Connector and harness

Abstract

To provide a connection body, connected to an object such as a connector via both upper and lower surfaces, which can be easily connected to a cable structure.SOLUTION: A connection body 21 comprises a main part 24, a first path 40, and a second path 50. The main part 24 has an upper surface 242 and a lower surface 244. The first path 40 has: a first wire connection part 42 connected to a first core wire 71 of a cable structure 60; a first terminal part 44; and a first coupling part 46 which couples the first wire connection part 42 to the first terminal part 44. The first wire connection part 42, the first terminal part 44, and the first coupling part 46 are formed on the upper surface 242 of the main part 24. The second path 50 has: a second wire connection part 52 connected to a second core wire 72 of the cable structure 60; a second terminal part; and a second coupling part 56 which couples the second wire connection part 52 to the second terminal part. The second wire connection part 52 is formed on the upper surface 242 of the main part 24. The second terminal part is formed on the lower surface 244 of the main part 24.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector connected to a cable structure.

Background Art

[0002] This type of connector is disclosed, for example, in Patent Document 1.

[0003] As shown in FIG. 29, Patent Document 1 discloses a circuit board (connector) 90 that connects a cable (cable structure) 98 and a connector 99 to each other. The connector 90 is connected to the front end (+X side end) of the cable structure 98. Specifically, the cable structure 98 includes a plurality of coated electric wires 982. As shown in FIGS. 29 and 30, a plurality of conductive patterns 96 are formed on each of the upper surface 92 and the lower surface 94 of the connector 90. The conductive patterns 96 on the upper surface 92 and the lower surface 94 are respectively connected to the terminals 992 of the connector 99. That is, the connector 90 is connected to the connector on both the upper surface 92 and the lower surface 94. 99 Further, the coated electric wires 982 of the cable structure 98 are respectively connected to the conductive patterns 96 on the upper surface 92 and the lower surface 94.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] When connecting a cable structure to a connector as in Patent Document 1, a cable fixing process such as soldering is required for each of the upper surface and the lower surface of the connector. That is, the process of connecting the cable structure to the connector is complicated.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a connector that is connected to an object such as a connector on both the upper and lower surfaces and can be easily connected to a cable structure.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The present invention, as a first connector, is a connector connected to the front end in the front-rear direction of a cable structure including one or more first core wires and one or more second core wires, wherein the connector includes a main body made of an insulator, one or more first paths made of a conductor, and one or more second paths made of a conductor, the main body has an upper surface, a lower surface, and a rear surface, the upper surface and the lower surface are respectively located on opposite sides of the main body in the vertical direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction, the rear surface faces rearward and connects the upper surface and the lower surface in the vertical direction, each of the first paths has a first connection portion, a first terminal portion, and a first connection portion, the first connection portions are respectively connected to the first core wires of the cable structure in a connection state where the connector is connected to the cable structure, the first connection portions, the first terminal portions, and the first connection portions are formed on the upper surface of the main body, each of the first terminal portions is located in front of the first connection portion, each of the first connection portions connects the first connection portion and the first terminal portion to each other, each of the second paths has a second connection portion, a second terminal portion, and a second connection portion, the second connection portions are respectively connected to the second core wires of the cable structure in the connection state, the second connection portions are formed on the upper surface of the main body, the second terminal portions are formed on the lower surface of the main body, each of the second terminal portions is located in front of the second connection portion, Each of the second connection parts extends on the upper surface, the rear surface, and the lower surface of the main part, and connects the second terminal part and the second connection part to each other. Provide a connector.

[0008] The present invention provides, as a second connector, a first connector, Each of the first connection parts is located in front of the second connection part and above the second connection part. Provide a connector.

[0009] The present invention provides, as a third connector, a second connector, The cable structure includes a first flat cable and a second flat cable. The first flat cable includes the first core wire and the first ground conductor. The second flat cable includes the second core wire and the second ground conductor. The connector includes a first ground part and a second ground part. The first ground part is located between the first connection part and the second connection part in the front-rear direction. The second ground part is located behind the second connection part. The first ground part is connected to the first ground conductor in the connected state. The second ground part is connected to the second ground conductor in the connected state. Provide a connector.

[0010] The present invention provides, as a fourth connector, a third connector, The connector includes a first ground plate and a second ground plate. The first ground plate is partially embedded in the main part. The second ground plate is attached to the main part and connected to the first ground plate. The first ground part is a part of the first ground plate. The second grounding part is a part of the second ground plate. Provide a connector.

[0011] The present invention provides, as a fifth connector, a fourth connector, The second ground plate is separated from the second connecting part in the vertical direction and partially covers the second connecting part from above. Provide a connector.

[0012] The present invention provides, as a first harness, A harness including any one of the first to fifth connectors, In addition to the connector, the harness includes a connector and a cable structure. The connector is connected to the front end of the connector. The cable structure is connected to the rear end of the connector. Provide a harness.

[0013] The present invention provides, as a second harness, A harness including two of the fourth or fifth connectors, The two connectors are combined with each other. In addition to the two connectors, the harness includes a connector and a cable structure. The connector is connected to the front ends of the two connectors. The cable structure includes two sets each consisting of a first flat cable and a second flat cable. One of the first flat cable and the second flat cable in one of the two sets is connected to the rear end of one of the two connectors. The other first flat cable and the second flat cable in the two sets are connected to the rear end of the other of the two connectors. Provide a harness.

[0014] The present invention provides, as a third harness, a second harness. The first ground plates of the two connectors are connected to each other. Provide a harness.

Advantages of the Invention

[0015] According to the present invention, the first terminal portion of the connector is provided on the upper surface of the connector, and the second terminal portion of the connector is provided on the lower surface of the connector. The first terminal portion and the second terminal portion can be connected to an object such as a connector. That is, the connector of the present invention can be connected to the object on both the upper surface and the lower surface. On the other hand, the first connection portion and the second connection portion of the connector are provided on the upper surface of the connector. According to this arrangement, when connecting the first core wire and the second core wire of the cable structure to the first connection portion and the second connection portion, a cable fixing process such as soldering may be performed only on the upper surface of the connector. That is, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a connector that is connected to an object such as a connector on both the upper surface and the lower surface, and that can be easily connected to a cable structure.

[0016] In particular, the second path of the present invention can be vertically connected by a part of the second connecting portion formed on the rear surface of the connector without using through holes. According to this connection method, it is easy to adjust the impedance of the second path. In addition, since it is not necessary to form openings for through holes on the upper surface and the lower surface, the degree of freedom in designing the first path and the second path is improved. For example, the first path and the second path can be arranged with a narrow pitch.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the harness 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a connection structure 20. The connection structure 20 is formed of an upper connection body (connection body) 21 and a lower connection body (connection body) 22. That is, the harness 10 includes two connection bodies 21 and 22. Each of the connection bodies 21 and 22 is a so-called paddle card. In addition to the two connection bodies 21 and 22, the harness 10 includes a connector (object) 80 and a cable structure 60.

[0019] The connector 80 and the cable structure 60 are electrically connected to each other via the connection structure 20. The cable structure 60 is connected to an electronic device (not shown) when the harness 10 is in use. The connector 80 is connected to a mating connector (not shown) of a mating electronic device (not shown) when the harness 10 is in use. That is, the harness 10 of the present embodiment can electrically connect an electronic device and a mating electronic device to each other.

[0020] The object 80 to which the connection structure 20 is connected is not limited to the connector 80. For example, the connection structure 20 connected to the cable structure 60 may be connected to the mating connector without passing through the connector 80. In this case, the mating connector may be a so-called edge connector connected to a circuit board (not shown). Alternatively, the front end of the connection structure 20 may be formed like an edge connector and directly connected to the circuit board.

[0021] The harness 10 of the present embodiment includes only the connection structure 20, the cable structure 60, and the connector 80. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the harness 10 may further include a sheath (not shown) for protecting the cable structure 60. The sheath may be formed of an elastic insulator and may cover and protect most of the cable structure 60.

[0022] Hereinafter, each member of the harness 10 of the present embodiment will be described.

[0023] The connector 80 of the present embodiment includes a housing 82 made of an insulator, a shell 84 made of a conductor such as metal, and a plurality of terminals 86 made of a conductor such as metal. The terminals 86 are held by the housing 82. The shell 84 covers the housing 82 and electromagnetically shields the terminals 86. The terminals 86 are divided into two rows in the vertical direction. The terminals 86 in each row are arranged in the horizontal direction orthogonal to the vertical direction. Each of the terminals 86 extends along the front-rear direction orthogonal to both the vertical direction and the horizontal direction. The rear end of each of the terminals 86 protrudes rearward from the housing 82.

[0024] The vertical direction of the present embodiment is the Z direction. In the present embodiment, the upper side is the +Z direction and the lower side is the -Z direction. The horizontal direction of the present embodiment is the Y direction. Also, the front-rear direction of the present embodiment is the X direction. In the present embodiment, the front is the +X direction and the rear is the -X direction.

[0025] The connector 80 of the present embodiment has the above-described structure. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the structure of the connector 80 can be variously deformed as needed.

[0026] The cable structure 60 of the present embodiment includes an upper cable structure 60U and a lower cable structure 60L. The cable structure 60U includes two flat cables 61 composed of a first flat cable 62 and a second flat cable 64. That is, the cable structure 60U includes the first flat cable 62 and the second flat cable 64. The cable structure 60L includes two flat cables 61 composed of a first flat cable 66 and a second flat cable 68. That is, the cable structure 60L includes the first flat cable 66 and the second flat cable 68. As will be described below, the four flat cables 61 of the present embodiment have similar structures to each other.

[0027] Each of the flat cables 61 has a rectangular shape that is long in the lateral direction and thin in the vertical direction in the vertical plane (YZ plane). Each of the flat cables 61 includes a plurality of core wires 70 made of a conductor and a holding portion 75 made of an insulator. In each of the flat cables 61, the core wires 70 are embedded inside the holding portion 75 and are arranged side by side in the lateral direction with a distance from each other. Each of the core wires 70 is covered by the holding portion 75 in the YZ plane and extends along the front-rear direction. The front end of each of the core wires 70 is exposed from the holding portion 75.

[0028] Referring to FIG. 3 in combination with FIG. 12, the first flat cable 62 of the present embodiment includes two ground conductors 76 (first ground conductor 77) made of a thin metal sheet such as a copper foil. Also, the core wires 70 of the first flat cable 62 include one or more first core wires 71 and one or more constant potential lines 73. That is, the first flat cable 62 includes the first core wires 71, the constant potential lines 73, the holding portion 75, and the first ground conductor 77. Each of the first core wires 71 of the first flat cable 62 is a signal line for transmitting a low-frequency signal. Each of the constant potential lines 73 is maintained at a constant potential such as a ground potential. The first core wires 71 and the constant potential lines 73 are alternately arranged in the lateral direction.

[0029] The second flat cable 64 of the present embodiment includes two ground conductors 76 (second ground conductor 78) similar to the first flat cable 62. Also, the core wires 70 of the second flat cable 64 include one or more second core wires 72 and one or more constant potential lines 73 similar to the first flat cable 62. That is, the second flat cable 64 includes the second core wires 72, the constant potential lines 73, the holding portion 75, and the second ground conductor 78. Each of the second core wires 72 of the second flat cable 64 is a signal line for transmitting a low-frequency signal. The second core wires 72 and the constant potential lines 73 are alternately arranged in the lateral direction.

[0030] Referring to FIG. 3 in combination with FIG. 14, the first flat cable 66 of the present embodiment includes two first ground conductors 77 similar to the first flat cable 62. Also, the core wire 70 of the first flat cable 66 includes one or more first core wires 71 and one or more constant potential lines 73, similar to the first flat cable 62. That is, the first flat cable 66 includes the first core wire 71, the constant potential line 73, the holding portion 75, and the first ground conductor 77. Each of the first core wires 71 of the first flat cable 66 is a signal line for transmitting a high-frequency signal. The first core wire 71 and the constant potential line 73 are arranged such that two first core wires 71 are positioned between two constant potential lines 73 in the lateral direction.

[0031] The second flat cable 68 of the present embodiment includes two second ground conductors 78 similar to the second flat cable 64. Also, the core wire 70 of the second flat cable 68 includes one or more second core wires 72 and one or more constant potential lines 73, similar to the second flat cable 64. That is, the second flat cable 68 includes the second core wire 72, the constant potential line 73, the holding portion 75, and the second ground conductor 78. Each of the second core wires 72 of the second flat cable 68 is a signal line for transmitting a high-frequency signal. The second core wire 72 and the constant potential line 73 are arranged such that two second core wires 72 are positioned between two constant potential lines 73 in the lateral direction.

[0032] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, each of the flat cables 61 of the present embodiment has the above-described structure. In each of the flat cables 61, the two ground conductors 76 cover the upper surface and the lower surface of the holding portion 75, respectively, and electromagnetically shield the core wire 70. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the ground conductor 76 may be provided as necessary. Also, the number and arrangement of the core wires 70 in each of the flat cables 61 can be deformed as necessary. For example, in each of the flat cables 61, the core wire 70 may include only the first core wire 71 (see FIG. 12) and the second core wire 72 (see FIG. 12).

[0033] Referring to FIGS. 4 to 10, as described below, the connectors 21 and 22 of the connection structure 20 of the present embodiment have similar basic structures to each other.

[0034] The connector 21 includes a main body 24 made of an insulator, one or more first paths 40 made of a conductor, one or more second paths 50 made of a conductor, one first ground plate 32 made of metal, and one second ground plate 36 made of metal. Each of the first path 40 and the second path 50 is a conductive pattern formed on the surface of the main body 24. The first ground plate 32 and the second ground plate 36 are held by the main body 24. As will be described later, the second ground plate 36 is connected to the first ground plate 32.

[0035] The connector 22 includes a main body 25 made of an insulator, one or more first paths 40 made of a conductor, one or more second paths 50 made of a conductor, two first ground plates 32 made of metal, and one second ground plate 36 made of metal. Each of the first path 40 and the second path 50 is a conductive pattern formed on the surface of the main body 25. The first ground plates 32 and the second ground plate 36 are held by the main body 25. As will be described later, the second ground plate 36 is connected to one of the first ground plates 32.

[0036] Each of the connectors 21 and 22 of the present embodiment has the above-described basic structure. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the basic structures of the connectors 21 and 22 may be different from each other. In each of the connectors 21 and 22, the first ground plate 32 and the second ground plate 36 may be provided as necessary. Further, each of the connectors 21 and 22 may include still another member in addition to the above-described members.

[0037] Referring to FIGS. 4, 5, 9 and 10, the connector 21 has a receiving portion 28. The receiving portion 28 is the front end portion of the connector 21 and protrudes forward from other parts of the connector 21. On the other hand, a receiving portion 29 is formed in the connector 22. The receiving portion 29 is a space formed in the connector 22 and is recessed rearward from the front end of the connector 22. The receiving portion 29 is located in the middle portion of the connector 22 in the lateral direction. The connector 21 is combined with the connector 22 from above so that the receiving portion 28 is received in the receiving portion 29. That is, the two connectors 21 and 22 are combined with each other. The connection structure 20 is an assembly of the two connectors 21 and 22 thus combined.

[0038] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the receiving portion 28 of the connector 21 received in the receiving portion 29 of the connector 22 forms a flat front end portion parallel to the horizontal plane (XY plane) together with the front end portion of the connector 22. That is, the connection structure 20 has a flat front end portion. Each of the first paths 40 extends rearward from the upper surface of the front end portion of the connection structure 20. Each of the second paths 50 extends rearward from the lower surface of the front end portion of the connection structure 20. Referring to FIGS. 4 to 6, each of the first ground plates 32 of the connector 22 is partially exposed from the upper surface and the lower surface of the connection structure 20 at the front end portion of the connection structure 20.

[0039] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the connection structure of the harness 10 of the present embodiment will be described below.

[0040] The connector 80 is connected to the front end of the connector 21 and is also connected to the front end of the connector 22. In other words, the connector 80 is connected to the front ends of the two connectors 21 and 22. That is, the connector 80 is connected to the front end portion of the connection structure 20. Specifically, the upper terminal 86 of the connector 80 is connected to the exposed portions of the first path 40 and the first ground plate 32 on the upper surface of the connection structure 20. The lower terminal 86 of the connector 80 is connected to the exposed portions of the second path 50 and the first ground plate 32 on the lower surface of the connection structure 20.

[0041] As described above, the cable structure 60 includes an upper cable structure 60U having two flat cables 61 (a first flat cable 62 and a second flat cable 64), and a lower cable structure 60L having two flat cables 61 (a first flat cable 66 and a second flat cable 68). In other words, the cable structure 60 includes two sets each consisting of a first flat cable 62 (first flat cable 66) and a second flat cable 64 (second flat cable 68).

[0042] One of the first flat cable 62 and the second flat cable 64 of one of the two sets described above is connected to the rear end of one of the two connectors 21, 22 (connector 21). The other first flat cable 66 and the second flat cable 68 of the two sets are connected to the rear end of the other of the two connectors 21, 22 (connector 22). As will be described in detail later, the core wires 70 of the first flat cable 62 and the second flat cable 64 are connected to the first path 40, the second path 50, and the first ground plate 32 (see FIG. 6) of the connector 21. The core wires 70 of the first flat cable 66 and the second flat cable 68 are connected to the first path 40, the second path 50, and the first ground plate 32 of the connector 22.

[0043] The cable structure 60 of the present embodiment includes an assembly of four flat cables 61 that are separate from each other. When the harness 10 includes a sheath (not shown), the four flat cables 61 are housed and protected in the sheath. According to the present embodiment, a horizontally wide virtual single flat cable (not shown) is divided into four narrow flat cables 61 and arranged vertically. By forming the cable structure 60 from the four flat cables 61, the size of the cable structure 60 in the horizontal direction can be reduced. The present embodiment is preferable when there is no particular limitation on the size of the cable structure 60 in the vertical direction and it is necessary to reduce the size of the cable structure 60 in the horizontal direction.

[0044] However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, the cable structure 60 may be an assembly of five or more flat cables 61. On the other hand, when the size of the cable structure 60 in the lateral direction may be large, the cable structure 60 may be a wide single flat cable (not shown). Further, the cable structure 60 may include a plurality of coaxial cables (not shown) arranged in the lateral direction instead of each of the flat cables 61.

[0045] The connection structure 20 of this embodiment includes two connectors 21 and 22 that are separate from each other. The connector 21 is a member for transmitting a low-frequency signal, and the connector 22 is a member for transmitting a high-frequency signal. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when it is not necessary to divide the member for transmitting a low-frequency signal and the member for transmitting a high-frequency signal, the connection structure 20 may be a single connector (not shown). On the other hand, the connection structure 20 may be three or more connectors (not shown) combined with each other vertically.

[0046] Each of the connectors 21 and 22 of this embodiment is connected to two flat cables 61. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, each of the connectors 21 and 22 may be connected to one flat cable 61, or may be connected to three or more flat cables 61.

[0047] The two connectors 21 and 22 of this embodiment are connected to a common connector 80. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the two connectors 21 and 22 may be respectively connected to two connectors (not shown). That is, two separate harnesses (not shown) may be formed using the two connectors 21 and 22. In this case, it is not necessary to form the receiving portion 29 (see FIG. 9) in the connector 22.

[0048] One of the two harnesses (not shown) formed as described above includes, in addition to the connector body 21, a connector (not shown) and a cable structure 60U. The connector is connected to the front end of the connector body 21. The cable structure 60U is connected to the rear end of the connector body 21. The other of the two harnesses includes, in addition to the connector body 22, another connector (not shown) and a cable structure 60L. The connector is connected to the front end of the 22 connector body. The cable structure 60L is connected to the rear end of the connector body 22.

[0049] Hereinafter, the connector body 21 of the present embodiment will be described in more detail.

[0050] Referring to FIG. 12 in combination with FIG. 1, the connector body 21 is connected to the front end in the front-rear direction of the cable structure 60U including one or more first core wires 71 and one or more second core wires 72.

[0051] Referring to FIGS. 9 to 11, the main body 24 of the connector body 21 has an upper surface 242, a lower surface 244, and a rear surface 248. The upper surface 242 is the upper surface of the connector body 21. The lower surface 244 is the lower surface of the connector body 21. That is, the upper surface 242 and the lower surface 244 are respectively located on opposite sides of the main body 24 in the vertical direction. The rear surface 248 faces rearward and connects the upper surface 242 and the lower surface 244 in the vertical direction.

[0052] One or more stepped portions are formed on each of the upper and lower sides of the main body 24 of the present embodiment. Further, a concave portion 26 recessed downward is formed in the main body 24. The concave portion 26 is the rearmost stepped portion on the upper side of the main body 24. Referring to FIG. 9 in combination with FIG. 3, the front end portion of the second flat cable 64 is accommodated in the concave portion 26. Further, the front end portion of the first flat cable 62 is accommodated in the stepped portion in front of the concave portion 26. By forming the stepped portion including the concave portion 26, each of the first flat cable 62 and the second flat cable 64 arranged vertically can be easily connected to the connector body 21 from above while extending along the front-rear direction.

[0053] The present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and the stepped portion including the recess 26 may be formed as needed. For example, by forming a further recess that is recessed further downward behind the recess 26, three flat cables 61 can be easily connected to the connector 21. However, when connecting three or more flat cables 61 to one connector 21, the structure of the connector 21 tends to become complicated. When increasing the number of flat cables 61 in the cable structure 60, it is usually preferable to increase the number of connectors in the connection structure 20.

[0054] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, since a stepped portion is formed on the upper side of the main portion 24, the position of the upper surface 242 in the vertical direction differs depending on the portion in the front-rear direction of the upper surface 242. Since a stepped portion is formed on the lower side of the main portion 24, the position of the lower surface 244 in the vertical direction differs depending on the portion in the front-rear direction of the lower surface 244. Each of the upper surface 242 and the lower surface 244 of the present embodiment has the above-described structure. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, each of the upper surface 242 and the lower surface 244 may be a single plane extending parallel to the XY plane.

[0055] Referring to FIGS. 9 to 11, the rear surface 248 of the present embodiment is located at the rear end of the main portion 24 and extends parallel to the YZ plane. However, the present invention is not limited to this. As long as the upper surface 242 and the lower surface 244 are continuously connected without a break via the rear surface 248, the structure of the rear surface 248 is not particularly limited. For example, a recess recessed forward from the rear end may be formed in the main portion 24. The rear surface 248 may be the front end surface of this recess.

[0056] Referring to FIG. 12, each of the first paths 40 has a first connection part 42, a first terminal part 44, and a first connecting part 46. The first connection part 42, the first terminal part 44, and the first connecting part 46 are formed on the upper surface 242 of the main part 24. That is, all the first paths 40 of the connector body 21 are located on the upper surface 242 of the main part 24. The first connection part 42 is located at the middle part in the front - rear direction of the upper surface 242 and is arranged side - by - side in the lateral direction. The first terminal part 44 is located at the front end part of the upper surface 242 and is arranged side - by - side in the lateral direction. That is, each of the first terminal parts 44 is located in front of the first connection part 42. Each of the first connecting parts 46 extends along the upper surface 242 between the first connection part 42 and the first terminal part 44. That is, each of the first connecting parts 46 connects the first connection part 42 and the first terminal part 44 to each other.

[0057] The first connection part 42 is respectively fixed and connected to the first core wire 71 of the cable structure 60U by soldering or the like in the connection state where the connector body 21 is connected to the cable structure 60U. Each of the first terminal parts 44 is fixed and connected to the upper - side terminal 86 of the connector 80 by soldering or the like when the connector body 21 is connected to the connector 80.

[0058] Referring to FIGS. 11 to 13, each of the second paths 50 has a second connection part 52, a second terminal part 54, and a second connecting part 56. All the second paths 50 of the connector body 21 are partially located on the upper surface 242 of the main part 24, partially located on the rear surface 248, and partially located on the lower surface 244.

[0059] Specifically, the second connection part 52 is formed on the upper surface 242 of the main part 24. On the other hand, the second terminal part 54 is formed on the lower surface 244 of the main part 24. The second connection part 52 is located in front of the recess 26 and arranged side by side in the lateral direction. The second terminal part 54 is located at the front end part of the lower surface 244 and arranged side by side in the lateral direction. That is, each of the second terminal parts 54 is located in front of the second connection part 52. Each of the second connection parts 56 extends along the upper surface 242, the rear surface 248, and the lower surface 244 between the second connection part 52 and the second terminal part 54. That is, each of the second connection parts 56 extends on the upper surface 242, the rear surface 248, and the lower surface 244 of the main part 24, and connects the second terminal part 54 and the second connection part 52 to each other.

[0060] In the connected state, the second connection parts 52 are respectively fixed and connected to the second core wires 72 of the cable structure 60U by soldering or the like. When the connector 21 is connected to the connector 80, each of the second terminal parts 54 is fixed and connected to the lower terminals 86 of the connector 80 by soldering or the like.

[0061] According to the present embodiment, the first terminal part 44 of the connector 21 is provided on the upper surface 242 of the connector 21, and the second terminal part 54 of the connector 21 is provided on the lower surface 244 of the connector 21. The first terminal part 44 and the second terminal part 54 can be connected to an object 80 such as the connector 80. That is, the connector 21 of the present embodiment can be connected to the object 80 on both the upper surface 242 and the lower surface 244.

[0062] On the one hand, all the first connection parts 42 and the second connection parts 52 of the connector 21 are provided on the upper surface 242 of the connector 21. As will be described later, the part for connecting the constant potential line 73 of the cable structure 60U is also provided on the upper surface 242 of the connector 21. According to this arrangement, when connecting the first core wire 71, the second core wire 72, and the constant potential line 73 of the cable structure 60U to parts such as the first connection part 42 and the second connection part 52, a cable fixing process such as soldering only needs to be performed on the upper surface 242 of the connector 21. That is, according to the present embodiment, a connector 21 that is connected to the object 80 such as the connector 80 on both the upper surface 242 and the lower surface 244 can be provided, and the connector 21 can be easily connected to the cable structure 60U.

[0063] According to the prior art, the part located on the upper surface 242 and the part located on the lower surface 244 of the second connection part 56 need to be connected by through holes. According to this conventional connection method, the shape and size of the cross section of the second connection part 56 are different between the part located on the upper surface 242 or the lower surface 244 and the part passing through the through hole. As a result, it becomes difficult to adjust the impedance of the second path 50. In addition, the openings of the through holes on the upper surface 242 and the lower surface 244 become an obstacle when forming the first path 40 and the second path 50.

[0064] On the other hand, no through holes are formed in the connector 21 of the present embodiment. The second path 50 of the present embodiment can be vertically connected by a part of the second connection part 56 formed on the rear surface 248 of the connector 21 without using through holes. According to the connection method of the present embodiment, it is easy to adjust the impedance of the second path 50. In addition, since it is not necessary to form openings of through holes on the upper surface 242 and the lower surface 244, the degree of freedom in designing the first path 40 and the second path 50 is improved. For example, the first path 40 and the second path 50 can be arranged at a narrow pitch.

[0065] Referring to FIG. 12 、The first connection part 42 of the present embodiment is connected to the first core wire 71 of the first flat cable 62. The second connection part 52 of the present embodiment is connected to the second core wire 72 of the second flat cable 64. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, each of the first connection part 42 and the second connection part 52 may be connected to the core wire of a coaxial cable (not shown).

[0066] The first connection parts 42 of the present embodiment are in the same position as each other in the front-rear direction. The second connection parts 52 of the present embodiment are in the same position as each other in the front-rear direction. The position of the first connection part 42 in the front-rear direction is in front of the position of the second connection part 52 in the front-rear direction. A step part is formed between the first connection part 42 and the second connection part 52 in the front-rear direction. As a result, each of the first connection parts 42 of the present embodiment is located in front of the second connection part 52 and above the second connection part 52. According to this arrangement, it is easy to arrange the first flat cable 62 above the second flat cable 64. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the position of the first connection part 42 in the vertical direction may be the same as the position of the second connection part 52 in the vertical direction.

[0067] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 8, as described above, the connector 21 of the present embodiment includes one first ground plate 32 and one second ground plate 36. Each of the first ground plate 32 and the second ground plate 36 of the connector 21 has a thin flat plate shape substantially parallel to the XY plane. The second ground plate 36 is located behind the first ground plate 32.

[0068] Referring to FIG. 6 in combination with FIGS. 9 and 10, the first ground plate 32 is partially embedded in the main body 24 so as to be positioned between the first path 40 and the second path 50 in the vertical direction. According to the present embodiment, it is not necessary to form holes corresponding to the through holes in the first ground plate 32. Therefore, interference (crosstalk) between the first path 40 and the second path 50 can be more reliably prevented. On the other hand, the second ground plate 36 is attached to the main body 24. Specifically, the second ground plate 36 of the present embodiment is press-fitted into the recess 26 of the main body 24 from the rear. Referring to FIG. 11, the second ground plate 36 is located above the second connecting portion 56. Specifically, the second ground plate 36 is separated from the second connecting portion 56 in the vertical direction and 、 the partially covers the 2 connecting portions 56 from above.

[0069] Referring to FIG. 6 in combination with FIG. 9, the second ground plate 36 is connected to the first ground plate 32. Specifically, the first ground plate 32 of the connector 21 has two connecting pieces 322. The connecting pieces 322 are respectively located on both sides in the lateral direction of the first ground plate 32 and extend rearward from the first ground plate 32. Each of the connecting pieces 322 is elastically deformable. On the other hand, the second ground plate 36 of the connector 21 has two connected portions 362. The connected portions 362 are respectively located on both sides in the lateral direction of the upper surface of the second ground plate 36. The connecting pieces 322 are respectively pressed against the connected portions 362, whereby the first ground plate 32 and the second ground plate 36 have the same ground potential as each other.

[0070] The connector 21 of the present embodiment includes the first ground plate 32 and the second ground plate 36 arranged as described above. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the first ground plate 32 and the second ground plate 36 may be provided in a necessary number as required. For example, when the connector 21 is connected only to one flat cable 61 (see FIG. 1), the connector 21 may include only the first ground plate 32.

[0071] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 12 in combination with FIG. 6, the connector 21 of the present embodiment includes a first grounding portion 33 and a second grounding portion 37. The first grounding portion 33 of the present embodiment is a part of the first ground plate 32. Specifically, the first grounding portion 33 is a part of the upper surface of the rear end portion of the first ground plate 32 and is exposed upward from the upper surface 242 of the main portion 24. The second grounding portion 37 of the present embodiment is a part of the second ground plate 36. Specifically, the second grounding portion 37 is a part of the upper surface of the second ground plate 36 and faces upward.

[0072] Referring to FIG. 12, the first grounding portion 33 is located between the first connection portion 42 and the second connection portion 52 in the front-rear direction. The second grounding portion 37 is located in the recess 26 and is located behind the second connection portion 52. Referring to FIGS. 12 and 16, in the connected state, the first grounding portion 33 is connected to the first ground conductor 77 below the first flat cable 62, whereby the first ground plate 32 and the first ground conductor 77 have the same ground potential. The second grounding portion 37 is connected to the second ground conductor 78 below the second flat cable 64 in the connected state, whereby the second ground plate 36 and the second ground conductor 78 have the same ground potential.

[0073] Referring to FIG. 16, the first grounding portion 33 and the second grounding portion 37 of the present embodiment are respectively connected to the first ground conductor 77 of the first flat cable 62 and the second ground conductor 78 of the second flat cable 64 in the connected state. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, each of the first grounding portion 33 and the second grounding portion 37 may be connected to the shield wires of a plurality of coaxial cables (not shown).

[0074] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 8, the first ground plate 32 of the connector 21 of the present embodiment has a plurality of constant potential connection portions 34. The constant potential connection portions 34 are divided into two rows in the front-rear direction. Referring to FIG. 12, each of the constant potential connection portions 34 is exposed from the upper surface 242 of the main portion 24. The front constant potential connection portions 34 are arranged side by side in the lateral direction together with the first connection portions 42. The rear constant potential connection portions 34 are arranged side by side in the lateral direction together with the second connection portions 52.

[0075] The arrangement in the lateral direction of the front constant potential connection portions 34 and the first connection portions 42 coincides with the arrangement of the constant potential lines 73 and the first core wires 71 of the first flat cable 62. The front constant potential connection portions 34 are respectively fixed and connected to the constant potential lines 73 of the first flat cable 62 by soldering or the like in the connected state. The arrangement in the lateral direction of the rear constant potential connection portions 34 and the second connection portions 52 coincides with the arrangement of the constant potential lines 73 and the second core wires 72 of the second flat cable 64. The rear constant potential connection portions 34 are respectively fixed and connected to the constant potential lines 73 of the second flat cable 64 by soldering or the like in the connected state.

[0076] Hereinafter, the connector 22 of the present embodiment will be described in more detail.

[0077] Referring to FIG. 14 in combination with FIG. 1, the connector 22 is connected to the front end in the front-rear direction of a cable structure 60L including one or more first core wires 71 and one or more second core wires 72.

[0078] Referring to FIGS. 9 to 11, the main portion 25 of the connector 22 has an upper surface 252, a lower surface 254, and a rear surface 258. The upper surface 252 is the upper side surface of the connector 22. The lower surface 254 is the lower side surface of the connector 22. That is, the upper surface 252 and the lower surface 254 are respectively located on the opposite sides of the main portion 25 in the vertical direction. The rear surface 258 faces rearward and connects the upper surface 252 and the lower surface 254 in the vertical direction.

[0079] On each of the upper and lower sides of the main part 25 of the present embodiment, one or more stepped portions are formed. Further, a recess 27 that is recessed downward is formed in the main part 25. The recess 27 is the rearmost stepped portion on the upper side of the main part 25. Referring to FIG. 9 in combination with FIG. 3, the front end portion of the second flat cable 68 is accommodated in the recess 27. Further, the front end portion of the first flat cable 66 is accommodated in the stepped portion in front of the recess 27. By forming the stepped portion including the recess 27, each of the first flat cable 66 and the second flat cable 68 arranged vertically can be easily connected to the connector 22 from above while extending along the front-rear direction. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the stepped portion including the recess 27 may be formed as necessary.

[0080] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, since a stepped portion is formed on the upper side of the main part 25, the position of the upper surface 252 in the vertical direction differs depending on the portion in the front-rear direction of the upper surface 252. Since a stepped portion is formed on the lower side of the main part 25, the position of the lower surface 254 in the vertical direction differs depending on the portion in the front-rear direction of the lower surface 254. Each of the upper surface 252 and the lower surface 254 of the present embodiment has the above-described structure. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, each of the upper surface 252 and the lower surface 254 may be a single plane extending parallel to the XY plane.

[0081] Referring to FIGS. 9 to 11, the rear surface 258 of the present embodiment is located at the rear end of the main part 25 and extends parallel to the YZ plane. However, the present invention is not limited to this. As long as the upper surface 252 and the lower surface 254 are continuously connected through the rear surface 258 without a break, the structure of the rear surface 258 is not particularly limited. For example, a recess that is recessed forward from the rear end may be formed in the main part 25. The rear surface 258 may be the front end surface of this recess.

[0082] Referring to FIG. 14, each of the first paths 40 has a first connection part 42, a first terminal part 44, and a first connecting part 46. The first connection part 42, the first terminal part 44, and the first connecting part 46 are formed on the upper surface 252 of the main part 25. That is, all the first paths 40 of the connector body 22 are located on the upper surface 252 of the main part 25. The first connection part 42 is located at the middle part in the front - rear direction of the upper surface 252 and is arranged side - by - side in the lateral direction. The first terminal part 44 is located at the front - end part of the upper surface 252 and is arranged side - by - side in the lateral direction. That is, each of the first terminal parts 44 is located in front of the first connection part 42. Each of the first connecting parts 46 extends along the upper surface 252 between the first connection part 42 and the first terminal part 44. That is, each of the first connecting parts 46 connects the first connection part 42 and the first terminal part 44 to each other.

[0083] In the connection state where the connector body 22 is connected to the cable structure 60L, the first connection parts 42 are respectively fixed and connected to the first core wires 71 of the cable structure 60L by soldering or the like. When the connector body 22 is connected to the connector 80, each of the first terminal parts 44 is fixed and connected to the upper - side terminals 86 of the connector 80 by soldering or the like.

[0084] Referring to FIGS. 11, 14, and 15, each of the second paths 50 has a second connection part 52, a second terminal part 54, and a second connecting part 56. All the second paths 50 of the connector body 22 are partially located on the upper surface 252 of the main part 25, partially located on the rear surface 258, and partially located on the lower surface 254.

[0085] Specifically, the second connection part 52 is formed on the upper surface 252 of the main part 25. On the other hand, the second terminal part 54 is formed on the lower surface 254 of the main part 25. The second connection part 52 is located in front of the recess 27 and is arranged side by side in the horizontal direction. The second terminal part 54 is located at the front end part of the lower surface 254 and is arranged side by side in the horizontal direction. That is, each of the second terminal parts 54 is located in front of the second connection part 52. Each of the second connection parts 56 extends along the upper surface 252, the rear surface 258, and the lower surface 254 between the second connection part 52 and the second terminal part 54. That is, each of the second connection parts 56 extends on the upper surface 252, the rear surface 258, and the lower surface 254 of the main part 25 and connects the second terminal part 54 and the second connection part 52 to each other.

[0086] In the connected state, the second connection parts 52 are respectively fixed and connected to the second core wires 72 of the cable structure 60L by soldering or the like. Each of the second terminal parts 54 is fixed and connected to the lower terminals 86 of the connector 80 by soldering or the like when the connection body 22 is connected to the connector 80.

[0087] Similar to the connection body 21 (see FIGS. 12 and 13), the connection body 22 of the present embodiment can be connected to the object 80 on both the upper surface 252 and the lower surface 254. On the other hand, all the first connection parts 42 and the second connection parts 52 of the connection body 22 are provided on the upper surface 252 of the connection body 22, similar to the connection body 21. As will be described later, the part for connecting the constant potential line 73 of the cable structure 60L is also provided on the upper surface 252 of the connection body 22. According to the present embodiment, a connection body 22 that can be connected to an object 80 such as the connector 80 on both the upper surface 252 and the lower surface 254 and can be easily connected to the cable structure 60L can be provided.

[0088] The connector 22 of this embodiment has no through holes formed therein at all. The second path 50 of this embodiment can be vertically connected by a part of the second connecting portion 56 formed on the rear surface 258 of the connector 22 without using through holes. According to the connection method of this embodiment, it is easy to adjust the impedance of the second path 50. In addition, since it is not necessary to form openings of through holes in the upper surface 252 and the lower surface 254, the degree of freedom in designing the first path 40 and the second path 50 is improved.

[0089] Referring to FIG. 14 、 The first connection portion 42 of this embodiment is connected to the first core wire 71 of the first flat cable 66. The second connection portion 52 of this embodiment is connected to the second core wire 72 of the second flat cable 68. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, each of the first connection portion 42 and the second connection portion 52 may be connected to the core wire of a coaxial cable (not shown).

[0090] The first connection portions 42 of this embodiment are in the same position as each other in the front-rear direction. The second connection portions 52 of this embodiment are in the same position as each other in the front-rear direction. The position of the first connection portion 42 in the front-rear direction is in front of the position of the second connection portion 52 in the front-rear direction. A stepped portion is formed between the first connection portion 42 and the second connection portion 52 in the front-rear direction. As a result, each of the first connection portions 42 of this embodiment is located in front of the second connection portion 52 and above the second connection portion 52. According to this arrangement, it is easy to arrange the first flat cable 66 above the second flat cable 68. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the position of the first connection portion 42 in the vertical direction may be the same as the position of the second connection portion 52 in the vertical direction.

[0091] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 8, as described above, the connector 22 of the present embodiment includes two first ground plates 32 and one second ground plate 36. Each of the first ground plate 32 and the second ground plate 36 of the connector 22 has a thin flat plate shape substantially parallel to the XY plane. The two first ground plates 32 are separated from each other in the vertical direction and extend parallel to each other. The second ground plate 36 is located behind the two first ground plates 32.

[0092] Referring to FIG. 6 in combination with FIGS. 9 and 10, each of the first ground plates 32 is partially embedded in the main body 25 so as to be located between the first path 40 and the second path 50 in the vertical direction. The second ground plate 36 is attached to the main body 25. Specifically, the second ground plate 36 of the present embodiment is press-fitted into the concave portion 27 of the main body 25 from the rear. Referring to FIG. 11, the second ground plate 36 is located above the second connecting portion 56. Specifically, the second ground plate 36 is separated from the second connecting portion 56 in the vertical direction and 、 the partially covers the second connecting portion 56 from above.

[0093] Referring to FIG. 6 in combination with FIG. 9, the second ground plate 36 is connected to the first ground plate 32. Specifically, lower side each of the first ground plates 32 of the connector 22 has two connecting pieces 322. The connecting pieces 322 are lower side respectively located on both sides in the lateral direction of each of the first ground plates 32 and lower side extend rearward from each of the first ground plates 32. Each of the connecting pieces 322 is elastically deformable. On the other hand, the second ground plate 36 of the connector 22 has two connected portions 362. The connected portions 362 are respectively located on both sides in the lateral direction of the upper surface of the second ground plate 36. The connecting pieces 322 are respectively pressed against the connected portions 362, whereby lower side the first ground plate 32 and the second ground plate 36 have the same ground potential as each other.

[0094] The connector 22 of this embodiment includes the first ground plate 32 and the second ground plate 36 arranged as described above. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the first ground plate 32 and the second ground plate 36 may be provided in any necessary number as required. For example, the connector 22 may include only the first ground plate 32 and the second ground plate 36 of lower side .

[0095] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 14 in combination with FIG. 6, the connector 22 of this embodiment includes a first grounding portion 33 and a second grounding portion 37. The first grounding portion 33 of this embodiment is a part of the upper first ground plate 32. Specifically, the first grounding portion 33 is a part of the upper surface of the rear end portion of the upper first ground plate 32 and is exposed upward from the upper surface 252 of the main portion 25. The second grounding portion 37 of this embodiment is a part of the second ground plate 36. Specifically, the second grounding portion 37 is a part of the upper surface of the second ground plate 36 and faces upward.

[0096] Referring to FIG. 14, the first grounding portion 33 is located between the first connection portion 42 and the second connection portion 52 in the front-rear direction. The second grounding portion 37 is located in the recess 27 and is located behind the second connection portion 52. Referring to FIGS. 14 and 16, in the connected state, the first grounding portion 33 is connected to the first ground conductor 77 below the first flat cable 66, whereby the upper first ground plate 32 and the first ground conductor 77 have the same ground potential. The second grounding portion 37 is connected to the second ground conductor 78 below the second flat cable 68 in the connected state, whereby the second ground plate 36 and the second ground conductor 78 have the same ground potential.

[0097] Referring to FIG. 16, the first grounding portion 33 and the second grounding portion 37 of the present embodiment are connected to the first ground conductor 77 of the first flat cable 66 and the second ground conductor 78 of the second flat cable 68, respectively, in the connected state. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, each of the first grounding portion 33 and the second grounding portion 37 may be connected to the shield wires of a plurality of coaxial cables (not shown).

[0098] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 8, the first ground plate 32 of the connector of the present embodiment 22 has a plurality of constant potential connection portions 34 and a plurality of constant potential terminal portions 35. The constant potential connection portions 34 are divided into two rows in the front-rear direction. The constant potential terminal portions 35 are divided into two rows in the up-down direction.

[0099] Referring to FIG. 14, each of the constant potential connection portions 34 is exposed from the upper surface 252 of the main portion 25. The front constant potential connection portions 34 are arranged side by side in the lateral direction together with the first connection portion 42. The rear constant potential connection portions 34 are arranged side by side in the lateral direction together with the second connection portion 52. The arrangement in the lateral direction of the front constant potential connection portions 34 and the first connection portion 42 coincides with the arrangement of the constant potential line 73 and the first core wire 71 of the first flat cable 66. The front constant potential connection portions 34 are respectively fixed and connected to the constant potential line 73 of the first flat cable 66 by soldering or the like in the connected state. The arrangement in the lateral direction of the rear constant potential connection portions 34 and the second connection portion 52 coincides with the arrangement of the constant potential line 73 and the second core wire 72 of the second flat cable 68. The rear constant potential connection portions 34 are respectively fixed and connected to the constant potential line 73 of the second flat cable 68 by soldering or the like in the connected state.

[0100] Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, the upper fixed potential terminal portions 35 are exposed from the upper surface 252 of the main portion 25 and are arranged side by side in the lateral direction together with the first terminal portions 44. The lower fixed potential terminal portions 35 are exposed from the lower surface 254 of the main portion 25 and are arranged side by side in the lateral direction together with the second terminal portions 54. Each of the upper fixed potential terminal portions 35 is fixed and connected to the upper terminals 86 of the connector 80 by soldering or the like when the connector body 22 is connected to the connector 80. Each of the lower fixed potential terminal portions 35 is fixed and connected to the lower terminals 86 of the connector 80 by soldering or the like when the connector body 22 is connected to the connector 80.

[0101] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 17, the first ground plates 32 of the two connector bodies 21, 22 are connected to each other. Specifically, the upper first ground plate 32 of the connector body 22 of the present embodiment has two connection pieces 324. The connection pieces 324 are arranged side by side and extend downward from the upper first ground plate 32. Each of the connection pieces 324 is elastically deformable. On the other hand, the first ground plate 32 of the connector body 21 of the present embodiment has two connected portions 326. The connected portions 326 are part of the surface facing the rear of the first ground plate 32 and are arranged side by side. The connection pieces 324 are respectively pressed against the connected portions 326, whereby the first ground plate 32 of the connector body 21 and the upper the first ground plate 32 thereof have the same ground potential as each other.

[0102] Among the first ground plates 32 of the connection structure 20 of the present embodiment, two of them are connected to each other as described above. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The first ground plates 32 of the connection structure 20 may be connected to each other as needed.

[0103] In addition to the modification examples already described, the present embodiment can be further modified in various ways.

[0104] As shown from FIG. 18 to FIG. 20, the harness 10A according to the modification example includes a single connector 20A. In addition to the connector 20A, the harness 10A includes a connector (object) 80A and a cable structure 60A.

[0105] The connector 80A and the cable structure 60A are electrically connected to each other via the connector 20A. Similar to the harness 10 (see FIG. 1), the harness 10A can electrically connect an electronic device (not shown) and a counterpart electronic device (not shown) to each other. Also, similar to the harness 10, the harness 10A can be deformed in various ways.

[0106] The connector 80A of this modification example has the same structure as the connector 80 (see FIG. 1). such structure More specifically, the connector 80A includes a housing 82A made of an insulator, a shell 84A made of a conductor such as metal, and a plurality of terminals 86A made of a conductor such as metal. Similar to the connector 80, the structure of the connector 80A can be deformed in various ways as needed.

[0107] The cable structure 60A of this modification example includes only one flat cable 61A. The flat cable 61A has a rectangular shape that is long in the lateral direction and thin in the vertical direction in the YZ plane. The flat cable 61A includes a plurality of core wires 70 made of a conductor and a holding portion 75 made of an insulator. The core wires 70 are embedded inside the holding portion 75 and are arranged side by side in the lateral direction with a distance from each other. Each of the core wires 70 is covered by the holding portion 75 in the YZ plane and extends along the front-rear direction. The front end of each of the core wires 70 is exposed from the holding portion 75.

[0108] The flat cable 61A of this modified example includes, in addition to the core wires 70 and the holding portion 75, two ground conductors 76 made of a thin metal sheet such as a copper foil. Referring to FIG. 23, the core wires 70 of the flat cable 61A include one or more first core wires 71, one or more second core wires 72, and one or more constant potential lines 73. Each of the first core wires 71 and the second core wires 72 of this modified example is a signal line. Each of the constant potential lines 73 of this modified example is maintained at a constant potential such as a ground potential.

[0109] Referring to FIGS. 18 to 20, the flat cable 61A of this modified example has the above-described structure. The two ground conductors 76 cover the upper surface and the lower surface of the holding portion 75, respectively, and electromagnetically shield the core wires 70. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the structure of the flat cable 61A can be deformed in the same manner as the flat cable 61 (refer to FIGS. 1 to 3).

[0110] Referring to FIGS. 21 to 25, the connector 20A has the same basic structure as the connector 21 (refer to FIG. 4). More specifically, the connector 20A includes a main portion 24A made of an insulator, one or more first paths 40 made of a conductor, and one or more second paths 50 made of a conductor. Each of the first path 40 and the second path 50 is a conductive pattern formed on the surface of the main portion 24A. The connector 20A of this modified example has the above-described basic structure. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the connector 20A may further include another member in addition to the above-described members.

[0111] Referring to FIG. 23 in combination with FIG. 18, the connector 20A is connected to the front end in the front-rear direction of a cable structure 60A including one or more first core wires 71 and one or more second core wires 72.

[0112] Referring to FIGS. 21 to 25, the main body 24A of the connector 20A has an upper surface 242A, a lower surface 244A, and a rear surface 248A. The upper surface 242A is the upper surface of the connector 20A. The lower surface 244A is the lower surface of the connector 20A. That is, the upper surface 242A and the lower surface 244A are respectively located on the opposite sides of the main body 24A in the vertical direction. The rear surface 248A faces rearward and connects the upper surface 242A and the lower surface 244A in the vertical direction.

[0113] Referring to FIGS. 21 and 23, a recess 26A that is recessed downward is formed in the main body 24A of this modification. The recess 26A is a stepped portion formed above the main body 24A and is a portion for connecting the core wire 70 of the flat cable 61A. By forming the recess 26A, the flat cable 61A can be easily connected to the connector 20A from above while extending along the front-rear direction. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the recess 26A may be formed as needed.

[0114] Referring to FIGS. 22 to 25, the rear surface 248A of this modification is located at the middle portion of the main body 24A in the front-rear direction. Specifically, the rear surface 248A is located at the rear end of the recess 26A and extends parallel to the YZ plane. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the rear surface 248A may be the rear end surface of the main body 24A.

[0115] Referring to FIG. 23, each of the first paths 40 has a first connection portion 42, a first terminal portion 44, and a first connecting portion 46. The first connection portion 42, the first terminal portion 44, and the first connecting portion 46 are formed on the upper surface 242A of the main portion 24A. That is, all the first paths 40 of the connector 20A are located on the upper surface 242A of the main portion 24A. The first connection portion 42 is located on the upper surface 242A of the recess 26A and is arranged in the lateral direction. The first terminal portion 44 is located at the front end portion of the upper surface 242A and is arranged in the lateral direction. That is, each of the first terminal portions 44 is located in front of the first connection portion 42. Each of the first connecting portions 46 extends along the upper surface 242A between the first connection portion 42 and the first terminal portion 44. That is, each of the first connecting portions 46 connects the first connection portion 42 and the first terminal portion 44 to each other.

[0116] Referring to FIGS. 23 to 25, each of the second paths 50 has a second connection portion 52, a second terminal portion 54, and a second connecting portion 56. All the second paths 50 of the connector 20A are partially located on the upper surface 242A of the main portion 24A, partially located on the rear surface 248A, and partially located on the lower surface 244A.

[0117] Specifically, the second connection portion 52 is formed on the upper surface 242A of the main portion 24A. On the other hand, the second terminal portion 54 is formed on the lower surface 244A of the main portion 24A. The second connection portion 52 is located on the upper surface 242A of the recess 26A and is arranged in the lateral direction together with the first connection portion 42. That is, the first connection portion 42 and the second connection portion 52 of this modification are in the same position in the front-rear direction. The second terminal portion 54 is located at the front end portion of the lower surface 244A and is arranged in the lateral direction. That is, each of the second terminal portions 54 is located in front of the second connection portion 52. Each of the second connecting portions 56 extends along the upper surface 242A, the rear surface 248A, and the lower surface 244A between the second connection portion 52 and the second terminal portion 54. That is, each of the second connecting portions 56 extends on the upper surface 242A, the rear surface 248A, and the lower surface 244A of the main portion 24A and connects the second terminal portion 54 and the second connection portion 52 to each other.

[0118] Referring to FIG. 23, in the connected state where the connector body 20A is connected to the cable structure 60A, the first connection portions 42 are respectively fixed and connected to the first core wires 71 of the cable structure 60A by soldering or the like. The second connection portions 52 are respectively fixed and connected to the second core wires 72 of the cable structure 60A by soldering or the like in the connected state. Each of the first terminal portions 44 is fixed and connected to the upper terminal 86A of the connector 80A by soldering or the like when the connector body 20A is connected to the connector 80A. Referring to FIG. 24, each of the second terminal portions 54 is fixed and connected to the lower terminal 86A of the connector 80A by soldering or the like when the connector body 20A is connected to the connector 80A.

[0119] Referring to FIGS. 23 and 24, according to this modification, the first terminal portion 44 of the connector body 20A is provided on the upper surface 242A of the connector body 20A, and the second terminal portion 54 of the connector body 20A is provided on the lower surface 244A of the connector body 20A. The first terminal portion 44 and the second terminal portion 54 can be connected to an object 80A such as the connector 80A. That is, the connector body 20A of this modification can be connected to the object 80A on both the upper surface 242A and the lower surface 244A.

[0120] On the other hand, all the first connection portions 42 and the second connection portions 52 of the connector body 20A are provided on the upper surface 242A of the connector body 20A. As will be described later, the portion for connecting the constant potential line 73 of the cable structure 60A is also provided on the upper surface 242A of the connector body 20A. According to this arrangement, when connecting the first core wire 71, the second core wire 72, and the constant potential line 73 of the cable structure 60A to portions such as the first connection portion 42 and the second connection portion 52, a cable fixing process such as soldering only needs to be performed on the upper surface 242A of the connector body 20A. That is, according to this modification, it is possible to provide a connector body 20A that is connected to an object 80A such as the connector 80A on both the upper surface 242A and the lower surface 244A and can be easily connected to the cable structure 60A.

[0121] The connector 20A of this modified example has no through-holes formed therein. The second path 50 of this modified example can be vertically connected by a part of the second connecting portion 56 formed on the rear surface 248A of the connector 20A without using through-holes. According to the connection method of this modified example, it is easy to adjust the impedance of the second path 50. In addition, since it is not necessary to form openings of through-holes in the upper surface 242A and the lower surface 244A, the degree of freedom in designing the first path 40 and the second path 50 is improved.

[0122] Referring to FIG. 23 、 The first connection portion 42 and the second connection portion 52 of this modified example are connected to the first core wire 71 and the second core wire 72 of the flat cable 61A. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, each of the first connection portion 42 and the second connection portion 52 may be connected to the core wire of a coaxial cable (not shown).

[0123] Referring to FIGS. 21, 22, 26, and 27, the connector 20A includes, in addition to the main portion 24A, the first path 40, and the second path 50, one metal first ground plate 32A and one metal second ground plate 36A. Referring to FIGS. 26 and 27, each of the first ground plate 32A and the second ground plate 36A of this modified example has a thin flat plate shape substantially parallel to the XY plane. The second ground plate 36A is located behind the first ground plate 32A.

[0124] Referring to FIG. 26 in combination with FIGS. 21 and 22, the first ground plate 32A is partially embedded in the main portion 24A so as to be positioned between the first path 40 and the second path 50 in the vertical direction. The second ground plate 36A is attached to the main portion 24A. Specifically, the second ground plate 36A of this modified example is press-fitted into the main portion 24A from the rear and is located behind the recess 26A.

[0125] The second ground plate 36A is connected to the first ground plate 32A. Specifically, the first ground plate 32A of this modification has two connection pieces 322A. The connection pieces 322A are respectively located on both sides in the lateral direction of the first ground plate 32A and extend rearward. Each of the connection pieces 322A is elastically deformable. On the other hand, the second ground plate 36A of this modification has two connected parts 362A. The connected parts 362A are respectively located on both sides in the lateral direction of the upper surface of the second ground plate 36A. The connection pieces 322A are respectively pressed against the connected parts 362A, whereby the first ground plate 32A and the second ground plate 36A have the same ground potential as each other.

[0126] The connector 20A of this modification includes the first ground plate 32A and the second ground plate 36A arranged as described above. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the first ground plate 32A and the second ground plate 36A may be provided as necessary.

[0127] Referring to FIGS. 21 and 26, the connector 20A of this modification includes a grounding portion 37A. The grounding portion 37A of this modification is a part of the second ground plate 36A. Specifically, the grounding portion 37A is a part of the upper surface of the second ground plate 36A and faces upward. In the connected state, the grounding portion 37A is connected to the ground conductor 76 (see FIG. 3) of the flat cable 61A, whereby the second ground plate 36A and the ground conductor 76 have the same ground potential as each other. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the grounding portion 37A may be connected to the shield wires of a plurality of coaxial cables (not shown).

[0128] Referring to FIGS. 26 and 27, the first ground plate 32A of this modification has a plurality of constant potential connection portions 34A and a plurality of constant potential terminal portions 35A. Referring to FIGS. 23 and 28, the constant potential connection portion 34A is exposed from the upper surface 242A of the main portion 24A and is arranged side by side in the lateral direction together with the first connection portion 42 and the second connection portion 52. The constant potential terminal portion 35A is exposed from the upper surface 242A of the main portion 24A and is arranged side by side in the lateral direction together with the first terminal portion 44.

[0129] Referring to FIGS. 23 to 25, in addition to the first path 40 and the second path 50, one or more constant potential paths 47A, one or more conductive pads 48A, and one or more conductive pads 49A are formed in the main portion 24A.

[0130] The rear end portions of the constant potential paths 47A are located on the upper surface 242A together with the first connection portion 42 and the second connection portion 52 and are arranged side by side in the lateral direction. Some of the constant potential paths 47A extend forward along the upper surface 242A, whereby the front end portions are located on the upper surface 242A together with the first terminal portion 44 and are arranged side by side in the lateral direction. The other constant potential paths 47A extend forward along the rear surface 248A and the lower surface 244A, whereby the front end portions are located on the lower surface 244A together with the second terminal portion 54 and are arranged side by side in the lateral direction. Referring to FIGS. 23, 24, and 28, each of the conductive pads 48A is formed on the upper surface 242A of the main portion 24A so as to cover one or more constant potential connection portions 34A. The conductive pads 49A are formed on the upper surface 242A and the lower surface 244A of the main portion 24A so as to cover the constant potential terminal portions 35A respectively.

[0131] Several of the constant potential lines 73 of the flat cable 61A are fixed and connected to the conductive pads 48A by soldering or the like in the connected state. The other several of the constant potential lines 73 of the flat cable 61A are fixed and connected to the rear end portions of the constant potential paths 47A by soldering or the like in the connected state.

[0132] Referring to FIGS. 18 to 20, the connector 80A is connected to the front end portion of the connecting body 20A. Specifically, referring to FIG. 23, each of the upper terminals 86A of the connector 80A is connected to the front end portion of the first terminal portion 44, the conductive pad 49A, or the constant potential path 47A on the upper surface 242A of the connecting body 20A. Referring to FIG. 24, the lower terminals 86A of the connector 80A are connected to the front end portion of the second terminal portion 54, the conductive pad 49A, or the constant potential path 47A on the lower surface 244A of the connecting body 20A.

[0133] The cable structure 60A of this modification includes only a single wide flat cable 61A in the lateral direction. According to this modification, the size of the cable structure 60A in the vertical direction can be reduced. This modification has no particular limitation on the size of the cable structure 60A in the lateral direction and is preferable when it is necessary to reduce the size of the cable structure 60A in the vertical direction.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0134] 10, 10A harness 20 connection structure 20A connecting body 21 upper connecting body (connecting body) 22 lower connecting body (connecting body) 24, 25, 24A main part 242, 252, 242A upper surface 244, 254, 244A lower surface 248, 258, 248A rear surface 26, 27, 26A recess 28 receiving portion 29 receiving part 32, 32A first ground plate 322, 324, 322A connection piece 326 connected portion 33 first grounding portion 34, 34A constant potential connection portion 35, 35A constant potential terminal portion 36, 36A second ground plate 362, 362A connected portion 37 Second grounding part 37A Grounding part 40 First path 42 First connection part 44 First terminal part 46 First connection portion 47A Constant potential path 48A, 49A Conductive pads 50 Second path 52 Second connection part 54 Second terminal part 56 Second connection portion 60, 60U, 60L, 60A Cable structures 61, 61A Flat cables 62, 66 First flat cable 64, 68 Second flat cable 70 Core wire 71 First core wire 72 Second core wire 73 Constant potential wire 75 Holding part 76 Ground conductor 77 First ground conductor 78 Second ground conductor 80, 80A Connectors (objects) 82, 82A Housings 84, 84A Shells 86, 86A Terminals

Claims

1. A connector connected to the front end in the longitudinal direction of a cable structure including one or more first core wires and one or more second core wires, wherein the connector includes a main body made of an insulator, one or more first paths made of a conductor, and one or more second paths made of a conductor, the main body has an upper surface, a lower surface, and a rear surface, the upper surface and the lower surface are respectively located on opposite sides of the main body in the vertical direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the rear surface faces rearward and connects the upper surface and the lower surface in the vertical direction, each of the first paths has a first connection portion, a first terminal portion, and a first connection portion, the first connection portions are respectively connected to the first core wires of the cable structure in a connection state where the connector is connected to the cable structure, the first connection portions, the first terminal portions, and the first connection portions are formed on the upper surface of the main body, each of the first terminal portions is located in front of the first connection portion, each of the first connection portions connects the first connection portion and the first terminal portion to each other, each of the second paths has a second connection portion, a second terminal portion, and a second connection portion, the second connection portions are respectively connected to the second core wires of the cable structure in the connection state, the second connection portions are formed on the upper surface of the main body, the second terminal portions are formed on the lower surface of the main body, each of the second terminal portions is located in front of the second connection portion, each of the second connection portions extends on the upper surface, the rear surface, and the lower surface of the main body and connects the second terminal portion and the second connection portion to each other connector.

2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein each of the first connection portions is located in front of and above the second connection portion. connector.

3. The connector according to claim 2, wherein the cable structure includes a first flat cable and a second flat cable, the first flat cable includes the first core wire and a first ground conductor, the second flat cable includes the second core wire and a second ground conductor, the connector includes a first grounding portion and a second grounding portion, the first grounding portion is located between the first connection portion and the second connection portion in the longitudinal direction, the second grounding portion is located behind the second connection portion. The first grounding portion is connected to the first ground conductor in the connected state. The second grounding portion is connected to the second ground conductor in the connected state. Connector.

4. The connector according to claim 3, The connector includes a first ground plate and a second ground plate. The first ground plate is partially embedded in the main portion. The second ground plate is attached to the main portion and is connected to the first ground plate. The first grounding portion is a part of the first ground plate. The second grounding portion is a part of the second ground plate. Connector.

5. The connector according to claim 4, The second ground plate is separated from the second connecting portion in the vertical direction and partially covers the second connecting portion from above. Connector.

6. A harness comprising the connector according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The harness includes a connector and a cable structure in addition to the connector. The connector is connected to the front end of the connector. The cable structure is connected to the rear end of the connector. Harness.

7. A harness comprising two connectors according to claim 4 or claim 5, The two connectors are combined with each other. The harness includes a connector and a cable structure in addition to the two connectors. The connector is connected to the front ends of the two connectors. The cable structure includes two sets each consisting of a first flat cable and a second flat cable. One of the first flat cable and the second flat cable of one of the two sets is connected to the rear end of one of the two connectors. The other first flat cable and the second flat cable of the two sets are connected to the rear end of the other of the two connectors. Harness.

8. The harness according to claim 7, The first ground plates of the two connectors are connected to each other. Harness.

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