Connector and connector assembly

Abstract

To prevent deterioration of insulation between two adjacent conductor lines formed in a flat cable due to dew condensation.SOLUTION: A housing 11 of a connector 10A has insertion paths S1 and S2 into which flat cables 90A and 90B can be respectively inserted. The connector 10A also has a plurality of partitions 12ma and 12mb made of elastic material. The partitions 12ma and 12mb are arranged along the insertion paths S1 and S2. The partitions 12ma and 12mb are located between two adjacent conductor lines 91 in a state in which the flat cables 90A and 90B are inserted into the insertion paths S1 and S2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2F

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to connectors and connector assemblies. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, connectors are used to connect flexible flat cables to circuit boards. The cable has multiple exposed conductor pads at its end. The connector has multiple terminals that contact the multiple conductor pads, respectively. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-228416 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-46157 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When a circuit board is used in an environment exposed to the outside air, condensation may occur inside the connector due to temperature changes. The moisture caused by condensation can cause a decrease in the insulation between two adjacent contact pads.

[0005] To prevent the deterioration of insulation due to condensation, one method is to supply resin inside and outside the connector to isolate the area where the conductor pads are located from the outside air. However, this method requires more work to connect the flat cable to the circuit board. Furthermore, even if the outside air is isolated, it is difficult to completely prevent condensation from occurring inside the connector. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The connector proposed in this disclosure includes a housing having an insertion passage into which a flat cable having a first surface on which a plurality of conductor lines aligned in a first direction can be inserted in a second direction, and a plurality of partitions aligned in the first direction and formed of an elastic material. Each of the partitions is arranged along the insertion passage, can abut against the first surface when the flat cable is inserted into the insertion passage, and is positioned between two adjacent conductor lines. This connector can prevent a decrease in insulation between two adjacent conductor lines formed on the flat cable.

[0007] The connector assembly proposed in this disclosure includes a first connector having a housing with an insertion path into which a flat cable having a first surface on which a plurality of conductor lines aligned in a first direction is inserted in a second direction, and a second connector having a housing holding a plurality of terminals aligned in the first direction and contacting the plurality of conductor lines, respectively. One of the first and second connectors has a plurality of partitions aligned in the first direction and formed of an elastic material, each of which is arranged along the insertion path and positioned between two adjacent terminals of the plurality of terminals when the first and second connectors are connected. This connector assembly can prevent a decrease in insulation between two adjacent conductor lines formed on the flat cable. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1A] 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a connector assembly proposed in the present disclosure. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B is a plan view of the connector assembly shown in FIG. 1A. [Figure 1C] FIG. 1C is a cross-sectional view taken along line Ic-Ic shown in FIG. 1B. [Figure 2A] 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a connector proposed in the present disclosure. [Figure 2B]FIG. 2B is an exploded perspective view of the connector shown in FIG. 2A. [Figure 2C] 2B is a perspective view of the connector shown in FIG. 2A viewed obliquely from the front. [Figure 2D] 2D is a cross-sectional view of the connector taken along line IId-IId shown in FIG. 2C. [Figure 2E] 2E is a cross-sectional view of the connector taken along line IIe-IIe shown in FIG. 2D. [Figure 2F] 2F is a cross-sectional view of the connector taken along line IIf-IIf shown in FIG. 2F. [Figure 3A] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a second example of a connector assembly proposed in the present disclosure. [Figure 3B] 3B is a cross-sectional view of a first connector included in the connector assembly shown in FIG. 3A. [Figure 3C] 3B is a cross-sectional view of a first connector and a second connector of the connector assembly shown in FIG. 3A. [Figure 4] 3B is a diagram showing a modification of the connector assembly shown in FIG. 3A. [Figure 5A] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a first connector in yet a third example of a connector assembly proposed in the present disclosure. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the first connector shown in FIG. 5A. [Figure 5C] 5C is a cross-sectional view of the connector taken along line Vc-Vc shown in FIG. 5B. [Figure 5D] 5D is a cross-sectional view of the connector taken along line Vd-Vd shown in FIG. 5C. [Figure 6A] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a fourth example of a connector assembly proposed in the present disclosure. [Figure 6B] 6B is an exploded perspective view of a second connector included in the connector assembly shown in FIG. 6A. FIG. [Figure 6C] FIG. 6B is a plan view of the connector assembly shown in FIG. 6A. [Figure 6D] 6D is a cross-sectional view of the connector assembly taken along line VId-VId shown in FIG. 6C. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The connector and connector assembly proposed in this disclosure will be described below. Hereinafter, the X1 and X2 directions shown in Fig. 1 will be referred to as the right and left, respectively, the Y1 and Y2 directions shown in Fig. 1 will be referred to as the front and rear, respectively, and the Z1 and Z2 directions shown in Fig. 1 will be referred to as the top and bottom, respectively. These directions are defined to explain the relative positional relationships of the various parts of the connector and connector assembly, and do not limit the orientation of the connector and connector assembly when they are mounted on another device.

[0010] 1A, the connector assembly 1A may include a first connector 10A and a second connector 60A. The first connector 10A and the second connector 60A may be matable with each other in the front-to-rear direction.

[0011] A flat cable is inserted into the first connector 10A. In the example shown in FIG. 1A etc., two flat cables 90A and 90B are inserted into the first connector 10A. The two flat cables 90A and 90B are arranged to face each other in the vertical direction. The number of flat cables attached to the first connector 10A may be one or more than two. The posture (orientation) of the flat cables 90A and 90B is not limited to the example described here. For example, the two flat cables 90A and 90B may be arranged in the same orientation. (In other words, both of the conductor pads 91a (described later) of the two flat cables 90A and 90B may face downward or upward.)

[0012] The flat cables 90A and 90B include, for example, a flexible cable (flexible flat cable), a flexible printed circuit board, a rigid printed circuit board, and the like.

[0013] The flat cables 90A and 90B have a plurality of conductor lines 91 (see FIG. 2F) arranged in the left-right direction (first direction) on one surface of their base material. As shown in FIG. 2F, the flat cables 90A and 90B have a coating layer 92 covering the conductor lines 91. Each conductor line 91 has a conductor pad 91a exposed from the coating layer 92 at its end. The conductor pads 91a contact the terminals 61 and 62 (see FIG. 1C) of the second connector 60A. The flat cables 90A and 90B may also have a reinforcing plate 93 (see FIG. 2A) at their end. Note that the positions of adjacent conductor pads 91a in the left-right direction shown in FIG. 2F may be shifted in the front-rear direction, i.e., arranged in a staggered pattern.

[0014] 2A, the flat cables 90A and 90B may have engaged portions 93a. The engaged portions 93a are, for example, recesses formed on the left and right edges of the reinforcing plate 93. The housing 11 may have engaging portions 11n that catch on the engaged portions 93a.

[0015] [Second connector] The second connector 60A is a connector mounted on a circuit board (not shown). The connector assembly 1A may be used to connect flat cables 90A and 90B to the circuit board. The first connector 10A and the second connector 60A may be matable in a direction along the circuit board.

[0016] 1C, second connector 60A has a plurality of terminals 61 and 62 and a housing 63 that holds terminals 61 and 62. The plurality of terminals 61 and the plurality of terminals 62 are aligned in the left-right direction. Unlike the example described here, second connector 60A may have one type of terminal, or two or more types of terminals.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1C, terminals 61 and 62 may have connection portions 61a and 62a, respectively, that are connected to conductor portions formed on the circuit board. Connection portion 61a of terminal 61 is located on the front side of housing 63 of second connector 60A (opposite side from first connector 10A), and connection portion 62a of terminal 62 is located on the rear side of housing 63 (toward first connector 10A). Terminals 61 and 62 may have elastic portions 61b, 61c, 62b, and 62c that extend toward the rear side (toward first connector 10A). Terminal 61 may have two elastic portions 61b and 61c, and terminal 62 may also have two elastic portions 62b and 62c. Elastic portions 61b and 61c have contact portions 61e and 61f at their rear portions that come into contact with conductor pads 91a of flat cable 90A. The elastic portions 62b and 62c have contact portions 62e and 62f at their rear portions, which come into contact with the conductor pads 91a of the flat cable 90B.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 1A, the housing 63 may be open toward the rear (toward the first connector 10A). The housing 63 may have a plurality of mating portions 63a aligned in the left-right direction inside the opening. A groove may be formed in the upper part of each mating portion 63a in which the elastic portions 61b and 61c of the terminal 61 are disposed, and a groove may be formed in the lower part of each mating portion 63a in which the elastic portions 62b and 62c of the terminal 62 are disposed. The plurality of mating portions 63a are fitted into mating holes S3 (see FIG. 2C) of the first connector 10A, which will be described later.

[0019] [1st connector] As shown in FIG. 2B, the first connector 10A has a housing 11. The housing 11 has insertion paths S1 and S2 (see FIG. 2D) formed therein, into which the flat cables 90A and 90B can be inserted. The portions of the flat cables 90A and 90B provided with the reinforcing plates 93 (see FIG. 2A) may be insertable into the insertion paths S1 and S2. (Hereinafter, the portions inserted into the insertion paths S1 and S2 will be referred to as inserted portions 90a.)

[0020] The housing 11 may have multiple insertion paths S1 and S2 formed therein. In the example shown in the figure, the housing 11 has an insertion path S1 formed in its upper portion and an insertion path S2 formed in its lower portion (see FIG. 2D). The number of insertion paths formed in the housing 11 corresponds to the number of flat cables. For example, the number of insertion paths formed in the housing 11 may be one or more than two.

[0021] 1A, the housing 11 may have a locking portion 11k. In the example shown in the figure, the housing 11 has the locking portions 11k on the right and left sides. The housing 63 of the second connector 60A may have a locking portion that engages with the locking portion 11k to prevent the first connector 10A and the second connector 60A from being separated.

[0022] [Divider] As shown in Fig. 2B, the first connector 10A may have a plurality of partitions 12ma-12mb arranged along the insertion paths S1-S2 and aligned in the left-right direction. In the example shown in the figure, the first connector 10A has an elastic body 12. The partitions 12ma-12mb may be part of the elastic body 12. The elastic body 12 is formed of an elastic material such as elastomer, silicone, or rubber.

[0023] The partitions 12ma and 12mb face one surface of the flat cables 90A and 90B (specifically, the surface on which the conductor pads 91a are exposed). As shown in Fig. 2E, the partition 12ma arranged along the insertion path S1 may be located below the insertion path S1, and the partition 12mb arranged along the insertion path S2 may be located above the insertion path S2.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 2F, the partition portion 12ma is located between two adjacent conductor lines 91 of the flat cable 90A. More specifically, the partition portion 12ma is located between the conductor pads 91a of the two adjacent conductor lines 91. When the first connector 10A and the second connector 60A are mated, the partition portion 12ma is located between two adjacent terminals 61. When the inserted portion 90a of the flat cable 90A is placed in the insertion path S1, the partition portion 12ma is pressed against the inserted portion 90a and elastically deforms. With this structure, even if condensation occurs inside the housing 11, electrical connection between the two adjacent conductor lines 91 can be prevented without requiring special processing of the flat cable or increasing the size of the connector.

[0025] Like the partition portion 12ma, the partition portion 12mb arranged along the insertion path S2 is located between the conductor pads 91a of two adjacent conductor lines 91 of the flat cable 90B. When the inserted portion 90a of the flat cable 90B is arranged in the insertion path S2, the partition portion 12mb is pressed against the inserted portion 90a and elastically deforms. (In the following description common to both the partition portion 12ma and the partition portion 12mb, the partition portion will be referred to as 12m.)

[0026] As shown in FIG. 2F, the partition 12m has a front end (the end on the second connector 60A side) 12b and a rear end 12c. When the inserted portions 90a of the flat cables 90A and 90B are arranged in the insertion paths S1 and S2, the position of the conductor pad 91a in the front-to-rear direction is between the front end 12b and the rear end 12c. That is, the partition 12m has a portion located forward of the front end of the conductor pad 91a and a portion located rearward of the rear end of the conductor pad 91a. This effectively prevents two adjacent conductor lines 91 from becoming electrically connected due to condensation.

[0027] When first connector 10A and second connector 60A are mated, contact portions 61e, 61f, 62e, and 62f of terminals 61 and 62 are located between front end 12b and rear end 12c of partition portion 12m in the front-rear direction.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 2F, the rear end 12c of the partition 12m is located far back from the conductor pad 91a, and the distance between the rear end 12c and the conductor pad 91a in the front-to-rear direction is greater than the distance between the front edge 90b of the flat cable 90A and the front end 12b of the partition 12m. This effectively prevents the rear ends of two adjacent conductor lines 91 from connecting due to condensation. Furthermore, the position of the rear end 12c should be set so that the distance between the rear end of the conductor pad 91a and the rear end 12c of the partition 12m is greater than the horizontal distance between adjacent conductor pads 91a. In addition to the aforementioned effects, this further increases the distance between adjacent conductor pads 91a, i.e., the creepage distance and clearance distance between adjacent conductor pads 91a.

[0029] 2F, the front end 12b of the partition 12m is located further forward than the front edge 90b of the flat cable 90A, which more reliably prevents the front ends of two adjacent conductor lines 91 from connecting together due to condensation.

[0030] In the first connector 10A, the rear ends 12c of two adjacent partition portions 12m are not connected and are open rearward. Unlike the first connector 10A, the elastic body 12 may have a portion connecting the rear ends 12c of two adjacent partition portions 12m (hereinafter, this portion will be referred to as the "rear seal portion"). Each conductor pad 91a may be surrounded by two adjacent partition portions 12ma and the rear seal portion. Like the partition portions 12m, the rear seal portion may be pressed against the inserted portions 90a of the flat cables 90A and 90B when the inserted portions 90a are disposed in the insertion paths S1 and S2, and may be elastically deformed.

[0031] 2D, the housing 11 has an upper wall 11a that faces the upper surface of the upper flat cable 90A. A distance D1 between the upper wall 11a and the partition 12ma in the vertical direction, which is the thickness direction of the flat cable 90A, is smaller than the thickness of the inserted portion 90a of the flat cable 90A. (In this description, distance D1 is the distance between the top of the partition 12ma and the underside of the upper wall 11a.) Therefore, when an operator inserts the inserted portion 90a of the flat cable 90A into the insertion path S1, the inserted portion 90a comes into contact with the underside of the upper wall 11a, and the partition 12ma is pressed against the underside of the inserted portion 90a, causing elastic deformation.

[0032] 2D, the housing 11 has a bottom wall 11b that faces the bottom surface of the lower flat cable 90B. The distance between the bottom wall 11b and the partition 12mb is also smaller than the thickness of the inserted portion 90a of the flat cable 90B. Therefore, when the operator inserts the inserted portion 90a of the flat cable 90B into the insertion path S2, the inserted portion 90a comes into contact with the top surface of the bottom wall 11b, and the partition 12mb is pressed against the top surface of the inserted portion 90a, causing elastic deformation.

[0033] 2E, the partition 12m may have a slope 12q at its rear end (the end 12c on the side that receives the flat cables 90A and 90B). This slope 12q can facilitate the insertion of the flat cables 90A and 90B into the insertion paths S1 and S2.

[0034] Unlike the first connector 10A, the distance D1 between the upper wall portions 11a and 11b and the partition portion 12m may be the same as or greater than the thickness of the inserted portion 90a of the flat cables 90A and 90B. In this case, the connector assembly 1A may include a member attached to the housing 11 to press one of the inserted portion 90a and the partition portion 12m against the other. This structure reduces friction between the partition portion 12m and the flat cables 90A and 90B during the insertion process of the flat cables 90A and 90B. These configurations will be described in detail later.

[0035] [Partition support structure] The housing 11 is formed of a material having higher rigidity than the elastic body 12 having the partition portion 12m. As described above, the material of the elastic body 12 is an elastic material such as elastomer, silicone, or rubber. On the other hand, the material of the housing 11 may be any plastic such as polycarbonate, polyamide, polybutylene terephthalate, or liquid crystal polymer.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 2B, the housing 11 has a support portion 11c. An insertion path S1 is formed between the support portion 11c and the upper wall portion 11a. The insertion path S1 opens to the rear side, and the flat cable 90A is received through this opening. Similarly, an insertion path S2 is formed between the support portion 11c and the lower wall portion 11b. The insertion path S2 also opens to the rear side, and the flat cable 90B is received through this opening.

[0037] The partition portions 12ma and 12mb are supported by the support portion 11c. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 2D and 2E, the partition portion 12ma is disposed on the upper side (the insertion path S1 side) of the support portion 11c. A groove G1 extending in the front-to-rear direction is formed on the upper side of the support portion 11c. The partition portion 12ma is disposed in this groove G1. When the flat cable 90A is inserted into the insertion path S1, the partition portion 12ma is supported by a portion (the support portion 11c) having high rigidity. As a result, sufficient contact pressure can be ensured between the partition portion 12ma and the flat cable 90A.

[0038] A similar structure may be provided for the partition 12mb along the insertion path S2. That is, as shown in Figures 2D and 2E, the partition 12mb along the insertion path S2 is disposed below the support 11c (on the insertion path S2 side). A groove G1 is formed below the support 11c, and the partition 12mb is disposed in this groove G1.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 2C, the support portion 11c has a plurality of support walls 11e aligned in the left-right direction at its front portion (the portion on the second connector 60A side). A fitting hole S3 is formed between two adjacent support walls 11e. A groove G1 formed in the support portion 11c may extend from the front portion to the rear portion (support wall 11e) of the support portion 11c. In the example shown in the figure, this groove G1 reaches the front surface of the housing 11 (the front surface of the support wall 11e). A front end 12b of the partition portion 12m is exposed forward. Unlike the first connector 10A, the partition portion 12m does not necessarily have to be exposed at the front surface of the support wall 11e.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 2D , the support portion 11c has left and right sidewalls 11g in the groove G1 in which the partition portion 12m is disposed. The partition portion 12m is disposed between these sidewalls 11g. This structure limits the expansion of the width of the partition portion 12m, making it easier to ensure sufficient contact pressure between the partition portion 12m and the inserted portion 90a. The same effect can be achieved by forming a groove in which the upper and lower grooves of the support portion 11c are integrated, i.e., by forming a slit penetrating in the vertical direction between the right sidewall 11g and the left sidewall 11g, forming the elastic body 12 in the slit, and forming the partition portions 12m at the upper and lower ends of the elastic body 12.

[0041] 2D, the upper portion of the partition portion 12ma along the insertion path S1 is substantially triangular, and a gap E1 is provided between the upper portion of the partition portion 12ma and the side wall portion 11g. The presence of this gap E1 allows the necessary elastic deformation of the partition portion 12ma. Similarly, a gap is provided between the lower portion of the partition portion 12mb along the insertion path S2 and the side wall portion 11g, allowing the necessary elastic deformation of the partition portion 12mb.

[0042] The arrangement of the partition 12m is not limited to the example of the first connector 10A. For example, if the conductor pads 91a of the flat cable 90A are exposed on the upper surface of the flat cable 90A, the partition 12ma may be formed on the lower surface of the upper wall 11a of the housing 11. Similarly, if the conductor pads 91a of the flat cable 90B are exposed on the lower surface of the flat cable 90B, the partition 12mb may be formed on the lower surface of the lower wall 11b of the housing 11.

[0043] Flexible Body As shown in FIG. 2B, multiple partitions 12m lined up in the left-right direction may be connected to each other. This structure allows multiple partitions 12m to be formed collectively, simplifying the manufacture of the first connector 10A. In the example shown in the figure, the elastic body 12 may have horizontal connecting portions 12k extending in the left-right direction and connecting the multiple partitions 12m. The elastic body 12 has extension portions 12d extending rearward from each partition 12m and reaching the rear surface of the support portion 11c. The horizontal connecting portions 12k may, for example, connect the rear ends of the extension portions 12d lined up in the left-right direction.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 2B, the elastic body 12 may further include a vertical connecting portion 12p. The vertical connecting portion 12p may, for example, connect a horizontal connecting portion 12k connecting multiple partition portions 12ma to another horizontal connecting portion 12k connecting multiple partition portions 12mb. In the example shown in the figure, the elastic body 12 has the vertical connecting portion 12p at its center in the left-right direction. Therefore, in the first connector 10A, all of the partition portions 12ma to 12mb are interconnected. This allows all of the partition portions 12m to be formed simultaneously, further simplifying the manufacture of the first connector 10A.

[0045] The elastic body 12 may be formed on the housing 11 by two-color molding. That is, the housing 11 may be molded in a primary mold, and then the housing 11 may be placed in a secondary mold, and the secondary mold may be used to mold the elastic body 12. In this way, the first connector 10A can be molded efficiently.

[0046] To achieve this two-color molding, the support portion 11c of the housing 11 may be formed with a groove G1 extending in the front-rear direction and in which the partition portion 12m and the extension portion 12d are formed, a groove G2 extending in the left-right direction and in which the horizontal connecting portion 12k is formed, and a groove G3 connecting the upper groove G2 with the lower groove G2 and in which the vertical connecting portion 12p is formed, as shown in FIG. 2B. These grooves G1, G2, and G3 may be interconnected. The inner surfaces of the grooves G1, G2, and G3 may have recesses or protrusions to reliably support the elastic body 12 in the groove (to prevent the elastic body 12 from separating from the groove).

[0047] Unlike the first connector 10A, the elastic body 12 may be formed separately from the housing 11 and attached to the support portion 11c. In this case, the elastic body 12 may be bonded to the support portion 11c or may have a portion (e.g., a claw portion) that engages with the housing 11.

[0048] [Second example] Unlike the connector assembly 1A shown in FIG. 1A etc., the connector assembly may include a pressing member that presses the flat cables 90A and 90B toward the partitions 12ma and 12mb. In this case, openings into which the pressing member fits may be formed in the upper walls 11a and 11b of the housing 11. When the pressing member is attached to the housing 11, the partitions 12m may be pressed against the flat cables 90A and 90B and elastically deform. This structure allows the height of the insertion paths S1 and S2 in the thickness direction of the flat cables 90A and 90B to be increased. As a result, friction between the flat cables 90A and 90B and the partitions 12m when the flat cables 90A and 90B are inserted can be reduced.

[0049] 3A to 3C are views showing connector assembly 1B as an example of a connector assembly having such a structure. In connector assembly 1B, second connector 60B is used as the pressing member. The following description will focus on the differences between connectors 10A and 60A of connector assembly 1A, which have been described with reference to FIG. 2A etc., and connectors 10B and 60B of connector assembly 1B. Items not described for connectors 10B and 60B may be the same as those for connectors 10A and 60A.

[0050] The first connector 10B of the connector assembly 1B includes a housing 11B and an elastic body 12 having a partition portion 12m, similar to the first connector 10A shown in FIG. 2A and other figures. An opening G5 may be formed in the upper wall portion 11a of the housing 11B. As shown in FIG. 3A, the upper wall portion 11a may have a plurality of openings G5 aligned in the left-right direction. The openings G5 are elongated grooves extending in the front-rear direction. The positions of the plurality of openings G5 correspond to the positions of the plurality of partition portions 12ma. The openings G5 open upward and forward, and the partition portions 12ma are exposed upward from the openings G5 as shown in FIG. 3B. The distance D1 (see FIG. 3B) between the upper wall portion 11a and the partition portion 12ma may be substantially the same as or greater than the thickness of the inserted portion 90a of the flat cable 90A.

[0051] The lower wall portion 11b may have a structure similar to that of the upper wall portion 11a. That is, as shown in FIG. 3B, the lower wall portion 11b may have a plurality of openings G6 aligned in the left-right direction. The positions of the plurality of openings G6 correspond to the positions of the plurality of partition portions 12mb. The openings G6 open downward and forward, and the partition portions 12mb are exposed downward from the openings G6. The distance between the lower wall portion 11b and the partition portions 12mb may also be substantially the same as or greater than the thickness of the inserted portion 90a of the flat cable 90B.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 3A, the housing 63 of the second connector 60B may have a plurality of pressing portions 63b lined up in the left-right direction. The pressing portions 63b may be formed on the lower surface of an upper wall portion 63d of the housing 63. The housing 63 may also have a plurality of pressing portions 63c lined up in the left-right direction. The pressing portions 63c may be formed on the upper surface of a lower wall portion 63e of the housing 63. As shown in FIG. 3C, when the first connector 10B and the second connector 60B are mated, the upper pressing portion 63b fits into the opening G5 of the housing 11B, and the lower pressing portion 63c fits into the opening G6 of the housing 11B.

[0053] As shown in Figure 3C, the distance D3 between the lower edge of the upper pressing portion 63b and the partition portion 12ma may be smaller than the thickness of the inserted portion 90a of the flat cable 90A. This causes the inserted portion 90a of the flat cable 90A to be pressed against the partition portion 12ma, causing the partition portion 12ma to elastically deform. Similarly, the distance between the upper edge of the lower pressing portion 63c and the partition portion 12mb may be smaller than the thickness of the inserted portion 90a of the flat cable 90B. This causes the inserted portion 90a of the flat cable 90B to be pressed against the partition portion 12mb, causing the partition portion 12mb to elastically deform.

[0054] A distance D3 between the lower edge of the upper pressing portion 63b and the partition portion 12ma is smaller than a distance D1 (see FIG. 3B) between the upper wall portion 11a and the partition portion 12ma. Similarly, a distance between the upper edge of the lower pressing portion 63c and the partition portion 12mb is smaller than a distance between the lower wall portion 11b and the partition portion 12mb.

[0055] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3C, the vertical distance D4 between the lower edge of the upper pressing portion 63b and the upper edge of the lower pressing portion 63c is smaller than the distance D5 between the upper edge of the upper partition portion 12ma and the lower edge of the lower partition portion 12mb plus the thickness of the inserted portions 90a of the two flat cables 90A and 90B.

[0056] The position of the rear end G5a (see FIG. 3C) of the upper opening G5 may be rearward of the rear end of the conductor pad 91a (see FIG. 2F) of the flat cable 90A. When the first connector 10B and the second connector 60B are mated (the state shown in FIG. 3C), the rear end 63f of the upper pressing portion 63b may be rearward of the rear end of the conductor pad 91a (see FIG. 2F). These positional relationships may also be applied to the rear end G6a of the lower opening G6 and the rear end 63g of the lower pressing portion 63c.

[0057] In the example described with reference to Figure 3A etc., the distance D1 (see Figure 3B) between the upper wall 11a of the housing 11B and the partition 12ma is substantially the same as or greater than the thickness of the inserted portion 90a of the flat cable 90A. Alternatively, the distance D1 may be smaller than the thickness of the inserted portion 90a of the flat cable 90A as long as it is large enough to reduce friction between the flat cable 90A and the partition 12ma when the flat cable 90A is inserted. The same may be true for the distance between the lower wall 11b of the housing 11B and the partition 12mb.

[0058] [Modification of pressing part] The structure of the pressing portions 63b and 63c is not limited to the example of the connector assembly 1B shown in Figure 3A etc. Figure 4 is a diagram showing a modified example of the pressing portion. Figure 4 shows a connector assembly 1C having a modified pressing portion. The following description will focus on the differences between the connectors 10B and 60B of the connector assembly 1B described with reference to Figure 3A etc. and the connectors 10C and 60C of the connector assembly 1C. Items not described for the connectors 10C and 60C may be the same as those for the connectors 10B and 60B.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 4, the housing 11C of the first connector 10C has an opening G7 in its upper wall 11a. The opening G7 is formed to expose the entirety of the multiple partitions 12ma upward. In FIG. 4, the upper surface of the inserted portion 90a of the flat cable 90A connected to the first connector 10C is exposed through the opening G7. Meanwhile, the housing 63 of the second connector 60C has a pressing portion 63h that protrudes downward on its upper wall 63d. When the second connector 60C is mated with the first connector 10C, the pressing portion 63h fits into the opening G7. The pressing portion 63h then presses the inserted portion 90a of the flat cable 90A toward the multiple partitions 12ma. As a result, the partitions 12ma are pressed against the inserted portion 90a and elastically deform.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 4, the housing 11C of the first connector 10C has an opening G8 in its lower wall 11b. The opening G8 is formed so as to expose the entirety of the multiple partitions 12mb downward. Meanwhile, the housing 63 of the second connector 60C has a pressing portion 63i protruding upward in its lower wall 63e. When the second connector 60C is mated with the first connector 10C, the pressing portion 63i fits into the opening G8. The pressing portion 63i then presses the inserted portion 90a of the flat cable 90B toward the multiple partitions 12mb. This causes the partitions 12mb to be pressed against the inserted portion 90a and undergo elastic deformation.

[0061] [Third example] Elastic body 12 may be molded separately from housing 11 and attached to housing 11. Figures 5A to 5D are views showing first connector 10D as an example of a first connector having such a structure. The following description will focus on the differences between first connector 10A described with reference to Figure 2A etc. and first connector 10D shown in Figure 5A etc. Items not described for connector 10D may be the same as connector 10D.

[0062] As shown in Fig. 5A, first connector 10D has housing 11D and elastic body 12D. Elastic body 12D may have a plurality of partition walls 12e aligned in the left-right direction. Partition portions 12ma and 12mb (see Fig. 5C) described above may be formed on the upper and lower edges of partition walls 12e, respectively.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 5A, the elastic body 12D may have a connecting vertical wall 12h extending in the left-right direction and connecting the rear edges of the multiple partition walls 12e. The elastic body 12D may also have a connecting horizontal wall 12f extending in the left-right direction and connecting the multiple partition walls 12e. The connecting horizontal wall 12f may be formed, for example, to connect the central portions of the partition walls 12e in the up-down direction. The rear edges of the connecting horizontal wall 12f are connected to the connecting vertical wall 12h. The connecting horizontal wall 12f and the connecting vertical wall 12h are substantially perpendicular to each other. Furthermore, the partition wall 12e is substantially perpendicular to both the connecting horizontal wall 12f and the connecting vertical wall 12h.

[0064] This structure of the elastic body 12D allows the multiple partition walls 12e to be supported by two walls that are substantially perpendicular to each other. As a result, the rigidity of the partition walls 12e can be easily ensured. Furthermore, when the flat cables 90A and 90B are inserted into the insertion paths S1 and S2 (see FIG. 5C) of the first connector 10D and the partition portions 12ma and 12mb are pressed against the inserted portions 90a of the flat cables 90A and 90B, deflection of the partition walls 12e can be suppressed. As a result, sufficient contact pressure can be ensured between the partition portions 12ma and 12mb and the flat cables 90A and 90B.

[0065] The housing of a second connector (not shown) that connects to first connector 10D has a plurality of fitting portions that fit into fitting holes S4 and S5 (see FIG. 5B) that are surrounded by partition wall 12e and connecting horizontal wall 12f. In the second connector, elastic portions 61b and 61c of terminal 61 may be located in the fitting portion that fits into upper fitting hole S4, and elastic portions 62b and 62c of terminal 62 may be located in the fitting portion that fits into lower fitting hole S5.

[0066] As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5D, the elastic body 12 may have partition portions 12ma and 12mb formed at the upper and lower edges of the partition wall 12e, as well as rear seal portions 12j formed at the upper and lower edges of the connecting vertical wall 12h. The rear seal portion 12j formed at the upper edge of the connecting vertical wall 12h is connected to the rear ends of two adjacent partition portions 12ma. As shown in FIG. 5D, when the flat cable 90A is inserted into the insertion path S1 of the first connector 10D, the conductor pad 91a is surrounded by the two adjacent partition portions 12ma and the rear seal portion 12j. At this time, the rear seal portion 12j, like the partition portions 12ma, is pressed against the inserted portion 90a and elastically deforms. This prevents the rear portions of two adjacent conductor pads 91a from connecting due to condensation. The rear ends of two adjacent partitions 12mb may be connected to each other by a rear seal portion 12j formed on the lower edge of the connecting vertical wall 12h.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 5D, the front end 12b of the partition 12ma is located forward of the front edge 90b of the flat cable 90A. This reliably prevents the front portions of two adjacent conductor pads 91a from connecting due to condensation. The same applies to the lower partition 12mb. That is, the front end of the partition 12mb is located forward of the front edge of the flat cable 90B. The housing 11D may have a stopper portion on its inside that determines the position of the flat cables 90A and 90B in the front-to-rear direction.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 5A, the connecting horizontal wall 12f may have guided portions 12g at its right and left ends. The guided portions 12g may be portions that protrude to the right and left beyond other portions of the elastic body 12 (for example, the connecting vertical wall 12h). Meanwhile, the housing 11D has guide portions 11i on the inner surfaces of the left and right side wall portions 11h. The guide portions 11i are, for example, recesses extending in the front-to-rear direction. The guided portions 12g fit into the guide portions 11i. This allows the elastic body 12D to be supported inside the housing 11D.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 5A, the elastic body 12D has stoppered portions 12i. The elastic body 12D is inserted into the housing 11D from the front side thereof. The stoppered portions 12i are caught on the front edge of the housing 11D and determine the position of the elastic body 12D in the front-rear direction. As shown in FIG. 5A, the stoppered portions 12i may be formed, for example, at the upper and lower ends of the front edge of each partition wall 12e. Stopper portions 11j into which the stoppered portions 12i fit may be formed on the front edge of the housing 11D.

[0070] [Example 4] In the connector assemblies described so far, the partition portions 12ma and 12mb are provided in the first connectors 10A to 10D to which the flat cables 90A and 90B are connected. Alternatively, the partition portion may be provided in the second connector. FIGS. 6A to 6D show connector assembly 1E as an example of a connector assembly having such a structure. The following description will focus on the differences between the connector assemblies described so far and connector assembly 1E shown in FIG. 6A and other figures. Items not described about connector assembly 1E may be the same as those in the connector assemblies described so far.

[0071] 6A, the connector assembly 1E includes a first connector 10E and a second connector 60E. The first connector 10E is a connector that is attached to the ends of the flat cables 90A and 90B. The second connector 60E may be a connector that is mounted on a circuit board, similar to the second connectors described above.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 6A, the first connector 10E has a housing 11E. A mating hole S6 is formed in the housing 11E. The lower surface of the inserted portion 90a of the flat cable 90A and the upper surface of the inserted portion 90a of the flat cable 90B are exposed at the mating hole S6. As shown in FIG. 6D, the housing 11E has a cable support portion 11m on its side. The inserted portion 90a of the flat cable 90A is held between the cable support portion 11m and the upper wall portion 11a. Similarly, the inserted portion 90a of the flat cable 90B is held between the cable support portion 11m and the lower wall portion 11b.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 6B, housing 63E of second connector 60E has mating portion 63j on its inner side. The mating portion 63j is a portion that fits into mating hole S6 (see FIG. 6A) of first connector 10E. Second connector 60E has terminals 61 and 62 (see FIG. 1C) aligned in the left-right direction. The mating portion 63j may have, at its upper portion, a plurality of grooves 63k (see FIG. 6D) in which elastic portions 61c and 61d (see FIG. 1C) of terminal 61 are disposed. Furthermore, the mating portion 63j may have, at its lower portion, a plurality of grooves 63m (see FIG. 6D) in which elastic portions 62c and 62d (see FIG. 1C) of terminal 62 are disposed.

[0074] 6D, the second connector 60E has insertion paths S7 and S8. The insertion path S7 may be formed between the fitting portion 63j and the upper wall portion 63d of the housing 63E. Meanwhile, the insertion path S8 may be formed between the fitting portion 63j and the lower wall portion 63e of the housing 63E. The flat cables 90A and 90B are inserted into the insertion paths S7 and S8, respectively.

[0075] As described above, in the connector assembly 1E, the first connector 10E is attached to the ends of the flat cables 90A and 90B. As shown in FIG. 6D, the inserted portion 90a of the upper flat cable 90A is disposed along the underside of the upper wall portion 11a of the housing 11E. The upper wall portion 11a of the housing 11E and the inserted portion 90a of the flat cable 90A are inserted into the insertion path S7 of the second connector 60E. Meanwhile, the lower wall portion 11b of the housing 11E and the inserted portion 90a of the flat cable 90B may be inserted into the insertion path S8 of the second connector 60E.

[0076] 6B and 6D, the second connector 60E has an elastic body 64 (see FIG. 6B) made of an elastic material. The material of the elastic body 64 is the same as that of the elastic body 12, such as elastomer, silicone, or rubber. The elastic body 64 has a plurality of partitions 64ma-64mb formed therein.

[0077] As shown in FIG. 6D, the partitions 64ma are aligned in the left-right direction and arranged along the insertion path S7. The partitions 64ma are formed on the upper part of the mating portion 63j of the housing 63. Each partition 64ma is located between two adjacent terminals 61. When the first connector 10E and the second connector 60E are mated with each other, each partition 64ma faces the lower surface of the flat cable 90A (the surface on which the conductor pads 91a are exposed) and is located between two adjacent conductor lines 91 (more specifically, the conductor pads 91a). This allows the partitions 64ma to prevent two adjacent conductor pads 91a from connecting together due to condensation.

[0078] Like the partitions 64ma, the partitions 64mb are also aligned in the left-right direction and arranged along the insertion path S8. The partitions 64mb are formed in the lower part of the mating portion 63j of the housing 63. Each partition 64mb is located between two adjacent terminals 62. When the first connector 10E and the second connector 60E are mated with each other, each partition 64mb faces the upper surface of the flat cable 90B (the surface on which the conductor pads 91a are exposed) and is located between two adjacent conductor lines 91 (more specifically, the conductor pads 91a). This allows the partitions 64mb to prevent two adjacent conductor pads 91a from connecting together due to condensation.

[0079] When the first connector 10E and the second connector 60E are mated with each other, the positional relationship between the partition portions 64ma and 64mb and the conductor pad 91a in the front-rear direction may be the same as the positional relationship between the partition portions 12ma and 12mb and the conductor pad 91a described with reference to FIG. 2F. That is, the position of the conductor pad 91a in the front-rear direction may be between the front and rear ends of the partition portions 64ma and 64mb. Furthermore, the position of the contact portions 61e, 61f, 62e, and 62f of the terminals 61 and 62 in the front-rear direction may be between the front and rear ends of the partition portions 64ma and 64mb.

[0080] When the first connector 10E and the second connector 60E are mated with each other, the distance D6 between the upper wall 11a of the housing 11E and the partition 64ma may be smaller than the thickness of the inserted portion 90a of the flat cable 90A. (In this description, the distance D6 is the distance between the top of the partition 64ma and the underside of the upper wall 11a.) With this structure, when an operator connects the first connector 10E and the second connector 60E, the partition 64ma is pressed against the underside of the inserted portion 90a and elastically deforms. Similarly, the distance between the lower wall 11b of the housing 11E and the partition 64mb may also be smaller than the thickness of the inserted portion 90a of the flat cable 90B.

[0081] As shown in FIG. 6B, the multiple partitions 64ma-64mb may be interconnected. This structure facilitates the manufacture of the second connector 60E. In the example shown in the figure, the elastic body 64 has a vertical connecting portion 64b that connects the rear ends of two partitions 64ma-64mb that face each other in the vertical direction. The elastic body 64 also has a horizontal connecting portion 64c that connects the multiple vertical connecting portions 64b that are aligned in the left-right direction. This connects all of the multiple partitions 64ma-64mb that the second connector 60E has.

[0082] The elastic body 64 may be formed on the housing 63E by two-color molding. That is, the housing 63E may be molded in a primary mold, and then the housing 63E may be placed in a secondary mold, and the secondary mold may be used to mold the elastic body 64. In this way, the second connector 60E can be molded efficiently.

[0083] To achieve this two-color molding, the fitting portion 63j of the housing 63E may be formed with a groove F1 (see FIG. 6D) extending in the front-rear direction and in which the partition portions 64ma-64mb are formed, a groove F2 extending in the up-down direction and in which the vertical connecting portion 64b is formed, and a groove F3 extending in the left-right direction and in which the horizontal connecting portion 64c is formed, as shown in FIG. 6B. These grooves F1, F2, and F3 are interconnected.

[0084] Unlike the second connector 60E, the elastic body 64 may be formed separately from the housing 63E and attached to the fitting portion 63j. In this case, the elastic body 64 may be bonded to the fitting portion 63j or may have a portion (e.g., a claw portion) that engages with the housing 63E.

[0085] [summary] As described above, in the first connectors 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D, the housings 11, 11B, 11C, and 11D have insertion paths S1 and S2 into which the flat cables 90A and 90B can be inserted. The connectors 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D also have a plurality of partitions 12ma and 12mb formed of an elastic material. The partitions 12ma and 12mb are arranged along the insertion paths S1 and S2. When the flat cables 90A and 90B are inserted into the insertion paths S1 and S2, the partitions 12ma, 12mb, and 64ma are positioned between two adjacent conductor lines 91. In the second connector 60E, the housing 63E has insertion paths S7 and S8 into which the flat cables 90A and 90B can be inserted. The second connector 60E also has a plurality of partitions 64ma and 64mb formed of an elastic material. The partition portions 64ma and 64mb are arranged along the insertion paths S7 and S8. When the flat cables 90A and 90B are inserted into the insertion paths S7 and S8, the partition portions 64ma and 64mb are located between two adjacent conductor lines 91. The connectors 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D and 60E can prevent a decrease in insulation between two adjacent conductor pads 91a formed on the flat cables 90A and 90B due to condensation, without requiring any special processing on the flat cables 90A and 90B or increasing the size of the connectors.

[0086] [Other variations] The connectors and connector assemblies proposed in the present disclosure are not limited to the connectors 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, and 60E and connector assemblies 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1E described above, and various modifications may be made.

[0087] For example, in the above description, the first connector and the second connector are connected in a direction along the circuit board on which the second connector is mounted (more specifically, in the front-to-rear direction). However, the first connector and the second connector may be connected in a direction perpendicular to the circuit board on which the second connector is mounted.

[0088] In the above description, the second connector is a connector mounted on a circuit board. However, the connector assembly may include two first connectors to which two flat cables are respectively connected, and a second connector. The two first connectors may then be connected to the second connector, electrically connecting the two flat cables. That is, the second connector may not be a connector connected to the circuit board, but may be a relay connector that connects two flat cables. In this case, the partition that prevents deterioration of insulation between the conductor lines due to condensation may be formed in either the first connector or the second connector. [Explanation of symbols]

[0089] 1A, 1B, 1C, 1E: connector assembly, 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E: first connector, 11, 11B, 11C, 11D, 11E: housing, 11a: upper wall portion (opposing portion), 11b: lower wall portion (opposing portion), 11c: support portion, 11e: support wall, 11g: side wall portion, 11h: side wall portion, 11i: guide portion, 11j: stopper portion , 11k: locked portion, 11m: cable support portion, 11n: engagement portion, 12·12D: elastic body, 12b: front end, 12c: rear end, 12d: extension portion, 12e: partition wall, 12f: connecting horizontal wall, 12g: guided portion, 12h: connecting vertical wall, 12i: stopped portion, 12j: rear seal portion, 12k: horizontal connecting portion, 12ma·12mb·12m: partition 12p: vertical connecting portion, 12q: inclined surface, 60A, 60B, 60C, 60E: second connector, 61, 62: terminal, 61a, 62a: connecting portion, 61b, 61c, 62b, 62c: elastic portion, 61e, 61f, 62e, 62f: contact portion, 63, 63E: housing, 63a: fitting portion, 63b, 63c: pressing portion, 63d: upper wall portion, 63e: Lower wall portion, 63f and 63g: rear end of pressing portion, 63h and 63i: pressing portion, 63j: mating portion, 63k and 63m: groove, 64: elastic body, 64b: vertical connecting portion, 64c: horizontal connecting portion, 64ma and 64mb: partition portion, 90a: inserted portion, 90b: front edge of flat cable, 91: conductor line, 91a: conductor pad, 92: coating layer, 93: reinforcing plate, 93a: engaged portion, S1, S2, S7, and S8: insertion path.

Claims

1. a housing having an insertion passage into which a flat cable can be inserted in a second direction, the flat cable having a first surface on which a plurality of conductor lines arranged in a first direction are formed and an insulating portion is formed between two adjacent conductor lines, the plurality of conductor lines being positioned inside the insertion passage when the flat cable is inserted into the insertion passage; a plurality of partitions arranged in the first direction and formed on the inner surface of the insertion path by an elastic material; and Each of the plurality of partitions is arranged along the insertion path, can abut against the first surface when the flat cable is inserted into the insertion path, and is located in the insulating portion between two adjacent conductor lines. connector.

2. the flat cable has an insertion portion disposed in the insertion path, the housing has a facing portion that faces the inner surface of the insertion path and faces a second surface of the flat cable that is a surface opposite to the first surface, The distance between the opposing portion of the housing and the plurality of partition portions in a third direction, which is the thickness direction of the flat cable, is smaller than the thickness of the inserted portion of the flat cable. The connector according to claim 1 .

3. the housing has a facing portion that faces the inner surface of the insertion path and faces a second surface of the flat cable that is a surface opposite to the first surface, The housing has an opening in the facing portion into which a pressing member that presses the flat cable toward the plurality of partition portions is fitted. The connector according to claim 1 .

4. the housing has a support portion formed of a material having higher rigidity than the plurality of partition portions and forming the inner surface of the insertion path; The support portion has a plurality of grooves formed therein and aligned in the first direction, The plurality of partitions are formed in the plurality of grooves, respectively. The connector according to claim 1 .

5. the housing has a plurality of support walls that are formed of a material having higher rigidity than the plurality of partition sections, that are aligned in the first direction, and that form the inner surface of the insertion path; The plurality of partitions are formed on the plurality of support walls, respectively. The connector according to claim 1 .

6. The elastic body has the plurality of partitions and a connecting portion that connects the plurality of partitions. The connector according to claim 1 .

7. Each of the plurality of partitions has a first end and a second end positioned opposite to each other in the second direction, Each of the conductor lines of the flat cable has a conductor pad to which a terminal is to be connected, When the flat cable is inserted into the insertion path, the position of the conductor pad in the second direction is between the first end and the second end. The connector according to claim 1 .

8. a first connector having a housing with an insertion passage into which a flat cable having a first surface on which a plurality of conductor lines arranged in a first direction are formed and an insulating portion is formed between two adjacent conductor lines is inserted in a second direction, the plurality of conductor lines being positioned inside the insertion passage when the flat cable is inserted into the insertion passage; a second connector having a housing holding a plurality of terminals arranged in the first direction and contacting the plurality of conductor lines, respectively; Including, the first connector has a plurality of partitions arranged in the first direction and formed on an inner surface of the insertion path by an elastic material; Each of the plurality of partition portions is arranged along the insertion path and positioned between two adjacent terminals among the plurality of terminals when the first connector and the second connector are connected, and is capable of abutting against the first surface and is positioned in the insulating portion between two adjacent conductor lines. Connector assembly.

9. the housing of the first connector has a facing portion facing a second surface of the flat cable, the second surface being a surface opposite to the first surface, An opening is formed in the facing portion, The second connector has a pressing portion that fits into the opening and presses the flat cable toward the plurality of partitions.

9. The connector assembly of claim 8.

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