Wire harness

Abstract

To provide a wiring harness which allows multi-polarization of a connector and can prevent upsizing of the connector at the same time.SOLUTION: A wiring harness 1 comprises: a connector 2 which has a plurality of terminals 5 each provided with a rod-like or cylindrical insertion part 52, and a housing for holding the plurality of terminals aligned in a plurality of lines with the insertion part in a protruding condition, and in which the plurality of aligned terminals include a first terminal group 5A and a second terminal group 5B; a first flexible printed wiring board 10 having a through hole into which the insertion part of the first terminal group is inserted and a printed circuit 12 connected to the insertion part of the first terminal group; and a second flexible printed wiring board 20 having a through hole into which the insertion part of the second terminal group is inserted and a printed circuit 22 connected to the insertion part of the second terminal group.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 14

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a wire harness. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there are cable connection structures related to flexible cables. Patent Document 1 discloses a cable connection structure including a flexible cable, a housing, a cover, and an elastic member that is sandwiched together with the flexible cable by the cover and the housing to come into close contact with the flexible cable. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-036502 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In a wire harness, it is desired to be able to simultaneously increase the number of poles of a connector while suppressing an increase in the size of the connector.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a wire harness that can achieve both an increase in the number of poles of a connector and suppression of an increase in the size of the connector. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The wire harness of the present invention is characterized in that it comprises: a first flexible printed wiring board having a plurality of terminals each having a rod-shaped or cylindrical insertion portion; and a housing that holds the plurality of terminals arranged in a plurality of rows with the insertion portion protruding, wherein the arranged plurality of terminals include a first terminal group and a second terminal group; a connector having through holes into which the insertion portions of the first terminal group are inserted and a printed circuit connected to the insertion portions of the first terminal group; and a second flexible printed wiring board having through holes into which the insertion portions of the second terminal group are inserted and a printed circuit connected to the insertion portions of the second terminal group. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] A wire harness according to the present invention includes a connector having a plurality of arranged terminals including a first terminal group and a second terminal group, a first flexible printed wiring board having through holes into which the insertion portions of the first terminal group are inserted and a printed circuit connected to the insertion portions of the first terminal group, and a second flexible printed wiring board having through holes into which the insertion portions of the second terminal group are inserted and a printed circuit connected to the insertion portions of the second terminal group. The wire harness according to the present invention has the advantage of being able to achieve both an increase in the number of poles of the connector and a reduction in the size of the connector. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a wire harness and a mating connector according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing components of the wire harness according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the outer housing according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the inner housing according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a first flexible printed wiring board according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a printed circuit of a first flexible printed wiring board according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a second flexible printed wiring board according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a printed circuit of a second flexible printed wiring board according to an embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the cover according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a process of inserting the inner housing. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the process of inserting the terminal. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a process of installing a flexible printed wiring board. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a plan view of the installed flexible printed wiring board. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a process of attaching the cover. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a process of bending a wiring board. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a process of holding the wiring board. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the process of assembling the lever. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a diagram of a wire harness according to a modified example of the embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a diagram of a wire harness according to a modified example of the embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a diagram of a wire harness according to a modified example of the embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a diagram of a wire harness according to a modified example of the embodiment. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a diagram of a wire harness according to a modified example of the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, a wire harness according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiment. Furthermore, components in the following embodiments include those that can be easily imagined by a person skilled in the art or those that are substantially the same.

[0010] [Embodiment] An embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 18. The embodiment relates to a wire harness. Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a wire harness and a mating connector according to the embodiment, Fig. 2 is a diagram showing components of the wire harness according to the embodiment, Fig. 3 is a perspective view of an outer housing according to the embodiment, Fig. 4 is a perspective view of an inner housing according to the embodiment, Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a terminal according to the embodiment, Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a first flexible printed wiring board according to the embodiment, Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing a printed circuit of the first flexible printed wiring board according to the embodiment, Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a second flexible printed wiring board according to the embodiment, Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing a printed circuit of the second flexible printed wiring board according to the embodiment, and Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a cover according to the embodiment.

[0011] Figure 11 is a diagram showing the process of inserting the inner housing, Figure 12 is a diagram showing the process of inserting the terminals, Figure 13 is a diagram showing the process of installing the flexible printed wiring board, Figure 14 is a plan view of the installed flexible printed wiring board, Figure 15 is a diagram showing the process of attaching the cover, Figure 16 is a diagram showing the process of bending the wiring board, Figure 17 is a diagram showing the process of holding the wiring board, and Figure 18 is a diagram showing the process of assembling the lever.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, a wire harness 1 of this embodiment includes a connector 2 and flexible printed wiring boards 10 and 20. The wire harness 1 is mounted on a vehicle such as an automobile. The wire harness 1 may be connected to a device disposed in an instrument panel. The connector 2 mates with a mating connector 100. The mating connector 100 is disposed in a housing of a device such as a display or a meter device. The wire harness 1 may connect a device having the mating connector 100 to a control device that controls the device. The flexible printed wiring boards 10 and 20 include printed circuits including power lines and signal lines.

[0013] The mating connector 100 has a housing 110 and a plurality of terminals 120 held by the housing 110. The connector 2 connects printed circuits on flexible printed wiring boards 10, 20 to the terminals 120. The illustrated connector 2 is a lever-type connector having a lever 7. The connector 2 can be mated with the housing 110 of the mating connector 100 by a force-assisting mechanism including the lever 7.

[0014] 2, the connector 2 includes an outer housing 3, multiple inner housings 4, multiple terminals 5, a first flexible printed wiring board 10, a second flexible printed wiring board 20, and a cover 6. The outer housing 3 and the inner housing 4 are molded from, for example, an insulating synthetic resin. The illustrated outer housing 3 has a rectangular cylindrical shape and includes a housing portion 31 that houses the multiple inner housings 4.

[0015] The inner housing 4 is a member that holds the terminals 5 and arranges the terminals 5. The inner housing 4 has cavities into which the terminals 5 are inserted. A plurality of inner housings 4 are stacked and housed in the housing portion 31 of the outer housing 3.

[0016] In the following description, the direction in which multiple inner housings 4 are stacked is referred to as the "first direction X." Furthermore, the direction in which the inner housings 4 are inserted into the outer housing 3 is referred to as the "third direction Z." The third direction Z is perpendicular to the first direction X. Furthermore, the direction perpendicular to both the first direction X and the third direction Z is referred to as the "second direction Y." The second direction Y is the direction in which the terminals 5 are arranged in each inner housing 4. Each inner housing 4 in this embodiment holds multiple terminals 5 arranged linearly in the second direction Y.

[0017] The flexible printed wiring boards 10 and 20 are flexible film-like circuit bodies. The first flexible printed wiring board 10 and the second flexible printed wiring board 20 are independent wiring boards. The terminals 5 are inserted into through holes in the flexible printed wiring boards 10 and 20 and joined to the printed circuits of the flexible printed wiring boards 10 and 20.

[0018] The cover 6 is attached to the outer housing 3 while covering the joints between the flexible printed wiring boards 10, 20 and the terminals 5. As will be described later, the cover 6 of this embodiment is configured to hold the two flexible printed wiring boards 10, 20 in a stacked state.

[0019] As shown in Fig. 3, the outer housing 3 has a cylindrical portion 32 and a bottom wall 33. The cylindrical portion 32 has a rectangular cylindrical shape and has a pair of main walls 32a and a pair of side walls 32b. The pair of main walls 32a face each other in the first direction X and extend in the second direction Y. A cylindrical shaft portion 32c is provided on the outer surface of the main wall 32a. The shaft portion 32c rotatably supports the lever 7.

[0020] The pair of side walls 32b face each other in the second direction Y and extend in the first direction X. A plurality of ribs 32d that guide the inner housing 4 are provided on the inner surfaces of the side walls 32b. The ribs 32d are protrusions that protrude in the second direction Y and extend linearly in the third direction Z.

[0021] The bottom wall 33 closes one end of the cylindrical portion 32. In other words, the outer housing 3 is a cylindrical member with a bottom. The cylindrical portion 32 and the bottom wall 33 form the accommodating portion 31. The bottom wall 33 is provided with a plurality of through holes 33a. The terminals 120 of the mating connector 100 are inserted into the through holes 33a and connected to the terminals 5. The plurality of through holes 33a are arranged in a plurality of rows. The through holes 33a in each row are aligned in the second direction Y.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 4 , the multiple inner housings 4 include a first-shaped housing 4A and a second-shaped housing 4B. The first-shaped housing 4A and the second-shaped housing 4B are rectangular flat plate shapes. The first-shaped housing 4A has multiple first cavities 45 that hold terminals 5. The multiple first cavities 45 are aligned in the second direction Y and penetrate the first-shaped housing 4A along the third direction Z. The second-shaped housing 4B has multiple second cavities 46 that hold terminals 5. The second cavities 46 are aligned in the second direction Y and penetrate the second-shaped housing 4B along the third direction Z.

[0023] The first cavities 45 and the second cavities 46 are arranged with their positions shifted in the second direction Y. The position of the second cavity 46 in the second direction Y is a position between two adjacent first cavities 45. Therefore, the first cavities 45 and the second cavities 46 hold the multiple terminals 5 in a zigzag arrangement.

[0024] The wire harness 1 of the present embodiment has multiple stackable inner housings 4, which allows it to accommodate changes in the specifications of the connector 2. For example, when different terminals 5 are used depending on the tab size of the terminals 120 of the mating connector 100, this can be accommodated by changing the inner housing 4.

[0025] The first-shaped housing 4A has a first surface 41 and a second surface 42. The first surface 41 and the second surface 42 are two main surfaces of the first-shaped housing 4A and face opposite each other. The second-shaped housing 4B has a first surface 43 and a second surface 44. The first surface 43 and the second surface 44 are two main surfaces of the second-shaped housing 4B and face opposite each other. The two housings 4A and 4B can be stacked with the first surface 41 and the second surface 44 facing each other. Furthermore, the two housings 4A and 4B can be stacked with the first surface 43 and the second surface 42 facing each other. In other words, the first-shaped housing 4A and the second-shaped housing 4B are configured to be stackable by alternately overlapping each other.

[0026] The first-shaped housing 4A has a first protrusion 41a and a first recess 42a. The first protrusion 41a is provided on the first surface 41. The first recess 42a is provided on the second surface 42. The second-shaped housing 4B has a second protrusion 43a and a second recess 44a. The second protrusion 43a is provided on the first surface 43. The second recess 44a is provided on the second surface 44. The first protrusion 41a is engageable with the second recess 44a, and the second protrusion 43a is engageable with the first recess 42a. The first protrusion 41a is provided with an engaging portion 41b that engages with the second recess 44a. Similarly, the second protrusion 43a is provided with an engaging portion 43b that engages with the first recess 42a.

[0027] The first-shaped housing 4A is provided with a first support protrusion 47. The second-shaped housing 4B is provided with a second support protrusion 48. The support protrusions 47, 48 are inserted into the flexible printed wiring boards 10, 20 to reduce stress acting on the printed circuits and joints. The first support protrusion 47 is disposed at one end in the second direction Y, and the second support protrusion 48 is disposed at the other end in the second direction Y.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 5, the terminal 5 has a connecting portion 51 and an inserting portion 52. The terminal 5 is formed from a conductive metal plate. The connecting portion 51 is disposed at a first end 5a of the terminal 5, and the inserting portion 52 is disposed at a second end 5b of the terminal 5. The connecting portion 51 is a portion that connects with a terminal 120 of a mating connector 100. The illustrated connecting portion 51 has a rectangular cylindrical shape into which the terminal 120 is inserted. The connecting portion 51 is inserted into and held in the cavities 45, 46 of the inner housing 4.

[0029] The insertion portion 52 is a portion that is inserted into a through-hole of the flexible printed wiring boards 10 and 20. The shape of the insertion portion 52 is cylindrical. A tapered portion 52a having a tapered shape is provided at the tip of the insertion portion 52. The shape of the insertion portion 52 may be a rod shape that does not have an internal space, for example, a cylindrical shape.

[0030] As shown in Figure 6, the first flexible printed wiring board 10 has a base film 11, a printed circuit 12, and a coverlay 13. The base film 11 and the coverlay 13 are films made of insulating synthetic resin. The printed circuit 12 is a conductive metal foil formed on the base film 11. The coverlay 13 covers the pattern of the printed circuit 12 and has openings 13a and 13b that expose the lands 16b and 17b.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 7 , the printed circuit 12 has a first circuit group 14 and a second circuit group 15. The first circuit group 14 has a plurality of circuits 16 extending in a first direction X. The plurality of circuits 16 are arranged in a second direction Y. The second circuit group 15 has a plurality of circuits 17 extending in the first direction X. The plurality of circuits 17 are arranged in the second direction Y. The printed circuit 12 is configured such that one circuit 16 from the first circuit group 14 and one circuit 17 from the second circuit group 15 are arranged alternately.

[0032] The circuit 16 has a pattern 16a and lands 16b provided at an end of the pattern 16a. The circuit 17 has a pattern 17a and lands 17b provided at an end of the pattern 17a. The lands 16b are aligned linearly along the second direction Y. The lands 17b are aligned linearly along the second direction Y. In the first direction X, the positions of the lands 17b are shifted relative to the positions of the lands 16b. More specifically, the lands 17b protrude toward the end 11a of the base film 11 relative to the lands 16b. Therefore, the pattern 17a passes between two adjacent lands 16b.

[0033] A through hole 16c into which the insertion portion 52 of the terminal 5 is inserted is formed in the land 16b. The through hole 16c penetrates the base film 11. Similarly, a through hole 17c is formed in the land 17b. The through hole 17c penetrates the base film 11. The through holes 16c and 17c are arranged in a sawtooth zigzag pattern in the first flexible printed wiring board 10. As shown in FIG. 6, the opening 13a in the coverlay 13 exposes the land 16b of the first circuit group 14. The opening 13b exposes the land 17b of the second circuit group 15.

[0034] The first flexible printed wiring board 10 has two through holes 10a and 10b. The two through holes 10a and 10b are arranged at ends in the second direction Y with the printed circuit 12 between them. The through hole 10a is aligned with the opening 13a and is arranged on an extension of the lands 16b in the second direction Y. The through hole 10b is aligned with the opening 13b and is arranged on an extension of the lands 17b in the second direction Y. A support protrusion 47 of the first-shaped housing 4A is inserted into one of the two through holes 10a and 10b. A support protrusion 48 of the second-shaped housing 4B is inserted into the other of the two through holes 10a and 10b.

[0035] The second flexible printed wiring board 20 is configured similarly to the first flexible printed wiring board 10. As shown in Fig. 8, the second flexible printed wiring board 20 has a base film 21, a printed circuit 22, and a coverlay 23. The coverlay 23 covers the pattern of the printed circuit 22 and has openings 23a and 23b that expose the lands 26b and 27b.

[0036] As shown in Fig. 9, the printed circuit 22 has a first circuit group 24 and a second circuit group 25. The first circuit group 24 has a plurality of circuits 26 extending in a first direction X. The plurality of circuits 26 are arranged in a second direction Y. The second circuit group 25 has a plurality of circuits 27 extending in the first direction X. The plurality of circuits 27 are arranged in the second direction Y. The printed circuit 22 is configured such that one circuit 26 of the first circuit group 24 and one circuit 27 of the second circuit group 25 are arranged alternately.

[0037] The circuit 26 has a pattern 26a and lands 26b provided at an end of the pattern 26a. The circuit 27 has a pattern 27a and lands 27b provided at an end of the pattern 27a. The lands 26b and 27b are each aligned linearly in the second direction Y. The lands 27b protrude toward the end 21a of the base film 21 relative to the lands 26b. The pattern 27a passes between two adjacent lands 26b.

[0038] The lands 26b are formed with through holes 26c into which the insertion portions 52 of the terminals 5 are inserted. The lands 27b are formed with through holes 27c. That is, the second flexible printed wiring board 20 has the through holes 26c and the through holes 27c arranged in a sawtooth zigzag pattern. As shown in FIG. 8 , the openings 23a in the coverlay 23 expose the lands 26b of the first circuit group 24. The openings 23b expose the lands 27b of the second circuit group 25.

[0039] The second flexible printed wiring board 20 has two through holes 20a, 20b. The two through holes 20a, 20b are arranged at ends in the second direction Y with the printed circuit 22 between them. The through hole 20a is aligned with the opening 23a and is arranged on an extension of the lands 26b in the second direction Y. The through hole 20b is aligned with the opening 23b and is arranged on an extension of the lands 27b in the second direction Y. A support protrusion 47 of the first-shaped housing 4A is inserted into one of the two through holes 20a, 20b. A support protrusion 48 of the second-shaped housing 4B is inserted into the other of the two through holes 20a, 20b.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 2, the cover 6 has a main body 61, a holding portion 62, and a hinge portion 63. The cover 6 is molded from, for example, an insulating synthetic resin. The main body 61 is a portion that covers the joints between the flexible printed wiring boards 10, 20 and the terminals 5, and engages with the outer housing 3. The holding portion 62 is a portion that sandwiches and holds the flexible printed wiring boards 10, 20 between the holding portion 62 and the main body 61. The hinge portion 63 connects the main body 61 and the holding portion 62, and is flexible.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 10 , the main body 61 has a cover portion 64 that covers the joint portion and four legs 65. The cover portion 64 is shaped like a rectangular plate. The legs 65 are arranged at both ends of the cover portion 64 in the second direction Y. The legs 65 are portions that engage with the outer housing 3 and protrude from the cover portion 64 in the third direction Z. The legs 65 are provided with an engagement recess 65a and an engagement protrusion 65b. The engagement recess 65a is formed on the inner surface of the leg portion 65 that faces the outer housing 3. The engagement recess 65a is provided on each of the four legs 65. As shown in FIG. 2 , an engagement protrusion 34 is provided on the outer surface of the outer housing 3. The engagement recess 65a of the cover 6 engages with the engagement protrusion 34.

[0042] The engagement protrusions 65b engage with the holding portion 62 to lock the holding portion 62. The engagement protrusions 65b are provided on two adjacent leg portions 65. The engagement protrusions 65b protrude in the second direction Y from the outer surface, which is the surface opposite to the side of the engagement recess 65a.

[0043] The holding portion 62 has a first holding portion 62A and a second holding portion 62B. The first holding portion 62A and the second holding portion 62B are aligned in the first direction X. The first holding portion 62A and the second holding portion 62B are rectangular in shape in a plan view. A slit 66 is provided between the first holding portion 62A and the second holding portion 62B. Therefore, the first holding portion 62A and the second holding portion 62B are independent from each other. The first holding portion 62A holds the first flexible printed wiring board 10. The second holding portion 62B holds the second flexible printed wiring board 20.

[0044] The hinge portion 63 is disposed at the end of the main body 61 opposite to the side of the engagement protrusion 65b. The hinge portion 63 has a first hinge portion 63A and a second hinge portion 63B. The first hinge portion 63A connects the first holding portion 62A to the main body 61, and the second hinge portion 63B connects the second holding portion 62B to the main body 61. The ends of the first holding portion 62A and the second holding portion 62B are provided with engagement portions 62c that engage with the engagement protrusion 65b.

[0045] The cover portion 64 is provided with ribs 64a that regulate the bending shape of the flexible printed wiring boards 10 and 20. The ribs 64a are arranged on a surface facing the holding portion 62 and extend in the second direction Y. The cross-sectional shape of the illustrated ribs 64a is triangular. That is, the cross-sectional shape of the ribs 64a is tapered such that the width in the first direction X narrows toward the tip in the protruding direction. The first holding portion 62A and the second holding portion 62B are provided with inclined surfaces 62d that correspond to the ribs 64a. The inclined surfaces 62d are arranged at the ends adjacent to the slits 66. The ribs 64a and the inclined surfaces 62d make the bending angle of the flexible printed wiring boards 10 and 20 an obtuse angle.

[0046] A method for manufacturing the wire harness 1 according to this embodiment will be described below. The method for manufacturing the wire harness includes the steps of inserting an inner housing, inserting terminals, installing a flexible printed wiring board, joining, attaching a cover, regulating the direction of the wiring board, and assembling a lever.

[0047] FIG. 11 shows the step of inserting the inner housings. In this step, multiple stacked inner housings 4 are inserted into the outer housing 3. First-shaped housings 4A and second-shaped housings 4B are alternately stacked and inserted into the outer housing 3. The illustrated connector 2 has two first-shaped housings 4A and two second-shaped housings 4B. The multiple inner housings 4 are inserted into the accommodating portions 31 along the third direction Z while being guided by the ribs 32d. The multiple inner housings 4 are held by the accommodating portions 31. The inner housings 4 may have an engaging portion that engages with the outer housing 3.

[0048] 12 shows the process of inserting the terminals. A plurality of terminals 5 are inserted into the cavities 45 of the first-shaped housing 4A and the cavities 46 of the second-shaped housing 4B. The connection portions 51 of the terminals 5 are inserted into the cavities 45, 46. The inner housing 4 holds the connection portions 51 with the insertion portions 52 of the terminals 5 protruding from the cavities 45, 46. This forms four rows of the insertion portions 52 aligned in the second direction Y.

[0049] 13 shows the process of installing the flexible printed wiring boards. In this process, the insertion portions 52 of the terminals 5 are inserted into the first flexible printed wiring board 10 and the second flexible printed wiring board 20. More specifically, two rows of the insertion portions 52 are inserted into the first flexible printed wiring board 10, and the other two rows of the insertion portions 52 are inserted into the second flexible printed wiring board 20.

[0050] The insertion portion 52 corresponding to the first flexible printed wiring board 10 is inserted into the lands 16b of the first circuit group 14 and the lands 17b of the second circuit group 15. The insertion portion 52 corresponding to the second flexible printed wiring board 20 is inserted into the lands 26b of the first circuit group 24 and the lands 27b of the second circuit group 25. In addition, the support protrusions 47, 48 are inserted into the through holes of the flexible printed wiring boards 10, 20.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 14 , the multiple terminals 5 include a first terminal group 5A and a second terminal group 5B. The first terminal group 5A is a group of terminals 5 connected to the first flexible printed wiring board 10. The first terminal group 5A has two rows of terminals 5 aligned in the second direction Y. The first terminal group 5A is terminals of the multiple terminals 5 of the connector 2 that are arranged on the first side X1. The second terminal group 5B is a group of terminals 5 connected to the second flexible printed wiring board 20. The second terminal group 5B has two rows of terminals 5 aligned in the second direction Y. The second terminal group 5B is terminals of the multiple terminals 5 of the connector 2 that are arranged on the second side X2.

[0052] First flexible printed wiring board 10 has lands 16b and 17b connected to insertion portions 52 of first terminal group 5A. As shown in Fig. 7, lands 16b and 17b have through holes 16c and 17c. Insertion portions 52 of first terminal group 5A are inserted into through holes 16c and 17c. As shown in Fig. 14, one row of insertion portions 52 of first terminal group 5A is inserted into lands 16b, and another row of insertion portions 52 is inserted into lands 17b.

[0053] The second flexible printed wiring board 20 has lands 26b and 27b connected to the insertion portions 52 of the second terminal group 5B. As shown in Fig. 9, the lands 26b and 27b have through holes 26c and 27c. The insertion portions 52 of the second terminal group 5B are inserted into the through holes 26c and 27c. As shown in Fig. 14, one row of the insertion portions 52 of the second terminal group 5B is inserted into the lands 26b, and the other row of the insertion portions 52 is inserted into the lands 27b.

[0054] The wire harness 1 of this embodiment can achieve both miniaturization of the connector 2 and multipolarization of the terminals 5. As shown in FIG. 14 , the insertion portions 52 of the terminals 5 are inserted into the lands 16b, 17b, 26b, and 27b and joined to the lands 16b, 17b, 26b, and 27b. Therefore, the terminals 5 can be joined to the lands 16b, 17b, 26b, and 27b with a small joining area. As a result, multiple rows of terminals 5 can be arranged with narrow spacing. For example, in the first terminal group 5A, the spacing between the row of terminals 5 connected to the land 16b and the row of terminals 5 connected to the land 17b can be narrowed. Therefore, the wire harness 1 of this embodiment can achieve miniaturization of the connector 2 at least in the first direction X.

[0055] The joining step is a step of joining the insertion portion 52 of the terminal 5 to the lands 16b, 17b, 26b, and 27b. In the wire harness 1 of the present embodiment, the insertion portion 52 is soldered to the lands 16b, 17b, 26b, and 27b. Solder paste may be applied to the lands 16b, 17b, 26b, and 27b in advance. In this case, in the joining step, soldering may be performed by irradiating the solder paste with laser light. For example, all of the lands 16b, 17b, 26b, and 27b may be joined to the insertion portion 52 by a single irradiation. However, the soldering method is not limited to laser light irradiation, and may be a reflow furnace or other method.

[0056] The printed circuit 12 of the first flexible printed wiring board 10 extends from the first terminal group 5A toward the first side X1. The printed circuit 22 of the second flexible printed wiring board 20 extends from the second terminal group 5B toward the second side X2. In the wire harness 1 illustrated in FIG. 14, the first side X1 is one side in the first direction X, and the second side X2 is the other side in the first direction X. In other words, the two printed circuits 12, 22 extend in opposite directions.

[0057] 15 , in the process of attaching the cover, the main body 61 of the cover 6 is attached to the outer housing 3. The covering portion 64 of the main body 61 covers and protects the joints between the flexible printed wiring boards 10, 20 and the terminals 5. When the main body 61 is assembled to the outer housing 3, the holding portion 62 is positioned at a position shifted in the second direction Y with respect to the flexible printed wiring boards 10, 20.

[0058] The process of restricting the direction of the wiring board includes a process of bending the wiring board and a process of holding the wiring board. Figure 16 is a diagram illustrating the process of bending the wiring board. In the process of bending the wiring board, the first flexible printed wiring board 10 and the second flexible printed wiring board 20 are bent so as to overlap each other. The two flexible printed wiring boards 10, 20 are bent so as to wrap around the covering portion 64, and are overlapped with the coverlays 13, 23 facing each other. In other words, the two flexible printed wiring boards 10, 20 are bent 180° into a U-shape along the covering portion 64.

[0059] 17 is a diagram illustrating the process of holding the wiring boards. In the process of holding the wiring boards, the two flexible printed wiring boards 10, 20 are held by the holding portion 62 of the cover 6. The cover 6 of this embodiment holds the two flexible printed wiring boards 10, 20 in a stacked state.

[0060] The first holding portion 62A engages with the main body 61 while bending the first hinge portion 63A. The first holding portion 62A sandwiches the first flexible printed wiring board 10 between the first holding portion 62A and the main body 61. The second holding portion 62B engages with the main body 61 while bending the second hinge portion 63B. The second holding portion 62B sandwiches the second flexible printed wiring board 20 between the second holding portion 62B and the main body 61. The two flexible printed wiring boards 10, 20 are pulled out to the outside through a slit 66 between the first holding portion 62A and the second holding portion 62B.

[0061] The cover 6 is configured to regulate the paths and shapes of the flexible printed wiring boards 10, 20. The cover 6 of this embodiment is configured to allow the two flexible printed wiring boards 10, 20 to extend from the slits 66 in the third direction Z. In this manner, the cover 6 of this embodiment not only functions to protect the joints between the flexible printed wiring boards 10, 20 and the terminals 5, but also functions to regulate the paths of the flexible printed wiring boards 10, 20. The two flexible printed wiring boards 10, 20 are connected to devices via connectors or the like. The two flexible printed wiring boards 10, 20 may be connected to the same device or different devices.

[0062] 18 shows the connector 2 to which the lever 7 is assembled. In the lever assembly process, the lever 7 is assembled to the outer housing 3. The connector 2 to which the lever 7 is assembled is mated with the mating connector 100. The lever 7 amplifies the force input to the lever 7 and transmits it to the mating connector 100, thereby mating the mating connector 100 with the outer housing 3.

[0063] As described above, the wire harness 1 of this embodiment includes the connector 2, the first flexible printed wiring board 10, and the second flexible printed wiring board 20. The connector 2 includes a plurality of terminals 5 and housings 3 and 4. The terminals 5 have rod-shaped or cylindrical insertion portions 52. The outer housing 3 and the inner housing 4 hold the plurality of terminals 5 arranged in a plurality of rows with the insertion portions 52 protruding. The arranged plurality of terminals 5 includes a first terminal group 5A and a second terminal group 5B.

[0064] The first flexible printed wiring board 10 has through holes 16c and 17c into which the insertion portions 52 of the first terminal group 5A are inserted and a printed circuit 12 connected to the insertion portions 52 of the first terminal group 5A. The second flexible printed wiring board 20 has through holes 26c and 27c into which the insertion portions 52 of the second terminal group 5B are inserted and a printed circuit 22 connected to the insertion portions 52 of the second terminal group 5B. In the wire harness 1 of this embodiment, the first terminal group 5A is inserted into the through holes 16c and 17c and connected to the printed circuit 12, and the second terminal group 5B is inserted into the through holes 26c and 27c and connected to the printed circuit 22. This connection configuration enables the connector 2 to have multiple poles while preventing the connector 2 from becoming larger. Furthermore, the wire harness 1 of this embodiment facilitates visual inspection of the joints using AOI (automated optical inspection).

[0065] In the wire harness 1 of this embodiment, the printed circuit 12 of the first flexible printed wiring board 10 extends from the first terminal group 5A toward the first side. The printed circuit 22 of the second flexible printed wiring board 20 extends from the second terminal group 5B toward the second side. The second side is different from the first side. In the wire harness 1 shown in FIG. 14, the second side X2 is opposite to the first side X1. In this case, it is easy to join the two flexible printed wiring boards 10 and 20 to the terminals 5 in a single joining process. However, the second side may be different from the first side, and is not limited to the opposite side.

[0066] 14, the terminals 5 of the second terminal group 5B of this embodiment are arranged on the second side X2 relative to the terminals 5 of the first terminal group 5A. In other words, a boundary line is provided between the first terminal group 5A and the second terminal group 5B in the second direction Y. Such an arrangement of the terminals 5 makes it easy to connect the two flexible printed wiring boards 10, 20 to the connector 2.

[0067] The number of inner housings 4 included in the connector 2 is not limited to four. For example, the first cavity 45 and the second cavity 46 may be provided in the first-shaped housing 4A, and the first cavity 45 and the second cavity 46 may be provided in the second-shaped housing 4B. In this case, the number of inner housings 4 included in the connector 2 may be two.

[0068] The housing of the connector 2 does not have to be divided into the outer housing 3 and the inner housing 4. For example, the outer housing 3 may be provided with the cavities 45 and 46.

[0069] The connector 2 is not limited to a lever-type connector having the lever 7. The cover 6 does not have to have the retaining portion 62. For example, if two flexible printed wiring boards 10, 20 are routed in different directions from the connector 2, the path regulation by the retaining portion 62 may be omitted. Furthermore, if the joint is protected by a separate member, the connector 2 does not have to have the cover 6.

[0070] [Modification of the embodiment] Modifications of the embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 19 to 23. Figures 19 to 23 are diagrams of wire harnesses according to modifications of the embodiment.

[0071] The first flexible printed wiring board 10 and the second flexible printed wiring board 20 may branch along the way. In the wire harness 1 shown in FIG. 19, the first flexible printed wiring board 10 is branched. More specifically, the first flexible printed wiring board 10 is branched into two by a slit 10s. Therefore, the first flexible printed wiring board 10 can connect the terminals 5 of the first terminal group 5A to two different devices. The flexible printed wiring boards 10 and 20 may branch into three or more branches.

[0072] The wire harness 1 may have three or more flexible printed wiring boards. The wire harness 1 shown in FIG. 20 has a third flexible printed wiring board 30 in addition to the flexible printed wiring boards 10 and 20. The first flexible printed wiring board 10 and the third flexible printed wiring board 30 are connected to the terminals 5 of the first terminal group 5A. The second flexible printed wiring board 20 is connected to the terminals 5 of the second terminal group 5B, as in the above embodiment. Note that three or more flexible printed wiring boards may be connected to the first terminal group 5A. A plurality of flexible printed wiring boards may be connected to the second terminal group 5B.

[0073] The flexible printed wiring board may be connected to the terminals 5 so as to extend in a direction different from the first direction X. The wire harness 1 shown in FIG. 21 has flexible printed wiring boards 30, 40 extending in the second direction Y. The multiple terminals 5 have a third terminal group 5C and a fourth terminal group 5D in addition to a first terminal group 5A and a second terminal group 5B. The third terminal group 5C is arranged on one side Y1 in the second direction Y with respect to the first terminal group 5A and the second terminal group 5B. The fourth terminal group 5D is arranged on the other side Y2 in the second direction Y with respect to the first terminal group 5A and the second terminal group 5B.

[0074] The third flexible printed wiring board 30 is connected to the third terminal group 5C. The third flexible printed wiring board 30 extends from the third terminal group 5C toward one side Y1. The fourth flexible printed wiring board 40 is connected to the fourth terminal group 5D. The fourth flexible printed wiring board 40 extends from the fourth terminal group 5D toward the other side Y2.

[0075] The two flexible printed wiring boards 10, 20 may be connected to the terminals 5 so as to extend from the terminal groups 5A, 5B toward the same side. In the wire harness 1 shown in Fig. 22, the first flexible printed wiring board 10 is connected to the first terminal group 5A so as to extend from the first terminal group 5A toward the second side X2. Therefore, the two flexible printed wiring boards 10, 20 extend from the terminals 5 toward the second side X2 while overlapping each other.

[0076] The extending direction of the flexible printed wiring boards 10, 20 is not limited to the first direction X. In the wire harness 1 shown in FIG. 23, the flexible printed wiring boards 10, 20 extend from the terminal 5 in the second direction Y. In this case, the first terminal group 5A is a group of terminals 5 located on one side Y1 in the second direction Y among the multiple terminals 5. The second terminal group 5B is a group of terminals 5 located on the other side Y2 in the second direction Y with respect to the first terminal group 5A.

[0077] The first flexible printed wiring board 10 extends from the first terminal group 5A toward one side Y1 in the second direction Y. The second flexible printed wiring board 20 extends from the second terminal group 5B toward the other side Y2 in the second direction Y.

[0078] The contents disclosed in the above-described embodiments and modifications can be implemented in appropriate combinations. [Explanation of symbols]

[0079] 1: Wire harness, 2: Connector, 3: Outer housing 4: Inner housing 4A: Housing of first shape, 4B: Housing of second shape 5: Terminal, 5A: First terminal group, 5B: Second terminal group 6: Cover, 7: Lever 10: first flexible printed wiring board, 10a, 10b: through holes 11: base film, 12: printed circuit, 13: cover layer 14: First circuit group, 15: Second circuit group, 16,17: Circuit 16a, 17a: Pattern, 16b, 17b: Land 16c, 17c: Through hole 20: Second flexible printed wiring board 21: base film, 22: printed circuit, 23: cover layer 24: First circuit group, 25: Second circuit group, 26,27: Circuit 26a, 27a: Pattern, 26b, 27b: Land 26c, 27c: Through hole 31: Storage unit 32: cylindrical portion, 32a: main wall, 32b: side wall, 32c: shaft portion, 32d: rib 33: Bottom wall, 33a: Through hole 41: first surface, 41a: first protrusion, 41b: engagement portion 42: second surface; 42a: first recess 43: first surface, 43a: second protrusion, 43b: engagement portion 44: second surface; 44a: second recess 45: First cavity, 46: Second cavity 47: First support protrusion, 48: Second support protrusion 51: Connection portion, 52: Insertion portion, 52a: Tapered portion 61: Main body 62: Holding part, 62A: First holding part, 62B: Second holding part 62c: Engagement part, 62d: Inclined surface 63: hinge portion, 63A: first hinge portion, 63B: second hinge portion 64: Cover 65: Leg portion, 65a: Engagement recess, 65b: Engagement protrusion 66: Slit 100: Mating connector, 110: Housing, 120: Terminal X: First direction, X1: First side, X2: Second side Y: Second direction, Z: Third direction

Claims

1. A connector comprising: a plurality of terminals each having a connecting portion and a rod-shaped or cylindrical inserting portion; and a housing that holds the plurality of terminals arranged in a plurality of rows with the inserting portion protruding, wherein the arranged plurality of terminals includes a first terminal group and a second terminal group; a first flexible printed wiring board having through holes into which the insertion portions of the first terminal group are inserted and a printed circuit connected to the insertion portions of the first terminal group; a second flexible printed wiring board having through holes into which the insertion portions of the second terminal group are inserted and a printed circuit connected to the insertion portions of the second terminal group; Equipped with The connector is fitted with a mating connector to connect the connection portion with a terminal of the mating connector, The first terminal group has two rows of the terminals, the printed circuit of the first flexible printed wiring board is connected to the two rows of terminals of the first terminal group; the second terminal group has two rows of the terminals, The printed circuit of the second flexible printed wiring board is connected to the two rows of terminals of the second terminal group. A wire harness characterized by:

2. the printed circuit of the first flexible printed wiring board extends from the first terminal group toward the first side, The printed circuit of the second flexible printed wiring board extends from the second terminal group toward a second side different from the first side. The wire harness according to claim 1 .

3. The second side is opposite the first side. The wire harness according to claim 2 .

4. The terminals of the second terminal group are disposed on the second side relative to the terminals of the first terminal group. The wire harness according to claim 3 .

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