Connector and connector device

Abstract

To provide a connector capable of reducing a stress concentration against a plane circuit body, and provide a connector device.SOLUTION: A first connector 2 includes: a first housing 5 that is provided on a front surface 93 side of a flexible substrate 9; and a first cover 6 that is arranged on a back surface 94 side of the flexible substrate 9, and is provided with the flexible substrate 9 held between itself and the first housing 5. The first cover 6 includes a plate-like plate part 61 that is extended to the flexible substrate 9 as compared with the first housing 5. The plate part 61 is constructed so as to be bonded to the flexible substrate 9.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, with regard to connectors and connector devices, a connector that is attached to a flexible board is known, as described in, for example, Patent Document 1. In this connector, terminals are attached to the flexible board, a holding plate is attached to the flexible board, and the terminals are assembled and held in a housing. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2004-220864 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The above-mentioned connector has room for improvement in that stress is likely to concentrate on a planar circuit body such as a flexible substrate. That is, in the above-mentioned connector, the planar circuit body is in a state of extending from the holding plate, and when the connector is subjected to vibration, for example, stress is likely to concentrate on the root portion of the planar circuit body extending from the holding plate.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT An object of the present invention is to provide a connector and a connector device which reduce stress concentration on a planar circuit body. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] That is, the connector of the present invention comprises a housing provided on the front side of a planar circuit body, a cover disposed on the back side of the planar circuit body and sandwiching the planar circuit body between the housing, and one of the cover or the housing has a plate-like portion extending toward the planar circuit body compared to the other, and the plate portion is configured to be joined to the planar circuit body. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the connector and connector device of the present invention, it is possible to reduce stress concentration on the planar circuit body. [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 and a connector device. 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] As shown in Fig. 1, the connector device 1 according to this embodiment 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 while sandwiching the flexible substrate 9, thereby attaching the first connector 2 to the flexible substrate 9. 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 housing 5 is a first member provided on the front surface 93 side of the flexible substrate 9. The first cover 6 is disposed on the back surface 94 side of the flexible substrate 9, and has a plate-shaped plate portion 61. The first cover 6 is a second member disposed on the back surface 94 side of the flexible substrate 9.

[0016] The plate portion 61 is a plate extending toward the flexible substrate 9, and extends further toward the flexible substrate 9 than the first housing 5. The plate portion 61 functions as a main body of the first cover 6, and is formed along the rear surface 94 of the flexible substrate 9. The plate portion 61 functions as a member that suppresses deformation of the flexible substrate 9 and suppresses stress concentration on the flexible substrate 9. The plate portion 61 is formed to have higher rigidity than the flexible substrate 9, and has a structure that is less likely to deform. The plate portion 61 has a hollow structure that is, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped or approximately rectangular parallelepiped, and has ribs 611 arranged in a lattice pattern inside.

[0017] The plate portion 61 is bonded to the flexible substrate 9. For example, the installation surface 61A of the plate portion 61 is bonded to the flexible substrate 9, and is integrated with the flexible substrate 9. The installation surface 61A is a surface of the plate portion 61 that faces the flexible substrate 9 and sandwiches the flexible substrate 9 between the first housing 5. Specifically, the plate portion 61 is bonded to the flexible substrate 9 by an adhesive, an adhesive tape, or the like. The entire installation surface 61A of the plate portion 61 may be bonded to the flexible substrate 9, or a part of the installation surface 61A may be bonded to the flexible substrate 9. The plate portion 61 and the flexible substrate 9 may be bonded by a method other than adhesion, and may be bonded by using a fastener such as a piercing, a screw, or the like, for example.

[0018] The plate portion 61 extends toward the flexible substrate 9 compared to the first housing 5, and the extension length L is, for example, the same as the length W of the flexible substrate 9. In FIG. 1, the flexible substrate 9 is a trunk portion of the wire harness WH, and is formed along the width direction Y of the connector device 1. In this case, the length W of the flexible substrate 9 is the length in the connection direction X, which is the length in the direction in which the plate portion 61 extends. Note that the same length here includes approximately the same length. In addition, it is desirable that the extension length L of the plate portion 61 is half or more of the length W of the flexible substrate 9. By setting it to such a length, the connection work of the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 can be performed smoothly. That is, in the connection work of the first connector 2 and the second connector 3, the worker holds the second connector 3 with one hand and the first connector 2 with the other hand to perform the connection, but even if the worker holds the plate portion 61 with the other hand, the flexible substrate 9 does not deform, and the first connector 2 can be easily handled. In this case, it is desirable that the extension length L of the plate portion 61 in the connection direction X be the same as the length W of the flexible substrate 9, but if the extension length L of the plate portion 61 is equal to or longer than half the length W of the flexible substrate 9, it will be sufficiently easy to handle.

[0019] A protrusion 62 is provided on the installation surface 61A of the first cover 6. The installation surface 61A is a surface of the plate portion 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 portion 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] When 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. At this time, the flexible substrate 9 and the plate portion 61 of the first cover 6 are joined and integrated by adhesion or the like. This holds the flexible substrate 9 so as not to deform.

[0022] Then, the convex portion 62 protruding from the surface 93 of the flexible substrate 9 is inserted into the concave portion 52, and the first housing 5 is installed. This allows the first cover 6 and the first housing 5 to be installed in accurate positions with respect to the flexible substrate 9. That is, the through hole 95, the convex portion 62, and the concave portion 52 in the flexible substrate 9, the first cover 6, and the first housing 5 function as positions for positioning, and function as portions that prevent the flexible substrate 9 from slipping out from between the first cover 6 and the first housing 5.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] The storage section 55 is formed with a tapered section 551. The tapered section 551 is formed by inclining the wall section 55B with respect to the connection direction X so that the length L1 in the width direction Y of the storage section 55 is wider than the length L2 in the width direction Y of the protrusion 72 at the entrance position of the storage section 55. In other words, the tapered section 551 functions as a portion that makes it easier to insert the protrusion 72 into the storage section 55. For example, the tapered section 551 is formed so that the length L1 in the width direction Y of the storage space 55A is wider than the length L2 in the width direction Y of the protrusion 72 at the entrance portion of the storage section 55, and the length L1 in the width direction Y of the storage space 55A is narrower than the length L2 in the width direction Y of the protrusion 72 as it approaches the back side of the storage section 55. The tapered section 551 is formed, for example, at the left and right positions in the width direction Y at the entrance portion of the storage section 55. In the connector device 1, the tapered portion 551 is formed, so that the protruding portion 72 can be easily inserted into the accommodating portion 55, and the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 can be smoothly connected to each other. In particular, even if the clearance between the accommodating space 55A of the accommodating portion 55 and the protruding portion 72 is small, the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 can be easily connected to each other.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 3, the plate portion 61 is provided with an attachment portion 66. The attachment portion 66 is a portion for attaching the connector device 1 to a structure such as the body of a vehicle. For example, the attachment portion 66 functions as an attachment clip or an attachment clamp for fixing the connector device 1. The attachment portion 66 is formed on a rear surface 61B of the plate portion 61.

[0028] A wiring portion 91 is formed on the flexible substrate 9. The wiring portion 91 is a portion that serves as 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 example, to prevent oxidation of the conductor foil. For example, a plurality of wiring portions 91 are arranged in parallel along the width direction Y at an end portion 92 of the rear surface 94 of the flexible substrate 9. The number of wiring portions 91 is set, for example, according to the number of 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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, which will be described later. The support portion 712 is formed in a state spaced apart from the inner surface of the second accommodating chamber 71B.

[0033] 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.

[0034] The ceiling portion 75 of the second housing 7 Top surface 7AA 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.

[0035] 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 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] Axial direction B of board connection portion 42 is offset in height direction Z with respect to axial direction A of electric wire connection portion 41. That is, axial direction B in which board connection portion 42 extends is offset in a direction intersecting axial direction A with respect to axial direction A in which electric wire connection portion 41 extends. For this reason, board connection portion 42 is formed to protrude in a direction intersecting axial direction A (height direction Z) with respect to electric wire connection portion 41. Here, axial direction A of electric wire connection portion 41 is the central axis of electric wire connection portion 41, and axial direction B of board connection portion 42 is the central axis of board connection portion 42. For example, board connection portion 42 is formed such that axial direction B protrudes to a position deviated from electric wire connection portion 41.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] Next, the connection of the connector device 1 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0044] 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.

[0045] The first connector 2 and the second connector 3 are arranged 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. At this time, the plate portion 61 is formed on the first cover 6 of the first connector 2, so that the connection can be easily and smoothly performed. For example, in the connection work of the first connector 2 and the second connector 3, a worker holds the second connector 3 with one hand and holds the first connector 2 with the other hand to perform the connection. At that time, even if the other hand grasps the plate portion 61, the flexible board 9 does not deform, and the first connector 2 becomes easy to handle. Therefore, the connection between the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 is easy and smoothly performed. For example, if the plate portion 61 is not provided on the first cover 6, the other hand cannot hold the part of the flexible board 9 that is easily deformed, and the other hand holds the first housing 5 that is short in the connection direction X. Therefore, the connection work is not easy. On the other hand, in the connector device 1 according to this embodiment, the plate portion 61 is formed on the first connector 2, so that the flexible board 9 can be held together with the plate portion 61, and the connection between the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 can be easily and smoothly performed.

[0046] In connecting the first connector 2 and the second connector 3, 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 can be smoothly inserted into the accommodating portion 55 by the tapered portion 551.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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 electrical performance of the flexible substrate 9 and the electric wire 10 can be improved. That is, by using the flexible substrate 9 as a contact point, the installation of a terminal in the first connector 2 can be omitted, 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, since the connector device 1 can omit the installation of a terminal in the first connector 2, the cost of the connector device 1 can be reduced.

[0050] As shown in Fig. 1, the connector device 1 is attached to a vehicle in a state in which the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 are connected. For example, as shown in Fig. 3, the connector device 1 is fixed to the body of the vehicle or the like using an attachment portion 66 provided on the plate portion 61. Therefore, the flexible board 9, the first connector 2, and the connector device 1 can be stably attached to the vehicle.

[0051] 1, when the connector device 1 is attached to a vehicle, even if the connector device 1 is subjected to vibration or shaking, stress concentration on the flexible board 9 is suppressed. That is, the flexible board 9 has a portion extending from the first housing 5 and the first cover 6 integrated with the plate portion 61. Therefore, the flexible board 9 is supported by the plate portion 61 and is restricted from shaking and deforming in the up and down direction. Therefore, stress concentration on the flexible board 9 is suppressed.

[0052] As described above, in the connector device 1 and the first connector 2 according to this embodiment, by providing the plate portion 61 on the first cover 6, concentration of stress on the flexible board 9 can be suppressed.

[0053] Furthermore, by providing the mounting portion 66 on the plate portion 61, the connector device 1 and the first connector 2 according to this embodiment can be stably mounted to the vehicle, including the flexible board 9.

[0054] Furthermore, in the connector device 1 and the first connector 2 according to this embodiment, the plate portion 61 is joined to the flexible substrate 9 by adhesive, so that the plate portion 61 can be reliably joined to the flexible substrate 9 and integrated.

[0055] The connector and connector device 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 first connector 2 according to this embodiment may be configured by appropriately combining the components of the embodiments and modified examples described above.

[0056] For example, the connector device 1 and the first connector 2 according to the above-described embodiment have been described as being mounted on a vehicle, but they may also be used without being mounted on a vehicle.

[0057] Further, the connector device 1 and the first connector 2 according to the above-described embodiment have been described in terms of a case in which 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, it is possible to obtain the same effects as those of the connector device 1 and the first connector 2 according to the above-described embodiment. That is, by providing the plate portion 61 on the first cover 6, the connector device and the connector can suppress stress concentration on the flexible substrate 9.

[0058] Furthermore, in the connector device 1 and the first connector 2 according to the above-described embodiment, the plate portion 61 is provided on the first cover 6, but the plate portion 61 may be provided on the first housing 5. Even in this case, it is possible to obtain the same effects as those of the connector device 1 and the first connector 2 according to the above-described embodiment, and it is possible to suppress the concentration of stress on the flexible board 9. [Explanation of symbols]

[0059] 1: Connector device 2: First connector (connector) 3: Second connector 4: Terminal 5: First housing (first member) 6: First cover (second part) 9: Flexible board (flat circuit body) 10: Electric wire 61: Plate section 66: Mounting part 91:Wiring section L: Extension length W:Length

Claims

1. a housing provided on a front surface side of the planar circuit body; a cover disposed on a rear side of the planar circuit body and sandwiching the planar circuit body between the housing and the cover, one of the cover and the housing has a plate portion extending toward the planar circuit body as compared with the other, the plate portion extends along the planar circuit body from a position sandwiched between the housing and the cover toward an opposite side to a mating connector to be connected, and is joined to the planar circuit body. connector.

2. It is installed in a vehicle and used, The plate portion forms a mounting portion used for mounting to the vehicle. The connector of claim 1 .

3. the plate portion is joined to the planar circuit body by adhesive.

3. The connector according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The planar circuit body is a flexible substrate.

3. The connector according to claim 1 or 2.

5. a first connector attached to the planar circuit body; a second connector configured to hold a terminal attached to an electric wire, to be connectable to the first connector, and to bring the terminal into contact with the planar circuit body by being connected to the first connector; the first connector has a first member provided on a front surface side of the planar circuit body, and a second member disposed on a rear surface side of the planar circuit body and sandwiching the planar circuit body between the first member and a second member, one of the first member and the second member forms a plate portion that is extended toward the planar circuit body as compared with the other of the first member and the second member; the plate portion extends along the planar circuit body from a position where the plate portion is attached to the first connector toward a side opposite to a mating connector to be connected, and is joined to the planar circuit body. Connector device.

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