Connector device and connection terminal

Abstract

To provide a connector device and a connection terminal that can improve electrical performance in connection of flat circuit bodies and wires.SOLUTION: A connector device 1 consists of a first connector 2 attached to a flexible board 9, a terminal 4 attached to an electric wire 10, and a second connector 3 that holds the terminal 4 and can be connected to the first connector 2, and that makes the terminal 4 directly contact a wiring section 91 of the flexible board 9 by connection with the first connector 2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector device and a connection terminal. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, as a connector device and a connection terminal, for example, as described in Patent Document 1, a connector in which a female terminal is attached to a flexible printed circuit (FPC) and the female terminal is held in a housing is known. This connector is used by being connected to a mating connector in which a male terminal is attached to an electric wire, for example. In a connector device consisting of a connector and a mating connector, the male terminal attached to the electric wire is connected to the flexible board via the female terminal attached to the flexible board. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2004-206992 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the above-mentioned connector device, the connection between a planar circuit body such as a flexible substrate and an electric wire is made via a female terminal and a male terminal. Therefore, in the above-mentioned connector device, there are three contact points: between the planar circuit body and the female terminal, between the female terminal and the male terminal, and between the male terminal and the electric wire. The more contact points there are, the higher the risk of an increase in resistance value due to oxidation, wear, foreign matter, etc. at the contact points. Therefore, there is a need for the development of a connector device and a connection terminal that can reduce the number of parts and the number of contact points to improve electrical performance.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENTS An object of the present invention is to provide a connector device and a connection terminal that can improve the electrical performance in connecting a planar circuit body and an electric wire. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] That is, the connector device of the present invention is configured to include a first connector attached to a planar circuit body, a terminal attached to an electric wire, and a second connector that holds the terminal and is configured to be connectable to the first connector, and that connects the terminal to the planar circuit body by directly contacting it with the first connector. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the connector device and the connection terminal of the present invention, it is possible to improve the electrical performance in the connection between the planar circuit body and the electric wire. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a connector device according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a first connector of the connector device according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a first connector of the connector device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the second connector of the connector device according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a terminal of the connector device according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of the connection of the connector device according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of the connection of the connector device according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] 8 is a cross-sectional view of the connector device according to the embodiment in a connected state taken along line VIII-VIII in FIG. 1. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. In addition, the components in the following embodiments include those that are replaceable and easy for a person skilled in the art, or those that are substantially the same.

[0010] [Embodiment] The present embodiment relates to a connector device and a connection terminal. Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing the connector device according to the embodiment. Figs. 2 and 3 are exploded perspective views of a first connector of the connector device according to the embodiment. Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a second connector of the connector device according to the embodiment. Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a terminal of the connector device according to the embodiment. Figs. 6 and 7 are explanatory views of the connection of the connector device according to the embodiment. Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the connected state of the connector device according to the embodiment taken along line VIII-VIII of Fig. 1.

[0011] In the following description, of the first, second, and third directions that intersect with each other, the first direction is referred to as the "connection direction X," the second direction is referred to as the "width direction Y," and the third direction is referred to as the "height direction Z." Here, the connection direction X, the width direction Y, and the height direction Z are perpendicular to each other. The connection direction X corresponds to the direction of connection between the first connector and the second connector or the extension direction of the electric wires. The width direction Y and the height direction Z correspond to intersecting directions that intersect with the connection direction X. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, each direction used in the following description represents a direction in a state in which each part is assembled with respect to each other. Note that orthogonal here includes nearly orthogonal.

[0012] 1, the connector device 1 is a device that connects a flexible substrate 9 and an electric wire 10, and is used, for example, mounted on a vehicle and used as a wire harness WH that connects between electric devices installed in the vehicle. The electric devices include electronic control devices, sensors, circuit devices, motors, batteries, etc. For example, the flexible substrate 9 is used as a trunk portion of the wire harness WH, and the electric wire 10 is used as a branch portion of the wire harness WH.

[0013] The connector device 1 includes a first connector 2, a second connector 3, and a terminal 4. Fig. 1 shows the connector device 1 in a state in which the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 are connected, and for ease of explanation, the second connector 3 is shown partially cut away.

[0014] The first connector 2 is a connector attached to a flexible substrate 9, and is configured to be connectable to the second connector 3. The flexible substrate 9 is a planar circuit body having a circuit configured on a plane, and is a flexible printed circuit board (FPC). Circuits )) and is a flexible printed wiring board. The planar shape here includes a substantially planar shape. The flexible board 9 is formed, for example, by bonding a base film, a conductor foil, and a coverlay together via an adhesive layer. The conductor foil is the wiring pattern of the flexible board 9 and constitutes the wiring part 91 of the flexible board 9. The flexible board 9 may be a single-sided board having a wiring pattern only on one side of the base film, or a double-sided board having wiring patterns on both sides of the base film. In addition, the flexible board 9 may have electrical components such as resistors and capacitors mounted on the wiring pattern, or may not have electrical components mounted thereon.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 2, the first connector 2 has a first housing 5 and a first cover 6, and is attached to, for example, an end 92 of a flexible substrate 9. Specifically, the first housing 5 and the first cover 6 are joined together while sandwiching the flexible substrate 9, thereby attaching the first connector 2 to the flexible substrate 9. The first housing 5 is a member that holds the flexible substrate 9 together with the first cover 6 and connects to the second connector 3. The first housing 5 has a plate-shaped housing main body portion 51 extending in the width direction Y, and is disposed on the front surface 93 side of the flexible substrate 9. The first cover 6 is a member that holds the flexible substrate 9 together with the first housing 5 by sandwiching it. The first cover 6 has a plate-shaped cover main body portion 61 extending in the width direction Y, and is disposed on the back surface 94 side of the flexible substrate 9.

[0016] A protrusion 62 is provided on the installation surface 61A of the first cover 6. The installation surface 61A is a surface of the cover main body 61 that faces the flexible substrate 9 and sandwiches the flexible substrate 9 between the first housing 5. The protrusion 62 protrudes from the installation surface 61A toward the back surface 94 of the flexible substrate 9. The protrusion length of the protrusion 62 is set to be longer than the thickness of the flexible substrate 9. A plurality of protrusions 62 are provided, for example, one at each end 63 in the width direction Y of the first cover 6, and two at intermediate positions between the ends 63, for a total of four protrusions 62. A through hole 95 is formed in the flexible substrate 9. The through hole 95 is a hole that penetrates the front surface 93 and the back surface 94. A plurality of through holes 95 are formed, and are formed at positions corresponding to the protrusions 62. A recess 52 is formed on the installation surface 51A of the first housing 5. The installation surface 51A is a surface of the housing main body 51 that faces the flexible substrate 9 and sandwiches the flexible substrate 9 between the first cover 6. The recess 52 is formed by depressing the installation surface 51A, and is formed to a size that allows the protrusion 62 to be inserted therethrough. A plurality of recesses 52 are provided, and are formed at positions corresponding to the protrusions 62.

[0017] An engaging portion 64 is formed at an end 63 of the first cover 6, and an engaged portion 54 is formed at an end 53 of the first housing 5. The engaging portion 64 and the engaged portion 54 constitute a locking mechanism that locks the first cover 6 and the first housing 5. For example, the engaged portion 54 is a protrusion that protrudes laterally from the side surface of the first housing 5, and the engaging portion 64 extends from the end 63 of the first cover 6 toward the first housing 5 to form a hole 64A into which the engaged portion 54 can be inserted.

[0018] In attaching the first cover 6 and the first housing 5 to the flexible substrate 9, first, the first cover 6 is placed on the back surface 94 of the flexible substrate 9, and the convex portion 62 is inserted into the through hole 95. The convex portion 62 penetrates the through hole 95 and protrudes from the front surface 93. Then, the convex portion 62 protruding from the front surface 93 of the flexible substrate 9 is inserted into the recess 52, and the first housing 5 is installed. In this way, the first cover 6 and the first housing 5 are installed in accurate positions relative to the flexible substrate 9. That is, in the flexible substrate 9, the through hole 95, the convex portion 62, and the recess 52, in the flexible substrate 9, the first cover 6, and the first housing 5, function as positions for positioning and function as portions for preventing the flexible substrate 9 from slipping out from between the first cover 6 and the first housing 5.

[0019] Then, the engaging portion 64 of the first cover 6 engages with the engaged portion 54 of the first housing 5, and the first housing 5 and the first cover 6 are joined so as not to be easily detached. As a result, the first cover 6 and the first housing 5 are joined with the flexible substrate 9 sandwiched therebetween, and the first cover 6 and the first housing 5 are attached to the flexible substrate 9.

[0020] The first housing 5 is formed with a receiving portion 55. The receiving portion 55 is a portion into which the protruding portion 72 of the second connector 3 is inserted, and defines a receiving space 55A for the protruding portion 72. For example, the receiving portion 55 is formed by a wall portion 55B provided on the housing main body portion 51. The wall portion 55B is provided along the connection direction X, opening on the second connector 3 side (the lower right side in FIG. 2). The length of the width direction Y of the receiving space 55A is the same or approximately the same as the length of the width direction Y of the protruding portion 72. By inserting the protruding portion 72 into the receiving portion 55, the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 are accurately connected, and the terminal 4 comes into contact with the desired wiring portion 91. In addition, the length of the receiving space 55A in the connection direction X is set to a length that can prevent the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 from being connected at an angle. Therefore, the connector device 1 can prevent the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 from being fitted and connected at an angle.

[0021] The accommodation portion 55 is formed with a tapered portion 551. The tapered portion 551 is formed by inclining the wall portion 55B with respect to the connection direction X so as to expand the entrance of the accommodation portion 55 in the width direction Y. That is, the tapered portion 551 functions as a portion that makes it easier to insert the protruding portion 72 into the accommodation portion 55. For example, the tapered portion 551 is provided by inclining the wall portion 55B with respect to the connection direction X so that the length L1 in the width direction Y of the accommodation space 55A is longer than the length L2 in the width direction Y of the protruding portion 72 at the entrance portion of the accommodation portion 55. The tapered portion 551 is formed, for example, at the left and right positions in the width direction Y at the entrance portion of the accommodation portion 55. The tapered portion 551 makes it easier to insert the protruding portion 72 into the accommodation portion 55, and the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 can be smoothly connected. In particular, even if the clearance between the housing space 55A of the housing portion 55 and the protruding portion 72 is small, the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 can be easily connected.

[0022] The accommodating portion 55 is formed, for example, at a central position in the width direction Y of the first housing 5. Note that a plurality of accommodating portions 55 may be formed, and they may be formed at positions spaced apart in the width direction Y of the first housing 5. The accommodating portion 55 is provided with a locked portion 56. The locked portion 56 is a portion that engages with a locking portion 74 of the second connector 3, and is used for locking when the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 are connected. The locked portion 56 is, for example, a protrusion that protrudes in the height direction Z, and is locked by the locking portion 74, functioning as a locking mechanism for the first connector 2 and the second connector 3.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 3, the flexible substrate 9 has a wiring portion 91 formed thereon. The wiring portion 91 is a contact portion for electrical connection of the flexible substrate 9, and is a part of the wiring pattern. At the position of the wiring portion 91, the coverlay for surface protection is removed, and the conductor foil is exposed. In addition, the wiring portion 91 is subjected to a surface treatment for preventing oxidation of the conductor foil, for example. The wiring portions 91 are arranged in parallel along the width direction Y, for example, at an end portion 92 of the rear surface 94 of the flexible substrate 9. The number of the wiring portions 91 is set, for example, according to the number of the terminals 4 of the second connector 3. The end portion 92 of the flexible substrate 9 on which the wiring portion 91 is formed is arranged adjacent to the connection insertion portion 51B of the first housing 5. The connection insertion portion 51B is a plate-shaped portion that is a part of the housing main body portion 51 of the first housing 5 and protrudes toward the second connector 3 along the connection direction X.

[0024] 4, the second connector 3 is a connector that is connected to the first connector 2 and electrically connects the terminals 4 to the wiring portion 91 of the flexible substrate 9. That is, the second connector 3 is configured to hold the terminals 4 and be connectable to the first connector 2, and connects the terminals 4 to the wiring portion 91 of the flexible substrate 9 by directly contacting them when connected to the first connector 2.

[0025] The second connector 3 has a second housing 7 and a second cover 8. For ease of explanation, Fig. 4 shows the second housing 7 and the second cover 8 in a partially cutaway state, and omits the illustration of a portion of the electric wires 10. The second housing 7 is a member that holds the terminals 4 attached to the electric wires 10, and the second cover 8 is a member that is attached to the second housing 7 and holds the electric wires 10 while preventing the terminals 4 from coming off.

[0026] The second housing 7 is a member for holding the terminal 4 attached to the electric wire 10, and may be, for example, Block ShapeThe second housing 7 has an accommodating chamber 71 for accommodating the terminal 4 and the electric wire 10, and holds the terminal 4 together with the second cover 8. The second connector 3 is capable of holding a plurality of terminals 4, and the second housing 7 has a plurality of accommodating chambers 71 arranged in parallel along the width direction Y. The accommodating chambers 71 extend along the connection direction X and are capable of accommodating the terminal 4 and the electric wire 10. The accommodating chambers 71 include a first accommodating chamber 71A and a second accommodating chamber 71B. The first accommodating chamber 71A is a space for accommodating the electric wire 10, and the second accommodating chamber 71B is a space for accommodating the terminal 4. The second accommodating chamber 71B is formed on the first connector 2 side with respect to the first accommodating chamber 71A. The second accommodating chamber 71B is formed narrower in the width direction Y than the first accommodating chamber 71A. Therefore, the terminal 4 accommodated in the second accommodating chamber 71B is held in a state where its movement is restricted within the second accommodating chamber 71B. In other words, the terminal 4 is positioned and held in the width direction Y and height direction Z with respect to the second connector 3 by being accommodated in the second accommodating chamber 71B.

[0027] Further, the second accommodating chamber 71B is provided with a support portion 712 (see FIG. 8). The support portion 712 is a portion that supports a first contact piece 421A of the terminal 4 described later. The support portion 712 is formed in a state spaced apart from the inner surface of the second accommodating chamber 71B. The first contact piece 421A is accommodated in the second accommodating chamber 71B through between the inner surface of the second accommodating chamber 71B and the support portion 712. At this time, the first contact piece 421A is press-fitted between the inner surface of the second accommodating chamber 71B and the support portion 712, and the terminal 4 is accommodated in the second accommodating chamber 71B. As a result, the terminal 4 is firmly held in the second accommodating chamber 71B. In addition, a protrusion 421C protruding in the height direction Z may be formed in a portion of the first contact piece 421A located between the inner surface of the second accommodating chamber 71B and the support portion 712 (see FIG. 5 and FIG. 8). By forming this convex portion 421C, the connector device 1 allows the first contact piece 421A to be smoothly accommodated in the second accommodating chamber 71B, and the first contact piece 421A can be pressed between the inner surface of the second accommodating chamber 71B and the support portion 712 at the position of the convex portion 421C, making it possible to firmly hold the terminal 4 within the second accommodating chamber 71B.

[0028] Both ends of the accommodating chamber 71 in the connection direction X are open. The connection insertion portion 51B of the first connector 2 and the end 92 of the flexible board 9 can be inserted into the end of the accommodating chamber 71 on the first connector 2 side. The electric wire 10 extends from the end of the accommodating chamber 71 opposite the first connector 2. In the second housing 7, a partition portion 711 is formed between adjacent accommodating chambers 71, so that adjacently arranged terminals 4 are not short-circuited.

[0029] The ceiling portion 75 of the second housing 7 Top surface 7A A protruding portion 72 and a locked portion 73 are formed on the first connector 2. The protruding portion 72 is a block-shaped or plate-shaped portion that protrudes toward the first connector 2 side, and constitutes a connection guide portion or a diagonal connection suppression portion together with the accommodation portion 55 of the first connector 2. That is, the protruding portion 72 is formed to a size that can be inserted into the accommodation portion 55, and is inserted into the accommodation portion 55 when the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 are connected. As a result, the protruding portion 72 suppresses the diagonal fitting of the first connector 2 and the second connector 3, and properly connects the first connector 2 and the second connector 3. A locking portion 74 is provided on the protruding portion 72. The locking portion 74 is a portion used for locking when the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 are connected, and constitutes a lock mechanism together with the locked portion 56 of the first connector 2. The locking portion 74 is an arm-shaped portion formed with a locking hole 74A that can be locked to the protruding locked portion 56, and engages with the locked portion 56 when the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 are connected. The locked portion 73 is a portion that engages with a locking portion 83 of the second cover 8, and constitutes a locking mechanism between the second housing 7 and the second cover 8 together with the locking portion 83. Top surface 7A The locked portions 73 are provided spaced apart from one another in the width direction Y, and for example, three of them are provided.

[0030] The second cover 8 is attached to the second housing 7 from the connection direction X, and holds the terminals 4 and the electric wires 10. For example, the second cover 8 is a plate-shaped member extending in the width direction Y, and is attached to the second housing 7 in which the terminals 4 and the electric wires 10 are accommodated, and holds the terminals 4 and the electric wires 10. The second cover 8 has a ceiling portion 81 and an abutment portion 82. The ceiling portion 81 and the abutment portion 82 extend side by side in the connection direction X, and are formed to be spaced apart in the height direction Z. The ceiling portion 81 and the abutment portion 82 are connected to each other on the side opposite to the connection side of the first connector 2, and the ceiling portion 81 is located above the abutment portion 82. The second cover 8 is attached to the second housing 7 so that the ceiling portion 75 of the second housing 7 is sandwiched between the ceiling portion 81 and the abutment portion 82.

[0031] A locking portion 83 is formed on the ceiling portion 81. The locking portion 83 is a portion that engages with the locked portion 73 of the second housing 7. The locking portion 83 is formed in an arm shape extending from the ceiling portion 81 toward the second housing 7 along the connection direction X, and forms an engagement hole 83A that locks the locked portion 73. A plurality of locking portions 83 are provided spaced apart in the width direction Y, for example, three are provided. The locking portion 83 engages with the locked portion 73 when the second cover 8 and the second housing 7 are attached, and locks the second cover 8 and the second housing 7 so that they do not come off.

[0032] The abutment portion 82 is inserted into the second housing 7 when the second cover 8 and the second housing 7 are attached. The abutment portion 82 forms a part of the accommodation chamber 71 and functions as a ceiling portion of the first accommodation chamber 71A. A plurality of partition portions 821 are formed along the width direction Y on the lower surface 82A of the abutment portion 82. The partition portions 821 are portions that separate adjacent accommodation chambers 71. The abutment portion 82 is disposed so as to abut against the terminal 4 when the second cover 8 and the second housing 7 are attached (see FIG. 8). That is, the end surface 82B of the abutment portion 82 supports the terminal 4 from the rear and holds the terminal 4 so as not to come out of the accommodation chamber 71.

[0033] As shown in Fig. 5, the terminal 4 is a terminal attached to the electric wire 10, and for example, a crimp terminal that is crimped and attached to the end of the electric wire 10 is used. The terminal 4 has an electric wire connection part 41 and a board connection part 42. The terminal 4 is made of, for example, a conductive metal, and the electric wire connection part 41 and the board connection part 42 are integrally formed by pressing or bending a plate material having a shape corresponding to the electric wire connection part 41 and the board connection part 42. The terminal 4 is formed by connecting the electric wire connection part 41 and the board connection part 42 along the connection direction X. For example, the electric wire 10 is one in which a covering part 10B is provided on the outer periphery of a conductor 10A.

[0034] The electric wire connection portion 41 has, for example, a coating crimping portion 411 and a conductor crimping portion 412. The coating crimping portion 411 crimps the coating portion 10B of the electric wire 10. For example, the coating crimping portion 411 has two barrels 411A, and is attached to the coating portion 10B by wrapping the barrels 411A around the coating portion 10B and crimping them. For example, the conductor crimping portion 412 has two barrels 412A, and is attached to the conductor 10A by removing the coating portion 10B and crimping the barrels 412A to the exposed conductor 10A.

[0035] The board connection part 42 is a part that makes contact with the flexible board 9 and has a pair of contact pieces 421. The pair of contact pieces 421 is composed of a first contact piece 421A and a second contact piece 421B. The board connection part 42 makes a connection with the flexible board 9 by, for example, directly contacting the second contact piece 421B with the flexible board 9. The first contact piece 421A and the second contact piece 421B are plate-like or rod-like bodies extending in the connection direction X, are spaced apart in the height direction Z, and are connected at the base end side by a connecting part 423. In other words, the board connection part 42 including the pair of contact pieces 421 forms a bifurcated tuning fork terminal part. The second contact piece 421B is formed so as to be elastically deformable by bending in a direction away from the first contact piece 421A (height direction Z). When connecting to the first connector 2, the flexible board 9 is inserted between the first contact piece 421A and the second contact piece 421B. During this insertion, the second contact piece 421B elastically deforms in a direction away from the first contact piece 421A, allowing the flexible board 9 to be inserted smoothly. The second contact piece 421B then strongly contacts the flexible board 9 due to the restoring force of the elastic deformation. At this time, the first contact piece 421A functions as a load receiving portion that receives the contact load of the second contact piece 421B.

[0036] The axial direction B of the board connection part 42 is offset in the height direction Z with respect to the axial direction A of the electric wire connection part 41. That is, the axial direction B in which the board connection part 42 extends is offset in a direction intersecting the axial direction A with respect to the axial direction A in which the electric wire connection part 41 extends. For this reason, the board connection part 42 is formed to protrude in a direction (height direction Z) intersecting the axial direction A (connection direction X) with respect to the electric wire connection part 41. Here, the axial direction A of the electric wire connection part 41 is the central axis of the electric wire connection part 41, and the axial direction B of the board connection part 42 is the central axis of the board connection part 42. For example, the board connection part 42 is formed so that the axial direction B protrudes to a position deviated from the electric wire connection part 41.

[0037] The first contact piece 421A is formed with a protruding portion 421C that protrudes toward the second contact piece 421B. That is, the protruding portion 421C protrudes inward compared to other portions of the first contact piece 421A, narrowing the distance between the first contact piece 421A and the second contact piece 421B. The protruding portion 421C is formed, for example, at a position on the base end side of the center position of the first contact piece 421A in the connection direction X.

[0038] A contact portion 421D is formed at the tip of the second contact piece 421B. The contact portion 421D protrudes toward the first contact piece 421A compared to other portions of the second contact piece 421B, narrowing the distance between the first contact piece 421A and the second contact piece 421B. The contact portion 421D is a portion that comes into contact with the wiring portion 91 of the flexible substrate 9, and is formed, for example, in a mountain shape toward the first contact piece 421A. Note that, although FIG. 5 shows the terminal 4 attached to the electric wire 10 by crimping, the terminal 4 may be attached to the electric wire 10 by a method other than crimping, for example, by crimping or soldering.

[0039] Next, the connection of the connector device 1 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0040] 6, the connection of the connector device 1 is performed by connecting a first connector 2 and a second connector 3. A flexible substrate 9 is attached to the first connector 2, and a terminal 4 attached to an electric wire 10 is held in the second connector 3.

[0041] The first connector 2 and the second connector 3 are disposed in a state separated from each other in the connection direction X. Then, for example, the second connector 3 is brought close to the first connector 2 to perform connection. First, the protruding portion 72 of the second connector 3 is inserted into the accommodating portion 55 of the first connector 2. At this time, as shown in FIG. 7, a tapered portion 551 is formed at the entrance portion of the accommodating portion 55, and the opening width of the accommodating portion 55 is formed wide. Therefore, the protruding portion 72 is smoothly inserted into the accommodating portion 55 by the tapered portion 551.

[0042] The protrusion 72 enters in the connection direction X along the wall 55B of the accommodating portion 55. This prevents the second connector 3 from being inserted obliquely into the first connector 2, and prevents the second connector 3 and the first connector 2 from being fitted obliquely together. When the protrusion 72 is inserted all the way into the accommodating portion 55, the locking portion 74 engages with the locked portion 56, and the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 are connected and locked.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 8, by connecting the first connector 2 and the second connector 3, the connection insertion portion 51B and the flexible board 9 of the first connector 2 are inserted into the second housing 7 of the second connector 3. That is, the connection insertion portion 51B and the flexible board 9 are inserted into the accommodation chamber 71 of the second housing 7 and are inserted between the first contact piece 421A and the second contact piece 421B of the terminal 4 held in the accommodation chamber 71. At this time, the insertion of the connection insertion portion 51B widens the gap between the first contact piece 421A and the second contact piece 421B, and the second contact piece 421B is bent so as to be separated from the first contact piece 421A. This allows the connection insertion portion 51B and the flexible board 9 to be smoothly inserted between the first contact piece 421A and the second contact piece 421B.

[0044] and, Second contact piece 421B is pressed against the wiring portion 91 of the flexible substrate 9 to contact it, the flexible substrate 9 and the terminal 4 are connected, and the flexible substrate 9 and the electric wire 10 are electrically connected. As a result, the flexible substrate 9 and the electric wire 10 are connected via one terminal 4, and the connector device 1 can improve the electrical performance of the flexible substrate 9 and the electric wire 10. That is, the connector device 1 can omit the installation of a terminal in the first connector 2 by using the flexible substrate 9 as a contact point, and the number of physical contact points in the connection between the electric wire 10 and the flexible substrate 9 can be reduced to two. Therefore, the connector device 1 can reduce the risk of resistance increase and connection failure due to oxidation, wear, foreign matter, etc. at the contact points, and can improve the electrical performance between the flexible substrate 9 and the electric wire 10. In addition, the connector device 1 can omit the installation of a terminal in the first connector 2, so that the cost of the connector device 1 can be reduced.

[0045] For example, if a terminal for a flexible board is attached to the flexible board 9 in the first connector 2 and connected to the second connector 3, the number of parts increases due to the installation of the terminal for the flexible board, and the cost increases. In addition, the number of contact points is three in the connection between the flexible board 9 and the electric wire 10. That is, electrical contact is made at three points: the flexible board 9 and the terminal for the flexible board, the terminal for the flexible board and the terminal 4, and the terminal 4 and the electric wire 10. For this reason, the increase in the number of contact points may increase the resistance value due to oxidation, wear, foreign matter, etc. at the contact points, and the electrical performance may decrease. In contrast, the connector device 1 and the terminal 4 according to this embodiment can omit the installation of the terminal for the flexible board, and the number of contact points in the connection between the flexible board 9 and the electric wire 10 can be reduced to two. Therefore, the connector device 1 and the terminal 4 can improve the electrical performance in the connection between the flexible board 9 and the electric wire 10, and can reduce costs.

[0046] In addition, in a state where the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 are connected, the connector device 1 reliably connects the flexible board 9 and the terminal 4 in the second housing 7, thereby suppressing poor connection between the flexible board 9 and the terminal 4. For example, the board connection portion 42 of the terminal 4 is doubly locked by the support portion 712 and the abutment portion 82 in the second housing 7. Specifically, when the first contact piece 421A of the terminal 4 is inserted into the second housing chamber 71B, it is pressed between the inner surface of the second housing chamber 71B and the support portion 712. Therefore, the terminal 4 is strongly engaged and held in the second housing 7. In addition, the board connection portion 42 of the terminal 4 has a shape that protrudes in the height direction Z relative to the electric wire connection portion 41, and the board connection portion 42 is abutted by the abutment portion 82 from the rear side (electric wire 10 side). Therefore, the terminal 4 is strongly locked and held in the second housing 7 against a force to pull it out from the electric wire 10 side. Therefore, even if a force in a pulling direction is applied to the electric wire 10, the terminal 4 is prevented from being pulled out. Furthermore, even if a force in a pulling direction is applied to the electric wire 10, the connector device 1 is unlikely to transmit the pulling force between the flexible board 9 and the contact portion 421D, and the connection between the terminal 4 and the flexible board 9 can be stabilized. When the connector device 1 is used in a wire harness WH, it is expected that a pulling force will be applied to the electric wire 10 when the wire harness WH is arranged. Even in such a case, the connector device 1 is capable of preventing the connection between the flexible board 9 and the terminal 4 from being released or becoming unstable, because the terminal 4 is strongly engaged with and held by the second housing 7.

[0047] As described above, in the connector device 1 according to this embodiment, the flexible substrate 9 of the first connector 2 is in direct contact with the terminal 4 of the second connector 3, so there is no need for a terminal to be attached to the flexible substrate 9 in the first connector 2. This makes it possible to reduce the cost of the connector device 1. Furthermore, since there are two contact points in the connection between the flexible substrate 9 and the electric wire 10, it is possible to improve the electrical performance in the connection between the flexible substrate 9 and the electric wire 10.

[0048] In addition, the connector device 1 and terminal 4 of this embodiment are provided with a pair of contact pieces 421 in the second connector 3, so that the pair of contact pieces 421 can be brought into direct contact with the flexible substrate 9 of the first connector 2 to connect with the flexible substrate 9.

[0049] Furthermore, in the connector device 1 and the terminal 4 according to this embodiment, the board connection portion 42 protrudes in a direction intersecting the connection direction X relative to the electric wire connection portion 41, and the protruding board connection portion 42 is supported from the electric wire 10 side by the second connector 3. Therefore, the connector device 1 and the terminal 4 according to this embodiment can firmly hold the terminal 4 in the second connector 3 against removal of the terminal 4.

[0050] The connector device and the connection terminal according to the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. The connector device 1 and the terminal 4 according to this embodiment may be configured by appropriately combining the components of the above-described embodiments and modified examples.

[0051] For example, the connector device 1 and the terminal 4 according to the above-described embodiment have been described as being mounted on a vehicle, but may also be used without being mounted on a vehicle.

[0052] In addition, the connector device 1 and the terminal 4 according to the above-mentioned embodiment have been described in the case where the flexible substrate 9 is used as the planar circuit body, but a planar circuit body other than the flexible substrate 9 may be used. For example, a flat cable (FC (Flat Cable)), a flexible flat cable (FFC (Flexible Flat Cable)), or the like may be used as the planar circuit body and connected to the terminal 4. Even with such a connector device and terminal, it is possible to obtain the same effect as the connector device 1 and the terminal 4 according to the above-mentioned embodiment. That is, since the connector device 1 and the terminal 4 directly contact the planar circuit body with the terminal 4, it is not necessary to provide a terminal to be attached to the planar circuit body in the first connector 2. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the cost of the connector device 1. Furthermore, since there are two contact points in the connection between the planar circuit body and the electric wire 10, it is possible to improve the electrical performance in the connection between the planar circuit body and the electric wire 10.

[0053] In addition, in the connector device 1 according to the above embodiment, the case where the tapered portion 551 is formed in the accommodation portion 55 of the first connector 2 has been described, but the protruding portion 72 of the second connector 3 may have a tapered portion. For example, the corners of the protruding portion 72 in the insertion direction may be chamfered so as to taper toward the insertion direction of the protruding portion 72. As a result, at the entrance position of the accommodation portion 55, the length of the accommodation portion 55 in the width direction Y becomes wider than the length of the protruding portion 72 in the width direction Y, and the same effect as that of the connector device 1 according to the above embodiment can be obtained. That is, the protruding portion 72 can be easily inserted into the accommodation portion 55, and the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 can be smoothly connected.

[0054] In addition, in the connector device 1 according to the embodiment described above, the case where the accommodating portion 55 is formed in the first connector 2 and the protruding portion 72 is formed in the second connector 3 has been described, but the protruding portion 72 may be formed in the first connector 2 and the accommodating portion 55 may be formed in the second connector 3. Even in this case, it is possible to obtain the same effects as those of the connector device 1 according to the embodiment described above.

[0055] Furthermore, in the connector device 1 according to the embodiment described above, the terminal 4 forms the pair of contact pieces 421, but a terminal that does not form the pair of contact pieces 421 may be used as a terminal that contacts the flexible substrate 9. Even in this case, as long as the connector device brings the terminal 4 of the second connector 3 into direct contact with the flexible substrate 9 of the first connector 2, it is possible to improve the electrical performance in the connection between the flexible substrate 9 and the electric wire 10, as with the connector device 1 according to the present embodiment.

[0056] In addition, in the connector device 1 according to the embodiment described above, the terminals 4 are used in which the board connection portions 42 protrude in a direction intersecting the connection direction X relative to the electric wire connection portions 41, but terminals in which the board connection portions 42 do not protrude in a direction intersecting the connection direction X relative to the electric wire connection portions 41 may be used. Even in this case, as long as the connector device brings the terminals 4 of the second connector 3 into direct contact with the flexible board 9 of the first connector 2, it is possible to improve the electrical performance in the connection between the flexible board 9 and the electric wires 10, as with the connector device 1 according to the present embodiment. [Explanation of symbols]

[0057] 1: Connector device 2: First connector 3: Second connector 4: Terminal (connection terminal) 5: First housing 6: First cover 7: Second housing 8: Second cover 9: Flexible board (flat circuit body) 10: Electric wire 41: Wire connection part 42: Board connection part 91:Wiring section 421: A pair of contact pieces X: Connection direction

Claims

1. a first connector attached to the planar circuit body; A terminal to be attached to the electric wire; a second connector configured to hold the terminal and be connectable to the first connector, and to connect the terminal to the planar circuit body by directly contacting the terminal with the first connector, the terminal has an electric wire connection portion for connecting to the electric wire, and a board connection portion for contacting the planar circuit body, the board connection portion is provided so as to protrude from the electric wire connection portion in a direction intersecting a connection direction of the first connector and the second connector, the second connector includes a second housing that holds the terminals, and a second cover that is attached to the second housing from an opposite side of the first connector along the connection direction, the second cover supports the board connection portion from the electric wire side in a state where the second cover is attached to the second housing in the connection direction. Connector device.

2. the terminal has a pair of contact pieces, and the planar circuit body is inserted between the pair of contact pieces to bring the pair of contact pieces into direct contact with the planar circuit body; The connector device of claim 1 .

3. The planar circuit body is a flexible substrate.

3. A connector device according to claim 1 or 2.

Images