Connectors and connector assemblies

Abstract

The housing of the connector has an insertion path into which a flat cable can be inserted. The connector also has a plurality of partitions formed of an elastic material. The partitions are arranged along the insertion path. When the flat cable is inserted into the insertion path, the partitions are positioned between two adjacent conductor lines.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] Related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-030491 filed on February 26, 2021, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] Technology field

[0004] The present invention relates to a connector and a connector assembly. Background Technology

[0005] Traditionally, connectors have been used to connect flexible flat cables (FFCs) to circuit boards. Multiple conductor pads are exposed at the ends of the cables. The connector is equipped with multiple terminals that come into contact with each of the multiple conductor pads.

[0006] Prior art literature; patent literature; patent literature 1:

[0007] Japanese non-examination patent application No. 2017-228416 and patent document 2:

[0008] Japanese non-examination patent application No. 2016-46157.

[0009] When a circuit board is used in an environment exposed to external air, condensation may form inside the connector due to temperature changes. Moisture generated from condensation can cause a reduction in insulation between two adjacent conductor pads.

[0010] To prevent a reduction in insulation properties due to condensation, a method is available in which resin is supplied to the inside and outside of the connector at the portion where conductor pads are provided to block external air. However, this method increases the work involved in connecting flat cables to circuit boards. Furthermore, even if external air is blocked, it is difficult to completely prevent condensation in the connector.

[0011] The connector proposed in the present invention comprises a flat cable having a first surface in which a plurality of conductor lines aligned in a first direction are formed and an insulating portion is formed between two adjacent conductor lines, a housing having an insertion path into which the flat cable can be inserted in a second direction, and a plurality of partitions formed on the inner surface of the insertion path by an elastic material and aligned in the first direction. Each of the plurality of partitions is arranged along the insertion path, and when the flat cable is inserted into the insertion path, each of the plurality of partitions can come into contact with the first surface, and each of the plurality of partitions is located on the insulating portion between the two adjacent conductor lines. This connector prevents a reduction in insulation between two adjacent conductor lines formed in the flat cable.

[0012] The connector assembly proposed in the present invention comprises a first connector having a housing having an insertion path into which a flat cable having a first surface formed with a plurality of conductor lines aligned in a first direction can be inserted in a second direction, and a second connector having a housing that holds a plurality of terminals each aligned in the first direction and in contact with the plurality of conductor lines. One of the first connector and the second connector has a plurality of partitions aligned in the first direction and formed of an elastic material, each of the plurality of partitions is arranged along the insertion path and is positioned between two adjacent terminals of the plurality of terminals when the first connector and the second connector are connected. This connector assembly prevents a reduction in insulation between two adjacent conductor lines formed in the flat cable. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0013] FIG. 1a is a perspective view illustrating an example of a connector assembly according to the present invention. FIG. 1b is a plan view of the connector assembly shown in FIG. 1a. FIG. 1c is a cross-sectional view along line Ic-Ic of FIG. 1b. FIG. 2a is a perspective view illustrating an example of a connector according to the present invention. FIG. 2b is an exploded perspective view of the connector shown in FIG. 2a. FIG. 2c is a perspective view of the connector shown in FIG. 2a, oriented diagonally from the front side. FIG. 2d is a cross-sectional view of a connector obtained along line IId-IId shown in FIG. 2c. FIG. 2e is a cross-sectional view of a connector obtained along line IIe-IIe shown in FIG. 2d. FIG. 2f is a cross-sectional view of a connector obtained along the line IIf-IIf exemplified in FIG. 2f. FIG. 3a is a perspective view illustrating a second example of a connector assembly according to the present invention. FIG. 3b is a cross-sectional view of the first connector of the connector assembly shown in FIG. 3a. FIG. 3c is a cross-sectional view of the first connector and the second connector of the connector assembly shown in FIG. 3a. FIG. 4 illustrates a modified example of the connector assembly shown in FIG. 3a. FIG. 5a is an exploded perspective view of the first connector of a third additional example of the connector assembly proposed in the present invention. FIG. 5b is a perspective view of the first connector shown in FIG. 5a. FIG. 5c is a cross-sectional view of a connector obtained along the line Vc-Vc shown in FIG. 5b. FIG. 5d is a cross-sectional view of a connector obtained along the line Vd-Vd shown in FIG. 5c. FIG. 6a is a perspective view illustrating a fourth example of a connector assembly according to the present invention. FIG. 6b is an exploded perspective view of the second connector of the connector assembly shown in FIG. 6a. FIG. 6c is a plan view of the connector assembly shown in FIG. 6a. FIG. 6d is a cross-sectional view of a connector obtained along line VId-VId shown in FIG. 6c. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0014] The connector assembly proposed in the present invention is described below. Hereinafter, the X1 direction and X2 direction shown in FIG. 1, etc. are referred to as the right direction and left direction, respectively; the Y1 direction and Y2 direction are referred to as the forward direction and rear direction, respectively; and the Z1 direction and Z2 direction are referred to as the upward direction and downward direction, respectively. These directions are defined to explain the relative positioning of the components of the connector and connector assembly and do not restrict the orientation of the connector and connector assembly when they are mounted on another device.

[0015] As illustrated in FIG. 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 aligned in the front-rear direction.

[0016] A flat cable is inserted into the first connector (10A). In the example illustrated in FIG. 1a, two flat cables (90A and 90B) are inserted into the first connector (10A). The two flat cables (90A and 90B) are arranged facing each other in an upward-downward direction. The number of flat cables attached to the first connector (10A) may also be one or more. Additionally, the orientation of the flat cables (90A and 90B) is not limited to the examples described herein. For example, the two flat cables (90A and 90B) may be arranged in the same orientation. (In other words, both conductor pads (91a) described below of the two flat cables (90A and 90B) may face downward or upward.)

[0017] Flat cables (90A and 90B) include, for example, flexible cables (flexible flat cables), flexible circuit boards (flexible printed circuits), and rigid circuit boards (printed circuit boards).

[0018] Flat cables (90A and 90B) have a plurality of conductor lines (91) on one side of their base material aligned in the left-right direction (first direction) (Fig. 2f). As shown in Fig. 2f, flat cables (90A and 90B) have a coating layer (92) covering the conductor lines (91). Each conductor line (91) has a conductor pad (91a) at its end, which is exposed through the coating layer (92). The terminals (61 and 62) of the second connector (60A) (see Fig. 1c) contact the conductor pad (91a). Additionally, flat cables (90A and 90B) may have a reinforcing plate (93) (see Fig. 2a) at their ends. Note that the positions of the conductor pads (91a) adjacent to the left-right direction shown in Fig. 2f may be shifted and staggered in the front-back direction.

[0019] As illustrated in FIG. 2a, the flat cables (90A and 90B) may have an interlocking portion (93a). The interlocking portion (93a) is, for example, a recess formed on the left and right edges of the reinforcing plate (93). The housing (11) may have an interlocking portion (11n) that interlocks with the interlocking portion (93a).

[0020] The second connector (60A) is a connector mounted on a circuit board (not shown). The connector assembly (1A) can be used to connect flat cables (90A and 90B) to the circuit board. The first connector (10A) and the second connector (60A) can be aligned in a direction parallel to the circuit board.

[0021] As illustrated in FIG. 1c, the second connector (60A) has a plurality of terminals (61 and 62) and a housing (63) for holding the 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 herein, the second connector (60A) may have one type of terminal or two or more types.

[0022] As illustrated in FIG. 1c, terminals (61 and 62) may each have connecting portions (61a and 62a) for connecting to a conductive portion formed on a circuit board. The connecting portion (61a) of terminal (61) is located on the front side (opposite side of the first connector (10A)) of the housing (63) of the second connector (60A), and the connecting portion (62a) of terminal (62) is located on the rear side (on the first connector (10A) side) of the housing (63). Terminals (61 and 62) may have elastic portions (61b, 61c, 62b and 62c) extending toward the rear (on the first connector (10A) side). Terminal (61) may have two elastic portions (61b and 61c), and terminal (62) may also have two elastic portions (62b and 62c). The elastic portions (61b and 61c) have contact portions (61e and 61f) at their rear portions to contact the conductor pad (91a) of the flat cable (90A). The elastic portions (62b and 62c) have contact portions (62e and 62f) at their rear portions to contact the conductor pad (91a) of the flat cable (90B).

[0023] As illustrated in FIG. 1a, the housing (63) may be open toward the rear (towards the first connector (10A)). The housing (63) may have a plurality of fitting portions (63a) inside an opening aligned in the left and right directions. The upper portion of each fitting portion (63a) may have a groove formed to accommodate the elastic portions (61b and 61c) of the terminal (61), and the lower portion of each fitting portion (63a) may have a groove formed to accommodate the elastic portions (62b and 62c) of the terminal (62). Each of the plurality of fitting portions (63a) is fitted into a fitting hole (S3) (see FIG. 2c) of the first connector (10A), which will be described later.

[0024] As illustrated in FIG. 2b, the first connector (10A) has a housing (11). The housing (11) has insertion paths (S1 and S2) (see FIG. 2d) into which flat cables (90A and 90B) can be inserted. A portion of the flat cables (90A and 90B) provided with a reinforcing plate (93) (see FIG. 2a) can be inserted into the insertion paths (S1 and S2). (Hereafter, the portion to be inserted into the insertion paths (S1 and S2) is referred to as the insertion portion (90a).)

[0025] Multiple insertion paths (S1 and S2) may be formed in the housing (11). In the example illustrated in the drawing, 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 also be one or more.

[0026] As illustrated in FIG. 1a, the housing (11) may have a fixed portion (11k). In the example illustrated in the drawing, the housing (11) has fixed portions (11k) on its left and right sides. The housing (63) of the second connector (60A) may have a locking portion that engages with the fixed portion (11k) and prevents separation of the first connector (10A) and the second connector (60A).

[0027] As illustrated in FIG. 2b, the first connector (10A) may have a plurality of partition sections (12ma and 12mb) arranged along the insertion paths (S1 and S2) and aligned in the left and right directions. In the example illustrated in the drawing, the first connector (10A) has an elastic section (12). The partition sections (12ma and 12mb) may be part of the elastic section (12). The elastic section (12) is formed of an elastic material such as an elastomer, silicone, or rubber.

[0028] The partition sections (12ma and 12mb) face one side of the flat cable (90A and 90B) (specifically, the side where the conductor pad (91a) is exposed). As shown in FIG. 2e, the partition section (12ma) located along the insertion path (S1) may be located at the bottom of the insertion path (S1), and the partition section (12mb) located along the insertion path (S2) may be located at the top of the insertion path (S2).

[0029] As illustrated in FIG. 2f, the partition (12ma) is positioned between two adjacent conductor lines (91) of the flat cable (90A). More specifically, the partition (12ma) is positioned 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 (12ma) is positioned between two adjacent terminals (61). When the insertion part (90a) of the flat cable (90A) is placed in the insertion path (S1), the partition (12ma) is pressed against the insertion part (90a) and elastically deformed. By this structure, even if condensation occurs in the housing (11), the electrical connection of the two adjacent conductor lines (91) can be suppressed without special treatment of the flat cable of the connector or expansion of the connector.

[0030] A bulkhead (12mb) positioned along the insertion path (S2) is located between the conductor pads (91a) of two adjacent conductor lines (91) on a flat cable (90B) similar to a bulkhead (12ma). When the insertion part (90a) of the flat cable (90B) is placed in the insertion path (S2), the bulkhead (12mb) is pressed against the insertion part (90a) and elastically deformed. (In the following, a label (12m) is used for the bulkhead in the description common to both the bulkhead (12ma) and the bulkhead (12mb).)

[0031] As illustrated in FIG. 2f, the partition (12m) has a front end (12b) (an end on the side of the second connector (60A)) and a rear end (12c). When the insertion portion (90a) of the flat cables (90A and 90B) is placed in the insertion path (S1 and S2), the position of the conductor pad (91a) in the front-rear direction is between the front end (12b) and the rear end (12c). In other words, the partition (12m) has a portion located in front of the front edge of the conductor pad (91a) and a portion located behind the rear end of the conductor pad (91a). This effectively suppresses electrical connection between two adjacent conductor lines (91) due to condensation.

[0032] When the first connector (10A) and the second connector (60A) are aligned, the contact portions (61e, 61f, 62e and 62f) of the terminals (61 and 62) in the front and rear directions are located between the front end (12b) and the rear end (12c) of the partition (12m).

[0033] As illustrated in FIG. 2f, the rear end (12c) of the bulkhead (12m) is further away from the conductor pad (91a), and the distance in the front-rear direction between the rear end (12c) and the conductor pad (91a) is greater than the distance between the front edge (90b) of the flat cable (90A) and the front end (12b) of the bulkhead (12m). This effectively prevents the rear ends of two adjacent conductor lines (91) from being connected due to condensation. 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 bulkhead (12m) is greater than the distance in the left-right direction between adjacent conductor pads (91a). In addition to the aforementioned effects, this further increases the distance between adjacent conductor pads (91a), that is, the creepage distance and gap distance between adjacent conductor pads (91a), thereby enabling the bulkhead section (12m) to be avoided.

[0034] As illustrated in FIG. 2f, the front end (12b) of the bulkhead (12m) is positioned further forward than the front edge (90b) of the flat cable (90A). This more reliably restrains the front ends of two adjacent conductor lines (91) from connection due to condensation.

[0035] In the first connector (10A), the rear ends (12c) of the two adjacent partition sections (12m) are not connected and are open to the rear. Unlike the first connector (10A), the elastic section (12) may have a portion that connects the rear ends (12c) of the two adjacent partition sections (12m). (Hereafter, this portion is referred to as the “rear seal.”) Each conductor pad (91a) may be surrounded by the two adjacent partition sections (12m) and the rear seal. Similar to the partition sections (12m), the rear seal may be pressed against the insert section (90a) of the flat cable (90A and 90B) when the insert section (90a) is placed in the insertion path (S1 and S2) and thereby be elastically deformed.

[0036] As illustrated in FIG. 2d, the housing (11) has an upper wall portion (11a) facing the upper surface of the upper flat cable (90A). The distance (D1) between the upper wall portion (11a) and the partition portion (12ma) in the vertical direction, which is the thickness direction of the flat cable (90A), is smaller than the thickness of the insert portion (90a) of the flat cable (90A). (In this description, the distance (D1) is the distance between the top of the partition portion (12ma) and the bottom of the upper wall portion (11a).) Thus, when an operator inserts the insert portion (90a) of the flat cable (90A) into the insertion path (S1), the insert portion (90a) comes into contact with the lower surface of the upper wall portion (11a), and the partition portion (12ma) is pressed against the lower surface of the insert portion (90a), causing elastic deformation.

[0037] As illustrated in FIG. 2d, the housing (11) has a lower wall portion (11b) facing the lower surface of the lower flat cable (90B). The distance between the lower wall portion (11b) and the partition portion (12mb) is also smaller than the thickness of the insert portion (90a) of the flat cable (90B). Thus, when an operator inserts the insert portion (90a) of the flat cable (90B) into the insertion path (S2), the insert portion (90a) comes into contact with the upper surface of the lower wall portion (11b), and the partition portion (12mb) is pressed against the upper surface of the insert portion (90a), causing elastic deformation.

[0038] As illustrated in FIG. 2e, the bulkhead (12m) may have an inclined surface (12q) at its rear end (the end (12c) on the side receiving the flat cables (90A and 90B)). By this inclined surface (12q), the task of inserting the flat cables (90A and 90B) into the insertion paths (S1 and S2) can be simplified.

[0039] Unlike the first connector (10A), the distance (D1) between the upper wall portions (11a and 11b) and the partition portion (12m) may be equal to or greater than the thickness of the insert 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) and pressing one of the insert 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). Its form will be discussed in detail below.

[0040] The housing (11) is formed of a material having higher rigidity than the elastic part (12) of the partition (12m). As previously mentioned, the material of the elastic part (12) is an elastomer, silicone, rubber, or other elastic material. On the other hand, the material of the housing (11) may be any plastic such as polycarbonate, polyamide, polybutylene terephthalate, liquid crystal polymer, etc.

[0041] As illustrated in FIG. 2b, the housing (11) has a support member (11c). An insertion path (S1) is formed between the support member (11c) and the upper wall member (11a). The insertion path (S1) is open to the rear and receives a flat cable (90A) through this opening. Similarly, an insertion path (S2) is formed between the support member (11c) and the lower wall member (11b). The insertion path (S2) is open to the rear and receives a flat cable (90B) through this opening.

[0042] The partition sections (12ma and 12mb) are supported by the support section (11c). Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 2d and 2e, the partition section (12ma) is located on the upper side (insertion path (S1) side) of the support section (11c). A groove (G1) extending along the front-rear direction is formed on the upper side of the support section (11c). The partition section (12ma) is positioned in this groove (G1). The partition section (12ma) is supported by a highly rigid portion (support section (11c)) when the flat cable (90A) is inserted into the insertion path (S1). As a result, sufficient contact pressure between the partition section (12ma) and the flat cable (90A) can be ensured.

[0043] A similar structure may be provided for the partition (12mb) along the insertion path (S2). In other words, as shown in FIGS. 2D and 2E, the partition (12mb) along the insertion path (S2) is located below the support (11c) (on the side of the insertion path (S2)). A groove (G1) is formed on the lower side of the support (11c), and the partition (12mb) is placed in this groove (G1).

[0044] As illustrated in FIG. 2c, the support member (11c) has a plurality of support walls (11e) (parts on the side of the second connector (60A)) aligned in the left-right direction at its front. A matching hole (S3) is formed between two adjacent support walls (11e). A groove (G1) formed in the support member (11c) may continue from the front to the rear of the support member (11c) (support wall (11e)). In the example illustrated in the drawing, this groove (G1) extends to the front of the housing (11) (front of the support wall (11e)). The front end (12b) of the partition member (12m) is exposed to the front. Unlike the first connector (10A), the partition member (12m) does not necessarily need to be exposed to the front of the support wall (11e).

[0045] As illustrated in FIG. 2d, the support member (11c) has left and right wall members (11g) within a groove (G1) in which a partition member (12m) is positioned. The partition member (12m) is positioned between these side wall members (11g). By this structure, the expansion of the width of the partition member (12m) is limited, which makes it easier to ensure sufficient contact pressure between the partition member (12m) and the insertion member (90a). The same effect can be achieved by forming a groove in which the upper and lower grooves of the support member (11c) are integrated, that is, by forming a slit through the right wall member (11g) and the left wall member (11g) in the vertical direction, forming an elastic member (12) within the slit, and forming partition members (12m) at the upper and lower ends of the elastic member (12).

[0046] As illustrated in FIG. 2d, the upper portion of the partition (12ma) along the insertion path (S1) is substantially triangular, and a gap (E1) is fixed between the upper portion of the partition (12ma) and the side wall (11g). The presence of this gap (E1) enables the necessary elastic deformation of the partition (12ma). Similarly, to enable the necessary elastic deformation of the partition (12mb), a gap is also fixed between the lower portion of the partition (12mb) parallel to the insertion path (S2) and the side wall (11g).

[0047] The arrangement of the partition section (12m) is not limited to the example of the first connector (10A). For example, when the conductor pad (91a) of the flat cable (90a) is exposed on the upper surface of the flat cable (90a), the partition section (12m) may be formed on the lower surface of the upper wall section (11a) of the housing (11). Similarly, when the conductor pad (91a) of the flat cable (90B) is exposed on the lower surface of the flat cable (90B), the partition section (12mb) may be formed on the lower surface of the lower wall section (11b) of the housing (11).

[0048] As illustrated in FIG. 2b, a plurality of partition sections (12m) aligned in the left-right direction can be interconnected. According to this structure, the manufacture of the first connector (10A) can be simplified by forming a plurality of partition sections (12m) simultaneously. In the example illustrated in the drawing, the elastic section (12) may have a transverse connecting section (12k) that extends in the left-right direction and connects a plurality of partition sections (12m). The elastic section (12) has an extension section (12d) that extends rearward from each partition section (12m) and reaches the rear surface of the support section (11c). The transverse connecting section (12k) may, for example, connect the rear end of the extension section (12d) aligned in the left-right direction.

[0049] As illustrated in FIG. 2b, the elastic member (12) may additionally have a vertical connection member (12P). The vertical connection member (12P) may, for example, connect a plurality of partition members (12ma) to a transverse connection member (12k) and connect a plurality of partition members (12mb) to a transverse connection member (12k). In the example illustrated in the drawing, the elastic member (12) has a vertical connection member (12P) at the center of the left-right direction. Thus, with respect to the first connector (10A), all partition members (12ma and 12mb) are interconnected. Since all partition members (12m) can be formed at once, this further simplifies the manufacture of the first connector (10A).

[0050] The elastic part (12) can be formed in the housing (11) using a two-color molding. In other words, the housing (11) can be molded in a primary mold, and then the housing (11) can be placed in a secondary mold, and the elastic part (12) can be molded using the secondary mold. In this way, the first connector (10A) can be efficiently molded.

[0051] To achieve such a double injection mold, as illustrated in FIG. 2b, the support portion (11c) of the housing (11) may have a groove (G1) extending in the front-rear direction to form a partition portion (12m) and an extension portion (12d), a groove (G2) extending in the left-right direction to form a transverse connection portion (12k), and a groove (G3) connecting the upper groove (G2) and the lower groove (G2) to form a vertical connection portion (12p). These grooves (G1, G2, and G3) may be interconnected. The inner surface of each groove (G1, G2, and G3) may have a concave or convex portion to firmly support the elastic portion (12) within the groove (to prevent separation of the elastic portion (12) from the groove).

[0052] Unlike the first connector (10A), the elastic portion (12) may be formed separately from the housing (11) and attached to the support portion (11c). In this case, the elastic portion (12) may be bonded to the support portion (11c) or may have a portion (i.e., a tab) that engages with the housing (11).

[0053] Unlike the connector assembly (1A) illustrated in FIG. 1a, etc., the connector assembly may include a pressurizing member that presses the flat cables (90A and 90B) toward the partition members (12m and 12mb). In this case, an opening may be formed in the upper wall members (11a and 11b) of the housing (11) to fit into this pressurizing member. When the pressurizing member is attached to the housing (11), the partition member (12m) may be pressed against the flat cables (90A and 90B) and elastically deformed. By this structure, the height of the insertion path (S1 and S2) in the thickness direction of the flat cables (90A and 90B) may be increased. As a result, friction between the flat cables (90A and 90B) and the partition member (12m) may be reduced when the flat cables (90A and 90B) are inserted.

[0054] FIGS. 3a through 3c illustrate a connector assembly (1B) as an example of a connector assembly having this structure. In the connector assembly (1B), the second connector (60B) is used as a pressurizing part. In the following, the focus is on the difference between the connectors (10A and 60A) of the connector assembly (1A) described with reference to FIG. 2a and the connectors (10B and 60B) of the connector assembly (1B). Items not described for the connectors (10B and 60B) may be the same for the connectors (10A and 60A).

[0055] The first connector (10B) of the connector assembly (1B) has a housing (11B) having a partition (12m) and an elastic part (12), similar to the first connector (10A) shown in FIG. 2a, etc. An opening (G5) may be formed in the upper wall (11a) of the housing (11B). As shown in FIG. 3a, the upper wall (11a) has a plurality of openings (G5) aligned, for example, in the left-right direction. The openings (G5) are elongated grooves in the front-rear direction. The positions of the plurality of openings (G5) correspond to the positions of the plurality of partitions (12ma). The openings (G5) are open upward and forward, and the partitions (12ma) are exposed around the openings (G5) as shown in FIG. 3b. The distance (D1) between the upper wall (11a) and the partition (12ma) (see FIG. 3b) may be substantially the same as the insertion part (90a) of the flat cable (90A) or greater than the thickness of the insertion part (90a).

[0056] The lower wall section (11b) may have the same structure as the upper wall section (11a). In other words, as illustrated in FIG. 3b, the lower wall section (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 sections (12mb). The openings (G6) are open toward the bottom and front, and the partition sections (12mb) are exposed below the openings (G6). The distance between the lower wall section (11b) and the partition sections (12mb) is also substantially the same as the insertion section (90a) of the flat cable (90b) or greater than the thickness of the insertion section (90a).

[0057] As illustrated in FIG. 3a, the housing (63) of the second connector (60B) may have a plurality of pressure portions (63b) aligned in the left-right direction. The pressure portions (63b) may be formed on the lower surface of the upper wall portion (63d) of the housing (63). The housing (63) may have a plurality of pressure portions (63c) aligned in the left-right direction. The pressure portions (63c) may be formed on the upper surface of the lower wall portion (63e) of the housing (63). As illustrated in FIG. 3c, when the first connector (10B) and the second connector (60B) are fitted, the upper pressure portion (63b) is fitted into the opening (G5) of the housing (11B), and the lower pressure portion (63c) is fitted into the opening (G6) of the housing (11B).

[0058] As illustrated in FIG. 3c, the distance (D3) between the lower edge of the upper pressure portion (63b) and the partition portion (12ma) may be smaller than the thickness of the insert portion (90a) of the flat cable (90A). In this way, the insert portion (90a) of the flat cable (90A) is pressed against the partition portion (12ma), and the partition portion (12ma) is elastically deformed. Similarly, the distance between the upper edge of the lower pressure portion (63c) and the partition portion (12mb) may be smaller than the thickness of the insert portion (90a) of the flat cable (90B). In this way, the insert portion (90a) of the flat cable (90B) is pressed against the partition portion (12mb), and the partition portion (12mb) is elastically deformed.

[0059] The distance (D3) between the lower edge of the upper pressurized section (63b) and the partition section (12ma) is smaller than the distance (D1) between the upper wall section (11a) and the partition section (12ma) (see FIG. 3b). Similarly, the distance between the upper edge of the lower pressurized section (63c) and the partition section (12mb) is smaller than the distance between the lower wall section (11b) and the partition section (12mb).

[0060] As shown in FIG. 3c, the vertical distance (D4) between the lower edge of the upper pressure section (63b) and the upper edge of the lower pressure section (63c) is smaller than the distance (D5) between the upper edge of the upper partition section (12ma) and the lower edge of the lower partition section (12mb) plus the thickness of the insertion section (90a) of the two flat cables (90A and 90B).

[0061] The rear end (G5a) of the upper opening (G5) (see FIG. 3c) may be located behind the rear end of the conductor pad (91a) (see FIG. 2f) of the flat cable (90A). With the first connector (10B) and the second connector (60B) mated (as shown in FIG. 3c), the rear end (63f) of the upper pressure portion (63b) may be located behind the rear end of the conductor pad (91a) (see FIG. 2f). These positional relationships may also apply to the rear end (G6a) of the lower opening (G6) and the rear end (63g) of the lower pressure portion (63c).

[0062] In the example described with reference to FIG. 3a and other drawings, the distance (D1) (see FIG. 3b) between the upper wall (11a) of the housing (11B) and the partition (12ma) is substantially equal to or thicker than the thickness of the insertion (90a) of the flat cable (90A). On the other hand, if the distance is large enough to reduce friction between the flat cable (90a) and the partition (12ma) when the flat cable (90A) is inserted, the distance (D1) may be smaller than the thickness of the insertion (90a) of the flat cable (90A). This may also be the case for the distance between the lower wall (11b) of the housing (11B) and the partition (12mb).

[0063] The structure of the pressure portions (63b and 63c) is not limited to examples such as the connector assembly (1B) shown in FIG. 3a. FIG. 4 illustrates a modified example of the pressure portion. FIG. 4 illustrates a connector assembly (1C) having a pressure portion according to the modified example. In the following, the focus is on the differences between the connectors (10B and 60B) of the connector assembly (1B) and the connectors (10C and 60C) of the connector assembly (1C) described with reference to FIG. 3a. Items not described for the connectors (10C and 60C) may be the same for the connectors (10B and 60B).

[0064] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the housing (11C) of the first connector (10C) has an opening (G7) within the upper wall portion (11a). The opening (G7) is formed in such a way that the entire plurality of partition portions (12ma) are exposed upward. In FIG. 4, the upper surface of the insertion portion (90a) of the flat cable (90A) connected to the first connector (10C) is exposed through the opening (G7). On the other hand, the housing (63) of the second connector (60C) has a pressure portion (63H) protruding downward from its upper wall portion (63d). When the second connector (60C) is fitted with the first connector (10C), the pressure portion (63h) is fitted into the opening (G7). Additionally, the pressure portion (63h) pushes the insertion portion (90a) of the flat cable (90a) toward the plurality of partition portions (12ma). This causes the partition (12ma) to be pressed against the insertion part (90a) and to be elastically deformed.

[0065] The housing (11C) of the first connector (10C) has an opening (G8) within the lower wall (11b) as shown in FIG. 4. The opening (G8) is formed to expose the entire plurality of partition sections (12mb) downward. On the other hand, the housing (63) of the second connector (60C) has a pressure section (63i) protruding upward from its lower wall (63e). When the second connector (60C) is fitted with the first connector (10C), the pressure section (63i) engages with the opening (G8). Additionally, the pressure section (63i) pushes the insertion section (90a) of the flat cable (90B) toward the plurality of partition sections (12mb). This causes the partition sections (12mb) to be pressed against the insertion section (90a) and to be elastically deformed.

[0066] The elastic part (12) may be molded separately from the housing (11) and attached to the housing (11). FIGS. 5a through 5d illustrate a first connector (10D) as an example of a first connector having such a structure. Below, the difference between the first connector (10A) described in relation to FIG. 2a and the first connector (10D) illustrated in FIG. 5a, etc. will be explained. Items not described for the connector (10D) may be the same for the connector (10D).

[0067] As illustrated in FIG. 5a, the first connector (10D) has a housing (11D) and an elastic portion (12D). The elastic portion (12D) may have a plurality of partition walls (12e) aligned in the left-right direction. The partition portions (12ma and 12mb) (see FIG. 5c) may each be formed on the upper and lower edges of the partition walls (12e).

[0068] As illustrated in FIG. 5a, the elastic member (12D) may have a connecting vertical wall (12h) that extends in the left-right direction and connects the rear edges of a plurality of bulkhead walls (12e). The elastic member (12D) may also have a connecting horizontal wall (12f) that extends in the left-right direction and connects a plurality of bulkhead walls (12e). The connecting horizontal wall (12f) may be formed to connect the centers of the bulkhead walls (12e) in the vertical direction, for example. The rear edge of the connecting horizontal wall (12f) is connected to the connecting vertical wall (12h). The connecting horizontal wall (12f) and the connecting vertical wall (12h) are substantially orthogonal. The bulkhead walls (12e) are each substantially orthogonal to the connecting horizontal wall (12f) and the connecting vertical wall (12h).

[0069] According to the structure of the elastic part (12D), a plurality of bulkhead walls (12E) are supported by two walls that are substantially orthogonal to each other. This results in more easily ensuring the rigidity of the bulkhead walls (12e). Additionally, when flat cables (90A and 90B) are inserted into the insertion paths (S1 and S2) (see FIG. 5c) of the first connector (10D), the bulkhead parts (12ma and 12mb) are pressed against the insertion part (90a) of the flat cables (90A and 90B); and the curvature of the bulkhead walls (12e) can be suppressed. As a result, sufficient contact pressure between the bulkhead parts (12ma and 12mb) and the flat cables (90A and 90B) can be ensured.

[0070] The housing of a second connector (not shown) connected to a first connector (10D) has a plurality of fitting portions that are fitted into fitting holes (S4 and S5) (see FIG. 5b) enclosed by a partition wall (12e) and a connecting horizontal wall (12f). With respect to the second connector, the elastic portions (61b and 61c) of the terminal (61) may be located in the fitting portion that is fitted into the upper fitting hole (S4), and the elastic portions (62b and 62c) of the terminal (62) may be located in the fitting portion that is fitted into the lower fitting hole (S5).

[0071] As illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5D, the elastic portion (12) may have a rear seal portion (12j) formed on the upper and lower edges of the connecting vertical wall (12h), in addition to the partition portions (12ma and 12mb) formed on the upper and lower edges of the partition wall (12e). The rear seal portion (12j) formed on the upper edge of the connecting vertical wall (12h) is connected to the rear end of the two adjacent partition portions (12ma). As illustrated 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). In this specification, the partition portions (12ma) as well as the rear seal portion (12j) are pressed against the insertion portion (90a) and elastically deformed. This prevents the rear portions of two adjacent conductor pads (91a) from being connected due to condensation. The rear ends of two adjacent partition sections (12mb) can be connected to each other by a rear seal (12j) formed at the lower edge of the connecting vertical wall (12h).

[0072] As illustrated in FIG. 5d, the front end (12b) of the bulkhead (12ma) is positioned further forward than the front edge (90b) of the flat cable (90A). This more reliably restrains the front of the two adjacent conductor pads (91a) from connection due to condensation. The same applies to the lower bulkhead (12mb). In other words, the front end of the bulkhead (12mb) is positioned forward of the front edge of the flat cable (90B). The housing (11D) may have a stop inside that specifies the position of the flat cables (90A and 90B) in the front-rear direction.

[0073] As illustrated in FIG. 5a, the connecting horizontal wall (12f) may have guide portions (12g) at its left and right ends. The guide portions (12g) may be a part of the elastic portion (12) that protrudes more to the left and right than other parts of the elastic portion (12) (e.g., the connecting vertical wall (12h)). On the other hand, the housing (11D) has guide portions (11i) on the inner surfaces of the left and right wall portions (11h). The guide portions (11i) are, for example, concave portions extending in the front-rear direction. The guide portions (12g) engage with the guide portions (11i). This allows the elastic portion (12D) to be supported inside the housing (11D).

[0074] As illustrated in FIG. 5a, the elastic member (12D) has a stop member (12i). The elastic member (12D) is inserted into the housing (11D) from the front side of the housing (11D). The stop member (12i) is hooked to the front edge of the housing (11D) and sets the position of the elastic member (12D) in the front-rear direction. As illustrated in FIG. 5a, the stop member (12i) may be formed, for example, at the top and bottom of the front edge of each bulkhead wall (12e). The front edge of the housing (11D) may have a stop member (11j) that engages with this stop member (12i).

[0075] In relation to the connector assembly described so far, the first connector (10A to 10D), to which the flat cables (90A and 90B) are connected, is provided with a partition (12ma and 12mb). Alternatively, a partition may be provided in the second connector. FIGS. 6a to 6d illustrate a connector assembly (1E) as an example of a connector assembly having such a structure. Below, the differences between the connector assembly described so far and the connector assembly (1E) illustrated in FIG. 6a, etc. will be explained. Items not described for the connector assembly (1E) may be the same as those for the connector assembly described so far.

[0076] As illustrated in FIG. 6a, the connector assembly (1E) has a first connector (10E) and a second connector (60E). The first connector (10E) is a connector attached to the ends of flat cables (90A and 90B). The second connector (60E) may be a connector mounted on a circuit board, similar to the second connector described so far.

[0077] As illustrated in FIG. 6a, the first connector (10E) has a housing (11E). A matching hole (S6) is formed in the housing (11E). The bottom surface of the insertion part (90a) of the flat cable (90A) and the top surface of the insertion part (90a) of the flat cable (90B) are exposed in the matching hole (S6). As illustrated in FIG. 6d, the housing (11E) has a cable support (11M) on its side. The insertion part (90a) of the flat cable (90A) is held between the cable support (11M) and the upper wall (11a). Similarly, the insertion part (90a) of the flat cable (90B) is held between the cable support (11m) and the lower wall (11b).

[0078] As illustrated in FIG. 6b, the housing (63E) of the second connector (60E) has a mating portion (63J) on its inner side. The mating portion (63J) is a part that engages with the mating hole (S6) (see FIG. 6a) of the first connector (10E). The second connector (60E) has terminals (61 and 62) (see FIG. 1c) aligned in the left and right directions. The mating portion (63J) may have a plurality of grooves (63k) (see FIG. 6d) in the upper part thereof where the elastic portions (61C and 61d) (see FIG. 1c) of the terminal (61) are arranged. The mating portion (63J) may have a plurality of grooves (63m) (see FIG. 6d) in the lower part thereof where the elastic portions (62c and 62d) (see FIG. 1c) of the terminal (62) are arranged.

[0079] As illustrated in FIG. 6d, the second connector (60E) has insertion paths (S7 and S8). The insertion path (S7) may be formed between the mating portion (63j) and the upper wall portion (63d) of the housing (63E). On the other hand, the insertion path (S8) may be formed between the mating portion (63j) and the lower wall portion (63e) of the housing (63E). Flat cables (90A and 90B) are inserted into the insertion paths (S7 and S8), respectively.

[0080] As described above, regarding the connector assembly (1E), the first connector (10E) is attached to the end portions of the flat cables (90A and 90B). As shown in FIG. 6d, the insertion portion (90a) of the upper flat cable (90A) is arranged along the bottom surface of the upper wall portion (11a) of the housing (11E). The upper wall portion (11a) of the housing (11E) and the insertion portion (90a) of the flat cable (90A) are inserted into the insertion path (S7) of the second connector (60E). On the other hand, the lower wall portion (11b) of the housing (11E) and the insertion portion (90a) of the flat cable (90B) may be inserted into the insertion path (S8) of the second connector (60E).

[0081] As illustrated in FIGS. 6b and 6d, the second connector (60E) has an elastic part (64) formed of an elastic material (see FIG. 6b). The material of the elastic part (64) is the same as that of the elastic part (12), e.g., elastomer, silicone, rubber, etc. A plurality of partition parts (64ma and 64mb) are formed in the elastic part (64).

[0082] As illustrated in FIG. 6d, a plurality of partition sections (64ma) are aligned in the left-right direction and arranged along the insertion path (S7). A plurality of partition sections (64ma) are formed in the upper part of the mating section (63j) of the housing (63). Each partition section (64ma) is arranged between two adjacent terminals (61). When the first connector (10E) and the second connector (60E) are mated with each other, each partition section (64ma) faces the bottom surface of the flat cable (90A) (the surface where the conductor pad (91a) is exposed) and is arranged between two adjacent conductor lines (91) (more specifically, conductor pads (91a)). This allows the partition section (64ma) to prevent the two adjacent conductor pads (91a) from being connected due to condensation.

[0083] A plurality of partition sections (64mb) are also aligned in the left-right direction and arranged along the insertion path (S8), similar to the partition section (64ma). A plurality of partition sections (64mb) are formed in the lower part of the mating section (63j) of the housing (63). Each partition section (64mb) is positioned between two adjacent terminals (62). When the first connector (10E) and the second connector (60E) are mated with each other, each partition section (64mb) faces the upper surface of the flat cable (90B) (the surface where the conductor pad (91a) is exposed) and is arranged between two adjacent conductor lines (91) (more specifically, conductor pads (91a)). This allows the partition section (64mb) to prevent the two adjacent conductor pads (91a) from being connected due to condensation.

[0084] 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. In other words, the position of the conductor pad (91a) in the front-rear direction may be between the front end and the rear end of the partition portions (64ma and 64mb). The position of the contact portions (61e, 61f, 62e, 62f) of the terminals (61 and 62) in the front-rear direction may be between the front end and the rear end of the partition portions (64ma and 64mb).

[0085] 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 insertion (90a) of the flat cable (90A). (In this description, the distance (D6) is the distance between the top of the partition (64ma) and the bottom of the upper wall (11a).) By this structure, when an operator connects the first connector (10E) and the second connector (60E), the partition (64ma) is pressed against the bottom surface of the insert (90a) and elastically deformed. Similarly, the distance between the lower wall (11b) of the housing (11E) and the partition (64mb) may be smaller than the thickness of the insert (90a) of the flat cable (90B).

[0086] As illustrated in FIG. 6b, a plurality of partition sections (64ma and 64mb) can be interconnected. According to this structure, the manufacturing of the second connector (60E) can be facilitated. In the example illustrated in the drawing, the elastic member (64) has a vertical connection section (64b) connecting the rear ends of two partition sections (64ma and 64mb) facing each other in a vertical direction. The elastic member (64) has a transverse connection section (64c) connecting a plurality of vertical connection sections (64b) aligned in a left-right direction. This connects the entire plurality of partition sections (64ma and 64mb) of the second connector (60E).

[0087] The elastic part (64) can be formed into the housing (63E) by a double injection mold. In other words, the housing (63E) can be formed in a primary mold, and then the housing (63E) can be placed in a secondary mold, and the secondary mold can be used to form the elastic part (64). In this way, the second connector (60E) can be formed efficiently.

[0088] To achieve such a double injection mold, as shown in FIG. 6b, the mating portion (63j) of the housing (63E) may have a groove (F1) that extends in the front-rear direction and forms a partition portion (64ma and 64mb) (see FIG. 6d), a groove (F2) that extends in the vertical direction and forms a vertical connection portion (64b), and a groove (F3) that extends in the left-right direction and forms a transverse connection portion (64c). These grooves F1, F2, and F3 are connected to each other.

[0089] Unlike the second connector (60E), the elastic portion (64) may be formed separately from the housing (63E) and attached to the mating portion (63j). In this case, the elastic portion (64) may be bonded to the mating portion (63j) or may have a portion (e.g., a tab) that engages with the housing (63E).

[0090] As described above, in the first connector (10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D), the housing (11, 11B, 11C, and 11D) has an insertion path (S1 and S2) into which a flat cable (90A and 90B) can be inserted. The connector (10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D) has a plurality of partitions (12ma and 12mb) formed of an elastic material. The partitions (12ma and 12mb) are arranged along the insertion path (S1 and S2). When the flat cable (90A and 90B) is inserted into the insertion path (S1 and S2), the partitions (12ma, 12mb, and 64ma) are positioned between two adjacent conductor lines (91). With respect to the second connector (60E), the housing (63E) has an insertion path (S7 and S8) into which flat cables (90A and 90B) can be inserted. The second connector (60E) has a plurality of partitions (64ma and 64mb) formed of an elastic material. The partitions (64ma and 64mb) are arranged along the insertion path (S7 and S8). When the flat cables (90A and 90B) are inserted into the insertion path (S7 and S8), the partitions (64ma, and 64mb) are positioned between two adjacent conductor lines (91). By means of the connectors (10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, and 60E), the insulation between two adjacent conductor pads (91a) formed in the flat cables (90A and 90B) can be prevented from deteriorating due to condensation without special treatment of the flat cables (90A and 90B) or expansion of the connectors.

[0091] The connector and connector assembly proposed in the present invention are not limited to the aforementioned connectors (10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, and 60E) and connector assemblies (1A, 1B, 1C, and 1E), and can be modified in various ways.

[0092] 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-back 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.

[0093] In the above description, the second connector was a connector mounted on a circuit board. However, the connector assembly may have two first connectors and a second connector, each to which two flat cables are connected. Subsequently, the two first connectors may be connected to the second connector to electrically connect the two flat cables. In other words, the second connector may not be a connector connected to a circuit board, but a relay connector connecting the two flat cables. In this case, a partition may be formed within the first connector or the second connector to prevent deterioration of insulation between conductor lines caused by condensation.

Claims

Claim 1 A connector comprising: a flat cable having a first surface in which a plurality of conductor lines aligned in a first direction are formed and an insulating portion is formed between two adjacent conductor lines; a housing having an insertion path into which the flat cable can be inserted in a second direction; and a plurality of partitions formed on the inner surface of the insertion path by an elastic material and aligned in the first direction, wherein each of the plurality of partitions is arranged along the insertion path and, when the flat cable is inserted into the insertion path, each of the plurality of partitions can come into contact with the first surface and each of the plurality of partitions is located on the insulating portion between the two adjacent conductor lines. Claim 2 A connector according to claim 1, wherein the flat cable has an insertion portion arranged in the insertion path, the housing has an upper wall portion facing the inner surface of the insertion path and facing the second surface of the flat cable on the opposite side from the first surface, and the distance between the upper wall portion of the housing and the plurality of partition portions in the third direction, which is the thickness direction of the flat cable, is smaller than the thickness of the insertion portion of the flat cable. Claim 3 A connector according to claim 1, wherein the housing has an upper wall portion facing the inner surface of the insertion path and facing the second surface of the flat cable on the opposite side from the first surface, and the housing has an opening in the upper wall portion to engage with a pressurizing portion that pushes the flat cable toward the plurality of partitions. Claim 4 A connector according to claim 1, wherein the housing has a support formed using a material having higher rigidity than that of the plurality of partitions, and forms the inner surface of the insertion path, the support is formed with a plurality of grooves aligned in the first direction, and the plurality of partitions are each formed in the plurality of grooves. Claim 5 A connector according to claim 1, wherein the housing has a plurality of support walls formed of a material having higher rigidity than that of the plurality of bulkheads aligned in the first direction, the plurality of support walls form the inner surface of the insertion path, and the plurality of bulkheads are each formed on the plurality of support walls. Claim 6 A connector according to claim 1, further comprising an elastic member having a transverse connecting member that extends in the left-right direction and connects the plurality of bulkhead members. Claim 7 A connector according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of partition sections has a first end and a second end located on mutually opposite sides in the second direction, each of the conductor lines of the flat cable has a conductor pad that allows contact with a terminal, and 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. Claim 8 A connector assembly comprising a first connector and a second connector connected to the first connector, wherein the first connector comprises a flat cable having a first surface in which a plurality of conductor lines aligned in a first direction are formed and an insulating portion is formed between two adjacent conductor lines, a housing having an insertion path into which the flat cable can be inserted in a second direction, and a plurality of partitions formed of an elastic material on the inner surface of the insertion path and aligned in the first direction, wherein the plurality of conductor lines are located inside the insertion path when the flat cable is inserted into the insertion path, and the second connector comprises a housing that holds a plurality of terminals aligned in the first direction and each of the plurality of conductor lines contacts each of the plurality of conductor lines, wherein each of the plurality of partitions is located between two adjacent terminals and is arranged along the insertion path, wherein each of the plurality of partitions can contact the first surface, and wherein each of the plurality of partitions is located on the insulating portion between two adjacent conductor lines when the first connector and the second connector are connected. Claim 9 A connector assembly according to claim 8, wherein the housing of the first connector is provided with an upper wall portion facing the second surface of the flat cable on the opposite side from the first surface, and an opening is formed in the upper wall portion, and the second connector is provided with a pressurizing portion that engages with the opening and pushes the flat cable toward the plurality of partition portions.

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