Terminal fitting

Abstract

The present invention makes it possible to realize a terminal fitting that ensures good connection between a conductive path of a flexible printed circuit board and an elastic contact piece.　A terminal fitting (10) is connected to a conductive path (132) in a flexible printed circuit board (130), which comprises a resin base material (131) and the conductive path (132) which is laminated on the base material (131). The terminal fitting (10) comprises a body part (20), and an elastic contact piece (30) that extends from the body part (20) and elastically contacts the conductive path (132). The elastic contact piece (30) has a pair of contact parts (41) that are separated and are in contact with the conductive path (132).

Description

Terminal fittings

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a terminal fitting.

[0002] The connector of Patent Document 1 includes a housing into which a cable configured as an FPC is inserted, and contacts housed in the housing. The contacts are generally H-shaped and have a rod-shaped fixed contact portion, a rod-shaped movable contact portion, and a connecting spring portion connecting the two contact portions. When the cable is sandwiched between the two contact portions, electrical continuity is established between the connector and the cable.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-36187

[0004] However, in the connector configuration of Patent Document 1, when the contact portion of the movable contact part is pressed against the conductive path of the flexible printed circuit board, the resin layer below the conductive path is deformed, causing the conductive path to deform in a direction away from the contact portion. This may result in insufficient contact pressure between the contact portion and the conductive path. Therefore, there is a need for a terminal fitting that can satisfactorily connect the conductive path of the flexible printed circuit board to the resilient contact piece.

[0005] The terminal fitting of the present disclosure has been completed in light of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a satisfactory connection between the conductive path of a flexible printed circuit board and a resilient contact piece.

[0006] The terminal fitting of the present disclosure is a terminal fitting connected to a conductive path in a flexible printed circuit board having a resin base material and a conductive path laminated on the base material, and comprises: a main body portion; and a resilient contact piece extending from the main body portion and resiliently contacting the conductive path, wherein the resilient contact piece has at least a pair of contact portions spaced apart from each other and contacting the conductive path.

[0007] According to the present disclosure, a terminal fitting can be realized that can satisfactorily connect the conductive path of a flexible printed circuit board to the elastic contact piece.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a terminal fitting of a first embodiment as viewed from the left side. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the terminal fitting of FIG. 1 as viewed from the right side. FIG. 3 is a side view of the front end portion of the terminal fitting of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of the front end portion of the terminal fitting of FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the front end portion of the terminal fitting of FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view showing a state in which the connector of the first embodiment and the mating connector have been fully mated. FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the connection portion between the resilient contact piece and the flexible printed circuit board in FIG. 6 as viewed from the front. FIG. 8 is a side view of the front end portion of a terminal fitting of a second embodiment as viewed from the left side. FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the front end portion of the terminal fitting of FIG. 8. FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the front end portion of a terminal fitting of a third embodiment. FIG. 11 is a bottom view of the front end portion of a terminal fitting of a fourth embodiment. FIG. 12 is a side view of the front end portion of a terminal fitting of another embodiment. FIG. 13 is a bottom view of the front end portion of the terminal fitting of FIG. 12.

[0009] [Description of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure] First, embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described. (1) A terminal fitting connected to a conductive path in a flexible printed circuit board including a resin base material and a conductive path laminated on the base material, the terminal fitting comprising: a main body portion; and a resilient contact piece extending from the main body portion and resiliently contacting the conductive path, the resilient contact piece having at least a pair of contact portions arranged at a distance from each other and contacting the conductive path.

[0010] By using the terminal fitting (1), the base material in the portion (inner portion) between the two portions of the flexible printed circuit board that contact the pair of contact points is forced to move together and becomes thicker. Therefore, when the contact points and the conductive path are in contact with each other, the portions of the flexible printed circuit board that receive contact pressure from the pair of contact points and that connect to the inner portion are less likely to become thin, and the conductive path is less likely to deform in a direction away from the contact points. This makes it easier to ensure contact pressure between the inner portion of the flexible printed circuit board and the contact points. Therefore, the terminal fitting can effectively connect the conductive path of the flexible printed circuit board to the resilient contact piece.

[0011] (2) The terminal fitting according to (1), wherein the pair of contact portions are aligned in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the resilient contact pieces.

[0012] In the terminal fitting (2), compared to a configuration in which the pair of contact portions are aligned in a direction other than perpendicular to the direction of extension of the resilient contact pieces, when the flexible printed circuit board approaches the resilient contact pieces by sliding contact with them along the direction of extension of the resilient contact pieces, the inner portion is more likely to enter between the pair of contact portions. This makes it more difficult for the base material in the inner portion to escape, and it becomes thicker. Therefore, when the contact portions and the conductive path are in contact with each other, the portions of both parts that receive contact pressure from the pair of contact portions and that connect to the inner portion are even less likely to become thinner, and therefore the conductive path is even less likely to deform in a direction away from the contact portions. This makes it easier to ensure contact pressure between the inner portion of the flexible printed circuit board and the contact portions.

[0013] (3) The terminal fitting according to (2), wherein the distance between the pair of contact portions narrows toward the front side in the approach direction of the flexible printed circuit board toward the pair of contact portions.

[0014] In the terminal fitting (3), when the flexible printed circuit board slides into contact with the resilient contact pieces along the direction of extension of the resilient contact pieces to connect, the relatively wide gap between the pair of contact pieces facilitates the inner portion to be guided in. As the flexible printed circuit board and the resilient contact pieces approach each other, the relatively narrow gap between the pair of contact pieces adequately holds the inner portion. This causes the substrate in the inner portion to be pushed closer together with no escape route, increasing its thickness. Therefore, when the contact pieces and the conductive path are in contact with each other, the portions of the flexible printed circuit board that receive contact pressure from the pair of contact pieces and that connect to the inner portion are even less likely to become thinner, and thus the conductive path is even less likely to deform in a direction away from the contact pieces. This makes it easier to ensure contact pressure between the inner portion of the flexible printed circuit board and the contact pieces.

[0015] (4) A terminal fitting according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the resilient contact piece has a non-through recess formed between the pair of contact portions, recessed on the opposite side to the flexible printed circuit board.

[0016] In the terminal fitting (4), compared to a configuration in which a recess is formed between a pair of contact parts, the pair of contact parts are less likely to deform apart, and changes in contact pressure between the contact parts and the conductive path can be suppressed.

[0017] (5) The terminal fitting described in (1) above, wherein the resilient contact piece has two pairs of contact portions aligned in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the resilient contact piece, and the contact portions of one pair are aligned with the contact portions of the other pair in the extending direction.

[0018] In the terminal fitting (5), the portion (central portion) of the flexible printed circuit board surrounded by the portions that contact the four contact portions is located between the pair of inner portions in the direction of extension of the resilient contact piece, and is therefore pushed outward (outward in the direction of extension of the resilient contact piece), resulting in a thicker flexible printed circuit board. Furthermore, the central portion of the flexible printed circuit board is located between the pair of inner portions in the direction perpendicular to the direction of extension of the resilient contact piece (the portion between the two portions that contact a pair of adjacent contact portions in the direction of extension of the resilient contact piece), and is therefore pushed outward (outward in the direction perpendicular to the direction of extension of the resilient contact piece), resulting in a thicker flexible printed circuit board. Therefore, when the contact portions and the conductive paths are in contact with each other, the portions of the flexible printed circuit board that receive contact pressure from the contact portions and that connect to the central portion are less likely to become thin, and thus the conductive paths are less likely to deform in a direction away from the contact portions. This makes it easier to ensure contact pressure between the conductive paths of the flexible printed circuit board and the contact portions.

[0019] [Details of the embodiment of the present disclosure] [Example 1] Example 1 embodying the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 7. In this Example 1, with regard to the front-to-rear direction, the F direction in Figures 1 and 6 is defined as the front. The front is the direction in which the connector 100 is mated with the mating connector 110. With regard to the up-down direction, the H direction in Figures 1 and 6 is defined as the upward direction. With regard to the left-to-right direction, the R direction in Figure 1 is defined as the rightward direction.

[0020] (Configuration of terminal fitting 10) Fig. 1 shows the terminal fitting 10 of the present embodiment 1. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the terminal fitting 10 is integrally formed by bending a single conductive metal plate. The terminal fitting 10 is an inseparable single member. The terminal fitting 10 is connectable to a flexible printed circuit board 130 (see Fig. 6). The terminal fitting 10 includes a main body 20 and a resilient contact piece 30.

[0021] The main body 20 is a part that is assembled to a housing 50 (see FIG. 6 ) described later. The main body 20 has a support portion 21, a receiving portion 22, and a connection piece 23.

[0022] The support portion 21 is a portion that supports the resilient contact piece 30. The support portion 21 is a rectangular tube that is long in the front-to-rear direction and has an open bottom. The support portion 21 includes a top plate 21A, a left side plate 21B, and a right side plate 21C. The top plate 21A is a thin plate that is long in the front-to-rear direction. The left side plate 21B and the right side plate 21C extend downward from both the left and right ends of the top plate 21A.

[0023] The receiving portion 22 is a portion that is fixed to the housing 50. The receiving portion 22 is in the shape of a nearly rectangular plate. Hooks 22A and 22B that hook into through-holes 122 (see FIG. 6 ) of the housing 50 are formed on the upper and lower edges of the receiving portion 22. As shown in FIG. 6 , the receiving portion 22 and a portion of the rear end side of the support portion 21 are fitted into the through-hole 122 of the housing 50 and fixed thereto.

[0024] The connection piece 23 is in the shape of a strip and extends rearward from a lower rear corner of the receiving portion 22. The connection piece 23 is electrically connected to a conductive portion (not shown) of a circuit board 60 (see FIG. 6 ), which will be described later. The connection piece 23 extends rearward from the receiving portion 22, then bends downward and then bends rearward again.

[0025] The resilient contact piece 30 extends in a cantilevered manner from the main body 20. The resilient contact piece 30 is strip-shaped. The resilient contact piece 30 resiliently contacts the conductive path 132 of the flexible printed circuit board 130. As shown in FIG. 3 , the resilient contact piece 30 has a base end 31, a folded portion 32, and an extending portion 33.

[0026] The base end 31 extends forward from the support portion 21. The folded portion 32 is continuous with the front end of the base end 31. The folded portion 32 extends forward from the base end 31 and is folded back toward the lower end and rear side (toward the support portion 21). The folded portion 32 has a curved shape that convexly faces forward. The extending portion 33 is continuous with the extending end (lower rear end) of the folded portion 32.

[0027] The extending portion 33 extends rearward (toward the support portion 21) from the folded-back portion 32. The extending portion 33 is curved so as to be convex downward. The rear end side of the extending portion 33 overlaps with the support portion 21 in the up-down direction. The extending portion 33 includes a forward inclined portion 33A and a rearward inclined portion 33B. The forward inclined portion 33A extends diagonally rearward and downward from the extending end of the folded-back portion 32. The rearward inclined portion 33B extends diagonally rearward and upward from the rear end of the forward inclined portion 33A.

[0028] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5 , a pair of contacts 41 are formed on the extension 33. The pair of contacts 41 contact the conductive path 132 of the flexible printed circuit board 130. As shown in FIG. 4 , the pair of contacts 41 are formed on the apex of a downwardly convex portion of the extension 33 (the boundary between the forward inclined portion 33A and the rearward inclined portion 33B). As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7 , the pair of contacts 41 are spaced apart in a direction (left-right direction) perpendicular to the extension direction of the resilient contact piece 30 (more specifically, the base end 31) relative to the support portion 21, i.e., in the width direction (left-right direction) of the resilient contact piece 30. In other words, the pair of contacts 41 are spaced apart in a direction (left-right direction) perpendicular to the extension direction and thickness direction of the forward inclined portion 33A of the extension 33, and are spaced apart in a direction (left-right direction) perpendicular to the extension direction and thickness direction of the rearward inclined portion 33B of the extension 33.

[0029] The contact portions 41 protrude downward. As shown in Fig. 7, the cross section of the contact portion 41 perpendicular to the front-rear direction is trapezoidal. The pair of contact portions 41 are symmetrical with respect to a plane passing through the center between the pair of contact portions 41 (a plane perpendicular to the left-right direction).

[0030] The contact portion 41 has a bottom surface 41A, an inner side surface 41B, and an outer side surface 41C. The bottom surface 41A is a downwardly convex curved surface formed by a part of the lower surface of the extension portion 33. The inner side surface 41B and the outer side surface 41C are upwardly inclined surfaces that extend outward from the bottom surface 41A.

[0031] As shown in Figures 5 and 7, a recess 42 is formed in the resilient contact piece 30 between a pair of contact portions 41. The recess 42 is recessed upward (toward the support portion 21). When the terminal fitting 10 and the flexible printed circuit board 130 are connected, the recess 42 is recessed on the side opposite the flexible printed circuit board 130. The recess 42 does not penetrate through the resilient contact piece 30. The recess 42 is elongated in the front-to-rear direction, specifically, longer than the extension direction (direction perpendicular to the width and thickness directions) of the resilient contact piece 30 (specifically, the extension portion 33). The width of the recess 42 in the left-to-right direction is slightly smaller than the width of the contact portion 41 in the left-to-right direction. As shown in Figure 7, the cross-sectional shape of the recess 42 perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction is trapezoidal.

[0032] The recess 42 is formed by a rear wall 42A and inner side surfaces 41B of the pair of contact portions 41. The rear wall 42A is a flat surface parallel to the front-rear direction and the width direction. As shown in Figure 5, the front end of the rear wall 42A is connected without a step to the forward inclined portion 33A of the extension portion 33. The rear end of the rear wall 42A is connected without a step to the rearward inclined portion 33B of the extension portion 33.

[0033] 4, the depth of the recess 42 is greatest at the apex of the downwardly convex portion of the extension 33 (the boundary between the forward inclined portion 33A and the rearward inclined portion 33B). The depth of the recess 42 gradually decreases both forward and rearward.

[0034] 6, the connector 100 of the first embodiment is mounted on a circuit board 60. The connector 100 includes a housing 50 and terminal fittings 10. As shown in FIG.

[0035] As shown in Figure 6, the housing 50 has a rear wall 51 and a hood portion 52. The rear wall 51 is perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction. The hood portion 52 protrudes forward from the rear wall 51. The hood portion 52 has a rectangular cylindrical shape that opens forward. A mating housing 120 is fitted into the hood portion 52. The rear wall 51 is provided with a plurality of holes 53 (only one is shown in Figure 6) that penetrate from front to back. The terminal fittings 10 are attached by being press-fitted into each hole 53 in the rear wall 51.

[0036] The housing 50 is fixed to the circuit board 60. The tip end of the connecting piece 23 of the terminal fitting 10 is electrically connected to a conductive portion (not shown) of the circuit board 60.

[0037] (Configuration of Mating Connector 110) As shown in Fig. 6, the mating connector 110 includes a mating housing 120 and a flexible printed circuit board 130. The mating housing 120 has an accommodating portion 121 that accommodates a portion of the rear end of the flexible printed circuit board 130. A plurality of through holes 122 that penetrate in the front-rear direction are formed at the rear end of the mating housing 120. The terminal fittings 10 are inserted into the through holes 122. The front of the flexible printed circuit board 130 stops when it abuts on the edge of the through holes 122.

[0038] The flexible printed circuit board 130 includes a base material 131 made of resin and a conductive path 132 laminated on the base material 131. The conductive path 132 is laminated on the upper surface side of the base material 131.

[0039] 6 , when the connector 100 and the mating connector 110 are mated, the front end portions of the terminal fittings 10 enter the accommodation portions 121 of the mating connector 110 through the through holes 122. The resilient contact pieces 30 approach the flexible printed circuit board 130 while sliding relative to the flexible printed circuit board 130 along the direction in which the resilient contact pieces 30 (more specifically, the base ends 31) extend relative to the support portions 21 (front-rear direction). The front end portions of the terminal fittings 10 are sandwiched in the vertical direction between the flexible printed circuit board 130 and the upper wall portion 121A of the accommodation portion 121. Specifically, the support portions 21 and the base ends 31 contact the lower surface of the upper wall portion 121A, and the pair of contact portions 41 of the extension portions 33 contact the conductive paths 132 of the flexible printed circuit board 130.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 7 , the pair of contact portions 41 are in contact with contact portions 130A of the flexible printed circuit board 130. The pair of contact portions 130A are spaced apart in the left-right direction (a direction parallel to the opposing direction of the pair of contact portions 41). When pressed by the contact portions 41, the contact portions 130A deform outward in the left-right direction (the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. 7 ). Therefore, the inner portion 130B between the pair of contact portions 130A of the flexible printed circuit board 130 is forced closer to the pair of contact portions 130A, and thus becomes thicker as the pair of contact portions 130A deform toward each other. Therefore, when the contact portions 41 and the conductive path 132 are in contact with each other, the portion of the contact portion 130A that connects to the inner portion 130B is less likely to become thinner, and thus the conductive path 132 is less likely to deform in a direction away from the contact portions 41. This makes it easier to ensure contact pressure between the inner portion 130B of the flexible printed circuit board 130 and the contact portions 41. For example, it becomes easier to ensure sufficient contact pressure between the corner between the bottom surface 41A and the inner side surface 41B of the contact portion 41 and the inner portion 130B. Therefore, the terminal fitting 10 can satisfactorily connect the conductive path 132 of the flexible printed circuit board 130 and the resilient contact piece 30.

[0041] In a conventional configuration in which the resilient contact piece has only one contact portion, the contact portion of the flexible printed circuit board tends to deform in a thickness direction, which in turn tends to cause the conductive path to deform in a direction away from the contact portion. This causes the resin base material to move outward in the left-right direction, making it difficult to ensure contact pressure between the resilient contact piece and the conductive path. This increases the electrical resistance between the resilient contact piece and the conductive path. Therefore, the configuration of the first embodiment eliminates a dissipation area for the force of the inner portion 130B of the flexible printed circuit board 130. Therefore, compared to the conventional configuration, it is easier to ensure contact pressure between the inner portion 130B of the flexible printed circuit board 130 and the contact portion 41, thereby reducing the electrical resistance between the resilient contact piece 30 and the conductive path 132.

[0042] In this way, in the configuration of this embodiment 1, it is easier to ensure contact pressure between the inner portion 130B of the flexible printed circuit board 130 and the contact portion 41, so there is no need to increase the load applied to the flexible printed circuit board 130 from the elastic contact piece, and the flexible printed circuit board 130 will not buckle under the load.

[0043] <Effects of First Embodiment> By using the terminal fitting 10 of the first embodiment, the base material 131 in the portion (inner portion 130B) between the two portions (contact portions 130A) of the flexible printed circuit board 130 that contact the pair of contact portions 41 of the resilient contact piece 30 is forced together with no escape route, resulting in an increased thickness. Therefore, when the contact portions 41 and the conductive path 132 are in contact with each other, the portions of the two portions (contact portions 130A) that receive contact pressure from the pair of contact portions 41 and that connect to the inner portion 130B are less likely to become thin, and the conductive path 132 is less likely to deform in a direction away from the contact portions 41. This makes it easier to ensure contact pressure between the inner portion 130B of the flexible printed circuit board 130 and the contact portions 41. Therefore, the terminal fitting 10 can satisfactorily connect the conductive path 132 of the flexible printed circuit board 130 to the resilient contact piece 30.

[0044] In the terminal fitting 10 of the first embodiment, the pair of contact portions 41 are aligned in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the resilient contact pieces 30 extend relative to the support portion 21. With this configuration, compared to a configuration in which the pair of contact portions 41 are aligned in a direction other than the direction perpendicular to the direction in which the resilient contact pieces 30 extend (the left-right direction), for example, a configuration in which the pair of contact portions 41 are aligned in the front-rear direction, the inner portion 130B is more likely to enter between the pair of contact portions 41 when the flexible printed circuit board 130 approaches the resilient contact pieces 30 in the direction in which the resilient contact pieces 30 extend (specifically, the front-rear direction). This configuration makes it more difficult for the base material 131 in the inner portion 130B to escape, resulting in an increased thickness. Therefore, when the contact portions 41 and the conductive path 132 are in contact with each other, the portions of both portions (contact portions 130A) that receive contact pressure from the pair of contact portions 41 and that are connected to the inner portion 130B are less likely to become thin, and thus the conductive path 132 is less likely to deform in a direction away from the contact portions 41. This makes it easier to ensure contact pressure between the inner portion 130B of the flexible printed circuit board 130 and the contact portion 41.

[0045] In the elastic contact piece 30 of the terminal fitting 10 of Example 1, a non-through recess 42 is formed between the pair of contact portions 41, recessed on the opposite side to the flexible printed circuit board 130. With this configuration, the pair of contact portions 41 are less likely to deform apart than in a configuration in which a through recess 42 is formed between the pair of contact portions 41, and changes in contact pressure between the contact portions 41 and the conductive path 132 can be suppressed.

[0046] [Example 2] Example 2 embodying the present disclosure will be described below with reference to Figures 8 and 9. The terminal fitting of Example 2 differs from Example 1 in the contact portion, but is otherwise the same. Note that the same components as Example 1 are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0047] 8 and 9 , a pair of contact points 241 are formed on the extension portion 33 of the terminal fitting 210 of Example 2. The pair of contact points 241 are spaced apart in a direction (front-rear direction) along the extension direction (direction perpendicular to the width direction and thickness direction) of the resilient contact piece 30 (specifically, the extension portion 33) relative to the support portion 21.

[0048] The contact portion 241 protrudes downward. The contact portion 241 is formed across the entire left-right direction of the extension portion 33. The contact portion 241 is formed with a bottom surface 241A and an inner side surface 241B. The bottom surface 241A is formed by a part of the lower surface of the extension portion 33. The inner side surface 241B is an upwardly inclined surface that extends outward in the front-to-rear direction relative to the bottom surface 241A.

[0049] A recess 242 is formed in the resilient contact piece 30 between a pair of contact portions 241. The recess 242 is recessed upward (toward the support portion 21). The recess 242 is recessed on the opposite side of the flexible printed circuit board 130 when the terminal fitting 210 and the flexible printed circuit board 130 are connected. The recess 242 does not penetrate through the resilient contact piece 30. The recess 242 is elongated in the left-right direction (specifically, the width direction of the extension portion 33). The recess 242 is formed across the entire width of the extension portion 33.

[0050] The recess 242 is formed by a rear wall 242A and inner side surfaces 241B of the pair of contact portions 241. The rear wall 242A is a flat surface that is parallel to the front-rear direction and the width direction.

[0051] With this configuration, similar to the first embodiment, it is easy to ensure contact pressure between the contact portion 241 and the conductive path 132 of the flexible printed circuit board 130. Therefore, the terminal fitting 210 can satisfactorily connect the conductive path 132 of the flexible printed circuit board 130 and the resilient contact piece 30.

[0052] [Example 3] Hereinafter, Example 3 embodying the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 10. The terminal fitting of Example 3 differs from Example 1 in the contact portion, but is otherwise the same. Note that the same components as Example 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 10 , the terminal fitting 310 of the third embodiment has two pairs of contact portions (a pair of contact portions 341 and a pair of contact portions 343). The pair of contact portions 341 are formed forward of the pair of contact portions 343. The pair of contact portions 341 are spaced apart in a direction (left-right direction) perpendicular to the extension direction of the resilient contact piece 30 (more specifically, the base end portion 31 (see FIG. 3 )) relative to the support portion 21, i.e., in the width direction (left-right direction) of the resilient contact piece 30. In other words, the pair of contact portions 341 are spaced apart in a direction (left-right direction) perpendicular to the extension direction and thickness direction of the forward inclined portion 33A of the extension portion 33. The pair of contact portions 343 are spaced apart in a direction (left-right direction) perpendicular to the extension direction of the resilient contact piece 30, i.e., in the width direction (left-right direction) of the resilient contact piece 30. In other words, the pair of contact points 343 are spaced apart from each other in a direction (left-right direction) perpendicular to the extending direction and thickness direction of the rearward inclined portion 33B of the extending portion 33.

[0054] The contact portions 341 of one pair are spaced apart from the contact portions 343 of the other pair in the extension direction (front-rear direction) of the resilient contact pieces 30. Specifically, the left contact portion 341 is spaced apart from the left contact portion 343 in the extension direction (front-rear direction) of the resilient contact pieces 30. The right contact portion 341 is spaced apart from the right contact portion 343 in the extension direction (front-rear direction) of the resilient contact pieces 30. The extension direction of the resilient contact pieces 30 is a direction (front-rear direction) perpendicular to the width direction (left-right direction) and thickness direction at the apex of the downwardly convex portion of the extension portion 33 (the boundary portion between the forward inclined portion 33A and the rearward inclined portion 33B).

[0055] The contact portions 341 and 343 protrude downward. The cross-sectional shape of the contact portions 341 and 343 perpendicular to the front-rear direction is trapezoidal. The pair of contact portions 341 are symmetrical with respect to a plane (plane perpendicular to the left-right direction) that passes through the center between the pair of contact portions 341. The pair of contact portions 343 are symmetrical with respect to a plane (plane perpendicular to the left-right direction) that passes through the center between the pair of contact portions 343.

[0056] The contact portion 341 is formed with a bottom surface 341A and an inner side surface 341B. The bottom surface 341A is a downwardly convex curved surface formed by a part of the lower surface of the extension portion 33. The inner side surface 341B is an upwardly inclined surface that widens outward from the bottom surface 341A.

[0057] The contact portion 343 is formed with a bottom surface 343A and an inner side surface 343B. The bottom surface 343A is a downwardly convex curved surface formed by a part of the lower surface of the extension portion 33. The inner side surface 343B is an upwardly inclined surface that widens outward from the bottom surface 343A.

[0058] In the resilient contact piece 30, recesses 342 are formed between a pair of contact portions 341 and a pair of contact portions 343. The recesses 342 have the same shape as the recesses 42 in the first embodiment. The recesses 342 are recessed upward (toward the support portion 21). The recesses 342 are recessed on the side opposite the flexible printed circuit board 130 when the terminal fitting 310 and the flexible printed circuit board 130 are connected. The recesses 342 are not through-holes. The recesses 342 are elongated in the extension direction (direction perpendicular to the width and thickness directions) of the resilient contact piece 30 (specifically, the extension portion 33), more specifically, in the front-rear direction. The width of the recesses 342 in the left-right direction is slightly smaller than the width of the contact portions 341 and 343 in the left-right direction. The cross-sectional shape of the recesses 342 perpendicular to the front-rear direction is trapezoidal.

[0059] The recess 342 is composed of a rear wall 342A, inner side surfaces 341B of the pair of contact portions 341, and inner side surfaces 343B of the pair of contact portions 343. The rear wall 342A is a flat surface parallel to the front-rear direction and the width direction. The front end of the rear wall 342A is connected without a step to the forward inclined portion 33A of the extension portion 33. The rear end of the rear wall 342A is connected without a step to the rearward inclined portion 33B of the extension portion 33.

[0060] The depth of the recess 342 is greatest at the apex of the downwardly convex portion of the extension 33 (the boundary between the forward inclined portion 33A and the rearward inclined portion 33B). The depth of the recess 342 gradually decreases both forward and rearward.

[0061] In the resilient contact piece 30, a recess 344 is formed between the contact portion 341 and the contact portion 343. The recess 344 is recessed upward (toward the support portion 21). The recess 344 is recessed on the opposite side of the flexible printed circuit board 130 when the terminal fitting 310 and the flexible printed circuit board 130 are connected. The recess 344 does not penetrate through the resilient contact piece 30. The recess 344 is elongated in the left-right direction (specifically, the width direction of the extension portion 33). The recess 344 is formed across the entire width of the extension portion 33.

[0062] The recess 344 is constituted by a rear wall 344A, inner side surfaces 341C of the pair of contact portions 341, and inner side surfaces 343C of the pair of contact portions 343. The rear wall 344A is a flat surface that is parallel to the front-rear direction and the width direction.

[0063] In the terminal fitting 310 of Example 3, the portion (central portion) surrounded by the portions of the flexible printed circuit board 130 that contact the four contact portions 341, 343 is between a pair of inner portions (see inner portion 130B in FIG. 7 ) in the extension direction (front-rear direction) of the resilient contact piece 30, and has no escape route to the outside in the front-rear direction (outside in the extension direction of the resilient contact piece 30), so it is pushed toward the outside in the front-rear direction (outside in the extension direction of the resilient contact piece 30), resulting in a large thickness. Also, the central portion of the flexible printed circuit board 130 is between a pair of inner portions (portions between both portions that contact a pair of adjacent contact portions 341, 343 in the extension direction of the resilient contact piece 30) in the direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the resilient contact piece 30 (left-right direction), and has no escape route to the outside (outside in the direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the resilient contact piece 30), so it is pushed toward the outside, resulting in a large thickness. Therefore, when the contact portions 341, 343 are in contact with the conductive path 132, the portions that receive contact pressure from the contact portions and that are connected to the central portion are less likely to become thin, and the conductive path 132 is less likely to deform in a direction away from the contact portions. This makes it easier to ensure contact pressure between the conductive path 132 of the flexible printed circuit board 130 and the contact portions 341, 343.

[0064] [Example 4] Example 4 embodying the present disclosure will be described below with reference to Fig. 11. The terminal fitting of Example 4 differs from Example 1 in the contact portion, but is otherwise the same. Note that the same components as Example 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0065] 11 , a pair of contact points 441 are formed on the extension portion 33 of the terminal fitting 410 of Example 4. The pair of contact points 441 are spaced apart in a direction (left-right direction) perpendicular to the extension direction of the resilient contact piece 30 (more specifically, the base end portion 31 (see FIG. 3 )) relative to the support portion 21, i.e., in the width direction (left-right direction) of the resilient contact piece 30.

[0066] The contact portions 441 protrude downward. The cross section of the contact portion 441 perpendicular to the front-rear direction is trapezoidal. The pair of contact portions 441 are symmetrical with respect to a plane passing through the center between the pair of contact portions 441 (a plane perpendicular to the left-right direction).

[0067] In the resilient contact piece 30, a recess 442 is formed between the pair of contact portions 441. The recess 442 is recessed upward (toward the support portion 21). The width of the recess 442 in the left-right direction narrows toward the front side (rear side) in the direction in which the flexible printed circuit board 130 approaches the pair of contact portions 441. In other words, the distance between the pair of contact portions 441 narrows toward the front side (rear side) in the direction in which the flexible printed circuit board 130 approaches the pair of contact portions 441.

[0068] The contact portion 441 is formed with a bottom surface 441A, an inner side surface 441B, and an outer side surface 441C. The bottom surface 441A is a downwardly convex curved surface formed by a part of the lower surface of the extension portion 33. The inner side surface 441B and the outer side surface 441C are upwardly inclined surfaces that extend outward from the bottom surface 441A.

[0069] The recess 442 is formed by a rear wall 442A and inner side surfaces 441B of the pair of contact portions 441. The rear wall 442A is a flat surface parallel to the front-rear direction and the width direction. The front end of the rear wall 442A is connected without a step to the forward inclined portion 33A of the extension portion 33. The rear end of the rear wall 442A is connected without a step to the rearward inclined portion 33B of the extension portion 33.

[0070] The depth of the recess 442 is greatest at the apex of the downwardly convex portion of the extension 33 (the boundary between the forward inclined portion 33A and the rearward inclined portion 33B). The depth of the recess 442 gradually decreases both forward and rearward.

[0071] In the terminal fitting 410 of the fourth embodiment, as the flexible printed circuit board 130 approaches the resilient contact piece 30 along the extension direction (front-rear direction) of the resilient contact piece 30, the relatively wide gap between the pair of contact portions 441 facilitates the inward movement of the flexible printed circuit board 130 (see the inner portion 130B in FIG. 7 ). As the flexible printed circuit board 130 and the resilient contact piece 30 approach each other, the relatively narrow gap between the pair of contact portions 441 adequately holds the inner portion. Therefore, when the contact portions 441 and the conductive path 132 are in contact with each other, the portions of the flexible printed circuit board 130 that receive contact pressure from the pair of contact portions 441 and that connect to the inner portion are less likely to become thin. This further reduces the likelihood of the conductive path 132 deforming in a direction away from the contact portions 441. This further ensures contact pressure between the inner portion of the flexible printed circuit board 130 and the contact portions.

[0072] [Other Examples] The present invention is not limited to the examples described above and illustrated in the drawings, but is defined by the claims. The present invention includes the meaning equivalent to the claims and all modifications within the scope of the claims, including the following embodiments.

[0073] Terminal fittings having shapes different from those of the terminal fittings of Examples 1-4 may also be used. For example, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 , a terminal fitting 510 includes a main body 520 and a resilient contact piece 530. The main body 520 includes a support portion 521 having a configuration similar to that of the support portion 21 of Example 1. A support piece 521A is provided at the front end of the support portion 521. The support piece 521A extends forward from the support portion 521 and then bends to the right. The support piece 521A includes a tip portion 521B that contacts the lower surface of the base end portion 531 of the resilient contact piece 530. The resilient contact piece 530 includes a base end portion 531, a folded portion 532, and an extending portion 533. A contact portion 541 is formed on the lower surface of the extending portion 533. The contact portion 541 is a rectangular protrusion that protrudes downward. The lower end of the tip portion 521B is in contact with the upper surface of the extension portion 533.

[0074] In the above-described Examples 1 to 4, the arrangement direction of the pair of contact portions is not limited to these. For example, the resilient contact piece may have a pair of contact portions arranged in a direction shifted from the left-right direction and the front-rear direction.

[0075] Although the first, second, and fourth embodiments have been described above with reference to the configurations in which two contact portions are provided, three or more contact portions may be provided. Although the third embodiment has been described above with reference to the configuration in which four contact portions are provided, five or more contact portions may be provided. For example, the resilient contact piece may have three or more pairs of contact portions spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction.

[0076] In the above-described Examples 1 to 4, the recesses do not pass through the resilient contact pieces. However, the recesses may pass through the resilient contact pieces.

[0077] In the above-described Examples 1 to 4, the resilient contact pieces have a folded shape, but they may have a shape that extends in a direction away from the main body without being folded.

[0078] In the above-described first to fourth embodiments, the resilient contact piece is in a cantilevered shape, but it may be in a double-supported shape.

[0079] In the above-described Examples 1-4, the terminal fitting may have a support piece that extends forward from the main body 20 in parallel with the resilient contact piece and contacts the underside of the flexible printed circuit board 130. This allows the flexible printed circuit board 130 to be sandwiched between the resilient contact piece and the support piece, thereby connecting the flexible printed circuit board 130 to the terminal fitting.

[0080] 10: Terminal fitting 20: Main body 21: Support portion 21A: Top plate 21B: Left side plate 21C: Right side plate 22: Receiving portion 22A, 22B: Hook portion 23: Connection piece 30: Resilient contact piece 31: Base end portion 32: Folded portion 33: Extension portion 33A: Forward tilt portion 33B: Rear tilt portion 41: Contact portion 41A: Bottom surface 41B: Inner side surface 41C: Outer side surface 42: Recess 42A: Back wall 50: Housing 51: Back wall 52: Hood portion 53: Hole 60: Circuit board 100: Connector 110: Mating connector 120: Mating housing 121: Receiving portion 121A: Upper wall portion 122: Through hole 130: Flexible printed circuit board 130A: Contact portion 130B: Inner portion 131: Base material 132: Conductive path 210: Terminal metal fitting 241: Contact portion 241A: Bottom surface 241B: Inner side surface 242: Recess 242A: Back wall 310: Terminal metal fitting 341: Contact portion 341A: Bottom surface 341B: Inner side surface 341C: Inner side surface 342: Recess 342A: Back wall 343: Contact portion 343A: Bottom surface 343B: Inner side surface 343C: Inner side surface 344: Recess 344A: Back wall 410: Terminal metal fitting 441: Contact portion 441A: Bottom surface 441B: Inner side surface 441C: Outer side surface 442: Recessed portion 442A: Back wall 510: Terminal fitting 520: Main body portion 521: Support portion 521A: Support piece 521B: Tip portion 530: Elastic contact piece 531: Base end portion 532: Folded portion 533: Extension portion 541: Contact portion

Claims

1. A terminal fitting connected to a conductive path in a flexible printed circuit board having a resin base material and a conductive path laminated on the base material, the terminal fitting comprising: a main body; and a resilient contact piece extending from the main body and resiliently contacting the conductive path, the resilient contact piece having at least a pair of contact portions spaced apart from each other and contacting the conductive path.

2. The terminal fitting according to claim 1, wherein the pair of contact portions are aligned in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the resilient contact pieces.

3. A terminal fitting as set forth in claim 2, wherein the distance between the pair of contact portions narrows toward the front in the direction in which the flexible printed circuit board approaches the pair of contact portions.

4. A terminal fitting according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the resilient contact piece has a non-through recess formed between the pair of contact portions, recessed on the opposite side to the flexible printed circuit board.

5. A terminal fitting as described in claim 1, wherein the resilient contact piece has two pairs of contact portions aligned in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the resilient contact piece, and the contact portions of one pair are aligned with the contact portions of the other pair in the extending direction.

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