connector

Abstract

To provide a connector capable of downsize while connecting to a flexible conductor of a sheet-like conductive member a conductive object to be connected.SOLUTION: A contact 14 is connected to a conductive object to be connected, a first surface P1 of a base member 13 contacts a rear surface of a sheet-like conductive member 11, the contact is fixed to a base member by a deformation part 13E of a projection in the state that a root part 13C of the projection 13B of the base member 13 is housed in a projection housing part 14C of the contact with the sheet-like conductive member in between, and an inner peripheral surface of the projection housing part contacts a flexible conductor 11A of the sheet-like conductive member, so that the object to be connected is electrically connected to a flexible conductor via the contact.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector, and more particularly to a connector for connecting a conductive object to a flexible conductor of a sheet-shaped conductive member. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, so-called smart clothing has been attracting attention because it can acquire a user's biometric information, such as heart rate and body temperature, simply by wearing the clothing. This smart clothing is equipped with electrodes made of flexible conductors that are placed at measurement locations, and by electrically connecting a wearable device acting as a measuring instrument to the electrodes, it becomes possible to transmit the biometric information to the wearable device. The electrodes can be connected to the wearable device, for example, by using a connector connected to a flexible conductor.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses this type of connector as shown in Figure 26. The connector has a housing 2 and a base member 3 arranged on either side of a flexible substrate 1 with the flexible substrate 1 sandwiched therebetween, with cylindrical portions 4A of contacts 4 passing through contact through holes 2A in the housing 2 and flanges 4B of the contacts 4 sandwiched between the housing 2 and flexible conductors 1A exposed on the surface of the flexible substrate 1.

[0004] In this state, by pushing the base member 3 toward the housing 2, as shown in Figure 27, the protrusion 3A of the base member 3 is inserted into the protrusion accommodating portion 4C of the contact 4 with the flexible substrate 1 sandwiched therebetween, and the inner surface of the protrusion accommodating portion 4C contacts the flexible conductor 1A with a predetermined contact force, thereby electrically connecting the contact 4 to the flexible conductor 1A. As shown in FIG. 26, housing fixing posts 3B formed on the base member 3 to protrude are press-fitted into post receiving portions 2B of the housing 2, whereby the housing 2 and the base member 3 are fixed to each other. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-129244 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] By fitting a wearable device into the connector disclosed in Patent Document 1, the wearable device can be connected to an electrode made of a flexible conductor. However, if the wearable device is located far from the measurement location, an electrical path must be constructed from the electrode placed at the measurement location to the connector attachment position. If such an electrical path is formed using a flexible conductor, the electrical resistance will be high and the cost will be high.

[0007] Therefore, in order to connect electrodes made of flexible conductors to wearable devices using inexpensive wires with low electrical resistance, there is a need for the development of a small connector that can connect connection objects such as wires to flexible conductors placed on clothing. As such a connector, similar to the connector disclosed in Patent Document 1, if a connector is used that has a configuration in which a flexible conductor is sandwiched between the base member and the protrusion is inserted into the protrusion accommodating portion of the contact, by connecting a connection object such as an electric wire to the contact, the flexible conductor and the connection object are electrically connected to each other.

[0008] However, in the connector of Patent Document 1, due to the presence of the contact 4, the post accommodating portion 2B and the housing fixing post 3B for fixing the housing 2 and the base member 3 to each other must be positioned away from the contact 4, which makes it difficult to miniaturize the connector.

[0009] This invention has been made to solve these conventional problems, and its object is to provide a connector that can be made compact while still being able to connect a conductive connection object to a flexible conductor of a sheet-shaped conductive member. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] No. 1 The connector according to the invention is A connector for connecting a conductive connection object to a flexible conductor exposed on at least a surface of a sheet-shaped conductive member having a front surface and a back surface facing in opposite directions, a base member having a first surface facing the back surface of the sheet-like conductive member and a protrusion formed on the first surface; a conductive contact having a recessed projection accommodating portion through which the projection of the base member passes and connected to a connection object; Equipped with the protrusion has a base portion accommodated in the protrusion accommodating portion of the contact, an extension portion connected to the base portion, and a deformation portion extending from a tip of the extension portion in a direction along the first surface; With the first surface of the base member in contact with the back surface of the sheet-like conductive member and the base portions of the protrusions housed in the protrusion accommodating portions with the sheet-like conductive member sandwiched therebetween, the contacts are fixed to the base member by the deformed portions of the protrusions, and the inner peripheral surface of the protrusion accommodating portion comes into contact with the flexible conductor of the sheet-like conductive member in a direction parallel to the first surface, thereby electrically connecting the connection object to the flexible conductor via the contacts, The object to be connected is made of electric wires. It is something.

[0011] It is preferable that the contact has a cylindrical portion with one end facing the first surface of the base member and the other end facing in the opposite direction to the first surface of the base member, and that a protrusion accommodating portion is formed inside the cylindrical portion.

[0012] The other end of the cylindrical portion may be open, and the deformed portion of the protrusion may be configured to cover the other end of the cylindrical portion. Alternatively, the contact may have an annular top plate portion connected to the other end of the tubular portion and having a through hole formed therein for passing the extension portion of the protrusion, and the deformed portion of the protrusion may cover the top plate portion around the through hole. Furthermore, the connector may be configured to include a top member that covers the base member and is fixed to the base member, the top member having a recess that accommodates the protrusion of the base member and the cylindrical portion of the contact.

[0013] Also, a top member covering the base member and fixed to the base member is provided, The top member has a recessed contact accommodating portion for accommodating the cylindrical portion of the contact, and an annular protruding portion facing the contact accommodating portion and forming an opening through which the extension portion of the protrusion passes; The deformed portion of the protrusion covers the protruding portion around the opening, The contact may be configured to be fixed to the base member via the top member.

[0014] The contact preferably has a flange connected to one end of the cylindrical portion and extending in a direction along the first surface of the base member, the flange contacting the flexible conductor of the sheet-shaped conductive member. In this case, it is preferable to provide a crimp terminal portion that is connected to the flange and is used to connect the connection object. 。

[0015] The base member is preferably made of an insulating resin material. A configuration may also be adopted in which a plurality of contacts are fixed to the base member, and a plurality of connection objects are electrically connected to a plurality of flexible conductors via the plurality of contacts. Furthermore, the flexible conductor in the middle of the belt-shaped sheet-shaped conductive member may be electrically connected to a connection target via a contact, and the sheet-shaped conductive member may be configured to extend in a plurality of directions from the contact. The connector according to the second invention comprises: A connector for connecting a conductive connection object to a flexible conductor exposed on at least a surface of a sheet-shaped conductive member having a front surface and a back surface facing in opposite directions, a base member having a first surface facing the back surface of the sheet-like conductive member and a protrusion formed on the first surface; a conductive contact having a recessed projection accommodating portion through which the projection of the base member passes and connected to a connection object; Equipped with the protrusion has a base portion accommodated in the protrusion accommodating portion of the contact, an extension portion connected to the base portion, and a deformation portion extending from a tip of the extension portion in a direction along the first surface; With the first surface of the base member in contact with the back surface of the sheet-like conductive member and the base portions of the protrusions housed in the protrusion accommodating portions with the sheet-like conductive member sandwiched therebetween, the contacts are fixed to the base member by the deformed portions of the protrusions, and the inner peripheral surface of the protrusion accommodating portion comes into contact with the flexible conductor of the sheet-like conductive member in a direction parallel to the first surface, thereby electrically connecting the connection object to the flexible conductor via the contacts, The contact has a cylindrical portion having one end facing the first surface of the base member and the other end facing in the opposite direction from the first surface of the base member, and a protrusion accommodating portion is formed inside the cylindrical portion; The contact has an annular top plate portion connected to the other end of the cylindrical portion and having a through hole formed therein through which the extension portion of the projection passes, The deformed portion of the protrusion covers the top plate portion around the through hole. The connector according to the third invention comprises: A connector for connecting a conductive connection object to a flexible conductor exposed on at least a surface of a sheet-shaped conductive member having a front surface and a back surface facing in opposite directions, a base member having a first surface facing the back surface of the sheet-like conductive member and a protrusion formed on the first surface; a conductive contact having a recessed projection accommodating portion through which the projection of the base member passes and connected to a connection object; Equipped with the protrusion has a base portion accommodated in the protrusion accommodating portion of the contact, an extension portion connected to the base portion, and a deformation portion extending from a tip of the extension portion in a direction along the first surface; With the first surface of the base member in contact with the back surface of the sheet-like conductive member and the base portions of the protrusions housed in the protrusion accommodating portions with the sheet-like conductive member sandwiched therebetween, the contacts are fixed to the base member by the deformed portions of the protrusions, and the inner peripheral surface of the protrusion accommodating portion comes into contact with the flexible conductor of the sheet-like conductive member in a direction parallel to the first surface, thereby electrically connecting the connection object to the flexible conductor via the contacts, The contact has a cylindrical portion having one end facing the first surface of the base member and the other end facing in the opposite direction from the first surface of the base member, and a protrusion accommodating portion is formed inside the cylindrical portion; a top member covering the base member and fixed to the base member; The top member has a recess that accommodates the projection of the base member and the cylindrical portion of the contact. A connector according to a fourth aspect of the present invention comprises: A connector for connecting a conductive connection object to a flexible conductor exposed on at least a surface of a sheet-shaped conductive member having a front surface and a back surface facing in opposite directions, a base member having a first surface facing the back surface of the sheet-like conductive member and a protrusion formed on the first surface; a conductive contact having a recessed projection accommodating portion through which the projection of the base member passes and connected to a connection object; Equipped with the protrusion has a base portion accommodated in the protrusion accommodating portion of the contact, an extension portion connected to the base portion, and a deformation portion extending from a tip of the extension portion in a direction along the first surface; With the first surface of the base member in contact with the back surface of the sheet-like conductive member and the base portions of the protrusions housed in the protrusion accommodating portions with the sheet-like conductive member sandwiched therebetween, the contacts are fixed to the base member by the deformed portions of the protrusions, and the inner peripheral surface of the protrusion accommodating portion comes into contact with the flexible conductor of the sheet-like conductive member in a direction parallel to the first surface, thereby electrically connecting the connection object to the flexible conductor via the contacts, The contact has a cylindrical portion having one end facing the first surface of the base member and the other end facing in the opposite direction from the first surface of the base member, and a protrusion accommodating portion is formed inside the cylindrical portion; a top member covering the base member and fixed to the base member; The top member has a recessed contact accommodating portion for accommodating the cylindrical portion of the contact, and an annular protruding portion facing the contact accommodating portion and forming an opening through which the extension portion of the protrusion passes; The deformed portion of the protrusion covers the protruding portion around the opening, The contacts are fixed to the base member via the top member. A connector according to a fifth aspect of the present invention comprises: A connector for connecting a conductive connection object to a flexible conductor exposed on at least a surface of a sheet-shaped conductive member having a front surface and a back surface facing in opposite directions, a base member having a first surface facing the back surface of the sheet-like conductive member and a protrusion formed on the first surface; a conductive contact having a recessed projection accommodating portion through which the projection of the base member passes and connected to a connection object; Equipped with the protrusion has a base portion accommodated in the protrusion accommodating portion of the contact, an extension portion connected to the base portion, and a deformation portion extending from a tip of the extension portion in a direction along the first surface; With the first surface of the base member in contact with the back surface of the sheet-like conductive member and the base portions of the protrusions housed in the protrusion accommodating portions with the sheet-like conductive member sandwiched therebetween, the contacts are fixed to the base member by the deformed portions of the protrusions, and the inner peripheral surface of the protrusion accommodating portion comes into contact with the flexible conductor of the sheet-like conductive member in a direction parallel to the first surface, thereby electrically connecting the connection object to the flexible conductor via the contacts, The contact has a cylindrical portion having one end facing the first surface of the base member and the other end facing in the opposite direction from the first surface of the base member, and a protrusion accommodating portion is formed inside the cylindrical portion; The contact has a flange connected to one end of the cylindrical portion and extending in a direction along the first surface of the base member; The flange contacts the flexible conductor of the sheet-shaped conductive member, The connector is provided with a crimp terminal portion that is connected to the flange and is used to connect an object to be connected. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to this invention, the conductive contact connected to the connection object has a concave protrusion accommodating portion through which the protrusion of the base member passes, and the first surface of the base member contacts the back surface of the sheet-shaped conductive member, and with the base member sandwiched between them and the base member with the root portion of the protrusion of the base member inserted into the protrusion accommodating portion of the contact, the contact is sandwiched between the deformed portion of the protrusion and the first surface of the base member via the sheet-shaped conductive member, and the inner surface of the protrusion accommodating portion contacts the flexible conductor of the sheet-shaped conductive member, so that the connection object is electrically connected to the flexible conductor via the contact, making it possible to achieve miniaturization while connecting the conductive connection object to the flexible conductor of the sheet-shaped conductive member. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a connector according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a connector according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a main part of FIG. 3. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the connector according to the first embodiment in the middle of assembly. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a connector according to a second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a connector according to a second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 7. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of a main part of FIG. 8. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the connector according to the second embodiment in the middle of assembly. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a connector according to a third embodiment. [Figure 12]FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a connector according to a third embodiment. [Figure 13] 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC in FIG. 12. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of a main part of FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a connector according to a third embodiment in the middle of assembly. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a connector according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a connector according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line DD in FIG. 17. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is an enlarged view of a main part of FIG. 18. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the connector according to the fourth embodiment in the middle of assembly. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a connector according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a connector according to a sixth embodiment. [Figure 23] FIG. 13 is a plan view showing a connector according to a sixth embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a surface of an electrode to which a sheet-shaped conductive member is connected. [Figure 25] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the back surface of an electrode to which a sheet-shaped conductive member is connected. [Figure 26] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a conventional connector. [Figure 27] FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a conventional connector. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Embodiment 1 1 and 2 show a connector according to embodiment 1. This connector connects coated electric wires 12 as conductive connection objects to a sheet-like conductive member 11, and includes a base member 13 made of an insulating resin material and conductive contacts 14 held by the base member 13.

[0019] The sheet-like conductive member 11 has a front and back surface facing in opposite directions, and a flexible conductor 11A is exposed at least on the front surface. The sheet-like conductive member 11 can be, for example, a conductive fabric woven using conductive threads such as silver. When such a conductive fabric is used, the flexible conductor 11A is exposed not only on the front surface but also on the back surface of the sheet-like conductive member 11. Alternatively, a non-conductive fabric on which a conductive ink is applied by printing or the like to form the flexible conductor 11A can be used as the sheet-like conductive member 11. Furthermore, a member in which a flexible conductor 11A consisting of a conductive pattern is formed on the surface of an insulating sheet body such as a resin film may also be used as the sheet-like conductive member 11. The sheet-shaped conductive member 11 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 has a strip shape extending in a predetermined direction.

[0020] The coated electric wire 12 has a structure in which the outer periphery of a conductor portion 12A is covered with a coating portion 12B made of an insulator. The connector according to the first embodiment electrically connects the conductor portion 12A of the coated electric wire 12 to the flexible conductor 11A of the sheet-shaped conductive member 11. The coated electric wire 12 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 extends in the same direction as the strip-shaped sheet-like conductive member 11.

[0021] The base member 13 has a rectangular flat plate portion 13A extending parallel to the sheet-like conductive member 11, and the sheet-like conductive member 11 and the coated wire 12 are connected to each other on the surface of the flat plate portion 13A. The contact 14 has a cylindrical tubular portion 14A having a central axis extending perpendicular to the flat portion 13A of the base member 13, and an annular flange 14B connected to one end of the tubular portion 14A and extending along the surface of the flat portion 13A. Furthermore, a crimp terminal portion 15 formed integrally with the contact 14 is connected to the flange 14B of the contact 14, and an end of the coated electric wire 12 is connected to the crimp terminal portion 15.

[0022] Here, for convenience, the predetermined direction in which the sheet-like conductive member 11 extends toward the base member 13 will be referred to as the +Y direction, the width direction of the strip-shaped sheet-like conductive member 11 as the X direction, and the direction perpendicular to the XY plane as the Z direction. The sheet-like conductive member 11 and the flat portion 13A of the base member 13 each extend along the XY plane, and the +Y direction end of the sheet-like conductive member 11 is connected to the contact 14, and the -Y direction end of the coated electric wire 12 is connected to the contact 14 via the crimp terminal portion 15.

[0023] As shown in Figure 3, a first surface P1 is formed by the surface on the +Z direction side of the flat portion 13A of the base member 13, and a protrusion 13B having an approximately cylindrical shape extending toward the +Z direction is formed on the first surface P1. A cutout portion (not shown) is formed near the end portion in the +Y direction of the sheet-like conductive member 11, and the protrusion 13B of the base member 13 penetrates the cutout portion of the sheet-like conductive member 11 and the cylindrical portion 14A of the contact 14. As a result, the sheet-like conductive member 11 is sandwiched between the cylindrical portion 14A of the contact 14 and the outer peripheral surface of the protrusion 13B. In addition, a crimp terminal portion 15 formed integrally with the contact 14 is placed on the surface of the flat portion 13A of the base member 13, and the conductor portion 12A at the -Y direction end of the coated electric wire 12 is pulled out from the coating portion 12B and crimped to the crimp terminal portion 15.

[0024] As shown in Figure 4, which is a partially enlarged view of Figure 3, protrusion 13B of base member 13 has a root portion 13C connected to first surface P1, an extension portion 13D extending in the +Z direction from the +Z direction end of root portion 13C, and a deformation portion 13E connected to the +Z direction end of extension portion 13D. Furthermore, a recessed projection accommodating portion 14C through which the projection 13B passes is formed inside the cylindrical portion 14A of the contact 14, and the base portion 13C and the extension portion 13D of the projection 13B are accommodated in the projection accommodating portion 14C.

[0025] The first surface P1 of the base member 13 contacts the rear surface of the sheet-like conductive member 11 on the -Z direction side, and the flexible conductor 11A is exposed on at least the surface on the +Z direction side of the sheet-like conductive member 11, but the sheet-like conductive member 11 is bent at a right angle at the position where the protrusion 13B is formed, and extends in the +Z direction while being sandwiched between the outer peripheral surface of the base portion 13C of the protrusion 13B and the inner peripheral surface of the protrusion accommodating portion 14C of the contact 14. As a result, the inner peripheral surface of the protrusion accommodating portion 14C of the contact 14 contacts the flexible conductor 11A of the sheet-like conductive member 11 in the direction along the XY plane.

[0026] Here, the protrusion accommodating portion 14C of the contact 14 is formed in advance to have an inner diameter slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the base portion 13C of the protrusion 13B plus twice the thickness of the sheet-like conductive member 11.As a result, the base portion 13C of the protrusion 13B presses the flexible conductor 11A of the sheet-like conductive member 11 against the inner surface of the protrusion accommodating portion 14C of the contact 14, applying a predetermined contact pressure, and the contact 14 is electrically connected to the flexible conductor 11A.

[0027] Furthermore, cylindrical portion 14A of contact 14 has an open end in the +Z direction, but deformed portion 13E of protrusion 13B protrudes from the +Z end of extension portion 13D along the XY plane and covers the +Z end of cylindrical portion 14A. As a result, contact 14 is sandwiched between deformed portion 13E of protrusion 13B and first surface P1 of base member 13 via sheet-like conductive member 11, and is fixed to base member 13.

[0028] Such a connector can be assembled by inserting the base portion 13C of the protrusion 13B into the protrusion accommodating portion 14C of the contact 14 with the sheet-like conductive member 11 sandwiched between them, without the deformed portion 13E being formed at the tip of the extension portion 13D of the protrusion 13B, causing the extension portion 13D of the protrusion 13B to protrude in the +Z direction from the tubular portion 14A of the contact 14, as shown in Figure 5, and then thermally deforming the +Z direction end of the extension portion 13D of the protrusion 13B to form the deformed portion 13E.

[0029] In addition, the conductor portion 12A at the -Y direction end of the coated electric wire 12 is previously pulled out from the coating portion 12B and crimped to the crimp terminal portion 15, thereby electrically connecting the conductor portion 12A of the coated electric wire 12 to the flexible conductor 11A of the sheet-like conductive member 11 via the contact 14 and the crimp terminal portion 15.

[0030] In the connector of embodiment 1, the flexible conductor 11A of the sheet-like conductive member 11 and the contact 14 are electrically connected by the root portion 13C located at the -Z direction end of the protrusion 13B of the base member 13, while the contact 14 is fixed to the base member 13 using the deformation portion 13E located at the +Z direction end of the protrusion 13B.Therefore, there is no need to place a fixing member at a position away from the contact, as in the connector of Patent Document 1, and it is possible to achieve miniaturization. By applying the connector of embodiment 1 to smart clothing and connecting an electrode (not shown) to the flexible conductor 11A of the sheet-shaped conductive member 11, it is possible to connect the electrode placed at the measurement location to the wearable device using an insulated wire 12 that has low electrical resistance and is inexpensive.

[0031] Furthermore, in the connector of embodiment 1, due to the presence of the deformed portion 13E of the protrusion 13B, the flange 14B of the contact 14 comes into contact with the flexible conductor 11A of the sheet-like conductive member 11 arranged on the first surface P1 of the base member 13 at a predetermined contact pressure, and the contact 14 is also electrically connected to the flexible conductor 11A at the flange 14B, thereby improving the reliability of the electrical connection between the contact 14 and the flexible conductor 11A.

[0032] Embodiment 2 6 and 7 show a connector according to embodiment 2. Like the connector according to embodiment 1, this connector connects coated electric wires 12 as conductive connection objects to sheet-like conductive member 11, and includes base member 23 made of an insulating resin material and conductive contacts 24 held by base member 23.

[0033] The sheet-shaped conductive member 11 and the coated wire 12 are the same as those used in the first embodiment.

[0034] As shown in Figure 8, base member 23, like base member 13 used in embodiment 1, has a rectangular flat plate portion 23A extending along the XY plane, and a first surface P1 is formed by the surface on the +Z direction side of flat plate portion 23A, and a protrusion 23B extending toward the +Z direction is formed on first surface P1.

[0035] Similar to the contact 14 used in the first embodiment, the contact 24 has a cylindrical tubular portion 24A and a flange 24B connected to the −Z direction end of the tubular portion 24A. A protrusion accommodating portion 24C is formed inside the tubular portion 24A, and a crimp terminal portion 25 formed integrally with the contact 24 is connected to the flange 24B. Furthermore, the contact 24 has an annular top plate portion 24D connected to the +Z direction end of the cylindrical portion 24A. The top plate portion 24D extends along the XY plane toward the central axis of the cylindrical portion 24A so as to cover the +Z direction side end of the protrusion accommodating portion 24C formed inside the cylindrical portion 24A.

[0036] Also, as shown in Figure 9, which is a partially enlarged view of Figure 8, the protrusion 23B of the base member 23 has a root portion 23C connected to the first surface P1, an extension portion 23D extending in the +Z direction from the +Z direction end of the root portion 23C, and a deformation portion 23E connected to the +Z direction end of the extension portion 23D, and a through hole 24E is formed in the top plate portion 24D of the contact 24 to pass the extension portion 23D of the protrusion 23B through.

[0037] Deformed portion 23E of protrusion 23B protrudes along the XY plane from the +Z direction end of extended portion 23D on the +Z direction side of top plate portion 24D of contact 24, and covers top plate portion 24D around through hole 24E. As a result, contact 24 is sandwiched between deformed portion 23E of protrusion 23B and first surface P1 of base member 23 via sheet-like conductive member 11, and is fixed to base member 23.

[0038] As in the first embodiment, first surface P1 of base member 23 contacts the rear surface of sheet-like conductive member 11 on the -Z direction side, and sheet-like conductive member 11 is bent at a right angle at the position where protrusion 23B is formed, and extends in the +Z direction while being sandwiched between the outer peripheral surface of base portion 23C of protrusion 23B and the inner peripheral surface of protrusion accommodating portion 24C of contact 24. As a result, the inner peripheral surface of protrusion accommodating portion 24C of contact 24 contacts flexible conductor 11A of sheet-like conductive member 11 in the direction along the XY plane.

[0039] Here, the protrusion accommodating portion 24C of the contact 24 is formed in advance to have an inner diameter slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the base portion 23C of the protrusion 23B plus twice the thickness of the sheet-like conductive member 11.As a result, the base portion 23C of the protrusion 23B presses the flexible conductor 11A of the sheet-like conductive member 11 against the inner surface of the protrusion accommodating portion 24C of the contact 24, applying a predetermined contact pressure, and the contact 24 is electrically connected to the flexible conductor 11A.

[0040] Such a connector can be assembled by inserting the base portion 23C of the protrusion 23B into the protrusion accommodating portion 24C of the contact 24 with the sheet-like conductive member 11 sandwiched between them, without the deformed portion 23E being formed at the tip of the extension portion 23D of the protrusion 23B, causing the extension portion 23D of the protrusion 23B to protrude in the +Z direction from the through hole 24E of the contact 24, as shown in Figure 10, and then thermally deforming the +Z direction end of the extension portion 23D of the protrusion 23B to form the deformed portion 23E.

[0041] In addition, the conductor portion 12A at the -Y direction end of the coated electric wire 12 is previously pulled out from the coated portion 12B and crimped to the crimp terminal portion 25, thereby electrically connecting the conductor portion 12A of the coated electric wire 12 to the flexible conductor 11A of the sheet-like conductive member 11 via the crimp terminal portion 25 and the contact 24.

[0042] In the connector of embodiment 2, as in the connector of embodiment 1, the flexible conductor 11A of the sheet-like conductive member 11 and the contact 24 are electrically connected by the root portion 23C located at the -Z direction end of the protrusion 23B of the base member 23, while the contact 24 is fixed to the base member 23 using the deformation portion 23E located at the +Z direction end of the protrusion 23B.Therefore, there is no need to place a fixing member at a position away from the contact, as in the connector of Patent Document 1, and it is possible to achieve miniaturization.

[0043] Furthermore, due to the presence of the deformed portion 23E of the protrusion 23B, the flange 24B of the contact 24 comes into contact with the flexible conductor 11A of the sheet-like conductive member 11 arranged on the first surface P1 of the base member 23 at a predetermined contact pressure, and the contact 24 is electrically connected to the flexible conductor 11A even at the flange 24B, thereby improving the reliability of the electrical connection between the contact 24 and the flexible conductor 11A.

[0044] Embodiment 3 11 and 12 show a connector according to embodiment 3. Like the connectors according to embodiments 1 and 2, this connector connects coated electric wires 12 as conductive connection objects to sheet-like conductive member 11, and includes base member 33 and top member 36, each of which is made of an insulating resin material.

[0045] The sheet-shaped conductive member 11 and the coated wire 12 are the same as those used in the first and second embodiments.

[0046] The base member 33 and the top member 36 have the same planar shape and size as each other when viewed from the Z direction. A side wall portion 33F that protrudes in the +Z direction is formed on the periphery of the base member 33, and a side wall portion 36F that protrudes in the -Z direction is formed on the periphery of the top member 36. These side wall portions 33F and 36F are connected to each other in the Z direction to form a rectangular parallelepiped housing 37 made up of the base member 33 and the top member 36.

[0047] In addition, cutout portions 33G are formed at the -Y direction end and +Y direction end of the side wall portion 33F of the base member 33, and the sheet-shaped conductive member 11 and the coated electric wire 12 extend in the Y direction from the housing 37 through the cutout portions 33G.

[0048] As shown in Figure 13, the base member 33, like the base member 23 used in embodiment 2, has a rectangular flat plate portion 33A extending along the XY plane, and a first surface P1 is formed by the surface on the +Z direction side of the flat plate portion 33A, and a protrusion 33B extending toward the +Z direction is formed on the first surface P1.

[0049] Conductive contacts 34 are held on base member 33. Similar to contacts 24 used in the second embodiment, contacts 34 have a cylindrical tubular portion 34A, a flange 34B connected to the −Z direction end of tubular portion 34A, and an annular top plate portion 34D connected to the +Z direction end of tubular portion 34A. A protrusion accommodating portion 34C is formed inside tubular portion 34A, and a crimp terminal portion 35 formed integrally with contact 34 is connected to flange 34B.

[0050] Top member 36 is connected to base member 33 to cover base member 33 from the +Z direction, and has flat plate portion 36A facing flat plate portion 33A of base member 33, and side wall portion 36F shown in Fig. 11 is formed to protrude in the -Z direction from the periphery of flat plate portion 36A. Furthermore, top member 36 is formed with recessed portion 36B at a position corresponding to protrusion 33B of base member 33, and with recessed crimp terminal accommodating portion 36C at a position corresponding to crimp terminal portion 35.

[0051] The recess 36B penetrates the top member 36 in the Z direction, and an annular flange pressing portion 36D extending along the XY plane and facing the -Z direction is formed on the periphery of the -Z direction end of the recess 36B. Furthermore, the crimp terminal accommodating portion 36C is formed on the −Z direction side of the flat plate portion 36A, and the crimp terminal portion 35 connected to the contact 34 is accommodated in the crimp terminal accommodating portion 36C.

[0052] As shown in Figure 14, which is a partially enlarged view of Figure 13, protrusion 33B of base member 33, like protrusion 23B of base member 23 used in embodiment 2, has a root portion 33C connected to first surface P1, an extension portion 33D extending in the +Z direction from the +Z direction end of root portion 33C, and a deformation portion 33E connected to the +Z direction end of extension portion 33D, and a through hole 34E through which extension portion 33D of protrusion 33B passes is formed in top plate portion 34D of contact 34.

[0053] Deformed portion 33E of protrusion 33B protrudes along the XY plane from the +Z direction end of extended portion 33D on the +Z direction side of top plate portion 34D of contact 34, and covers top plate portion 34D around through hole 34E. As a result, contact 34 is sandwiched between deformed portion 33E of protrusion 33B and first surface P1 of base member 33 via sheet-like conductive member 11, and is fixed to base member 33. Moreover, the deformed portion 33E of the protrusion 33B is exposed from the recess 36B of the top member 36 in the +Z direction.

[0054] As in the first and second embodiments, the first surface P1 of the base member 33 contacts the rear surface of the sheet-like conductive member 11 on the -Z direction side, and the sheet-like conductive member 11 is bent at a right angle at the position where the protrusion 33B is formed, and extends in the +Z direction while being sandwiched between the outer peripheral surface of the base portion 33C of the protrusion 33B and the inner peripheral surface of the protrusion accommodating portion 34C of the contact 34. As a result, the inner peripheral surface of the protrusion accommodating portion 34C of the contact 34 contacts the flexible conductor 11A of the sheet-like conductive member 11 in the direction along the XY plane.

[0055] Here, the protrusion accommodating portion 34C of the contact 34 is formed in advance to have an inner diameter slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the base portion 33C of the protrusion 33B plus twice the thickness of the sheet-like conductive member 11.As a result, the base portion 33C of the protrusion 33B presses the flexible conductor 11A of the sheet-like conductive member 11 against the inner surface of the protrusion accommodating portion 34C of the contact 34, applying a predetermined contact pressure, and the contact 34 is electrically connected to the flexible conductor 11A.

[0056] In embodiment 3, the protrusion 33B of the base member 33 and the tubular portion 34A of the contact 34 are housed in a recess 36B that penetrates the top member 36 in the Z direction, and an annular flange pressing portion 36D formed on the periphery of the -Z direction end of the recess 36B contacts the flange 34B of the contact 34 and presses the flange 34B in the -Z direction toward the flexible conductor 11A of the sheet-like conductive member 11.

[0057] Such a connector can be assembled by inserting the base portion 33C of the protrusion 33B into the protrusion accommodating portion 34C of the contact 34 with the sheet-like conductive member 11 sandwiched between them, without the deformation portion 33E being formed at the tip of the extension portion 33D of the protrusion 33B, so that the extension portion 33D of the protrusion 33B passes through the through hole 34E of the contact 34 and protrudes in the +Z direction from the recess 36B of the top member 36, as shown in Figure 15, and then thermally deforming the +Z direction end of the extension portion 33D of the protrusion 33B to form the deformation portion 33E.

[0058] In addition, the conductor portion 12A at the -Y direction end of the coated electric wire 12 is previously pulled out from the coated portion 12B and crimped to the crimp terminal portion 35, thereby electrically connecting the conductor portion 12A of the coated electric wire 12 to the flexible conductor 11A of the sheet-like conductive member 11 via the crimp terminal portion 35 and the contact 34.

[0059] In the connector of embodiment 3, as in the connectors of embodiments 1 and 2, the flexible conductor 11A of the sheet-like conductive member 11 and the contact 34 are electrically connected by the root portion 33C located at the -Z direction end of the protrusion 33B of the base member 33, while the contact 34 is fixed to the base member 33 using the deformation portion 33E located at the +Z direction end of the protrusion 33B.Therefore, there is no need to place a fixing member at a position away from the contact, as in the connector of Patent Document 1, and it is possible to achieve miniaturization.

[0060] Furthermore, not only is the contact 34 sandwiched between the deformed portion 33E of the protrusion 33B and the first surface P1 of the base member 33 via the sheet-like conductive member 11 and fixed to the base member 33, but the flange 34B of the contact 34 is pressed in the -Z direction toward the flexible conductor 11A of the sheet-like conductive member 11 by the flange pressing portion 36D of the top member 36, so that the contact 34 is electrically connected to the flexible conductor 11A even at the flange 34B, thereby improving the reliability of the electrical connection between the contact 34 and the flexible conductor 11A.

[0061] Furthermore, by bonding the flat portion 33A of the base member 33 and the surface on the -Z direction side of the sheet-like conductive member 11, the surface on the +Z direction side of the sheet-like conductive member 11 and the flange 34B of the contact 34, the flange 34B of the contact 34 and the flange pressing portion 36D of the top member 36, and the top plate portion 34D of the contact 34 and the deformed portion 33E of the protrusion 33B with a water-resistant adhesive, it is possible to prevent water from entering the connection portion between the contact 34 and the flexible conductor 11A from outside the connector.

[0062] Furthermore, by bonding the connecting portion between side wall portion 33F of base member 33 and side wall portion 36F of top member 36 with a water-resistant adhesive, and sealing the pull-out portion of sheet-like conductive member 11 pulled out from housing 37 in the -Y direction, the pull-out portion of coated electric wire 12 pulled out from housing 37 in the +Y direction, and top plate portion 34D of contact 34 exposed in the +Z direction from recess 36B of top member 36 and deformed portion 33E of protrusion 33B with a water-resistant adhesive, a waterproof connector that prevents water from entering housing 37 can be constructed.

[0063] Furthermore, a connector having the same effect as that of embodiment 3 can be obtained by using a contact in which the +Z direction end of the tubular portion is open and does not have a top plate portion, such as contact 14 in embodiment 1, instead of contact 34, and by using a base member in which a protrusion is formed that covers the +Z direction end of the tubular portion with a deformed portion, such as protrusion 13B in embodiment 1, instead of base member 33 in which protrusion 33B is formed.

[0064] Embodiment 4 16 and 17 show a connector according to embodiment 4. Like the connector according to embodiment 3, this connector connects coated electric wires 12 as conductive connection objects to sheet-like conductive member 11, and includes base member 43 and top member 46, each of which is made of an insulating resin material.

[0065] The sheet-shaped conductive member 11 and the coated wire 12 are the same as those used in the first to third embodiments.

[0066] When viewed from the Z direction, base member 43 and top member 46 each have a planar shape that combines a rectangle located on the -Y direction side with a trapezoid located on the +Y direction side, and have a width in the X direction that is narrower at the +Y direction end than at the -Y direction end. Side wall portions 43F that protrude in the +Z direction are formed on the periphery of base member 43, and side wall portions 46F that protrude in the -Z direction are formed on the periphery of top member 46. These side wall portions 43F and side wall portions 46F are connected to each other in the Z direction to form a housing 47 made up of base member 43 and top member 46.

[0067] As shown in Figure 18, the base member 43, like the base member 13 used in embodiment 1, has a flat plate portion 43A extending along the XY plane, and a first surface P1 is formed by the surface on the +Z direction side of the flat plate portion 43A, and a protrusion 43B extending toward the +Z direction is formed on the first surface P1.

[0068] Conductive contacts 44 are held on base member 43. Similar to contacts 14 used in the first embodiment, contacts 44 have a cylindrical tubular portion 44A having a central axis along the Z direction and a flange 44B connected to the -Z direction end of tubular portion 44A. A protrusion accommodating portion 44C is formed inside tubular portion 44A, and a crimp terminal portion 45 formed integrally with contact 44 is connected to flange 44B.

[0069] Top member 46 is connected to base member 43 to cover base member 43 from the +Z direction, and has flat plate portion 46A facing flat plate portion 43A of base member 43. In addition, top member 46 has concave contact accommodating portion 46B that is open toward the -Z direction at a position corresponding to protrusion 43B of base member 43, and has concave crimp terminal accommodating portion 46C at a position corresponding to crimp terminal portion 45.

[0070] An annular flange pressing portion 46D extending along the XY plane and facing the -Z direction is formed on the periphery of the -Z direction end of the contact accommodating portion 46B. Furthermore, the crimp terminal accommodating portion 46C is formed on the −Z direction side of the flat plate portion 43A, and the crimp terminal portion 45 connected to the contact 44 is accommodated in the crimp terminal accommodating portion 46C.

[0071] As shown in Figure 19, which is a partially enlarged view of Figure 18, protrusion 43B of base member 43, like protrusion 13B of base member 13 used in embodiment 1, has a root portion 43C connected to first surface P1, an extension portion 43D extending in the +Z direction from the +Z direction end of root portion 43C, and a deformation portion 43E connected to the +Z direction end of extension portion 43D.

[0072] The top member 46 has an annular protrusion 46E extending along the XY plane so as to cover the +Z direction side end of the contact accommodating portion 46B, and an opening 46G is formed in the protrusion 46E to allow the extension portion 43D of the protrusion 43B to pass through.

[0073] Deformed portion 43E of protrusion 43B protrudes along the XY plane from the +Z direction end of extension portion 43D on the +Z direction side of protruding portion 46E of top member 46, and covers protruding portion 46E around opening 46G. As a result, top member 46 is sandwiched between deformed portion 43E of protrusion 43B and first surface P1 of base member 43 via sheet-like conductive member 11, and is fixed to base member 43.

[0074] Furthermore, an annular flange pressing portion 46D formed on the periphery of the -Z direction end of the contact accommodating portion 46B of the top member 46 presses the flange 44B of the contact 44 in the -Z direction toward the flexible conductor 11A of the sheet-like conductive member 11, and the contact 44 is fixed to the base member 43 via the top member 46.

[0075] As in the first embodiment, the first surface P1 of the base member 43 contacts the rear surface of the sheet-like conductive member 11 on the -Z direction side, and the sheet-like conductive member 11 is bent at a right angle at the position where the protrusion 43B is formed, and extends in the +Z direction while being sandwiched between the outer peripheral surface of the base portion 43C of the protrusion 43B and the inner peripheral surface of the protrusion accommodating portion 44C of the contact 44. As a result, the inner peripheral surface of the protrusion accommodating portion 44C of the contact 44 contacts the flexible conductor 11A of the sheet-like conductive member 11 in the direction along the XY plane.

[0076] Here, the protrusion accommodating portion 44C of the contact 44 is formed in advance to have an inner diameter slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the base portion 43C of the protrusion 43B plus twice the thickness of the sheet-like conductive member 11.As a result, the base portion 43C of the protrusion 43B presses the flexible conductor 11A of the sheet-like conductive member 11 against the inner surface of the protrusion accommodating portion 44C of the contact 44, applying a predetermined contact pressure, and the contact 44 is electrically connected to the flexible conductor 11A.

[0077] As shown in Figure 20, such a connector can be assembled by inserting the base portion 43C of the protrusion 43B into the protrusion accommodating portion 44C of the contact 44 with the sheet-like conductive member 11 sandwiched between them, with no deformed portion 43E formed at the tip of the extension portion 43D of the protrusion 43B, and passing the extension portion 43D of the protrusion 43B from the protrusion accommodating portion 44C of the contact 44 into the opening 46G of the top member 46, and then thermally deforming the +Z direction end of the extension portion 43D of the protrusion 43B protruding in the +Z direction from the opening 46G of the top member 46 to form the deformed portion 43E.

[0078] In addition, the conductor portion 12A at the -Y direction end of the coated electric wire 12 is previously pulled out from the coated portion 12B and crimped to the crimp terminal portion 45, thereby electrically connecting the conductor portion 12A of the coated electric wire 12 to the flexible conductor 11A of the sheet-like conductive member 11 via the crimp terminal portion 45 and the contact 44.

[0079] In the connector of embodiment 4, as in the connectors of embodiments 1 to 3, the flexible conductor 11A of the sheet-like conductive member 11 and the contact 44 are electrically connected by the root portion 43C located at the -Z direction end of the protrusion 43B of the base member 43, while the top member 46 is fixed to the base member 43 using the deformation portion 43E located at the +Z direction end of the protrusion 43B, thereby fixing the contact 44 to the base member 43.Therefore, there is no need to place a fixing member at a position away from the contact, as in the connector of Patent Document 1, and it is possible to achieve miniaturization.

[0080] Furthermore, since the flange 44B of the contact 44 is pressed in the -Z direction toward the flexible conductor 11A of the sheet-shaped conductive member 11 by the flange pressing portion 46D of the top member 46, the contact 44 is electrically connected to the flexible conductor 11A even at the flange 44B, thereby improving the reliability of the electrical connection between the contact 44 and the flexible conductor 11A.

[0081] Furthermore, as with the connector of embodiment 3, by bonding the flat portion 43A of the base member 43 and the surface on the -Z direction side of the sheet-like conductive member 11, the surface on the +Z direction side of the sheet-like conductive member 11 and the flange 44B of the contact 44, the flange 44B of the contact 44 and the flange holding portion 46D of the top member 46, and the protruding portion 46E of the top member 46 and the deformed portion 43E of the protrusion 43B with a water-resistant adhesive, it is possible to prevent water from entering the connection portion between the contact 44 and the flexible conductor 11A from outside the connector.

[0082] Furthermore, by bonding the connecting portion between the side wall portion 43F of the base member 43 and the side wall portion 46F of the top member 46 with a water-resistant adhesive, and by sealing the pull-out portion of the sheet-shaped conductive member 11 pulled out from the housing 47 in the -Y direction and the pull-out portion of the coated electric wire 12 pulled out from the housing 47 in the +Y direction with a water-resistant adhesive, a waterproof connector can be constructed that prevents water from entering the housing 47.

[0083] Furthermore, a connector having the same effect as that of embodiment 4 can be obtained by using a contact having a top plate portion connected to the +Z direction end of the cylindrical portion, such as contact 24 in embodiment 2, instead of contact 44, and by using a base member having a protrusion formed thereon that covers part of the top plate portion with a deformed portion, such as protrusion 23B in embodiment 2, instead of base member 43 having protrusion 43B formed thereon.

[0084] Fifth embodiment 21 shows a connector according to embodiment 5. This connector is a dual-circuit connector, and two protrusions 53B are formed on base member 53, and two contacts 54 are fixed to base member 53 by these two protrusions 53B. Corresponding crimp terminal portions 55 are integrally connected to the two contacts 54, respectively. The protrusions 53B and the contacts 54 have the same configurations as the protrusions 13B and the contacts 14 used in the first embodiment, respectively, and the two coated electric wires 12 are electrically connected to the flexible conductors 11A of the two sheet-like conductive members 11 via the two contacts 54. In other words, two circuits can be electrically connected with one connector.

[0085] A two-circuit connector can be formed in the same manner by using the protrusions 23B and contacts 24 of embodiment 2 instead of the protrusions 53B and contacts 54. Furthermore, as in embodiments 3 and 4, a two-circuit connector can be formed that includes a housing made up of a base member and a top member. Furthermore, it is not limited to a two-circuit configuration, but it is also possible to form a connector with a multi-circuit configuration of three or more circuits using multiple protrusions formed on a common base member and multiple contacts held by the multiple protrusions.

[0086] Sixth embodiment 22 and 23 show a connector according to a sixth embodiment. Similar to the connector of the third embodiment, this connector includes a rectangular parallelepiped housing 67 made up of a base member 63 and a top member 66. The base member 63 has a protrusion 63B, and the contact 64 is fixed to the base member 63 by the protrusion 63B. The protrusion 63B and the contact 64 have the same configuration as the protrusion 33B and the contact 34 in the third embodiment. The flexible conductor 11A of the sheet-like conductive member 11 is electrically connected to the coated wire 12 via the contact 64.

[0087] However, rather than the end of the sheet-shaped conductive member 11, a flexible conductor 11A in the middle of the sheet-shaped conductive member 11, which has a band shape and extends in the X direction, is electrically connected to the coated wire 12 via a contact 64. Therefore, the sheet-shaped conductive member 11 extends from the housing 67 on both sides in the X direction.

[0088] By connecting separate electrodes (not shown) to the flexible conductor 11A of the sheet-shaped conductive member 11 drawn out from the housing 67 in the -X direction and the flexible conductor 11A of the sheet-shaped conductive member 11 drawn out from the housing 67 in the +X direction, respectively, it is possible to electrically connect two electrodes to one coated wire 12. In other words, by applying the connector according to the sixth embodiment to smart clothing, it becomes possible to transmit biological information acquired by two electrodes placed at two measurement locations via one coated wire 12.

[0089] The connector of the sixth embodiment has a configuration substantially similar to that of the connector of the third embodiment shown in Figures 11 and 12, but even if it has a configuration substantially similar to that of the connector of the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, the sheet-like conductive member 11 connected to one coated electric wire 12 can be extended in each of the two directions, the -X direction and the +X direction, in the same manner. Furthermore, even if it has a configuration substantially similar to that of the connector of the second embodiment shown in Figures 6 and 7 or the connector of the fourth embodiment shown in Figures 16 and 17, the sheet-like conductive member 11 connected to one coated electric wire 12 can be extended in each of the two directions, the -X direction and the +X direction, in the same manner. Furthermore, by branching the sheet-shaped conductive member 11, sheet-shaped conductive members 11 each extending in three or more directions can be electrically connected to one coated electric wire 12.

[0090] The electrodes placed at the measurement points of the smart clothing can be formed from a conductive material having the same configuration as the sheet-shaped conductive material 11. In this case, the sheet-shaped conductive material 11 formed integrally with the electrode can be connected to the coated electric wire 12 using a connector according to any one of embodiments 1 to 6.

[0091] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 24 and 25, when the electrode 71 and the sheet-shaped conductive member 11 are formed as separate bodies, the flexible conductor 11A of the sheet-shaped conductive member 11 can be electrically connected to the electrode 71, for example, by sewing the sheet-shaped conductive member 11 to the electrode 71 using a conductive thread 72.

[0092] When the flexible conductor 11A of the sheet-like conductive member 11 and the conductive surface of the electrode 71 overlap and contact each other, sewing the sheet-like conductive member 11 to the electrode 71 with insulating thread can also electrically connect the flexible conductor 11A of the sheet-like conductive member 11 to the conductive surface of the electrode 71. For example, when the sheet-like conductive member 11 and the electrode 71 are each made of conductive fabric woven with conductive thread, sewing the sheet-like conductive member 11 to the electrode 71 can electrically connect the flexible conductor 11A to the electrode 71, regardless of whether the thread used for sewing is conductive or insulating.

[0093] In the above-described embodiments 1 to 6, the conductor portion 12A of the insulated electric wire 12 is crimped to the crimp terminal portion 15, 25, 35, 45, 55, thereby connecting the insulated electric wire 12 to the contacts 14, 24, 34, 44, 54, but this is not limited to this, and the connection can be made by various known methods such as screw fixing, soldering, welding, adhesive bonding, etc.

[0094] In the above-described first to sixth embodiments, the coated electric wire 12 is used as the conductive connection object to be connected to the sheet-like conductive member 11, but it is also possible to use an electric wire having only the conductor portion 12A whose outer periphery is not covered with the coating portion 12B made of an insulator. Furthermore, various types of conductors other than electric wires, such as strip-shaped conductors, can also be connected to the contacts 14, 24, 34, 44, 54 as the connection object. [Explanation of symbols]

[0095] 1 flexible substrate, 1A flexible conductor, 2 housing, 2A contact through hole, 3 base member, 3A protrusion, 3B housing fixing post, 4 contact, 4A cylindrical portion, 4B flange, 4C protrusion accommodating portion, 11 sheet-shaped conductive member, 11A flexible conductor, 12 coated wire, 12A conductor portion, 12B coating portion, 13, 23, 33, 43, 53, 63 base member, 13A, 23A, 33A, 36A, 43A, 46A flat portion, 13B, 23B, 33B, 43B, 53B, 63B protrusion, 13C, 23C, 33C, 43C root portion, 13D, 23D, 33D, 43D extension portion, 13E, 23E, 33E, 43E Deformed portion, 14,24,34,44,54,64 Contact, 14A,24A,34A,44A Cylindrical portion, 14B,24B,34B,44B Flange, 14C,24C,34C,44C Protrusion accommodating portion, 15,25,35,45,55 Crimp terminal portion, 24D,34D Top plate portion, 24E,34E Through hole, 33F,36F,43F,46F Side wall portion, 33G Notch portion, 36,46,66 Top member, 36B Recess, 36C,46C Crimp terminal accommodating portion, 36D,46D Flange pressing portion, 37,47,67 Housing, 46B Contact accommodating portion, 46E Protruding portion, 46G Opening, 71 Electrode, 72 Conductive thread, P1 First side.

Claims

1. A connector for connecting a conductive connection object to a flexible conductor exposed on at least the surface of a sheet-like conductive member having a front surface and a back surface facing in opposite directions, a base member having a first surface facing the back surface of the sheet-like conductive member and a protrusion formed on the first surface; a conductive contact having a recessed projection accommodating portion through which the projection of the base member passes and connected to the connection object; Equipped with the protrusion has a root portion accommodated in the protrusion accommodating portion of the contact, an extension portion connected to the root portion, and a deformation portion extending from a tip of the extension portion in a direction along the first surface, With the first surface of the base member in contact with the back surface of the sheet-like conductive member and the base portion of the protrusion housed in the protrusion accommodating portion with the sheet-like conductive member sandwiched therebetween, the contact is fixed to the base member by the deformed portion of the protrusion, and the inner peripheral surface of the protrusion accommodating portion comes into contact with the flexible conductor of the sheet-like conductive member in a direction parallel to the first surface, thereby electrically connecting the connection object to the flexible conductor via the contact, The connection object is a connector made of an electric wire.

2. 2. The connector of claim 1, wherein the contact has a cylindrical portion having one end facing the first surface of the base member and the other end facing in the opposite direction from the first surface of the base member, and the protrusion accommodating portion is formed inside the cylindrical portion.

3. The other end of the cylindrical portion is open, The connector according to claim 2 , wherein the deformed portion of the projection covers the other end of the cylindrical portion.

4. the contact has an annular top plate portion connected to the other end of the cylindrical portion and having a through hole formed therein through which the extension portion of the projection passes; The connector according to claim 2 , wherein the deformed portion of the protrusion covers the top plate portion around the through hole.

5. a top member covering the base member and fixed to the base member; 5. The connector according to claim 2, wherein the top member has a recess that accommodates the projection of the base member and the cylindrical portion of the contact.

6. a top member covering the base member and fixed to the base member; the top member has a recessed contact accommodating portion in which the cylindrical portion of the contact is accommodated, and an annular protruding portion facing the contact accommodating portion and forming an opening through which the extension portion of the protrusion passes; the deformed portion of the protrusion covers the protruding portion around the opening, 3. The connector according to claim 2, wherein the contacts are fixed to the base member via the top member.

7. the contact has a flange connected to the one end of the cylindrical portion and extending in a direction along the first surface of the base member; 7. The connector according to claim 2, wherein the flange contacts the flexible conductor of the sheet-shaped conductive member.

8. The connector according to claim 7, further comprising a crimp terminal portion connected to the flange and for connecting the connection object.

9. 9. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the base member is made of an insulating resin material.

10. A plurality of the contacts are fixed to the base member, 10. The connector according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of said connection objects are electrically connected to a plurality of said flexible conductors via a plurality of said contacts.

11. the flexible conductor in the middle portion of the strip-shaped sheet-like conductive member is electrically connected to the connection object via the contact; 11. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the sheet-like conductive member extends in a plurality of directions from the contact.

12. A connector for connecting a conductive object to a flexible conductor exposed on at least the surface of a sheet-like conductive member having a front surface and a back surface facing in opposite directions, comprising: a base member having a first surface facing the back surface of the sheet-like conductive member and a protrusion formed on the first surface; a conductive contact having a recessed projection accommodating portion through which the projection of the base member passes and connected to the connection object; Equipped with the protrusion has a root portion accommodated in the protrusion accommodating portion of the contact, an extension portion connected to the root portion, and a deformation portion extending from a tip of the extension portion in a direction along the first surface, With the first surface of the base member in contact with the back surface of the sheet-like conductive member and the base portion of the protrusion housed in the protrusion accommodating portion with the sheet-like conductive member sandwiched therebetween, the contact is fixed to the base member by the deformed portion of the protrusion, and the inner peripheral surface of the protrusion accommodating portion comes into contact with the flexible conductor of the sheet-like conductive member in a direction parallel to the first surface, thereby electrically connecting the connection object to the flexible conductor via the contact, the contact has a cylindrical portion having one end facing the first surface of the base member and the other end facing in a direction opposite to the first surface of the base member, and the protrusion accommodating portion is formed inside the cylindrical portion; the contact has an annular top plate portion connected to the other end of the cylindrical portion and having a through hole formed therein through which the extension portion of the projection passes; The deformed portion of the protrusion covers the top plate portion around the through hole.

13. A connector for connecting a conductive object to a flexible conductor exposed on at least the surface of a sheet-like conductive member having a front surface and a back surface facing in opposite directions, comprising: a base member having a first surface facing the back surface of the sheet-like conductive member and a protrusion formed on the first surface; a conductive contact having a recessed projection accommodating portion through which the projection of the base member passes and connected to the connection object; Equipped with the protrusion has a root portion accommodated in the protrusion accommodating portion of the contact, an extension portion connected to the root portion, and a deformation portion extending from a tip of the extension portion in a direction along the first surface, With the first surface of the base member in contact with the back surface of the sheet-like conductive member and the base portion of the protrusion housed in the protrusion accommodating portion with the sheet-like conductive member sandwiched therebetween, the contact is fixed to the base member by the deformed portion of the protrusion, and the inner peripheral surface of the protrusion accommodating portion comes into contact with the flexible conductor of the sheet-like conductive member in a direction parallel to the first surface, thereby electrically connecting the connection object to the flexible conductor via the contact, the contact has a cylindrical portion having one end facing the first surface of the base member and the other end facing in a direction opposite to the first surface of the base member, and the protrusion accommodating portion is formed inside the cylindrical portion; a top member covering the base member and fixed to the base member; The top member is a connector having a recess for accommodating the protrusion of the base member and the cylindrical portion of the contact.

14. A connector for connecting a conductive object to a flexible conductor exposed on at least the surface of a sheet-like conductive member having a front surface and a back surface facing in opposite directions, comprising: a base member having a first surface facing the back surface of the sheet-like conductive member and a protrusion formed on the first surface; a conductive contact having a recessed projection accommodating portion through which the projection of the base member passes and connected to the connection object; Equipped with the protrusion has a root portion accommodated in the protrusion accommodating portion of the contact, an extension portion connected to the root portion, and a deformation portion extending from a tip of the extension portion in a direction along the first surface, With the first surface of the base member in contact with the back surface of the sheet-like conductive member and the base portion of the protrusion housed in the protrusion accommodating portion with the sheet-like conductive member sandwiched therebetween, the contact is fixed to the base member by the deformed portion of the protrusion, and the inner peripheral surface of the protrusion accommodating portion comes into contact with the flexible conductor of the sheet-like conductive member in a direction parallel to the first surface, thereby electrically connecting the connection object to the flexible conductor via the contact, the contact has a cylindrical portion having one end facing the first surface of the base member and the other end facing in a direction opposite to the first surface of the base member, and the protrusion accommodating portion is formed inside the cylindrical portion; a top member covering the base member and fixed to the base member; the top member has a recessed contact accommodating portion in which the cylindrical portion of the contact is accommodated, and an annular protruding portion facing the contact accommodating portion and forming an opening through which the extension portion of the protrusion passes; the deformed portion of the protrusion covers the protruding portion around the opening, The contacts are fixed to the base member via the top member.

15. A connector for connecting a conductive object to a flexible conductor exposed on at least the surface of a sheet-like conductive member having a front surface and a back surface facing in opposite directions, comprising: a base member having a first surface facing the back surface of the sheet-like conductive member and a protrusion formed on the first surface; a conductive contact having a recessed projection accommodating portion through which the projection of the base member passes and connected to the connection object; Equipped with the protrusion has a root portion accommodated in the protrusion accommodating portion of the contact, an extension portion connected to the root portion, and a deformation portion extending from a tip of the extension portion in a direction along the first surface, With the first surface of the base member in contact with the back surface of the sheet-like conductive member and the base portion of the protrusion housed in the protrusion accommodating portion with the sheet-like conductive member sandwiched therebetween, the contact is fixed to the base member by the deformed portion of the protrusion, and the inner peripheral surface of the protrusion accommodating portion comes into contact with the flexible conductor of the sheet-like conductive member in a direction parallel to the first surface, thereby electrically connecting the connection object to the flexible conductor via the contact, the contact has a cylindrical portion having one end facing the first surface of the base member and the other end facing in a direction opposite to the first surface of the base member, and the protrusion accommodating portion is formed inside the cylindrical portion; the contact has a flange connected to the one end of the cylindrical portion and extending in a direction along the first surface of the base member; the flange contacts the flexible conductor of the sheet-shaped conductive member, A connector having a crimp terminal portion that is connected to the flange and that is used to connect the connection object.

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