Connectors and connector assemblies including the same

Abstract

To provide a structure which enables reduction of damage of a terminal of a connector caused by an inspection pin and improvement of accuracy of an inspection of the terminal when the connector is inspected.SOLUTION: A connector according to an embodiment of the disclosure includes: a housing which has an opening formed at one end thereof to receive an FPC, and a plurality of slots formed at the other end thereof to receive terminals; and a plurality of terminals which are coupled to the plurality of slots, respectively. The plurality of terminals may include an inspection portion extending and protruding in a direction away from a contact portion formed at one end thereof to contact the FPC.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a connector and a connector assembly including the same.

Background Art

[0002] An FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit) is a flexible printed circuit in which a circuit is formed on a flexible insulating film. Different from a rigid printed circuit board in which a circuit is laminated on a thermosetting resin, due to its flexibility and lightweight characteristics, it is a circuit widely used in various electronic devices. A connector is a connector with one side open such that the connection end of the FPC is inserted therein. For example, the connector has an insulating housing and a plurality of terminals. The insulating housing has an opening for fitting the connection end of the FPC at one end, and a plurality of slots to which the plurality of terminals are respectively coupled at the other end. Each terminal has a contact portion that contacts the connection end of the FPC at one end and a fixing portion that contacts the circuit board at the other end.

[0003] Generally, inspections such as checking for the presence or absence of soldering shorts, disconnections, etc. and measuring component continuity are performed on the connector, and as a result, it is determined whether the product is a qualified product or a non - qualified product. As an example of an inspection method, there is a method of elastically contacting a probe (or inspection pin) with individual terminals of the connector for inspection. However, with the miniaturization of electronic devices, the individual terminals of the connector are also miniaturized, and there is a problem that the end of the terminal is bent or deformed by the force applied by the probe during inspection, or the contact surface of the terminal that directly adheres to the connection end of the FPC is damaged or worn due to contact with the probe. Even if the electrical performance of the terminal itself is not affected by probe inspection, if scratches, wear, or usage marks occur on the contact surface (contact portion) of the terminal after inspection, it may be difficult to be certified as a qualified product in the field of automobile manufacturing where the product certification conditions are strict. Therefore, an inspection without deformation of the terminal and without damage to the contact surface of the terminal is required.

[0004] Therefore, inspections have been known that involve contact using inspection equipment equipped with a probe made of a material with a strength lower than that of the terminal material, inspections that involve contacting the side surface of the terminal's contact surface with the probe, and inspections that involve contact using inspection equipment that minimizes the pressing force when the probe makes contact. However, these methods incur high costs such as the cost of replacing equipment, and despite these measures, there is still a risk of deformation of the connector terminal.

[0005] On the other hand, Korean Patent Publication No. 10-1353925 discloses a terminal structure in which a continuity check projection is further formed separately from the terminals of the connector for continuity checking, so that the inspection pin does not directly contact a part of the terminal connected to the substrate and the inspection can be performed outside the connector, and the probe directly contacts the continuity check projection to perform the inspection. However, the structure disclosed in Korean Patent Publication No. 10-1353925 has the problem of inferior inspection accuracy because the inspection pin does not perform inspection on the terminal that is in direct contact with the FPC. In addition, the structure disclosed in Korean Patent Publication No. 10-1353925 has the problem that the continuity check projection of the terminal is exposed outside the connector, making the connector structure excessively large. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Korean Registered Patent Publication No. 10-1353925 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] Various embodiments of this disclosure aim to provide structures that can reduce damage to connector terminals by inspection pins when inspecting connectors, and improve the accuracy of inspection of terminals. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A connector according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a housing having an opening at one end for accommodating an FPC and a plurality of slots at the other end for accommodating terminals, and a plurality of terminals coupled to each of the plurality of slots, each of which may include a contact portion at one end that contacts the FPC and an inspection portion extending and protruding away from the contact portion.

[0009] In one embodiment, the inspection section includes an inspection surface that contacts the inspection pin of the inspection device inserted into the opening, and the inspection surface of the inspection section may extend along a direction intersecting the insertion direction of the inspection pin.

[0010] In one embodiment, the contact portion includes a contact surface that contacts the FPC, and the inspection portion may extend from the other side of the contact portion.

[0011] In one embodiment, each of the plurality of terminals further includes a fixed portion housed in the housing, the connecting portion connects the contact portion and the inspection portion to the fixed portion, and the connecting portion is elastically deformable relative to the fixed portion.

[0012] In one embodiment, the contact portion includes a first contact portion and a second contact portion spaced apart from the first contact portion, the inspection portion extends and protrudes in a direction away from the first contact portion, and each of the plurality of terminals further includes a fixed portion housed in the housing, a first connecting portion connecting the first contact portion and the inspection portion to the fixed portion, and a second connecting portion connecting the second contact portion to the fixed portion and spaced apart from the first connecting portion, wherein the first and second connecting portions are each elastically deformable relative to the fixed portion.

[0013] In one embodiment, the housing includes a plurality of housing sections, each housing at least one of the plurality of terminals, each of which includes a first slit having at least the same width as one of the plurality of terminals and supporting one of the plurality of terminals, and a second slit communicating with the first slit and having a width wider than the first slit, and the inspection section can extend into the second slit.

[0014] In one embodiment, each of the plurality of housing portions may further include a third slit that communicates with the second slit and has a width narrower than the width of the second slit.

[0015] In one embodiment, the inspection unit can be arranged substantially on the same line as the connecting unit and the fixing unit.

[0016] A connector assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include any one of the above-described connectors and a relative connector coupled to the FPC together with the connector. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to the embodiments of this disclosure, since the probe inspection is performed by an inspection section that extends and protrudes away from the contact portion that contacts the FPC, inspection is possible even without contact with the contact surface of the terminal, and damage, wear, and signs of use to the connector terminals by the inspection pin can be prevented. Furthermore, according to the embodiments of this disclosure, inspection can be performed by an inspection section that extends directly from the contact portion of the terminal, so inspection can be performed without weakening the strength of the probe or minimizing the pressing force when making contact, and the accuracy of the inspection can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0018] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view illustrating a connector according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view illustrating a connector according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3]Exploded perspective view of a connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] Side view showing the terminals of a connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] Enlarged view of the terminals of a connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] Cross-sectional view showing an example of a connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure cut along A-A' in FIG. 2. [Figure 7] View showing an example of a state where an inspection pin is in contact with the terminals of a connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] Cross-sectional view showing an example of a state where an inspection pin is in contact with the terminals of a connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] Perspective view showing an example of a state where an FPC is coupled to a connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] Cross-sectional view showing an example of the connector of FIG. 9 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure cut.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] The embodiments of the present disclosure are exemplified for explaining the technical idea of the present disclosure. The scope of rights according to the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments presented below and the specific descriptions related to these embodiments.

[0020] All technical terms and scientific terms used in the present disclosure have the meanings generally understood by those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present disclosure belongs, unless otherwise defined. All terms used in the present disclosure are selected for more clearly explaining the present disclosure and are not selected for limiting the scope of rights according to the present disclosure.

[0021] Expressions such as “includes,” “equipment,” and “possess” used in this disclosure should be understood as open-ended terms that may include other embodiments, unless otherwise specified in the phrase or sentence containing such expression.

[0022] Unless otherwise specified, singular expressions described in this disclosure may include plural meanings, and this also applies to singular expressions in the claims.

[0023] The terms "First," "Second," etc., used in this disclosure are used to distinguish between multiple components and do not limit the order or importance of those components.

[0024] Where a component is referred to as being “connected” or “joined” with another component in this disclosure, it should be understood that the component may be directly connected or joined to the other component, or may be connected or joined through a new other component.

[0025] As used in this disclosure, the directional term "up" refers to the direction in which the connector is positioned relative to the inspection device, and the directional term "down" refers to the opposite direction of up. As used in this disclosure, the directional term "up and down" includes both up and down directions, but should be understood not to refer to one of the two specific directions.

[0026] Embodiments will be described with reference to the examples illustrated in the attached drawings. In the attached drawings, identical or corresponding components are given the same reference numerals. Furthermore, in the following description of embodiments, the description of identical or corresponding components may be omitted. However, the omission of a description of a component does not mean that such a component is not included in the embodiment.

[0027] Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating a connector according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 2 is a perspective view illustrating a connector according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of a connector according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 4 is a side view illustrating the terminals of a connector according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Referring to Figures 1, 2, and 3, a connector 10 according to one embodiment may include a housing 100, a plurality of terminals 200, and a fixing member 300.

[0029] The housing 100 can provide (or form) the overall frame of the connector 10. The housing 100 can be coupled with components of the connector 10. For example, a plurality of terminals 200 can be coupled within the housing 100, and a fixing member 300 can be coupled to the outer surface of the housing 100. The housing 100 can be formed by injection molding. In this case, the plurality of terminals 200 can be assembled within the housing 100. In other embodiments, the housing 100 can be formed by injection molding with the plurality of terminals 200 and the fixing member 300. For example, the connector 10 can be formed by injecting molten resin to form the housing 100 into a mold in which the plurality of terminals 200 and the fixing member 300 are arranged, and then allowing it to cure.

[0030] Referring to Figure 1, one end of the housing 100 can be open to accommodate an FPC (e.g., the FPC 30 in Figures 8 and 9). For example, the housing 100 may include a first opening 110 and a second opening 120. The first opening 110 and the second opening 120 can form a space in which the FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit) 30 is housed. The first opening 110 and the second opening 120 can be formed by extending from one end of the housing 100 into the interior of the housing 100.

[0031] Referring to Figure 2, the other end of the housing 100 can be left open to accommodate a plurality of terminals 200. For example, the housing 100 may include a plurality of slots 130 formed at the other end of the housing 100. The plurality of slots 130 can form a space into which a plurality of terminals 200 are inserted. The plurality of slots 130 may extend from the other end of the housing 100 toward the first opening 110 and the second opening 120. The number of the plurality of slots 130 may be substantially the same as the number of terminals 200, but is not limited thereto.

[0032] Referring to Figure 3, the housing 100 may include multiple housing sections 140 that accommodate multiple terminals 200. Each housing section 140 can be located within the housing 100. For example, the multiple housing sections 140 can be located between one side of the housing 100 where the first opening 110 and the second opening 120 are formed, and the other side of the housing 100 where the multiple slots 130 are formed. Each housing section 140 can accommodate at least a portion of at least one terminal 200 within the housing 100. For example, the number of housing sections 140 may correspond to, but is not limited to, the number of terminals 200.

[0033] Referring to Figure 4, the multiple terminals 200 can be formed of a conductive material (e.g., copper) for electrical connection between the substrate 20 and the FPC 30. For example, the first terminal 210 and the second terminal 220 can be arranged along the vertical direction (e.g., the Z direction) and together in a single housing. The first terminal 210 may include a fixing portion 211, a first connecting portion 212, a second connecting portion 213, a first contact portion 214, a second contact portion 215, and an inspection portion 216. In one embodiment, the first terminal 210 or the second terminal 220 may not include the second connecting portion 213 and the second contact portion 215.

[0034] The connector 10 may further include a fixing member 300 for fixing the connector 10 onto the substrate 20. The fixing member 300, together with the housing 100, is bonded to the substrate 20, thereby fixing the connector 10 onto the substrate 20. The substrate 20 may include a thermosetting resin and a conductive circuit laminated on the thermosetting resin. The substrate 20 may be relatively rigid compared to the FPC 30 so as to be able to support components such as the connector 10. For example, the substrate 20 may be a rigid printed circuit board formed of a resin (e.g., at least one of FR-4, FR-5, G-2, and G-11).

[0035] On the other hand, because multiple terminals 200 are housed within the housing 100, multiple terminals 200 may not be easily visible from outside the housing 100. Therefore, it is not easy for inspection pins (e.g., inspection pins 40 in Figures 7 and 8) for inspecting multiple terminals 200 to access the terminals inside the housing 100 without damaging the multiple terminals 200. Below, a structure is described that can improve the accuracy of inspection of multiple terminals 200 without damaging the multiple terminals 200. Below, the structure of the connector 10 is described with reference to the first terminal 210 and the second terminal 220, for the sake of convenience of explanation. The description of the first terminal 210 and the second terminal 220 is substantially similarly applicable to at least some of the multiple terminals 200.

[0036] Figure 5 is an enlarged view of the terminals of a connector according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a connector according to one embodiment of the present disclosure cut along line A-A' in Figure 2.

[0037] Referring to Figures 5 and 6, the multiple slots 130 may include a first slot 131 and a second slot 132. The first slot 131 can accommodate a first terminal 210. The second slot 132 can accommodate a second terminal 220. The first slot 131 and the second slot 132 may be arranged (or aligned) along the vertical direction (e.g., the Z-axis direction). As the fixing portion 211 of the first terminal is inserted into the first slot 131, the first connecting portion 212, the second connecting portion 213, the first contact portion 214, the second contact portion 215, and the inspection portion 216 may be housed within the housing portion 140.

[0038] Referring to Figure 6, the fixing portion 211 can be positioned on a substrate supporting the connector 10 (e.g., substrate 20 in Figures 1 and 2). The thickness of the fixing portion 211 may be greater than the thickness of the rest of the first terminal 210. Here, the thickness of a component can be expressed as a distance in the vertical direction (e.g., the Z-axis direction), and this expression can be used substantially similarly below unless otherwise specified. The soldering portion 217 of the first terminal 210 can electrically connect the first terminal 210 and the substrate 20 by being soldered onto the substrate 20. The soldering portion 217 can extend from the fixing portion 211 toward the substrate 20. For example, the soldering portion 217 can have a bent shape that bypasses the second terminal 220 by bending and extending from the fixing portion 211 toward the substrate 20. The thickness of the soldering portion 217 may be less than the thickness of the fixing portion 211.

[0039] The first connecting portion 212 of the first terminal 210 can connect the first contact portion 214 and the fixed portion 211. For example, the first connecting portion 212 can extend from the fixed portion 211 to the first contact portion 214 toward one end of the housing 100 in which the first opening 110 is formed. The first connecting portion 212 can be elastically deformed relative to the fixed portion 211 when an FPC (e.g., FPC 30 in Figures 8 and 9) is inserted into the first opening 110. For example, when the FPC 30 is inserted, the first connecting portion 212 can be elastically deformed along the upper side (e.g., in the +Z axis direction) or the lower side (e.g., in the -Z axis direction) relative to the fixed portion 211.

[0040] The second connecting portion 213 of the first terminal 210 can extend to connect the second contact portion 215 and the fixed portion 211. The second connecting portion 213, like the first connecting portion 212, can be elastically deformed along the upper side (e.g., in the +Z axis direction) or the lower side (e.g., in the -Z axis direction) by inserting the FPC 30.

[0041] The first contact portion 214 of the first terminal 210, which directly contacts a portion of the conductive circuit of the FPC 30, can be provided at one end of the first connecting portion 212 of the first terminal 210. Specifically, when the FPC 30 is inserted into the space between the inner surface of the housing 100 facing the first housing portion 140-1 and the first terminal 210, the first contact portion 214 can be electrically connected to the conductive circuit of the FPC 30 by contacting the conductive circuit of the FPC 30. The thickness of the first contact portion 214 may be greater than, but is not limited to, the thickness of the first connecting portion 212.

[0042] A second contact portion 215 of the first terminal 210, which directly contacts other parts of the conductive circuit of the FPC 30, may be provided at one end of the second connecting portion 213 of the first terminal 210. Specifically, when the FPC 30 is inserted into the housing portion 140 of the connector 10, the second contact portion 215 can be electrically connected to the conductive circuit of the FPC 30 by contacting other parts of the conductive circuit of the FPC 30. A double contact can be formed between the FPC 30 and the first terminal 210, as the first contact portion 214 and the second contact portion 215 of the first terminal 210 contact the corresponding parts of the conductive circuit of the FPC 30. The thickness of the second contact portion 215 may be greater than, but is not limited to, the thickness of the second connecting portion 213.

[0043] Referring to Figure 6, the first terminal 210 may include an inspection section 216 provided on at least one of the first contact section 214 and the second contact section 215. For inspection of multiple terminals 200, an inspection pin 40 is inserted into the first opening 110 and can contact the inspection section 216 of either the first contact section 214 or the second contact section 215. The inspection section 216 may extend and protrude away from the first contact section 214. The inspection section 216 may extend along a direction intersecting (or perpendicular to) the insertion direction of the inspection pin 40. For example, the inspection section 216 may include an inspection surface 216-1 that the inspection pin 40 contacts. The inspection surface 216-1 of the inspection section 216 may have a shape that extends along a direction intersecting (or perpendicular to) the insertion direction of the inspection pin 40 (e.g., the +X axis direction). The inspection section 216 may extend and protrude downward (e.g., along the -Z axis direction) from the first contact section 214. The inspection section 216 may extend toward the second terminal 220. The inspection section 216 may extend from the other side of the first contact section 214, which is opposite to the contact surface of the first contact section 214 that contacts the FPC 30. The side of the first contact section 214 corresponding to the contact surface may, but is not limited to, have a shape that is inclined (or tilted) relative to the other side of the first contact section 214. In one embodiment, the inspection section 216 may be formed only on the first contact section 214 that extends closer to the first opening 110 than the first contact section 214 and the second contact section 215. As the inspection section 216 is formed on the first contact section 214 closer to the first opening 110, inspection by the inspection pin 40 can be easily performed. In another embodiment, the inspection section 216 may be formed only on the second contact section 215 than the first contact section 214 and the second contact section 215.

[0044] Referring to Figure 5, the first housing section 140-1 of the housing 100 may include a first slit 141, a second slit 142, and a third slit 143. Hereinafter, the first slit 141, the second slit 142, and the third slit 143 will be described in reference to the first housing section 140-1 with reference to Figures 5 and 6, for the sake of clarity. The description of the first housing section 140-1 is substantially similar to the description of multiple housing sections 140 as a whole (e.g., the second housing section 140-2).

[0045] The first slit 141 is open for the insertion of at least one of the first connecting portion 212 and the second connecting portion 213 of the first terminal 210. The first slit 141 may have a shape that extends horizontally (e.g., along the X-axis). Parts of the first connecting portion 212 and the second connecting portion 213 of the first terminal 210 may protrude outside the first slit 141 (e.g., upward (e.g., along the +Z-axis)). Thus, when the FPC 30 is inserted into the first housing 140-1, the first contact portion 214 of the first connecting portion 212 and the second contact portion 215 of the second connecting portion 213, which are exposed protruding from the first slit 141, can contact the corresponding portions of the FPC 30, respectively. The first slit 141 may have a first width W1. The width of one component may indicate a distance along the Y-axis, and this expression can be used substantially similarly below unless otherwise specified. The first width W1 can be set to reduce the flow of the first terminal 210 in the width direction (e.g., Y-axis direction) while the FPC 30 is inserted into the housing 100. For example, the first width W1 may be set to correspond to the width of the first terminal 210, but is not limited thereto.

[0046] The first housing portion 140-1 of the housing 100 may further comprise a second slit 142 communicating with the first slit 141. The second slit 142 may be located (or formed) below the first slit 141 (e.g., in the -Z axis direction). The inspection portion 216 of the first connecting portion 212 may extend into the second slit 142. The second slit 142 may have a second width W2 that is wider than the first width W1 to accommodate the inspection pin 40. For example, the second width W2 may be set to correspond to the width (or diameter) of the inspection pin 40. Because the second slit 142 has a second width W2 that is wider than the first width W1 of the first slit 141, the first slit 141 can support the first terminal 210 from the left and right, and the second slit 142 can provide a sufficient section for the inspection pin 40 to enter the second slit 142 toward the inspection portion 216 for inspection.

[0047] The first housing portion 140-1 of the housing 100 may further include a third slit 143 that communicates with the second slit 142 on the side facing the first slit 141. The third slit 143 may be located (or formed) below the second slit 142 (e.g., in the -Z axis direction). The third slit 143 may have a third width W3 that is narrower than the second width W2. For example, the third width W3 may be wider than the first width W1 and narrower than the second width W2. This allows the thickness of the housing in the portion of the first housing portion 140-1 into which the inspection pin does not enter (i.e., the third slit) to be increased, reinforcing the housing and reducing the possibility of damage to the housing portion 140-1.

[0048] On the other hand, the internal structure of the connector 10 may be symmetrical with respect to the multiple housing sections 140. For example, the description relating to the first terminal 210 and the first housing section 140-1 is substantially applicable to the second terminal 220 and the second housing section 140-2.

[0049] Multiple inspection pins 40 can perform electrical testing on multiple terminals 200 by contacting inspection units 216 included in each of the multiple terminals 200. The inspection by the inspection units 216 can be explained with reference to the following drawings.

[0050] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a state in which an inspection pin is in contact with the terminal of a connector according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a state in which an inspection pin is in contact with the terminal of a connector according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0051] Referring to Figures 7 and 8, the inspection pin 40 can pass through the first opening 110 of the housing 100 and be inserted into the housing 100. The inspection pin 40 can enter the second slit 142 and contact the inspection portion 216 of the first terminal 210. Since the inspection pin 40 contacts the inspection portion 216 which is directly connected to the first contact portion 214, the performance of the first terminal 210 can be inspected without directly contacting the first contact portion 214 which contacts the FPC 30 (shown in Figures 8 and 9). Furthermore, since the inspection pin 40 does not directly contact the first contact portion 214 of the first terminal 210 which contacts the FPC 30, damage, wear, and signs of use of the first contact portion 214 can be prevented. After inspecting the first terminal 210, the second terminal 220 can be inspected, but is not limited to this. For example, testing of multiple terminals 200 can be performed simultaneously on multiple terminals 200 using a testing device equipped with multiple test pins 40 corresponding to the number of terminals 200.

[0052] In one embodiment, referring to Figure 8, the inspection portion 216 of the first terminal 210 can be arranged substantially on the same line as the first connecting portion 212 and the fixing portion 211 in the Y-axis and Z-axis directions. As a result, even if the inspection pin 40 contacts and pressurizes the inspection portion 216 of the first terminal 210 during inspection, the first connecting portion 212 and the fixing portion 211 support the force, and the first terminal can withstand the pressure without being pressed. Consequently, it is possible to perform inspections using conventional probe inspection equipment without needing to replace the inspection equipment with probe inspection equipment made of low-strength material or inspection equipment that minimizes the pressurizing force of the probe, and damage, wear, and signs of use on the terminal can be prevented.

[0053] As described above, in one embodiment, the connector 10 can ensure a contactable area for the inspection pin 40 by the inspection portion 216 that extends and protrudes from the first contact portion 214 that contacts the FPC 30, thereby reducing the possibility of damage to multiple terminals 200 and improving the accuracy of inspection.

[0054] Figure 9 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a state in which an FPC is coupled to a connector according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of the connector of Figure 9 being cut according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0055] Referring to Figures 9 and 10, when the FPC 30 is coupled to the housing 100 of the connector 10, the FPC 30 can slide in the space between the inner surface of the housing 100 facing the first housing 140-1 and the first terminal 210. While the FPC 30 is sliding in the space, the first contact portion 214 and the second contact portion 215 each make contact with the FPC 30, and the first connecting portion 212 and the second connecting portion 213 can each be elastically deformed in the Z-axis direction relative to the fixing portion 211. Multiple FPCs 30 can be inserted into the connector 10. As illustrated in Figure 10, further FPCs 30 can be coupled to the connector 10 by sliding in the space between the inner surface of the housing 100 facing the second housing 140-2 and the second terminal 220.

[0056] The FPC 30 can be inserted into the connector 10 while coupled to the relative connector 50. For example, the FPC 30 can be inserted into the housing 100 together with the relative connector 50 while plugged into the relative connector 50. The connector 10 and the relative connector 50 can be coupled to form a connector assembly.

[0057] While the technical concept of this disclosure has been explained above by some embodiments and examples illustrated in the accompanying drawings, it should be understood that various substitutions, modifications, and alterations may be made, provided that they do not deviate from the technical concept and scope of this disclosure as understood by a person ordinary in the art to which this disclosure pertains. Furthermore, such substitutions, modifications, and alterations should be considered to fall within the scope of the accompanying claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0058] 10 connectors 100 Housing 110 First opening 120 Second opening 130 Multiple slots 131 Slot 1 132 Second slot 140 Multiple storage compartments 140-1 First Detention Unit 140-2 Second Detention Area 141 First Slit 142 Second Slit 143 Third Slit 200 Multiple terminals 210 1st terminal 211 Fixed part 212 1st connection part 213 2nd connection part 214 1st contact part 215 2nd contact part 216 Inspection Department 220 2nd terminal 300 Fixing member 20 circuit boards 30 FPC 40 test pins 50 Relative Connectors

Claims

1. It is a connector, A housing having an opening at one end for housing an FPC and multiple slots at the other end for housing terminals, Includes a plurality of terminals connected to each of the aforementioned plurality of slots, Each of the plurality of terminals includes a contact portion at one end that contacts the FPC, and an inspection portion that extends and protrudes in a direction away from the contact portion. The housing includes a plurality of housing sections, each housing at least one of the plurality of terminals, Each of the aforementioned plurality of housing sections is A first slit having at least the same width as one of the aforementioned multiple terminals and supporting one of the multiple terminals, A second slit is in communication with the first slit and has a width wider than the width of the first slit, It includes a third slit that communicates with the second slit and has a width narrower than the width of the second slit, The inspection section is a connector that extends into the second slit.

2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the inspection portion includes an inspection surface that contacts an inspection pin inserted into the opening, and the inspection surface of the inspection portion extends along a direction intersecting the insertion direction of the inspection pin.

3. The contact portion includes a contact surface that contacts the FPC, The connector according to claim 1, wherein the inspection section extends from the other side of the contact section.

4. Each of the aforementioned plurality of terminals has a fixed portion housed in the housing, The system further includes a connecting portion that connects the contact portion and the inspection portion to the fixed portion, The connector according to claim 1, wherein the connecting portion is elastically deformable relative to the fixed portion.

5. The contact portion includes a first contact portion and a second contact portion separated from the first contact portion. The inspection section extends and protrudes in a direction away from the first contact section, Each of the aforementioned multiple terminals is, The fixing part housed in the aforementioned housing, A first connecting portion that connects the first contact portion and the inspection portion to the fixed portion, The second contact portion is connected to the fixed portion, and the second connecting portion is further separated from the first connecting portion, The connector according to claim 1, wherein the first and second connecting portions are each elastically deformable relative to the fixed portion.

6. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the inspection section is arranged substantially on the same line as the connecting section and the fixing section.

7. A connector, A housing having an opening at one end for housing an FPC and multiple slots at the other end for housing terminals, Includes a plurality of terminals connected to each of the aforementioned plurality of slots, Each of the plurality of terminals includes a contact portion at one end that contacts the FPC, and an inspection portion that extends and protrudes in a direction away from the contact portion. The contact portion includes a contact surface on one side that contacts the FPC, The inspection section includes an inspection surface that the inspection pin inserted into the opening contacts, The inspection surface is a connector that extends from the other side of the contact portion in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction of the inspection pin.

8. A connector according to any one of claims 1 to 7, A connector assembly including a relative connector coupled to the FPC together with the connector.

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