Flexible printed wiring board having connection terminals and method of manufacturing the same

Abstract

To provide a flexible printed circuit board with a connection terminal, which enables stabilized electrical connection while maintaining strength.SOLUTION: There is provided an FPC 10 with a terminal, which includes an FPC 100 including a base film 110 and a conductor layer 120 provided on a surface of the base film 110, and a connection terminal 200 including a plurality of crimping pieces 220 that penetrate the FPC 100 by being crimped, and are subjected to a bending process to bite into a part of the conductor layer 120. The conductor layer 120 is removed in a region of the conductor layer 120 which the crimping pieces 220 penetrate.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a flexible printed wiring board having connection terminals and a method for manufacturing the same.

Background Art

[0002] In automobiles and the like, a large number of electrical components such as a large number of electrical parts are provided, and a large number of electrical wirings are required. In the conventionally used wire harness, since the weight is large and the volume is also large, in recent years, flexible printed wiring boards (FPCs) have been widely used. In particular, as environmental measures, the demand for electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, and fuel cell vehicles is increasing, and the demand for FPCs is further increasing. Also, in FPCs, further weight reduction, miniaturization, improvement of flexibility, and multifunctionalization by mounting sensor components and the like are required.

[0003] Therefore, connectors and connection terminals for electrically connecting an FPC and various electrical components (such as a sensing module, an ECU, and a battery) also tend to be miniaturized. For example, a voltage monitoring wiring board used for monitoring the voltage of a battery includes an FPC and a connection terminal (sometimes called a welding plate or a welding crimp) that is electrically connected to the FPC and fixed to the battery by welding. This connection terminal is fixed to the FPC by soldering through a reflow soldering process. However, when performing reflow soldering, not only do various members receive thermal effects, but it also causes an increase in cost. Therefore, a fixing method by crimping has begun to be studied. When adopting the crimping method, the connection terminal can be attached to the FPC only by clamping the crimping piece. However, when fixing the connection terminal to the FPC, the crimping piece is configured to penetrate through and bend through the base film and wiring (conductor layer) in the FPC so as to conduct with the wiring. Therefore, when the connection terminal is miniaturized and the wiring is thinned, it becomes difficult to maintain conductivity and the strength of each member.

[0004] Increasing the thickness of the base film or the cover film can enhance the mechanical strength. However, in this case, the weight increases and the flexibility decreases. Therefore, there is still room for improvement.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a flexible printed wiring board including a connection terminal that enables a stable electrical connection while maintaining strength, and a method for manufacturing the same.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The present invention employs the following means to solve the above problems.

[0008] That is, a flexible printed wiring board including a connection terminal of the present invention includes a flexible printed wiring board having a base film and a conductor layer provided on the surface of the base film, and a connection terminal including a plurality of crimping pieces that penetrate the flexible printed wiring board and are subjected to bending processing to bite into a part of the conductor layer by being crimped, and is a flexible printed wiring board including a connection terminal, wherein in a region of the conductor layer through which the plurality of crimping pieces penetrate, the conductor layer is removed and The flexible printed wiring board has a cover film that is bonded to the base film so as to sandwich the conductor layer, in a part of the region of the flexible printed wiring board, the cover film is not provided and a part of the conductor layer is exposed, and at least a part of the plurality of pressure-bonding pieces is arranged in the part of the region so as to bite into a part of the conductor layer without penetrating the cover film, and a part of the plurality of pressure-bonding pieces bites into a part of the conductor layer in a state of penetrating the cover film which is characterized in that.

[0009] According to the present invention, since the connection terminal can be attached to the flexible printed wiring board by crimping, it is not affected by heat as in the case of attachment by soldering. Thereby, deterioration due to the heat influence of each member can be suppressed. Further, in the region where the crimping piece penetrates the conductor layer, since the conductor layer is removed, when the crimping piece penetrates the flexible printed wiring board, the load on the crimping piece can be reduced. Thereby, deformation of the tip of the crimping piece can be suppressed, the biting state of the crimping piece into the conductor layer can be stabilized, and the conductivity can be enhanced. Along with this, measures such as increasing the number of crimping pieces or increasing the pushing-in amount of the crimping pieces are not required, and a decrease in the mechanical strength of each member can be suppressed.

[0011] also, in a part of the region of the flexible printed wiring board, the cover film is not provided and a part of the conductor layer is exposed, and at least a part of the plurality of pressure-bonding pieces is arranged in the part of the region so as to bite into a part of the conductor layer without penetrating the cover film, The contact area between the connection terminal and the conductor layer can be increased.

[0013] a part of the plurality of pressure-bonding pieces bites into a part of the conductor layer in a state of penetrating the cover film, The strength of the flexible printed wiring board can be enhanced for the entire region where a plurality of crimping pieces are arranged, as compared with the case where the conductor layer is exposed.

[0014] Also, it is preferable that the crimping piece arranged at a position biting into a part of the conductor layer in a state of penetrating the cover film is configured such that only a part of its tip penetrates the cover film.

[0015] Thereby, it is possible to suppress the cover film from coming into contact with the adjacent crimping piece of the crimping piece arranged at a position biting into a part of the conductor layer in a state of penetrating the cover film due to positional deviation during crimping or the like.

[0016] In the base film, in the region where a plurality of the crimping pieces penetrate, it is preferable that an insulating reinforcing film is integrally provided partially.

[0017] As a result, since the insulating reinforcing film is integrally provided on the base film, even when the connection terminals are attached, the strength of the flexible printed wiring board and the connection terminals can be increased in the vicinity where the crimping pieces are provided. Further, since the insulating reinforcing film is provided partially, it is possible to suppress an increase in the weight of the flexible printed wiring board and also prevent a decrease in the flexibility of the flexible printed wiring board.

[0018] Also, it is preferable that at least a part of the portions of the plurality of crimping pieces that are exposed from the flexible printed wiring board is covered with the applied resin material.

[0019] As a result, at least a part of the portions of the plurality of crimping pieces that are exposed from the flexible printed wiring board can be dust-proof and moisture-proof, suppress physical impact, and enhance insulation.

[0020] The flexible printed wiring board is preferably a single-sided copper-clad laminate in which the base film is made of polyimide, polyethylene naphthalate, or polyethylene terephthalate.

[0021] A method for manufacturing a flexible printed wiring board including the connection terminals of the present invention includes a step of removing a plurality of predetermined regions from a conductor layer provided on a base film provided on the flexible printed wiring board, and a step of attaching the connection terminals to the flexible printed wiring board by caulking the plurality of crimping pieces so that the plurality of crimping pieces provided on the connection terminals respectively penetrate the portions where the conductor layer has been removed.

Advantages of the Invention

[0022] As described above, according to the present invention, a stable electrical connection can be achieved while maintaining the strength.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023]

Figure 1

Figure 2

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Figure 17

[0024] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be illustratively and specifically described based on examples. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, etc. of the components described in this example are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention only to these, unless otherwise specifically described.

[0025] (Example 1) With reference to FIGS. 1 to 5, a flexible printed wiring board including a connection terminal according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram (schematic plan view) showing a state where a flexible printed wiring board including a connection terminal according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention is attached to a battery. In FIG. 1, for ease of understanding of the internal configuration, some configurations are shown in perspective (the portions indicated by dotted lines in the figure are the perspective portions). FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram (a part of a side view) of a flexible printed wiring board including a connection terminal according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram (a part of a rear view) of a flexible printed wiring board including a connection terminal according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a flexible printed wiring board including a connection terminal according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and is a cross-sectional view AA of the flexible printed wiring board including the connection terminal in FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a state where the connection terminal according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention is crimped to the flexible printed wiring board, and each member is shown in a schematic cross-sectional view.

[0026] The flexible printed wiring board including the connection terminals according to this embodiment is applicable to various devices. In the following description, the case where the flexible printed wiring board including the connection terminals is applied as a voltage monitoring wiring board of a battery will be described as an example.

[0027] <Voltage monitoring wiring board> As shown in FIG. 1, the battery is composed of a plurality of cells 20. These plurality of cells 20 are arranged such that the positive and negative electrodes are adjacent to each other. Further, these plurality of cells 20 are configured to be connected in series by electrically connecting the adjacent positive and negative electrodes by the bus bar 30. In the cells 20 arranged on both sides, the power distribution bus bar 31 is also connected. In the illustrated example, for the sake of convenience of explanation, a battery composed of five cells 20 is shown, but in the case of a battery mounted on an electric vehicle or the like, it is generally composed of more cells.

[0028] In the battery configured as described above, in order to monitor whether each cell 20 is normal or not, a flexible printed wiring board including connection terminals used as a voltage monitoring wiring board (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as "FPC10 with terminals") is installed on the upper part of the battery.

[0029] <Flexible printed wiring board including connection terminals> The configuration of the FPC10 with terminals according to this embodiment will be described. The FPC10 with terminals includes a flexible printed wiring board (hereinafter referred to as "FPC100") and connection terminals 200 attached to the FPC100.

[0030] The FPC100 includes a base film 110, a conductor layer 120 composed of a metal foil (such as a copper foil) provided on the surface of the base film 110, and a cover film 130 bonded to the base film 110 so as to sandwich the conductor layer 120. Note that the base An adhesive layer 140 for attaching them is formed between the sputtering film 110 and the cover film 130. The base film 110 is composed of polyimide, polyethylene naphthalate, or polyethylene terephthalate. In the FPC 100 configured as described above, when the conductor layer 120 is composed of copper foil, it is called a single-sided copper-clad laminate.

[0031] The connection terminal 200 according to this embodiment includes a welding portion 210 fixed to the bus bars 30, 31 by welding, and a plurality of crimping pieces 220 for fixing to the FPC 100 by crimping. The connection terminal 200 configured in this way is composed of a metal such as a nickel alloy, a copper alloy, or an aluminum alloy, and may also be called a welding plate or a welding clip. Further, the plurality of crimping pieces 220 are provided so as to be alternately arranged on both sides in the width direction (a direction perpendicular to the direction from the tip to the rear end of the terminal). In this embodiment, a configuration in which a total of five crimping pieces 220 are provided is shown, but the number of crimping pieces 220 can be set as appropriate.

[0032] The crimping piece 220 is configured to penetrate the FPC 100 by crimping and to be bent and bite into a part of the conductor layer 120. In this embodiment, in the region of the conductor layer 120 in the FPC 100 through which the plurality of crimping pieces 220 penetrate, the conductor layer 120 has been removed. In this way, in the conductor layer 120, a plurality of through holes 121 are formed by removing the conductor layer 120 at a plurality of locations. And in this embodiment, the connection terminal 200 is attached to the FPC 100 so that the plurality of crimping pieces 220 pierce through the plurality of through holes 121 in a state of penetrating from the base film 110 side to the cover film 130 side in the FPC 100.

[0033] <Manufacturing Method of FPC with Connection Terminal> A method for manufacturing an FPC 100 including a connection terminal 200 will be described in the order of the manufacturing process. First, a part of a conductor layer 120 composed of a metal foil such as a copper foil provided on the surface of a base film 110 is removed by etching. In this embodiment, by etching, a predetermined electric circuit is formed, and a part of the conductor layer 120 is removed at a plurality of locations in a predetermined region where a plurality of crimping pieces 220 in the connection terminal 200 are to penetrate.

[0034] Next, after an adhesive is applied, a cover film 130 is provided to obtain the FPC 100. Then, by crimping a plurality of crimping pieces 220 provided in the connection terminal 200, the connection terminal 200 is attached to the FPC 100. At this time, the plurality of crimping pieces 220 provided in the connection terminal 200 are crimped so as to penetrate through the portions (through holes 121) where the conductor layer 120 has been removed.

[0035] FIG. 5 shows a state of crimping the connection terminal 200 to the FPC 100. The connection terminal 200 is crimped to the FPC 100 by a crimping jig or a crimping device. The crimping jig or the like includes a first member 510 having a support surface 511 for supporting the bottom surface of the connection terminal 200, and a second member 520 having a pair of bending surfaces 521 for performing bending processing on the crimping pieces 220. Note that the support surface 511 of the first member 510 according to this embodiment has concave surfaces 511a on both sides in the width direction, and the surface between these concave surfaces 511a is configured to be a convex surface. By adopting such a configuration, the gap between the tip of the crimping piece 220 bent by the pair of bending surfaces 521 in the second member 520 and the bottom surface of the connection terminal 200 becomes narrow, so that the connection terminal 200 can be more stably connected to the FPC 100.

[0036] First, as shown in FIG. 5(a), the connection terminal 200 is disposed below the FPC 100, and the first member 510 is below the connection terminal 200, and the second member 520 is above the FPC 100 Arrange it in a square shape. In FIG. 5, each member is shown in a simplified cross-sectional view. Next, move the first member 510 upward and the second member 520 downward relative to the FPC 100 and the connection terminal 200. Note that both the first member 510 and the second member 520 may be moved, or one may be fixed and the other may be moved. By this operation, the FPC 100 and the connection terminal 200 are sandwiched between the first member 510 and the second member 520, and after the plurality of crimping pieces 220 penetrate the FPC 100, bending is performed by the bent surface 521 of the second member 520 (see FIG. 5(b)). Also, in the connection terminal 200, the portion in contact with the support surface 511 of the first member 510 deforms to follow the shape of the support surface 511. As a result, the tip of each crimping piece 220 bites into a part of the conductor layer 120.

[0037] Thereafter, the first member 510 and the second member 520 are in a state of moving away from the FPC 100 and the connection terminal 200, and the FPC 10 with terminals can be removed from a crimping jig or the like (see FIG. 3(c)).

[0038] <Advantages of the flexible printed wiring board including the connection terminal according to this embodiment> According to the FPC 10 with terminals according to this embodiment, since the connection terminal 200 can be attached to the FPC 100 by crimping, it is not affected by heat as in the case of attachment by soldering. Thereby, deterioration due to the heat influence of each member can be suppressed. Also, in the region of the conductor layer 120 in the FPC 100 through which the crimping pieces 220 of the connection terminal 200 penetrate, the conductor layer 120 is removed. Therefore, when the crimping pieces 220 penetrate the FPC 100 during crimping, the load on the crimping pieces 220 can be reduced. Thereby, deformation of the tip of the crimping piece 220 can be suppressed, the biting state of the crimping piece 220 into the conductor layer 120 can be stabilized, and the conductivity can be enhanced. Along with this, measures such as increasing the number of crimping pieces 220 or increasing the pushing-in amount of the crimping pieces 220 are not required, and a decrease in the mechanical strength of each member can be suppressed.

[0039] (Example 2) FIG. 6 shows Example 2 of the present invention. In the above Example 1, the configuration in the case where the connection terminal is attached to the FPC was shown such that the crimping piece pierces from the base film side to the cover film side in the FPC. On the other hand, in this example, the configuration in the case where the connection terminal is attached to the FPC such that the crimping piece pierces from the cover film side to the base film side in the FPC is shown. Since the configuration of the FPC itself and the configuration of the connection terminal itself are the same as those in Example 1, the same reference numerals are given to the same constituent parts, and the description thereof is omitted as appropriate.

[0040] FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a flexible printed wiring board including a connection terminal according to Example 2 of the present invention. In FIG. 6, a cross-sectional view in the case of cutting a flexible printed wiring board including a connection terminal is simply shown at the same position as the cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 4 in Example 1.

[0041] The configuration of a flexible printed wiring board including a connection terminal according to this example (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as "FPC10A with terminals") will be described. The FPC10A with terminals includes a flexible printed wiring board (hereinafter referred to as "FPC100") and a connection terminal 200 attached to the FPC100. The configuration of the FPC100 itself and the configuration of the connection terminal 200 itself are as described in Example 1 above.

[0042] In this example, the connection terminal 200 is attached to the FPC100 such that the crimping piece 220 pierces from the cover film 130 side to the base film 110 side in the FPC100. Regarding the fact that the conductor layer 120 in the FPC100 is removed in the region where the crimping piece 220 of the connection terminal 200 penetrates, it is the same as in Example 1. The manufacturing method of the FPC10A with terminals according to this example is also the same as that in Example 1 above.

[0043] Even in the FPC10A with terminals according to this embodiment configured as described above, the same effects as those in the above-described Example 1 can be obtained.

[0044] (Example 3) FIG. 7 shows Example 3 of the present invention. In the above-described Examples 1 and 2, the configuration in the case where a cover film is provided on the side opposite to the base film with the conductor layer interposed therebetween was shown. In contrast, in this embodiment, the configuration in the case where no cover film is provided is shown. Regarding other basic configurations, since they are the same as those in Example 1, the same reference numerals are given to the same components, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0045] FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a flexible printed wiring board including a connection terminal according to Example 3 of the present invention. In FIG. 7, a cross-sectional view in the case where a flexible printed wiring board including a connection terminal is cut at the same position as the cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 4 in Example 1 is schematically shown.

[0046] The configuration of a flexible printed wiring board including a connection terminal according to this embodiment (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as "FPC10B with terminals") will be described. The FPC10B with terminals includes a flexible printed wiring board (hereinafter, referred to as "FPC100") and a connection terminal 200 attached to the FPC100. The configuration of the connection terminal 200 is as described in the above-described Example 1.

[0047] The FPC 100 has a base film 110 and a conductor layer 120 formed by a metal foil (such as a copper foil) provided on the surface of the base film 110. In the FPC 100 according to this embodiment, no cover film is provided and the entire area of the conductor layer 120 is exposed. The configurations of the base film 110 and the conductor layer 120 are as described in Example 1. That is, also in this embodiment, in the region of the conductor layer 120 through which the plurality of crimping pieces 220 penetrate, the conductor layer 120 is removed. And in this embodiment, the connection terminal 200 is attached to the FPC 100 such that the plurality of crimping pieces 220 pierce through the plurality of through holes 121 in a state of penetrating from the base film 110 side to the conductor layer 120 side of the FPC 100.

[0048] Also in the FPC 10B with terminals according to this embodiment configured as described above, the same effects as those in the above Example 1 can be obtained. Further, according to the FPC 10B with terminals according to this embodiment, all the crimping pieces 220 are configured to bite into a part of the exposed conductor layer 120 without penetrating the cover film. Therefore, the contact area between these crimping pieces 220 and the conductor layer 120 can be widened. That is, when the crimping piece 220 penetrates the cover film and bites into a part of the conductor layer 120, a part of the cover film may enter the vicinity of the connection portion between the crimping piece 220 and the conductor layer 120, and the contact area between the crimping piece 220 and the conductor layer 120 tends to become narrow. On the other hand, by adopting a configuration in which the crimping piece 220 bites into a part of the exposed conductor layer 120, the contact area between the crimping piece 220 and the conductor layer 120 can be widened. Therefore, it becomes possible to further stabilize the electrical connection. Also, the method of crimping the connection terminal 200 to the FPC 100 is as described in Example 1.

[0049] (Example 4) FIG. 8 shows Example 4 of the present invention. In the above Example 3, the base The configuration in the case where the connection terminal is attached to the FPC is shown such that the crimping piece pierces from the sputtering film side toward the conductor layer side. In contrast, in the present embodiment, the configuration in the case where the connection terminal is attached to the FPC is shown such that the crimping piece pierces from the conductor layer side toward the base film side in the FPC. The configuration of the FPC itself is the same as that in Example 3, and the configuration of the connection terminal itself is the same as that in Example 1. Therefore, the same reference numerals are given to the same constituent parts, and the description thereof is appropriately omitted.

[0050] FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a flexible printed wiring board including a connection terminal according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. In FIG. 8, a cross-sectional view in the case where the flexible printed wiring board including the connection terminal is cut at the same position as the cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 4 in Embodiment 1 is schematically shown.

[0051] The configuration of a flexible printed wiring board including the connection terminal according to the present embodiment (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as "FPC10C with terminals") will be described. The FPC10C with terminals includes a flexible printed wiring board (hereinafter, referred to as "FPC100") and a connection terminal 200 attached to the FPC100. The configuration of the FPC100 itself is as described in Example 3, and the configuration of the connection terminal 200 itself is as described in Example 1.

[0052] In the present embodiment, the connection terminal 200 is attached to the FPC100 such that the crimping piece 220 pierces from the conductor layer 120 side toward the base film 110 side in the FPC100.

[0053] Also in the FPC10C with terminals according to the present embodiment configured as described above, the same effects as those in the above-described Example 3 can be obtained. Further, the method of crimping the connection terminal 200 to the FPC100 is as described in Example 1.

[0054] (Embodiment 5) Figures 9 and 10 show Example 5 of the present invention. In the above Examples 1 and 2, the configuration in the case where a cover film is entirely provided on the side opposite to the base film with the conductor layer interposed therebetween was shown. In contrast, in the present example, the configuration in the case where a part of the conductor layer is exposed without providing a cover film in some regions is shown. Regarding other basic configurations, since they are the same as those in Example 1, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same components, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0055] Figure 9 is a schematic configuration diagram (a part of a plan view) of a flexible printed wiring board including a connection terminal according to Example 5 of the present invention. Figure 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a flexible printed wiring board including a connection terminal according to Example 5 of the present invention. In Figure 10, a cross-sectional view when the flexible printed wiring board including the connection terminal is cut at the same position as the cross-sectional view shown in Figure 4 in Example 1 is briefly shown.

[0056] The configuration of a flexible printed wiring board including a connection terminal according to the present example (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as "FPC10D with terminals") will be described. FPC10D with terminals includes a flexible printed wiring board (hereinafter referred to as "FPC100") and a connection terminal 200 attached to FPC100. The configuration of the connection terminal 200 is as described in the above Example 1.

[0057] FPC100 has a base film 110, a conductor layer 120 formed of a metal foil (such as a copper foil) provided on the surface of the base film 110, and a cover film 130 bonded to the base film 110 so as to sandwich the conductor layer 120. Note that an adhesive layer for attaching the base film 110 and the cover film 130 is provided between them. 140 is formed. In a part of the region of the FPC 100 according to this embodiment, the cover film 130 is not provided and a part of the conductor layer 120 is exposed. That is, by providing the opening 131 in a part of the cover film 130, a part of the conductor layer 120 is exposed. In this embodiment, at least a part of the plurality of crimping pieces 220 is arranged in the region where the conductor layer 120 is exposed (the region within the opening 131), so as to bite into a part of the conductor layer 120 without penetrating the cover film 130. Although a configuration in which all the crimping pieces 220 are arranged in the region within the opening 131 may be adopted, in this embodiment, among the five crimping pieces 220, a configuration in which four crimping pieces 220 are arranged in the region within the opening 131 is adopted. And for the remaining one crimping piece 220 (the lowermost crimping piece 220 in FIG. 9), only a part of its tip is configured to penetrate the cover film 130.

[0058] The configurations of the base film 110 and the conductor layer 120 are as described in Embodiment 1. That is, also in this embodiment, in the region of the conductor layer 120 through which the plurality of crimping pieces 220 penetrate, the conductor layer 120 is removed. And in this embodiment, the connection terminal 200 is attached to the FPC 100 such that the plurality of crimping pieces 220 are pierced through the plurality of through holes 121 respectively in a state of penetrating from the base film 110 side to the conductor layer 120 side in the FPC 100.

[0059] Also in the FPC 10D with terminals according to this embodiment configured as described above, the same effects as those in the above Embodiment 1 can be obtained. Further, according to the FPC 10D with terminals according to this embodiment, since the plurality (four) of crimping pieces 220 are configured to bite into a part of the exposed conductor layer 120 without penetrating the cover film 130, the contact area between these crimping pieces 220 and the conductor layer 120 can be widened. Therefore, it is possible to further stabilize the electrical connection.

[0060] In addition, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, for the lowermost crimping piece 220, only a part of its tip is configured to penetrate the cover film 130. By adopting such a configuration, due to displacement during crimping or the like, it is possible to prevent the cover film 130 from coming into contact with the adjacent crimping piece (the second crimping piece 220 from the bottom in FIG. 9) of the crimping piece 220 disposed at a position biting into a part of the conductor layer 120 in a state of penetrating the cover film 130. As a result, it becomes possible to further stabilize the electrical connection.

[0061] In this embodiment, a case where the four crimping pieces 220 are configured to bite into a part of the conductor layer 120 exposed without penetrating the cover film 130 is shown. However, the number of the crimping pieces 220 configured to bite into a part of the conductor layer 120 exposed without penetrating the cover film 130 and the number of the crimping pieces 220 configured to bite into a part of the conductor layer 120 in a state of penetrating the cover film 130 can be appropriately set. Since the strength of the FPC 100 becomes higher when the cover film 130 is penetrated, in consideration of the balance between the strength and the stability of the electrical connection, according to the use environment and the like, the distribution of the crimping pieces disposed in the region where the conductor layer 120 is exposed and the crimping pieces disposed in the region where the cover film 130 is provided may be set. In this case, if the crimping piece 220 is configured such that only a part of its tip penetrates the cover film 130 as described above at the boundary between the region where the conductor layer 120 is exposed and the region where the cover film 130 is provided, the stability of the electrical connection can be enhanced.

[0062] (Embodiment 6) FIG. 11 shows Embodiment 6 of the present invention. In the above Embodiment 5, the configuration in the case where the connection terminal is attached to the FPC is shown such that the crimping piece pierces from the base film side to the conductor layer side in the FPC. In contrast, in this embodiment, the connection terminal is attached to the FPC such that the crimping piece pierces from the conductor layer side to the base film side in the FPC. The configuration when it is attached is shown. Since the configuration of the FPC itself is the same as that of Example 5 and the configuration of the connection terminal itself is the same as that of Example 1, the same reference numerals are given to the same components, and the description thereof is omitted as appropriate.

[0063] FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a flexible printed wiring board including a connection terminal according to Example 6 of the present invention. In FIG. 11, a cross-sectional view when the flexible printed wiring board including the connection terminal is cut at the same position as the cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 4 in Example 1 is briefly shown.

[0064] The configuration of a flexible printed wiring board including the connection terminal according to the present embodiment (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as "FPC10E with terminals") will be described. The FPC10E with terminals includes a flexible printed wiring board (hereinafter, referred to as "FPC100") and a connection terminal 200 attached to the FPC100. The configuration of the FPC100 itself is as described in Example 5, and the configuration of the connection terminal 200 itself is as described in Example 1.

[0065] In the present embodiment, the connection terminal 200 is attached to the FPC100 such that the crimping piece 220 pierces from the conductor layer 120 side to the base film 110 side in the FPC100.

[0066] Also in the FPC10E with terminals according to the present embodiment configured as described above, the same effects as those in Example 5 can be obtained. Further, the method of crimping the connection terminal 200 to the FPC100 is as described in Example 1.

[0067] (Example 7) FIG. 12 shows Example 7 of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the configuration when an insulating reinforcing film is integrally provided partially in a part of the base film with respect to the configuration of the FPC shown in Example 1 is shown. Since the other basic configurations are the same as those in Example 1, the same reference numerals are given to the same components, and the description thereof is omitted as appropriate.

[0068] FIG. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a flexible printed wiring board including a connection terminal according to Embodiment 7 of the present invention. In FIG. 12, a cross-sectional view when the flexible printed wiring board including the connection terminal is cut at the same position as the cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 4 in Embodiment 1 is schematically shown.

[0069] The configuration of a flexible printed wiring board including the connection terminal according to the present embodiment (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as "FPC10F with terminals") will be described. The FPC10F with terminals includes a flexible printed wiring board (hereinafter referred to as "FPC100") and a connection terminal 200 attached to the FPC100. The configuration of the connection terminal 200 is as described in the above Embodiment 1.

[0070] The FPC100 according to the present embodiment includes, as in Embodiment 1, a base film 110, a conductor layer 120, a cover film 130, and an adhesive layer 140 for attaching the base film 110 and the cover film 130. In the FPC100 according to the present embodiment, an insulating reinforcing film 150 is integrally provided in a predetermined region of the base film 110. More specifically, the insulating reinforcing film 150 is integrally provided partially in a region of the base film 110 through which a plurality of crimping pieces 220 penetrate. Note that the regions where the insulating reinforcing film 150 is provided may be provided at a plurality of locations corresponding to each of the regions through which the plurality of crimping pieces 220 penetrate, or may be provided at one location so as to include the entire region through which the plurality of crimping pieces 220 penetrate.

[0071] The configurations of the base film 110 and the conductor layer 120 are as described in Embodiment 1. That is, also in the present embodiment, in the region of the conductor layer 120 through which the plurality of crimping pieces 220 penetrate, the conductor layer 120 is removed. In the present embodiment, the connection terminal 200 is attached to the FPC100 such that a plurality of crimping pieces 220 pierce through a plurality of through holes 121 in a state of penetrating from the insulating reinforcing film 150 side to the cover film 130 side of the FPC100.

[0072] In the FPC10F with terminals according to this embodiment configured as described above, the same effects as those in the above-described Embodiment 1 can also be obtained. Further, in this embodiment, the rigidity of the portion where the insulating reinforcing film 150 is provided can be increased. Furthermore, since the insulating reinforcing film 150 is provided partially, an increase in the weight of the FPC100 can be suppressed, and the flexibility of the FPC100 will not be reduced. Also, the method of crimping the connection terminal 200 to the FPC100 is as described in Embodiment 1. In this embodiment, before crimping the connection terminal 200, the insulating reinforcing film 150 may be integrally provided in a predetermined region of the base film 110 by various known methods such as adhesion.

[0073] (Embodiment 8) FIG. 13 shows Embodiment 8 of the present invention. In the above-described Embodiment 7, the configuration in the case where a connection terminal is attached to an FPC such that the crimping piece pierces from the insulating reinforcing film side to the cover film side in the FPC was shown. In contrast, in this embodiment, the configuration in the case where a connection terminal is attached to an FPC such that the crimping piece pierces from the cover film side to the insulating reinforcing film side in the FPC is shown. The configuration of the FPC itself is the same as that in Embodiment 7, and the configuration of the connection terminal itself is the same as that in Embodiment 1. Therefore, the same reference numerals are given to the same components, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0074] FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a flexible printed wiring board including a connection terminal according to Embodiment 8 of the present invention. In FIG. 13, a cross-sectional view in the case of cutting the flexible printed wiring board including the connection terminal at the same position as the cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 4 in Embodiment 1 is schematically shown.

[0075] The configuration of a flexible printed wiring board provided with connection terminals according to this embodiment (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as "FPC10G with terminals") will be described. The FPC10G with terminals includes a flexible printed wiring board (hereinafter referred to as "FPC100") and connection terminals 200 attached to the FPC100. The configuration of the FPC100 itself is as described in Example 7, and the configuration of the connection terminals 200 themselves is as described in Example 1.

[0076] In this embodiment, the connection terminals 200 are attached to the FPC100 such that the crimping pieces 220 pierce from the cover film 130 side to the insulating reinforcing film 150 side in the FPC100.

[0077] Even in the FPC10G with terminals according to this embodiment configured as described above, the same effects as those in the above Example 7 can be obtained. Also, the method of crimping the connection terminals 200 to the FPC100 is as described in Example 1. In this embodiment, before crimping the connection terminals 200, the insulating reinforcing film 150 may be integrally provided in a predetermined region of the base film 110 by various known methods such as adhesion.

[0078] (Example 9) FIG. 14 shows Example 9 of the present invention. In this embodiment, with respect to the configuration of the FPC shown in the above Example 3, the configuration in the case where an insulating reinforcing film is integrally provided partially in a part of the region of the base film is shown. Regarding other basic configurations, since they are the same as those in Example 3, the same reference numerals are given to the same constituent parts, and the description thereof is appropriately omitted. FIG. 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a flexible printed wiring board provided with connection terminals according to Example 9 of the present invention. In FIG. 14, a cross-sectional view in the case of cutting a flexible printed wiring board provided with connection terminals at the same position as the cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 4 in Example 1 is schematically shown.

[0079]

[0080] ​The configuration of a flexible printed wiring board provided with connection terminals according to this embodiment (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as "FPC10H with terminals") will be described. The FPC10H with terminals includes a flexible printed wiring board (hereinafter referred to as "FPC100") and connection terminals 200 attached to the FPC100. The configuration of the connection terminals 200 is as described in the above Embodiment 1.

[0081] The FPC100 according to this embodiment includes a base film 110 and a conductor layer 120, similar to Embodiment 3. And in the FPC100 according to this embodiment, an insulating reinforcing film 150 is integrally provided in a predetermined region of the base film 110. More specifically, the insulating reinforcing film 150 is integrally provided partially in the region of the base film 110 through which a plurality of crimping pieces 220 penetrate. Note that the regions where the insulating reinforcing film 150 is provided may be provided at a plurality of locations corresponding to each of the regions through which the plurality of crimping pieces 220 penetrate, or may be provided at one location so as to include the entire region through which the plurality of crimping pieces 220 penetrate.

[0082] The configurations of the base film 110 and the conductor layer 120 are as described in Embodiment 1. That is, also in this embodiment, in the region of the conductor layer 120 through which a plurality of crimping pieces 220 penetrate, the conductor layer 120 is removed. And in this embodiment, the connection terminals 200 are attached to the FPC100 such that a plurality of crimping pieces 220 are pierced through a plurality of through holes 121 respectively in a state of penetrating from the insulating reinforcing film 150 side to the conductor layer 120 side in the FPC100.

[0083] Also in the FPC10H with terminals according to this embodiment configured as described above, the same effects as those in the above-described Embodiment 3 can be obtained. Further, in this embodiment, the rigidity of the portion where the insulating reinforcing film 150 is provided can be increased. Furthermore, since the insulating reinforcing film 150 is provided partially, it is possible to suppress an increase in the weight of the FPC100 and also prevent a decrease in the flexibility of the FPC100. Also, the method of crimping the connection terminal 200 to the FPC100 is as described in Embodiment 1. In this embodiment, before crimping the connection terminal 200, the insulating reinforcing film 150 may be integrally provided in a predetermined region of the base film 110 by various known methods such as adhesion.

[0084] Note that in the configuration shown in the above-described Embodiment 5, similarly to this embodiment, a configuration may be adopted in which the insulating reinforcing film 150 is integrally provided partially with respect to the region of the base film 110 through which the plurality of crimping pieces 220 penetrate.

[0085] (Embodiment 10) FIG. 15 shows Embodiment 10 of the present invention. In the above-described Embodiment 9, the configuration in the case where the connection terminal is attached to the FPC is shown such that the crimping piece pierces from the insulating reinforcing film side to the conductor layer side in the FPC. In contrast, in this embodiment, the configuration in the case where the connection terminal is attached to the FPC is shown such that the crimping piece pierces from the conductor layer side to the insulating reinforcing film side in the FPC. The configuration of the FPC itself is the same as that in Embodiment 9 and the configuration of the connection terminal itself is the same as that in Embodiment 1. Therefore, the same reference numerals are given to the same constituent parts, and the description thereof is omitted as appropriate.

[0086] FIG. 15 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a flexible printed wiring board including a connection terminal according to Embodiment 10 of the present invention. In FIG. 15, a cross-sectional view in the case of cutting the flexible printed wiring board including the connection terminal is simply shown at the same position as the cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 4 in Embodiment 1.

[0087] The configuration of a flexible printed wiring board provided with connection terminals according to this embodiment (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as "FPC10I with terminals") will be described. The FPC10I with terminals includes a flexible printed wiring board (hereinafter referred to as "FPC100") and connection terminals 200 attached to the FPC100. The configuration of the FPC100 itself is as described in Embodiment 9, and the configuration of the connection terminals 200 themselves is as described in Embodiment 1.

[0088] In this embodiment, the connection terminals 200 are attached to the FPC100 such that the crimping pieces 220 pierce from the conductor layer 120 side to the insulating reinforcement film 150 side in the FPC100.

[0089] Also in the FPC10I with terminals according to this embodiment configured as described above, the same effects as those in Embodiment 9 can be obtained. Also, the method of crimping the connection terminals 200 to the FPC100 is as described in Embodiment 1. In this embodiment, before crimping the connection terminals 200, the insulating reinforcement film 150 may be integrally provided in a predetermined region of the base film 110 by various known methods such as adhesion.

[0090] In addition, in the configuration shown in Embodiment 6 described above, a configuration may be adopted in which, similarly to this embodiment, the insulating reinforcement film 150 is integrally provided partially in the region of the base film 110 through which the plurality of crimping pieces 220 penetrate.

[0091] (Embodiment 11) FIG. 16 shows Embodiment 11 of the present invention. In this embodiment, a configuration is shown in which, with respect to the configuration of the FPC shown in Embodiment 1, the portions of the plurality of crimping pieces protruding from the cover film are covered with the applied resin material. For other basic configurations, since they are the same as those in Embodiment 1, the same reference numerals are given to the same constituent parts, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0092] FIG. 16 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a flexible printed wiring board including a connection terminal according to Embodiment 11 of the present invention. In FIG. 16, a cross-sectional view when the flexible printed wiring board including the connection terminal is cut at the same position as the cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 4 in Embodiment 1 is briefly shown.

[0093] The configuration of a flexible printed wiring board including a connection terminal according to this embodiment (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as "FPC10J with terminals") will be described. The FPC10J with terminals includes a flexible printed wiring board (hereinafter referred to as "FPC100") and a connection terminal 200 attached to the FPC100. The configuration of the connection terminal 200 is as described in the above Embodiment 1.

[0094] The FPC100 according to this embodiment includes, as in Embodiment 1, a base film 110, a conductor layer 120, a cover film 130, and an adhesive layer 140 for attaching the base film 110 and the cover film 130. And in the FPC100 according to this embodiment, among the plurality of crimping pieces 220, the portion protruding from the cover film 130 and exposed from the FPC10 0 is covered with the applied resin material 160.

[0095] The configurations of the base film 110 and the conductor layer 120 are as described in Embodiment 1. That is, also in this embodiment, in the region of the conductor layer 120 through which the plurality of crimping pieces 220 penetrate, the conductor layer 120 is removed. And in this embodiment, the connection terminal 200 is attached to the FPC100 such that the plurality of crimping pieces 220 pierce through the plurality of through holes 121 in a state of penetrating from the base film 110 side to the cover film 130 side in the FPC100.

[0096] The FPC10 with terminals according to this embodiment configured as described above JEven in this case, the same effects as those in the above-described Example 1 can be obtained. Further, in this embodiment, it is possible to prevent dust and moisture from entering the portions of the plurality of crimping pieces 220 that protrude from the cover film 130, suppress physical impact, and enhance insulation. Also, the method of crimping the connection terminal 200 to the FPC 100 is the same as that described in Example 1. In this embodiment, after crimping the connection terminal 200, for example, a liquid resin material is applied and then cured, so that the portions of the plurality of crimping pieces 220 that protrude from the cover film 130 and are exposed from the FPC 100 can be covered with the resin material 160.

[0097] Note that in this embodiment, a configuration in which the resin material 160 is added to the configuration of Example 1 is shown. However, a configuration in which the resin material 160 shown in this embodiment is added to the configurations of Examples 3, 5, 7, and 9 can also be adopted.

[0098] (Example 12) FIG. 17 shows Example 12 of the present invention. In the above-described Example 11, a configuration in which a connection terminal is attached to an FPC such that the crimping piece pierces from the base film side to the cover film side in the FPC was shown. In contrast, in this embodiment, a configuration in which a connection terminal is attached to an FPC such that the crimping piece pierces from the cover film side to the base film side in the FPC is shown. The configuration of the FPC itself is the same as that in Example 11, and the configuration of the connection terminal itself is the same as that in Example 1. Therefore, the same reference numerals are given to the same constituent parts, and the description thereof is omitted as appropriate.

[0099] FIG. 17 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a flexible printed wiring board including a connection terminal according to Example 12 of the present invention. In FIG. 17, a cross-sectional view when the flexible printed wiring board including the connection terminal is cut at the same position as the cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 4 in Example 1 is schematically shown.

[0100] The configuration of a flexible printed wiring board provided with connection terminals according to this embodiment (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as "FPC10K with terminals") will be described. The FPC10K with terminals includes a flexible printed wiring board (hereinafter referred to as "FPC100") and connection terminals 200 attached to the FPC100. The configuration of the FPC100 itself is as described in Embodiment 11, and the configuration of the connection terminals 200 themselves is as described in Embodiment 1.

[0101] In this embodiment, the connection terminals 200 are attached to the FPC100 such that the crimping pieces 220 pierce from the cover film 130 side to the base film 110 side in the FPC100.

[0102] Even in the FPC10K with terminals according to this embodiment configured as described above, the same effects as those in Embodiment 11 can be obtained. Also, the method of crimping the connection terminals 200 to the FPC100 is as described in Embodiment 1. In this embodiment, after crimping the connection terminals 200, for example, a liquid resin material is applied and then cured, so that the portions of the plurality of crimping pieces 220 that protrude from the cover film 130 and are exposed from the FPC100 can be covered with the resin material 160.

[0103] In this embodiment, a configuration in which the resin material 160 is added to the configuration of Embodiment 2 is shown. However, a configuration in which the resin material 160 shown in this embodiment is added to the configurations of Embodiments 4, 6, 8, and 10 can also be adopted.

[0104] (Others) In each of the above embodiments, in the connection terminal 200 including a welding part 210, which may also be called a welding plate or a welding crimp, a configuration including a plurality of crimping pieces 220 is adopted, and a configuration for removing the conductor layer 120 in the region of the conductor layer 120 of the FPC 100 through which the crimping pieces 220 penetrate is shown. However, in the present invention, in various connection terminals such as male terminals and female terminals, a configuration including a plurality of crimping pieces 220 can be adopted, and a configuration for removing the conductor layer 120 in the region of the conductor layer 120 of the FPC 100 through which the crimping pieces 220 penetrate can also be adopted.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0105] 10, 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F, 10G, 10H, 10I, 10J, 10K FPC with terminals 20 cell 30, 31 bus bar 100 FPC 110 base film 120 conductor layer 121 through hole 130 cover film 131 opening 140 adhesive layer 150 insulating reinforcing film 160 resin material 200 connection terminal 210 welding part 220 crimping piece 510 first member 511 support surface 511a concave surface 520 second member 521 bending processed surface

Claims

1. A flexible printed wiring board having a base film and a conductor layer provided on the surface of the base film, A connection terminal including a plurality of pressure-bonding pieces that penetrate the flexible printed wiring board and are bent to bite into a part of the conductor layer when pressure-bonded, A flexible printed wiring board including a connection terminal, In a region of the conductor layer through which a plurality of the pressure-bonding pieces penetrate, the conductor layer is removed, and The flexible printed wiring board has a cover film bonded to the base film so as to sandwich the conductor layer, In a part of the region of the flexible printed wiring board, the cover film is not provided and a part of the conductor layer is exposed. At least a part of the plurality of pressure-bonding pieces is arranged in the part of the region so as to bite into a part of the conductor layer without penetrating the cover film, and a part of the plurality of pressure-bonding pieces penetrates the cover film and bites into a part of the conductor layer. A flexible printed wiring board including a connection terminal, characterized in that.

2. The pressure-bonding piece arranged at a position biting into a part of the conductor layer in a state of penetrating the cover film is configured such that only a part of its tip penetrates the cover film. The flexible printed wiring board including a connection terminal according to claim 1.

3. In a region of the base film through which a plurality of the pressure-bonding pieces penetrate, an insulating reinforcing film is integrally provided partially. The flexible printed wiring board including a connection terminal according to claim 1 or 2.

4. At least a part of the exposed portion of the plurality of pressure-bonding pieces from the flexible printed wiring board is covered with a coated resin material. The flexible printed wiring board including a connection terminal according to claim 1, 2 or 3.

5. The flexible printed wiring board, wherein the base film is a single-sided copper-clad laminate made of polyimide, polyethylene naphthalate, or polyethylene terephthalate. The flexible printed wiring board including a connection terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 4. ​ A method for manufacturing a flexible printed wiring board including the connection terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising: removing a plurality of predetermined regions of a conductor layer provided on a base film provided on the flexible printed wiring board; attaching the connection terminal to the flexible printed wiring board by caulking a plurality of crimping pieces provided on the connection terminal so that each of the plurality of crimping pieces penetrates a portion where the conductor layer has been removed; A method for manufacturing a flexible printed wiring board including a connection terminal, characterized by including the above steps.

Images