive member 100.

[0064] When the flexible conductive member 100 is fitted into the housing 10 and connected to the electrical connector 1, the pair of elastic arm portions 13b elastically deform and then elastically recover, causing the pair of locking projections 13d to lock onto the end portion 100a of the flexible conductive member 100 with a pair of locking portions 107 on both sides in the width direction X2. This prevents the flexible conductive member 100 from coming loose from the electrical connector 1. When the flexible conductive member 100 is removed from the electrical connector 1, the operating portion 13c is pressed by the operator, causing the pair of elastic arm portions 13b to elastically deform. The elastic deformation of the pair of elastic arm portions 13b releases the locking between the pair of locking projections 13d and the pair of locking portions 107 on the end portion 100a of the flexible conductive member 100, allowing the flexible conductive member 100 to be removed from the electrical connector 1.

[0065] [Connection operation between electrical connectors and flexible conductive materials] Next, the connection operation between the electrical connector 1 and the flexible conductive member 100 will be described. Referring to Figure 2, the connection between the electrical connector 1 and the flexible conductive member 100 is performed with the electrical connector 1 connected to the substrate 101. The electrical connector 1 is connected to the substrate 101 by soldering the lead portions 11c of the multiple first terminals 11 held in the housing 10 to the substrate 101, and by soldering the base portion 12b of the second terminals 12 held in the housing 10 to the substrate 101.

[0066] Figure 14 is a front view showing the state in which the flexible conductive member 100 is being connected to the electrical connector 1. Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the flexible conductive member 100 is being connected to the electrical connector 1, and is a cross-sectional view taken from the position indicated by the arrow EE in Figure 14. Referring to Figures 3, 14, and 15, when the flexible conductive member 100 is connected to the electrical connector 1, the end 100a of the flexible conductive member 100 is inserted into the opening 15 of the housing 10 and fitted into the housing 10. At this time, the end 100a of the flexible conductive member 100 is inserted from the opening 15 into the space 16 with the ground conductive portion 105 facing the wall portion 17 that demarcates one side of the inner wall in the height direction X3 of the space 16 inside the housing 10.

[0067] When the end portion 100a of the flexible conductive member 100 is inserted from the opening 15 of the housing 10 into the spatial region 16 inside the housing 10, the tip of the end portion 100a of the flexible conductive member 100 comes into contact with the guide portion 18a of the protrusion 18 that protrudes from the flat wall portion 17 in the spatial region 16 inside the housing 10. The tip of the flexible conductive member 100 inserted into the spatial region 16 is then guided toward the back of the spatial region 16 by sliding along the guide portion 18a, which is provided as a tapered surface on the protrusion 18. In other words, the tip of the flexible conductive member 100 inserted from the opening 15 into the spatial region 16 inside the housing 10 is guided in the direction of travel by the guide portion 18a of the protrusion 18 that protrudes from the flat wall portion 17 that extends along a plane perpendicular to the height direction X3 in the spatial region 16. The tip of the flexible conductive member 100 is then guided by a protrusion 18 that extends from the wall portion 17 in the spatial region 16 within the housing 10, and is led to the first contact portion 11a of the first terminal 11 that extends from the wall portion 17.

[0068] Figure 16 is a front view showing the state in which the flexible conductive member 100 is connected to the electrical connector 1. Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the flexible conductive member 100 is connected to the electrical connector 1, and is a cross-sectional view taken from the position indicated by the arrow FF in Figure 16. Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the flexible conductive member 100 is connected to the electrical connector 1, and is a cross-sectional view taken from the position indicated by the arrow GG in Figure 16. The end portion 100a of the flexible conductive member 100, which is inserted from the opening 15 into the spatial region 16, is guided by the guide portion 18a, which is the tapered surface of the protrusion 18 that protrudes from the wall portion 17, and is guided to the first contact portion 11a of the first terminal 11 that protrudes from the wall portion 17. Referring to Figures 16 to 18, the end 100a of the flexible conductive member 100 is guided to the first contact portion 11a, so that the multiple conductors 102 exposed at the conductor exposed portion 106 at the end 100a of the flexible conductive member 100 come into contact with the first contact portions 11a of the multiple first terminals 11, and are electrically connected. That is, the end 100a of the flexible conductive member 100, which is inserted to the back of the spatial region 16, comes into contact with the first contact portions 11a of each first terminal 11 protruding from the wall portion 17 at each conductor 102 exposed at the conductor exposed portion 106. As a result, the multiple conductors 102 of the flexible conductive member 100 and the multiple first terminals 11 of the electrical connector 1 are electrically connected.

[0069] Furthermore, referring to Figures 15, 17, and 18, the end portion 100a of the flexible conductive member 100 inserted into the spatial region 16 is guided by the protrusion 18 and inserted towards the back of the spatial region 16. As a result, the end portion 100a of the flexible conductive member 100 is guided in the direction of travel by the protrusion 18 and passes through the spatial region 16 biased toward the opposite side in the height direction X3 from the wall portion 17. Therefore, the portion of the ground conductive part 105 at the end portion 100a of the flexible conductive member 100 is inserted into the spatial region 16 without contacting and interfering with the edge of the opening 15 of the housing 10, and passes smoothly through the spatial region 16 along the wall portion 17. In other words, the end portion 100a of the flexible conductive member 100 into which the spatial region 16 within the housing 10 is inserted is guided along the protrusion 18, so that the ground conductive portion 105, which is stacked in a stepped manner at the end portion 100a of the flexible conductive member 100, does not interfere with the opening 15 of the housing 10, and the end portion 100a of the flexible conductive member 100 is smoothly inserted into the spatial region 16 and fitted into the housing 10.

[0070] Furthermore, referring to Figures 17 and 18, when the end 100a of the flexible conductive member 100 is fitted into the housing 10, the ground conductive portion 105 of the flexible conductive member 100 and the second contact portion 12a of the second terminal 12 of the electrical connector 1, which is exposed in the spatial region 16, come into contact and are electrically connected. By electrically connecting the second terminal 12 and the ground conductive portion 105 and grounding them, measures are taken against electromagnetic interference (EMI) in the flexible conductive member 100.

[0071] [Effects of this embodiment] According to this embodiment, when the flexible conductive member 100 is connected to the electrical connector 1, the end 100a of the flexible conductive member 100 is inserted through the opening 15 of the housing 10 and fitted into the housing 10. The end 100a of the flexible conductive member 100 fitted into the housing 10 is housed in a spatial region 16 within the housing 10. When the end 100a of the flexible conductive member 100 is fitted into the housing 10, the multiple conductors 102 of the flexible conductive member 100 and the first contact portions 11a of the multiple first terminals 11 exposed in the spatial region 16 come into contact with each other, and the multiple conductors 102 and the multiple first terminals 11 are electrically connected. The first terminals 11 are used as signal terminals, and signals are transmitted between the substrate 101 to which the electrical connector 1 is connected and the flexible conductive member 100 via the electrical connector 1. Furthermore, when the end portion 100a of the flexible conductive member 100 is fitted into the housing 10, the ground conductive portion 105 of the flexible conductive member 100 and the second contact portion 12a of the second terminal 12 of the electrical connector 1 come into contact and are electrically connected. The second terminal 12 is used as a ground terminal for earthing, and by electrically connecting the second terminal 12 and the ground conductive portion 105 and grounding it, measures are taken against electromagnetic interference (EMI) in the flexible conductive member 100.

[0072] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, when the end portion 100a of the flexible conductive member 100 is inserted through the opening 15 of the housing 10 and fitted into the housing 10, first, the tip of the flexible conductive member 100 is guided in the direction of travel by a protrusion 18 that protrudes from a flat wall portion 17 that extends in the insertion direction X1 and the width direction X2 within the spatial region 16 of the housing 10. Then, the tip of the flexible conductive member 100 is guided by the protrusion 18 that protrudes from the wall portion 17 within the spatial region 16 of the housing 10 and is led to the first contact portion 11a of the first terminal 11 that protrudes from the wall portion 17. As the tip of the flexible conductive member 100 is guided to the first contact portion 11a, the multiple conductors 102 at the end portion 100a of the flexible conductive member 100 come into contact with the first contact portions 11a of the multiple first terminals 11, respectively, and are electrically connected. Furthermore, the end portion 100a of the flexible conductive member 100 into which the spatial region 16 within the housing 10 is inserted is guided along the protrusion 18. This prevents the ground conductive portion 105, which is stacked in a stepped manner on the end portion 100a of the flexible conductive member 100, from interfering with the opening 15 of the housing 10. As a result, the end portion 100a of the flexible conductive member 100 is smoothly inserted into the spatial region 16 and fitted into the housing 10. Therefore, the flexible conductive member 100, which has multiple conductors 102, insulating layers (103, 104) sandwiching the multiple conductors 102, and a ground conductive portion 105 stacked in a stepped manner on the surface of one of the insulating layers 103, can be smoothly fitted with the electrical connector 1.

[0073] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the structure for smoothly fitting the end 100a of the flexible conductive member 100, which has a stepped ground conductive portion 105 laminated on the surface of one insulating layer 103, into the housing 10 is provided as a protrusion 18 that projects outward from a flat wall portion 17 in the spatial region 16 within the housing 10, and is configured as a small protruding structure. As a result, the spatial region 16 within the housing 10 is suppressed from being narrowed by the structure for smoothly fitting the end 100a of the flexible conductive member 100 into the housing 10, and the spatial region within the housing 10 is made wider. In other words, according to this embodiment, there is no structure such as a stepped portion that significantly narrows the spatial region within the housing, as in the electrical connector of Patent Document 1, and the spatial region 16 within the housing 10 is made wider. As a result, it is possible to suppress the placement of elements made of resin material with a high dielectric constant around the first terminal 11 used as a signal terminal. This makes it possible to suppress large disturbances in the impedance of the circuit through which the high-frequency signal is transmitted via the first terminal 11, and thus suppress a deterioration in transmission characteristics.

[0074] Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide an electrical connector 1 that can smoothly perform the mating operation with a flexible conductive member 100 having a plurality of conductors 102, insulating layers (103, 104) sandwiching the plurality of conductors 102, and a ground conductive portion 105 laminated in a stepped manner on the surface of one of the insulating layers 103, and can suppress a decrease in transmission characteristics.

[0075] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the guide portion 18a of the protrusion 18 is provided to rise along the height direction X3 as it moves toward the insertion direction X1 in the spatial region 16. As a result, the tip of the flexible conductive member 100 is smoothly displaced along the height direction X3 as it moves toward the insertion direction X1 in the spatial region 16 of the housing 10, and is more smoothly guided toward the first contact portion 11a of the first terminal 11.

[0076] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the guide portion 18a of the protrusion 18 is provided as a flat tapered surface that extends in the height direction X3 as it approaches the insertion direction X1. Therefore, the guide portion 18a that efficiently guides the tip of the flexible conductive member 100 to the first contact portion 11a of the first terminal 11 can be constructed with a simple structure.

[0077] [Differentiation] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible as long as they are within the scope of the claims. For example, it may be implemented with the following modifications.

[0078] In the above-described embodiment, the multiple protrusions 18 are not positioned to correspond to all of the multiple first terminals 11 held by the housing 10, but are positioned to correspond to some of the first terminals 11. However, this is not required. An embodiment in which the multiple protrusions 18 are positioned to correspond to all of the multiple first terminals 11 held by the housing 10 may also be implemented.

[0079] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the guide portion 18a of the protrusion 18 was provided as a flat tapered surface that extends in the height direction X3 as it approaches the insertion direction X1, but this is not required. The guide portion 18a of the protrusion 18 may be provided as a surface that extends smoothly in a curved shape in the height direction X3 as it approaches the insertion direction X1. Alternatively, the guide portion 18a of the protrusion 18 may be provided as a surface that extends in the height direction X3 as it approaches the insertion direction X1 and also changes its inclination angle in stages. [Industrial applicability]

[0080] The present invention can be widely applied as an electrical connector to which a flexible conductive member having multiple conductors, an insulating layer sandwiching the multiple conductors, and a ground conductive portion laminated in a stepped manner on one surface of the insulating layer is connected. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0081] 1. Electrical connector 10 Housing 11 First terminal 11a First contact point 12 Second terminal 12a Second contact point 15 Aperture 16 Spatial domain 17 Wall 18 Convex part 18a Guidance part 100 Flexible conductive members 100a End of flexible conductive member 102 Conductor 103, 104 Insulating layer 105 Ground Conductive Section

Claims

1. An electrical connector to which a flexible conductive member having a plurality of conductors, an insulating layer sandwiching the plurality of conductors, and a ground conductive portion laminated in a stepped manner on one surface of the insulating layer is connected, The device comprises a housing, a plurality of first terminals held by the housing and connected to a plurality of conductors, and a second terminal held by the housing and connected to the ground conductive portion. The first terminal is provided with a first contact portion that contacts the conductor and is electrically connected to it. The second terminal is provided with a second contact portion that contacts the ground conductive portion and is electrically connected to it. The housing is provided with an opening into which the end of the flexible conductive member is inserted, and a spatial region continuous with the opening and containing the end of the flexible conductive member. The inner wall that demarcates the spatial region is provided with a flat wall portion along a surface that extends in the insertion direction into which the flexible conductive member is inserted and in the width direction in which the plurality of first terminals are arranged. The first contact portion and the second contact portion are arranged to protrude from the wall portion and be exposed in the spatial region. In the aforementioned spatial region, a protrusion is provided that projects from the wall portion at a position corresponding to the first terminal in the insertion direction and on the opening side of the first terminal. An electrical connector characterized in that the protrusion has a guide portion that guides the tip of the flexible conductive member inserted into the spatial region from the opening to the first contact portion from the wall portion.

2. An electrical connector according to claim 1, An electrical connector characterized in that the guide portion is provided in the spatial region such that it rises along a height direction perpendicular to the insertion direction and the width direction as it moves toward the insertion direction.

3. An electrical connector according to claim 2, An electrical connector characterized in that the guide portion is provided as a flat tapered surface that extends in the height direction as it approaches the insertion direction.

Images