Connector and electric wiring
The connector system addresses the challenge of electrical connections in smart textiles by using a housing and insert body to sandwich thin conductive wires, achieving stable and reliable conductivity suitable for flexible textile integration.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-08-01
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-02
AI Technical Summary
Existing smart textiles face challenges in ensuring reliable electrical connections between thin conductive wires, which are crucial for integrating sensors and electronic devices within fabrics.
A connector system comprising a housing with a slit and an insert body that sandwiches thin conductive wires, ensuring electrical connection through conductive regions formed by the housing or insert body, allowing for secure and stable electrical connections.
The connector system provides a simple and effective means to establish and maintain electrical connections between thin conductive wires, ensuring stable and reliable conductivity while being adaptable to flexible textile applications.
Smart Images

Figure JP2025027339_02042026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
Connector and Electrical Wiring
[0001] The present invention relates to a connector and an electrical wiring.
[0002] Smart textiles have been proposed in which functional fibers are incorporated into fabrics such as clothing, and various sensors and electronic devices are worn on the body. Also, it has been proposed to ensure electrical continuity between the outside of a smart textile and a flexible conductor using a connector as described in Patent Document 1.
[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-080493
[0004] In a smart textile having a plurality of functions, it is required to ensure electrical connection between the functions.
[0005] An example of an object of the present invention is to provide a connector and an electrical wiring that ensure electrical connection between thin conductive wires. Other objects of the present invention will become apparent from the description herein.
[0006] One aspect of the present invention is a connector that electrically connects a first conductive wire and a second conductive wire, comprising: a housing; a slit provided in the housing; and an insert body inserted through the slit, wherein at least one of the housing or the insert body has a conductive conduction region, and in the conduction region, the first conductive wire and the second conductive wire are sandwiched by the housing and the insert body.
[0007] Another aspect of the present invention is an electrical wiring comprising: a first conductive wire; a second conductive wire; a housing; a slit provided in the housing; and an insert body inserted through the slit, wherein at least one of the housing or the insert body has a conductive conduction region, and in the conduction region, the first conductive wire and the second conductive wire are sandwiched by the housing and the insert body.
[0008] This is a schematic perspective view showing the connector 100 according to the first embodiment. This is a schematic perspective view showing the connector 100 with the housing 110 and insert 120 separated. This is a schematic perspective view showing the internal structure of the housing 110. This is a schematic diagram illustrating the process of inserting the insert 120 into the housing 110. This is a schematic perspective view showing the connection state where the conductors 131a and 131b are inserted into the connector 100 and electrically connected. This is a schematic diagram showing the internal structure of the connector 100 in the connection state with the conductors 131a and 131b inserted. This is a schematic perspective view showing the connector 200 according to the second embodiment. This is a schematic perspective view showing the connector 200 with the housing 210 and insert 220 separated. This is a schematic perspective view showing the internal structure of the housing 210. This is a schematic diagram illustrating the process of inserting the insert 220 into the housing 210. This is a schematic perspective view showing the connection state where the conductors 131a and 131b are inserted into the connector 200 and electrically connected. This is a schematic diagram showing the internal structure of the connector 200 in a connected state with the conductors 131a and 131b inserted. This is a schematic perspective view showing the connector 200 electrically connected to the conductors 131a and 131b and mounted on the textile 230. This is a schematic perspective view showing the connector 300 according to the third embodiment. This is a schematic perspective view showing the housing 310 and the insert 320 separated in the connector 300. This is a schematic perspective view showing the internal structure of the housing 310. This is a schematic diagram illustrating the process of inserting the insert 320 into the housing 310. This is a schematic perspective view showing the connected state with the conductors 131a and 131b inserted into the connector 300 and electrically connected to each other. This is a schematic diagram showing the internal structure of the connector 300 in a connected state with the conductors 131a and 131b inserted. This is a schematic diagram showing the locking structure of the insert 320 inside the housing 310. This is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view showing details of the housing 310 and the insert 320 at the conductor guide 311 position. This is a schematic perspective view showing the prepared state of the connector 400 according to the fourth embodiment. This is a schematic perspective view showing the connected state of the connector 400. This is a schematic perspective view showing the structure of the inserts 520 and 620 according to the fifth embodiment.
[0009] The present invention will be specifically described using the following embodiments as examples, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Unless otherwise specified, mechanical devices, mechanisms, means, etc., known to those skilled in the art may be used. Each embodiment can be combined by those skilled in the art based on ordinary knowledge, and configurations not specifically mentioned for each embodiment may have the same configuration as other embodiments or configurations suitable for that embodiment. In the cross-sectional views, the cross-sections of each member are shown with various diagonal lines to make them easier to distinguish from other members, but the differences in these diagonal lines do not represent differences in the material, shape, etc., of the member.
[0010] To explain the directions, we define the X, Y, and Z directions. The X direction is one of the directions perpendicular to the thickness direction of the connector 100. The Y direction is the thickness direction of the connector 100. The Z direction is one of the directions perpendicular to both the thickness direction and the X direction of the connector 100. In this embodiment, we will explain by assuming that the X direction is the width direction of the connector 100, the Y direction is the thickness direction of the connector 100, and the Z direction is the height direction. In Figure 1, etc., the direction indicated by the X-axis arrow is defined as the right direction, the direction opposite to the X-axis arrow is defined as the left direction, the direction indicated by the Y-axis arrow is defined as the thickness direction, and the direction indicated by the Z-axis arrow is defined as the height direction.
[0011] (First Embodiment) The configuration of the connector 100 and electrical wiring according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 6. Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view showing the connector 100 according to the first embodiment. Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view showing the connector 100 with the housing 110 and the insert 120 separated.
[0012] Figures 1(a) and 2(a) are perspective views from the top surface 110b, and Figures 1(b) and 2(b) are perspective views from the bottom surface 110c. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the connector 100 comprises a housing 110 and an insert 120. The housing 110 has a front surface 110a, a top surface 110b, a bottom surface 110c, a side surface 110d, a back surface 110e (not shown in Figures 1 and 2), a wire guide 111, a slit 112, and a position confirmation hole 113. The insert 120 has an insertion piece 121, a stopper 122, and a tip surface 123.
[0013] The housing 110 forms the outer shape of the connector 100, and as will be described later, the conductors 131a and 131b are introduced into it, and the insert 120 is inserted into it, ensuring the electrical connection of the conductors 131a and 131b inside. The material that makes up the housing 110 is not limited, and resin materials or metal materials can be used.
[0014] The front surface 110a, top surface 110b, bottom surface 110c, side surface 110d, and rear surface 110e each represent the surfaces that constitute the housing 110. Here, the names front surface 110a, top surface 110b, bottom surface 110c, side surface 110d, and rear surface 110e are used for explanatory purposes regarding the structure and do not limit the orientation of the connector 100 when it is in use. Also, although the front surface 110a, top surface 110b, bottom surface 110c, side surface 110d, and rear surface 110e are shown as rectangular planes, their shape is not limited and they may have curves or curved surfaces.
[0015] The wire guide 111 is a hole that penetrates from the front surface 110a to the back surface 110e. Figures 1 and 2 show an example in which the wire guide 111 is provided in the center of the front surface 110a and the back surface 110e, but the position of the wire guide 111 is not limited. Furthermore, while a circular shape is preferred for the wire guide 111, an elliptical or polygonal shape may also be used. In addition, it is preferable to chamfer the front surface 110a and the back surface 110e along the outer circumference of the wire guide 111.
[0016] The slit 112 is an opening provided between the front surface 110a and the back surface 110e, extending from the top surface 110b to the interior of the housing 110. The width of the slit 112 in the x-axis and y-axis directions is sufficient to allow insertion of the insert 120. The depth of the slit 112 in the z-axis direction preferably extends at least to the lower end of the conductor guide 111 and communicates with the position confirmation hole 113. The structure of the slit 112 inside the housing 110 will be described in detail later.
[0017] The position confirmation hole 113 is an opening provided on the bottom surface 110c and is a part for visually confirming the position of the tip (lower end) of the insert 120 inside the housing 110. In Figure 1, an example is shown in which the position confirmation hole 113 is provided on the bottom surface 110c, but it may also be provided on the front surface 110a, side surface 110d, back surface 110e, etc. Also, in Figure 1, the position confirmation hole 113 is shown as an opening approximately the same width as the slit 112 in the x-axis direction, but it may be smaller than the slit 112 as long as at least a part of the tip of the insert 120 can be visually confirmed.
[0018] The insert 120 is inserted into the housing 110 through the slit 112 and is a member that clamps the conductors 131a and 131b between itself and the inner surface of the housing 110. The material that constitutes the insert 120 is not limited, and resin materials or metal materials can be used. Figures 1 and 2 show an example of a flat plate shape for the insert 120, but it may also be cylindrical, rod-shaped, or have a curved or curved surface. The length of the insert 120 in the z-axis direction is not limited, and may be shorter than the depth of the slit 112, or it may be the same length or longer.
[0019] The insertion piece 121 is the main body portion that constitutes the insert body 120. A tip surface 123 is provided at the lower end of the insertion piece 121, and stoppers 122 that protrude in the left-right direction are provided on both sides of the tip surface. In Figures 1 and 2, the insertion piece 121 is shown as having a rectangular shape with chamfered corners, but the shape may also have limited curves or curved surfaces.
[0020] The stopper 122 is a projection that protrudes from the lower end of the insertion piece 121 in the left-right direction, and interferes with the housing 110 to restrict movement in the direction opposite to the insertion direction. The lower surface of the stopper 122 is chamfered, inclined with respect to the x-axis and z-axis directions. The upper surface of the stopper 122 has a surface formed parallel to the xy plane and is perpendicular to the side surface of the insertion piece 121.
[0021] The tip surface 123 is a surface that extends horizontally from the lower end of the insertion piece 121. In Figure 2, the tip surface 123 is shown as a tapered shape inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the front and back surfaces of the insertion piece 121, but the chamfering may be done on a curved surface having a predetermined curvature.
[0022] Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view showing the internal structure of the housing 110. Figure 3(a) is a perspective view from the top surface 110b, and Figure 3(b) is a perspective view from the bottom surface 110c. As shown in Figure 3, the back half 110e of the housing 110 is provided with a guide 114, a clamping surface 115, a stepped surface 116, and a locking projection 117 inside. Although Figure 3 shows only the back half 110e of the housing 110, the same configuration is arranged symmetrically on the front 110a side in the xz plane, and the housing 110 is constructed by attaching the guide 114 to it.
[0023] Guide 114 is a thickened portion provided along both sides of the slit 112 from the top surface 110b to the bottom surface 110c. A locking projection 117 is provided at the upper end of guide 114, projecting inward toward the inside of the slit 112. Between the two guides 114, a clamping surface 115 and a stepped surface 116, which are thinner than the guides 114, are provided. The distance between the two guides 114 is the same as the width of the slit 112 in the x-axis direction, allowing the insert 120 to slide inside.
[0024] The clamping surface 115 is an inner surface perpendicular to the xy plane, located in an area close to the bottom surface 110c of the slit 112. A wire guide 111 is provided through the clamping surface 115. Figure 3 shows an example where the lower end of the clamping surface 115 extends to the position confirmation hole 113. The clamping surface 115 is thinner than the guide 114, and a step is provided between them. The step between the clamping surface 115 and the guide 114 is about half the thickness of the insert 120 in the y-axis direction.
[0025] The stepped surface 116 is an inner surface perpendicular to the xy plane, located in a region close to the upper surface 110b of the slit 112. The stepped surface 116 is thinner than the guide 114 and the clamping surface 115, and a step is provided between the guide 114 and the clamping surface 115. The step between the stepped surface 116 and the guide 114 is greater than half the thickness of the insert 120 in the y-axis direction. In Figure 3, the boundary between the stepped surface 116 and the clamping surface 115 gradually thickens towards the bottom surface 110c, and has a tapered shape inclined with respect to the y-axis and z-axis directions. The height from the boundary between the clamping surface 115 and the stepped surface 116 to the lower end of the locking projection 117 is approximately the same as the height of the stopper 122.
[0026] The locking projection 117 is a projection provided at the upper end of the guide 114, projecting in the direction of the stepped surface 116. The upper surface of the locking projection 117 is chamfered, inclined with respect to the x-axis and z-axis directions. The lower surface of the locking projection 117 has a surface formed parallel to the xy plane and is perpendicular to the guide 114.
[0027] As described above, the housing 110 is constructed by bonding the same structure to the front 110a side and the back 110e side, and the opposing guides 114 are in contact with each other and fixed in place. As a result, the two guides 114, the opposing clamping surfaces 115, and the opposing stepped surfaces 116 form the space of the slit 112 inside the housing 110. Furthermore, since the step between the guides 114 and the clamping surfaces 115 is half the thickness of the insert 120 in the y-axis direction, the distance between the opposing clamping surfaces 115 in the y-axis direction is approximately the same as the thickness of the insert 120.
[0028] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the process of inserting the insert 120 into the housing 110. Figure 4(a) shows the detached state, where the insert 120 has been removed from the housing 110. Figure 4(b) shows the prepared state, where the tip surface 123 has been inserted up to the boundary between the stepped surface 116 and the clamping surface 115. Figure 4(c) shows the connected state, where the tip surface 123 has been inserted below the wire guide 111. In Figures 4(a) to 4(c), the left side shows a cross-sectional view along the yz plane, and the right side shows a cross-sectional view along the xz plane.
[0029] In the detached state shown in Figure 4(a), the housing 110 is assembled with its inner surfaces facing each other, the front 110a side and the rear 110e side, and this is the stage before inserting the insert 120 into the housing 110. At this time, a clamping gap 115a, which is the lower region of the slit 112, is formed between the opposing clamping surfaces 115. The distance of the clamping gap 115a in the y-axis direction is approximately the same as the thickness of the insert 120 in the y-axis direction. Also, a step gap 118, which is the upper region of the slit 112, is formed between the opposing step surfaces 116. The distance of the step gap 118 in the y-axis direction is greater than the thickness of the insert 120 in the y-axis direction. Furthermore, a wire guide 111 is positioned opposite each other within the clamping gap 115a, forming a hole that communicates across the clamping gap 115a from the front 110a side to the rear 110e side.
[0030] The preparation state shown in Figure 4(b) is the stage before the electrical connection of the conductors 131a and 131b is made at the connector 100. As shown in Figure 4(b), in the preparation state, the insert 120 is inserted into the slit 112 from the upper surface 110b of the housing 110, and the tip surface 123 is moved to the boundary between the clamping surface 115 and the stepped surface 116. At this time, since the gap of the clamping gap 115a is about the same as the thickness of the insert 120, the tip surface 123 and the clamping surface 115 interfere slightly, and the tip surface 123 is held at the boundary between the clamping surface 115 and the stepped surface 116. Also, the upper surface of the stopper 122 is located below the lower surface of the locking projection 117, and because the two interfere with each other, the movement of the insert 120 in the positive direction (upward) of the z axis is restricted.
[0031] The method and structure for inserting the insert 120 to the ready state are not limited. For example, the upper surface and tip surface 123 of the stopper 122 may be aligned in the z-axis direction beforehand, and the front surface 110a and back surface 110e of the housing 110 may be bonded together. Alternatively, the locking projection 117 or the stopper 122 may be made elastically deformable in the x-axis direction, and the insert 120 may be pushed downward from above the slit 112 to push the stopper 122 into the stepped gap 118. Alternatively, the insert 120 may be made elastically deformable, and the main surface of the insertion piece 121 may be bent in the y-axis direction within the stepped gap 118, so that both ends of the stopper 122 are narrower than the x-axis distance between the locking projections 117 and pushed in.
[0032] The connection state shown in Figure 4(c) is the stage where the insert 120 has been further pushed toward the bottom surface 110c from the preparation state, and the electrical connection of the conductors 131a and 131b has been made. However, in Figure 4(c), the illustration of the conductors 131a and 131b is omitted in order to explain the structure of each part of the connector 100. The electrical connection of the conductors 131a and 131b will be described later. As shown in Figure 4(c), in the connection state, the insertion piece 121 is inserted into the clamping gap 115a, and the tip surface 123 is located at least on the bottom surface 110c side than the lowest end of the conductor guide 111. Therefore, both sides of the insertion piece 121 are clamped by the clamping surfaces 115. Also, the conductor guides 111 on the front 110a side and the back 110e side are blocked inside the slit 112 by the insertion piece 121.
[0033] Figure 4(c) shows an example where the upper end of the insertion piece 121 protrudes from the upper surface 110b, but the upper end of the insertion piece 121 may be pushed in until it is substantially flush with the upper surface 110b. Also, Figure 4(c) shows an example where the tip surface 123 is located above the position confirmation hole 113, but the tip surface 123 may be pushed in until it is substantially flush with the bottom surface 110c.
[0034] Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view showing the connection state in which conductors 131a and 131b are inserted into the connector 100 and electrically connected. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing the internal structure of the connector 100 in the connection state with conductors 131a and 131b inserted. Figure 5(a) is a perspective view from the front 110a side, and Figure 5(b) is a perspective view from the rear 110e side. Figure 6(a) is a perspective view from the front 110a side shown with a portion cut off. Figure 6(b) is a cross-sectional view in the yz plane. Figure 6(c) is a perspective view from the rear 110e side shown with a portion cut off. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the connector 100 electrically connects two wires 130. Each wire 130 comprises an insulating film 130a and 130b and conductors 131a and 131b. Note that the insulating films 130a and 130b are not required.
[0035] The insulating films 130a and 130b are films made of insulating material that cover the outer circumference of the conductors 131a and 131b. The specific materials and structure of the insulating films 130a and 130b are not limited, and conventionally known insulating resins or single-layer or multi-layer insulating films can be used. The conductors 131a and 131b are linear members made of electrically conductive material that can carry electric current in the longitudinal direction. The materials that make up the conductors 131a and 131b are not limited, and conventionally known metal materials such as copper can be used. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the insulating films 130a and 130b are stripped off at the tip of the wiring 130, leaving the conductors 131a and 131b exposed.
[0036] In the electrical connection of the conductors 131a and 131b using the connector 100, first, in the preparation state shown in Figure 4(b), the conductors 131a and 131b are inserted into the conductor guide 111 from the front side 110a towards the rear side 110e. Next, the insertion body 120 is pushed in from above towards the bottom surface 110c to achieve the connection state shown in Figure 4(c). As a result, the appearance of the connected state is as shown in Figures 5(a) and 5(b).
[0037] As shown in Figure 6, inside the connector 100, as the insertion piece 121 is inserted into the slit 112, the conductors 131a and 131b are pushed downward and bent at the tip surface 123. Therefore, the conductors 131a and 131b pass through the inside of the housing 110, passing between the clamping surface 115 on the front 110a side and the surface of the insertion piece 121, below the tip surface 123, and between the clamping surface 115 on the back 110e side and the surface of the insertion piece 121. At this time, a predetermined pressure is applied to the conductors 131a and 131b due to the elastic deformation of the housing 110.
[0038] As described above, since the conductors 131a and 131b are in contact with the clamping surface 115 and the surface of the insertion piece 121 while a predetermined pressure is applied, the conductors 131a and 131b can be electrically connected by providing a conductive area somewhere on the contact surface. For example, by forming the entire insert body 120 or housing 110 from a conductive material such as metal, the insertion piece 121 and clamping surface 115 that come into contact with the conductors 131a and 131b can be made into conductive areas. Alternatively, the insert body 120 or housing 110 may be made from a resin material, and a conductive layer may be formed on the surface of the insertion piece 121 or clamping surface 115 to constitute a conductive area. Alternatively, a metal lead frame may be exposed from a part of the insertion piece 121 or clamping surface 115 to constitute a conductive area.
[0039] Figures 5 and 6 show an example in which the conductors 131a and 131b are inserted into the conductor guide 111 from the front 110a side to the rear 110e side, but they may also be inserted from the rear 110e side to the front 110a side. Alternatively, one of the conductors 131a or 131b may be inserted from the front 110a side and the other from the rear 110e side.
[0040] As described above, in the connector 100 and electrical wiring of the first embodiment, by inserting the insert 120 into the slit 112 and clamping the conductor 131a and conductor 131b with the insert 120, the conductor 131a and conductor 131b can be electrically connected through the conductive region, and an electrical connection can be secured between the thin conductors 131a and 131b with a simple configuration.
[0041] (Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 7 to 13. Content that overlaps with the first embodiment will be omitted from the explanation. Figure 7 is a schematic perspective view showing the connector 200 according to the second embodiment. Figure 8 is a schematic perspective view showing the connector 200 with the housing 210 and the insert 220 separated.
[0042] Figures 7(a) and 8(a) are perspective views from the top surface 210b, and Figures 7(b) and 8(b) are perspective views from the bottom surface 210c. As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the connector 200 comprises a housing 210 and an insert 220. The housing 210 has a front surface 210a, a top surface 210b, a bottom surface 210c, a side surface 210d, a back surface 210e (not shown in Figures 7 and 8), a wire guide 211, a notch 211a, a slit 212, a position confirmation hole 213, and a fixing hole 214. The insert 220 has an insertion piece 221, an insertion hole 222, a stopper 223, and a tip surface 224. As shown in Figures 7 and 8, each surface of the housing 210 is chamfered.
[0043] The wire guide 211 is a hole that penetrates from the front surface 210a to the back surface 210e. Figures 7 and 8 show an example in which a notch 211a is formed in a part of the upper surface 210b, and the wire guide 211 is provided in the center of the notch 211a on the front surface 210a and the back surface 210e. The wire guide 211 is open at the top, continuously from the notch 211a, and has a semicircular shape at the bottom.
[0044] The fixing hole 214 is a hole penetrating from the front surface 210a to the back surface 210e, and is a part for fixing the connector 100 to a fixing target such as a cloth using a separately prepared fixing member. In FIGS. 7 and 8, an example in which the fixing holes 214 are provided at two positions on both the left and right sides of the housing 210 is shown, but the position and number of the fixing holes 214 are not limited. However, since the housing 210 is provided with the slit 212 for inserting the insert body 220, the fixing hole 214 needs to be provided at a position avoiding the slit 212. The shape of the fixing hole 214 is not limited, but as an example, a hole chamfered along the circumference can be mentioned. The details of the locking of the connector 200 using the fixing hole 214 will be described later.
[0045] The insertion hole 222 is a hole penetrating the insertion piece 221. The insertion hole 222 is provided at a position corresponding to the wire guide 211, and preferably has approximately the same size and shape as the wire guide 211. In FIGS. 7 and 8, an example of a circular shape having a diameter approximately the same as the semi-circular shape of the wire guide 211 is shown.
[0046] FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view showing the internal structure of the housing 210. FIG. 9(a) is a perspective view from the upper surface 210b side, and FIG. 9(b) is a perspective view from the bottom surface 210c side. As shown in FIG. 9, in the half on the back surface 210e side of the housing 210, a clamping surface 215, a stepped surface 216, a stepped gap 217, a guide 218, and a locking projection 219 are provided inside.
[0047] The clamping surface 215 is an inner surface perpendicular to the xy plane provided at the center of the slit 212 in the x-axis direction. Also, the wire guide 211 is provided below the clamping surface 215. Stepped surfaces 216 are provided on both sides of the clamping surface 215. Also, the clamping surface 215 is thicker than the stepped surface 216 and thinner than the guide 218. The step between the clamping surface 215 and the guide 218 is about half of the thickness of the insert body 220 in the y-axis direction.
[0048] The stepped surface 216 is an inner surface perpendicular to the xy plane provided on both sides of the clamping surface 215 and the wire guide 211. The stepped surface 216 is thinner than the guide 218 and the clamping surface 215, and a step is provided between the guide 218 and the clamping surface 215. The step between the stepped surface 216 and the guide 218 is larger than half of the thickness of the insert 220 in the y-axis direction.
[0049] The step gap 217 is provided on the upper surface 210b side of the clamping surface 215 and is the space within the slit 212 sandwiched by the wire guide 211, the notch 211a, and the stepped surface 116.
[0050] The guide 218 is a thick portion provided from the upper surface 110b to the bottom surface 110c along both sides of the slit 112. As shown in FIG. 9, fixing holes 214 are provided in the guide 218 respectively.
[0051] The housing 210 is formed by bonding the same structures on the front 210a side and the back 210e side, and the opposing guides 218 contact and are fixed to each other. Thereby, the space of the slit 212 is formed inside the housing 210 by the two guides 218, the opposing clamping surfaces 215, the opposing stepped surfaces 216, and the step gap 217.
[0052] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining the process of inserting the insert 220 into the housing 210. FIG. 10(a) shows the detached state in which the insert 220 is removed from the housing 210. FIG. 1 (b) shows the preparation state in which the front end surface 224 is inserted up to the boundary between the step gap 217 and the clamping surface 215. FIG. 10(c) shows the connected state in which the insertion hole 222 is inserted below the upper end of the clamping surface 215. Also, in FIGS. 10(a) to 10(c), a cross-sectional view along the yz plane is shown on the left side, and a cross-sectional view along the xz plane is shown on the right side.
[0053] In the detached state shown in Figure 10(a), the housing 210 is assembled with its inner surfaces facing each other, the front 210a side and the rear 210e side, and this is the stage before inserting the insert 220 into the housing 210. At this time, a clamping gap 215a is formed between the opposing clamping surfaces 215. The distance of the clamping gap 215a in the y-axis direction is approximately the same as the thickness of the insert 220 in the y-axis direction. Also, a stepped gap 217, which is the upper region of the slit 212, is formed on the upper surface 210b side above the clamping surfaces 215. The distance of the stepped gap 217 in the y-axis direction is greater than the thickness of the insert 220 in the y-axis direction. In addition, a conductor guide 211 is positioned opposite the stepped gap 217, forming a hole that communicates across the stepped gap 217 from the front 210a side to the rear 210e side.
[0054] The preparation state shown in Figure 10(b) is the stage before the electrical connection of the conductors 131a and 131b is made at the connector 200. As shown in Figure 10(b), in the preparation state, the insert 220 is inserted into the slit 212 from the upper surface 210b of the housing 210, and the tip surface 224 is moved to the boundary between the clamping surface 215 and the stepped gap 217. At this time, since the gap of the clamping gap 215a is about the same as the thickness of the insert 220, the tip surface 224 and the clamping surface 215 interfere slightly, and the tip surface 224 is held at the boundary between the clamping surface 215 and the stepped gap 217. Also, the upper surface of the stopper 223 is located below the lower surface of the locking projection 219, and because the two interfere with each other, the movement of the insert 220 in the positive direction (upward) of the z axis is restricted. In the prepared state, it is preferable that the insertion hole 222 and the wire guide 211 overlap in the x-axis and z-axis directions, and that a space is formed in which the insertion hole 222 and the wire guide 211 communicate from the front side 210a to the back side 210e.
[0055] The connection state shown in Figure 10(c) is the stage where the insert 220 has been further pushed toward the bottom surface 210c from the preparation state, and the electrical connection of the conductors 131a and 131b has been made. As shown in Figure 10(c), in the connection state, the insertion piece 221 is inserted into the clamping gap 215a, and the upper end of the insertion hole 222 is located at least on the bottom surface 210c side than the lowest end of the conductor guide 211. Therefore, both sides of the insertion piece 221 are clamped by the clamping surfaces 215. In addition, the conductor guides 211 on the front 210a side and the back 210e side are blocked inside the slit 212 by the insertion piece 221. In the example shown in Figure 10(c), the upper end of the insertion piece 221 is approximately flush with the top surface 210b in the connection state.
[0056] Figure 11 is a schematic perspective view showing the connection state in which conductors 131a and 131b are inserted into the connector 200 and electrically connected. Figure 12 is a schematic diagram showing the internal structure of the connector 200 in the connection state with conductors 131a and 131b inserted. Figure 11(a) is a perspective view from the front 210a side, and Figure 11(b) is a perspective view from the rear 210e side. Figure 12(a) is a perspective view from the front 210a side shown with a portion cut off. Figure 12(b) is a cross-sectional view in the yz plane. Figure 12(c) is a perspective view from the rear 210e side shown with a portion cut off.
[0057] In the electrical connection of the conductors 131a and 131b using the connector 200, first, in the preparation state shown in Figure 10(b), the conductors 131a and 131b are inserted into the conductor guide 211 and insertion hole 222 from the front side 210a to the rear side 210e. Next, the insert body 220 is pushed in from above towards the bottom surface 210c to achieve the connection state shown in Figure 10(c). As a result, the appearance of the connected state is as shown in Figures 11(a) and 11(b).
[0058] As shown in Figure 12, inside the connector 200, as the insertion piece 221 is inserted into the slit 212, the conductors 131a and 131b are pushed down and bent at the upper end of the insertion hole 222. Therefore, the conductors 131a and 131b pass through the inside of the housing 210, through the gap between the clamping surface 215 on the front 210a side and the surface of the insertion piece 221, the upper end of the insertion hole 222, and the gap between the clamping surface 215 on the rear 210e side and the surface of the insertion piece 221. At this time, a predetermined pressure is applied to the conductors 131a and 131b due to the elastic deformation of the housing 210.
[0059] As described above, since the conductors 131a and 131b are in contact with the clamping surface 215 and the surface of the insertion piece 221 while a predetermined pressure is applied, the conductors 131a and 131b can be electrically connected by providing a conductive area somewhere on the contact surface.
[0060] Figure 13 is a schematic perspective view showing the conductors 131a and 131b electrically connected by the connector 200 and mounted on the textile 230. Figure 13(a) shows the preparation state with the connector 200 mounted on the textile 230 and the conductors 131a and 131b inserted into the insertion holes 222. Figure 13(b) shows the connected state with the connector 200 mounted on the textile 230 and the insert body 220 pushed into the slit 212. Although Figure 13 shows an example where the wiring 130 is provided on the textile 230, functional fibers sewn into the textile 230 may be used as the wiring 130.
[0061] As shown in Figure 13(a), in the preparation state, the housing 210 is fixed to the textile 230 with the fixing member 240, and the conductors 131a and 131b are inserted into the insertion holes 222. By pushing the insert 220 into the slit 212, the connection state is achieved as shown in Figure 13(b), and the conductors 131a and 131b are electrically connected inside the connector 200. The electrical connection of the conductors 131a and 131b inside the connector 200 is the same as described using Figure 12.
[0062] The textile 230 is a fabric-like component on which the wiring 130 and connector 200 are mounted. The specific composition of the textile 230 is not limited, and ordinary fabrics woven with fibers or smart textiles with embedded functional fibers or electronic devices can be used. The textile 230 can have flexibility and pliability to the extent used in clothing.
[0063] The fixing member 240 is a member for fixing the housing 210 to the textile 230 using fixing holes 214. Figure 13 shows an example in which thread is used as the fixing member and the thread is sewn to the textile 230 through the fixing holes 214 and the side surface 210d. By using thread as the fixing member 240, the housing 210 can be easily fixed to the flexible textile 230 without providing a separate holding part or the like. At this time, since the fixing holes 214 and the side surface 210d are chamfered, the possibility of the thread breaking due to friction is reduced even when thread is used as the fixing member 240, and the thread can be easily inserted into the fixing holes 214.
[0064] Figure 13 shows an example where the thread of the fixing member 240 is sewn multiple times inside the fixing hole 214 and outside the side surface 210d, but the number of times it is sewn is not limited as long as strength is maintained. Also, the thread may be sewn outside the top surface 210b or the bottom surface 210c instead of outside the side surface 210d. Furthermore, Figure 13 shows an example where thread is used as the fixing member 240, but conventionally known fasteners or the like may be used as the fixing member 240. Also, Figure 13 shows an example where the front side 210a faces the textile 230, but the back side 210e may also face the textile 230. Furthermore, an example is shown where the conductors 131a and 131b are arranged along the top surface 210b of the housing 210, but the wiring 130 may be provided in a position that overlaps with the housing 210.
[0065] As described above, in the connector 200 and electrical wiring of the second embodiment, by inserting the insert 220 into the slit 212 and clamping the conductors 131a and 131b with the insert 220, the conductors 131a and 131b can be electrically connected via the conductive region, and an electrical connection can be secured between the thin conductors 131a and 131b with a simple configuration. Furthermore, because the thin conductors 131a and 131b are held physically at the same time, the thin conductors 131a and 131b, which have flexible tips, can be stably fixed.
[0066] (Third Embodiment) Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 14 to 21. Details that overlap with the first and second embodiments will be omitted from the description. Figure 14 is a schematic perspective view showing the connector 300 according to the third embodiment. Figure 15 is a schematic perspective view showing the connector 300 with the housing 310 and the insert 320 separated.
[0067] Figures 14(a) and 15(a) are perspective views from the top surface 310b, and Figures 14(b) and 15(b) are perspective views from the bottom surface 310c. As shown in Figures 14 and 15, the connector 300 comprises a housing 310 and an insert 320. The housing 310 has a front surface 310a, a top surface 310b, a bottom surface 310c, a side surface 310d, a back surface 310e (not shown in Figures 14 and 15), a wire guide 311, a notch 311a, a slit 312, a position confirmation hole 313, and a fixing hole 314. The insert 320 has an insertion piece 321, an upper end edge 322, an insertion hole 323, stoppers 324 and 325, and a tip surface 326.
[0068] As shown in Figures 14 and 15, the front surface 310a and the back surface 310e are oval in shape when viewed from above. The front surface 310a is a curved surface that protrudes in the y-axis direction from its center in the x-axis direction and slopes toward both sides. On the other hand, the back surface 310e is a flat surface. Furthermore, each surface of the housing 310 is chamfered. As shown in Figures 14 and 15, because the front surface 310a is a curved surface, the thickness from the back surface 310e to the front surface 310a at the position where the fixing holes 314 are provided and at both ends in the y-axis direction can be reduced, and it can also be prevented from snagging on objects such as clothing when it comes into contact with them. This makes it easy to fix it to the textile 230 with the fixing member 240, as in Figure 13.
[0069] The upper edge 322 is a wide portion that extends in the x-axis direction above the insertion piece 321. The width of the upper edge 322 in the x-axis direction is set to be greater than the combined width of the insertion piece 321 and the stopper 324 in the x-axis direction. As will be described later, in the insert body 320, both sides of the insertion piece 321 are separated as stoppers 324, so the width of the insertion piece 321 in the x-axis direction becomes smaller. Therefore, by providing a wide upper edge 322 above the insertion piece 321, it becomes easier to push the insert body 320 into the slit 312. In addition, the upper edge 322 also interferes with the upper surface of the locking projection 319a, which will be described later, and serves to prevent the insert body 320 from coming out in the direction opposite to the arrow in the Z direction.
[0070] The stopper 324 is a projection that is partially separated from the insertion piece 321 and interferes with the housing 310 to restrict movement in the direction opposite to the insertion direction. The stopper 324 is provided along both sides of the insertion piece 321 by making a notch along the z-axis from near the area where the insertion hole 323 is provided in the insertion piece 321 to the lower part of the upper end edge 322. The stopper 324 is also bent in the direction of the back surface 310e, so that its upper end protrudes further in the direction of the back surface 310e than the insertion piece 321. In addition, a surface parallel to the x and y planes is formed on the upper end surface of the stopper 324. The stopper 324 is a thin portion that extends in the z-axis direction and is elastically deformable to the extent of the thickness of the insertion piece 321 in the y-axis direction.
[0071] Figure 16 is a schematic perspective view showing the internal structure of the housing 310. Figure 16(a) is a perspective view from the top surface 310b side, and Figure 16(b) is a perspective view from the bottom surface 310c side. As shown in Figure 16, the rear half of the housing 310 on the 310e side is provided with a clamping surface 315, a stepped surface 316, a stepped gap 317, a guide 318, and locking protrusions 319a and 319b.
[0072] The locking projection 319b is a projection provided at the upper end of the stepped surface 316, projecting in the direction of the front surface 310a. In the example shown in Figure 16, the locking projection 319b is located above the locking projection 319a and is located inward in the x-axis direction compared to the locking projection 319a, and is provided in a position corresponding to the stopper 324. The upper surface of the locking projection 319b is chamfered, inclined with respect to the x-axis and z-axis directions. The lower surface of the locking projection 319b has a surface formed parallel to the xy plane and is perpendicular to the stepped surface 316.
[0073] The housing 310 is formed by bonding the front 310a side and the rear 310e side together, with opposing guides 318 contacting and fixing each other. In the housing 310, the thickness decreases toward both sides in the region where the guides 318 are provided, and the front 310a is curved, which is different from the rear 310e side shown in Figure 16. As a result, the two guides 318, the opposing clamping surfaces 315, the opposing stepped surfaces 316, and the stepped gap 317 form a slit 312 space inside the housing 310.
[0074] Figure 17 is a schematic diagram illustrating the process of inserting the insert 320 into the housing 310. Figure 17(a) shows the detached state, where the insert 320 has been removed from the housing 310. Figure 17(b) shows the prepared state, where the tip surface 326 has been inserted up to the boundary between the stepped gap 317 and the clamping surface 315. Figure 17(c) shows the connected state, where the insertion hole 323 has been inserted down to below the upper end of the clamping surface 315. In addition, in Figures 17(a) to 17(c), the left side shows a cross-sectional view along the yz plane, and the right side shows a cross-sectional view along the xz plane.
[0075] In the detached state shown in Figure 17(a), the housing 310 is assembled with its inner surfaces facing each other, the front 310a side and the rear 310e side, and this is the stage before inserting the insert 320 into the housing 310. At this time, a clamping gap 315a is formed between the opposing clamping surfaces 315. The distance of the clamping gap 315a in the y-axis direction is approximately the same as the thickness of the insert 320 in the y-axis direction. Also, a stepped gap 317, which is the upper region of the slit 312, is formed on the upper surface 310b side of the clamping surfaces 315. The distance of the stepped gap 317 in the y-axis direction is greater than the thickness of the insert 320 in the y-axis direction. Furthermore, a conductor guide 311 is positioned opposite the stepped gap 317, forming a hole that communicates across the stepped gap 317 from the front 310a side to the rear 310e side.
[0076] The preparation state shown in Figure 17(b) is the stage before the electrical connection of the conductors 131a and 131b is made at the connector 300. As shown in Figure 17(b), in the preparation state, the insert 320 is inserted into the slit 312 from the upper surface 310b of the housing 310, and the tip surface 326 is moved to the boundary between the clamping surface 315 and the stepped gap 317. At this time, since the distance of the clamping gap 315a is about the same as the thickness of the insert 320, the tip surface 326 and the clamping surface 315 interfere slightly, and the tip surface 326 is held at the boundary between the clamping surface 315 and the stepped gap 317. In addition, the upper surface of the stopper 325 is located below the lower surface of the locking projection 319a, and because the two interfere with each other, the movement of the insert 320 in the positive direction (upward) of the z axis is restricted. In the prepared state, it is preferable that the insertion hole 323 and the wire guide 311 overlap in the x-axis and z-axis directions, and that a space is formed in which the insertion hole 323 and the wire guide 311 communicate from the front 310a side to the back 310e side.
[0077] The connection state shown in Figure 17(c) is the stage where the insert 320 has been further pushed toward the bottom surface 310c from the preparation state, and the electrical connection of the conductors 131a and 131b has been made. As shown in Figure 17(c), in the connected state, the insertion piece 321 is inserted into the clamping gap 315a, and the upper end of the insertion hole 323 is located at least on the bottom surface 310c side than the upper end of the clamping surface 315. Therefore, both sides of the insertion piece 321 are clamped by the clamping surface 315. In addition, the conductor guides 311 on the front 310a side and the back 310e side are blocked inside the slit 312 by the insertion piece 321. Furthermore, the upper surface of the stopper 324 is located below the lower surface of the locking projection 319b, and because the two interfere with each other, the movement of the insert 320 in the positive direction (upward) of the z axis is restricted. In the example shown in Figure 17(c), the upper end of the upper edge 322 is approximately flush with the upper surface 310b when connected.
[0078] Figure 18 is a schematic perspective view showing the connection state in which conductors 131a and 131b are inserted into the connector 300 and electrically connected. Figure 19 is a schematic diagram showing the internal structure of the connector 300 in the connection state with conductors 131a and 131b inserted. Figure 18(a) is a perspective view from the front 310a side, and Figure 18(b) is a perspective view from the rear 310e side. Figure 19(a) is a perspective view from the front 310a side shown with a portion cut off. Figure 19(b) is a cross-sectional view in the yz plane. Figure 19(c) is a perspective view from the rear 310e side shown with a portion cut off.
[0079] In the electrical connection of the conductors 131a and 131b using the connector 300, first, in the preparation state shown in Figure 17(b), the conductors 131a and 131b are inserted into the conductor guide 311 and insertion hole 323 from the front 310a side to the rear 310e side. Next, the insert body 320 is pushed in from above towards the bottom surface 310c to achieve the connection state shown in Figure 17(c). As a result, the appearance of the connected state is as shown in Figures 18(a) and 18(b).
[0080] As shown in Figure 19, inside the connector 300, as the insertion piece 321 is inserted into the slit 312, the conductors 131a and 131b are pushed down and bent at the upper end of the insertion hole 323. Therefore, the conductors 131a and 131b pass through the inside of the housing 310, through the gap between the clamping surface 315 on the front 310a side and the surface of the insertion piece 321, the upper end of the insertion hole 323, and the gap between the clamping surface 315 on the rear 310e side and the surface of the insertion piece 321. At this time, a predetermined pressure is applied to the conductors 131a and 131b due to the elastic deformation of the housing 310.
[0081] As described above, since the conductors 131a and 131b are in contact with the clamping surface 315 and the surface of the insertion piece 321 while a predetermined pressure is applied, the conductors 131a and 131b can be electrically connected by providing a conductive area somewhere on the contact surface.
[0082] Figure 20 is a schematic diagram showing the locking structure of the insert 320 within the housing 310. Figure 20(a) is a perspective view partially cut away at the position of the locking projection 319a in the ready state. Figure 20(b) is a yz cross-sectional view at the position of the locking projection 319a in the connected state. As shown in Figure 20(a), in the ready state, the stopper 324 has the front 310a side of the locking projection 319b in contact with the back 310e side of the stopper 324 at both sides of the insertion hole 323. At this time, the position where the locking projection 319b of the stopper 324 makes contact is below the position where it bends in the negative y-axis direction.
[0083] When the upper edge 322 is gradually pushed downward from the ready position, the upper region of the stopper 324 that is bent in the negative y-axis direction elastically deforms upon contact with the locking projection 319b and is pushed out in the positive y-axis direction. As a result, the upper region of the stopper 324 also slides on the front surface 310a side of the locking projection 319b, and the insert 320 is pushed down to the connected position. Furthermore, the downward pushing of the insert 320 causes the slit 312 on the housing 310 side to also undergo slight elastic deformation, which pushes the insert 320 down to the connected position.
[0084] As shown in Figure 20(b), in the connected state, the upper end of the stopper 324 is located below the lower surface of the locking projection 319b. At this time, since the stopper 324 is located within the stepped gap 317, it returns to its bent shape in the negative y-axis direction due to elastic force. As a result, the upper end of the stopper 324 protrudes further than the insertion piece 321 in the negative y-axis direction, and the upper surface of the stopper 324 and the lower surface of the locking projection 319b come into contact. Therefore, the movement of the insert 320 in the positive z-axis direction from the connected state is restricted.
[0085] Figure 21 is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view showing details of the housing 310 and insert 320 at the position of the wire guide 311. As shown in Figure 21, a taper 311b is formed along the circumferential direction of the wire guide 311 by chamfering. Also, tapers 323a and 323b are formed along the circumferential direction of the insertion hole 323 by chamfering.
[0086] As shown in Figures 17 to 19, when changing the connector 300 from a ready state to a connected state, the conductors 131a and 131b are sandwiched between the insertion hole 323 and the clamping surface 315, and a force is applied to the conductors 131a and 131b in the negative z-axis direction. However, because the insertion hole 323 is provided with a taper 323a and the conductor guide 311 is provided with a taper 311b, the conductors 131a and 131b can be bent with a predetermined curvature, thereby reducing the possibility of wire breakage.
[0087] As described above, in the connector 300 and electrical wiring of the third embodiment, by inserting the insert 320 into the slit 312 and clamping the conductors 131a and 131b with the insert 320, the conductors 131a and 131b can be electrically connected via the conductive region, and an electrical connection can be secured between the thin conductors 131a and 131b with a simple configuration. Furthermore, because the thin conductors 131a and 131b are held physically at the same time, the thin conductors 131a and 131b, which have flexible tips, can be stably fixed.
[0088] (Fourth Embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 22 and 23. Content that overlaps with the first to third embodiments will be omitted from the description. Figure 22 is a schematic perspective view showing the prepared state of the connector 400 according to the fourth embodiment. Figure 23 is a schematic perspective view showing the connected state of the connector 400.
[0089] Figures 22(a) and 23(a) are perspective views from the top surface 410b, and Figures 22(b) and 23(b) are perspective views from the bottom surface 410c. As shown in Figures 22 and 23, the connector 400 comprises a housing 410 and an insert 420. The housing 410 has a front surface 410a (not shown in Figures 22 and 23), a top surface 410b, a bottom surface 410c, a side surface 410d, a back surface 410e, a wire guide 411, a notch 411a, a slit 412, a position confirmation hole 413, and a fixing hole 414. The insert 420 has an insertion piece 421, an insertion hole 422, and an insertion restricting piece 424.
[0090] The insertion restricting piece 424 is a portion of the insertion piece 421 that is bent in the y-axis direction near the upper end, restricting its movement in the insertion direction through the slit 412. Figures 22 and 23 show an example in which the insertion restricting piece 424 is provided in the direction of the back surface 410e, but it may also be provided in the direction of the front surface 410a. The shape of the insertion restricting piece 424 is not limited, but the amount of protrusion from the insertion piece 421 in the negative y-axis direction must interfere with the notch 411a, and it is preferable that it be substantially flush with the back surface 410e.
[0091] As shown in Figure 23, when the insert 420 is pushed down to the connected position, the lower surface of the insertion restricting piece 424 interferes with the upper surface of the notch 411a, preventing the insert 420 from being pushed down any further. This prevents the insert 420 from being pushed down too far beyond the appropriate position for electrically connecting the conductors 131a and 131b. In addition, the bending of the insertion restricting piece 424 at the upper end of the insertion piece 421 improves the operability when pushing down the insert 420.
[0092] (Fifth Embodiment) Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 24. Content that overlaps with the first embodiment will be omitted from the explanation. Figure 24 is a schematic perspective view showing the structure of the inserts 520 and 620 according to the fifth embodiment. The inserts 520 and 620 of the fifth embodiment replace the inserts 120, 220, 320, and 420 shown in the first to fourth embodiments. Figure 24(a) is a schematic perspective view illustrating the electrical connection of the conductors 131a and 131b in the insert 520. Figure 24(b) is a schematic perspective view illustrating the electrical connection of the conductors 131a and 131b in the insert 620.
[0093] As shown in Figure 24(a), the insert 520 has an insertion piece 521, a notch 522, and a stopper 523. The notch 522 is a notch provided in the center of the insertion piece 521 in the x-axis direction and has a shape in which the width gradually decreases from bottom to top. When the insert 520 is used and the insert 520 is pushed down from the ready state to the connected state, the conductors 131a and 131b are brought towards the center in the x-axis direction along the slope of the notch 522. As a result, the conductors 131a and 131b that have reached the top of the notch 522 can make direct contact with each other and ensure an electrical connection is made.
[0094] As shown in Figure 24(b), the insert 620 has an insertion piece 621, insertion holes 622a and 622b, and a stopper 623. A conductor 131a is inserted into insertion hole 622a, and a conductor 131b is inserted into insertion hole 622b. When using the insert 620, it is preferable to provide two conductor guides 111, 211, 311, and 411 in the housings 110, 210, 310, and 410 at positions corresponding to the insertion holes 622a and 622b. Because the insert 620 has two insertion holes 622a and 622b, the conductors 131a and 131b can be individually inserted into the insertion holes 622a and 622b, and their electrical connection can be easily made.
[0095] The embodiments and modifications of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings, but these are merely examples of the present invention, and various other configurations can also be adopted.
[0096] This specification provides connectors and electrical wiring in the following embodiments: (Embodiment 1) The connector of embodiment 1 is a connector for electrically connecting a first conductor and a second conductor, comprising: a housing; a slit provided in the housing; and an insert inserted through the slit, wherein at least one of the housing or the insert has a conductive area, and the first conductor and the second conductor are sandwiched between the housing and the insert in the conductive area.
[0097] According to the above-described embodiment, by inserting an insert into the slit and sandwiching the first and second conductors with the insert, the first and second conductors can be electrically connected via a conductive region, and an electrical connection can be ensured between thin conductors with a simple connector configuration.
[0098] (Aspect 2) In the connector of aspect 2, the entire housing or the insert is formed of a conductive material, and the conductive region is formed from it.
[0099] According to the above-described embodiment, there is no need to separately form conductive regions in the housing or insert, and the manufacturing process can be simplified.
[0100] (Aspect 3) The connector of aspect 3 has a housing that guides the first conductor and the second conductor through the slit.
[0101] According to the above-described embodiment, by guiding the first and second conductors with a conductor guide and passing them through the slit, the positioning of the first and second conductors within the slit becomes easier, and electrical connection through the conductive region becomes easier.
[0102] (Aspect 4) The connector of aspect 4 has an insertion hole in the insert body for inserting the first conductor and the second conductor at a position corresponding to the conductor guide.
[0103] According to the above-described embodiment, by providing insertion holes at positions corresponding to the wire guide, the conductive area of the insert can be brought into contact with the first and second wires simply by inserting the first and second wires into the wire guide.
[0104] (Aspect 5) The connector of aspect 5 has a housing which has a first surface which is made up of a flat surface and a second surface which is opposite to the first surface which is made up of a curved surface.
[0105] According to the above-described embodiment, the flat surface of the first surface makes it easier to mount the connector on textiles, etc., and the curved surface of the second surface allows for miniaturization and thinning of the connector. Furthermore, it prevents snagging when it comes into contact with objects such as clothing, and makes it easier to fix to textiles, etc.
[0106] (Aspect 6) The connector of aspect 6 has a housing which has a first surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface, and a fixing hole that penetrates from the first surface to the second surface.
[0107] According to the above-described embodiment, the fixing holes penetrate from the first surface to the second surface, making it easier to fix the material to textiles or the like using fixing members.
[0108] (Aspect 7) The connector of aspect 7 has a housing that has a position confirmation hole that allows the position of the tip of the insert inside the housing to be visually confirmed.
[0109] According to the above-described embodiment, the position of the tip of the insert inside the housing can be visually confirmed through the position confirmation hole, so that it is possible to confirm that the insert has been inserted to a position where it can hold the first and second conductors and to reliably make an electrical connection.
[0110] (Aspect 8) The connector of aspect 8 has a stopper that interferes with the housing and restricts the movement of the insert in the direction opposite to the insertion direction.
[0111] According to the above embodiment, the presence of a stopper in the insert prevents the insert from coming out of the slit.
[0112] (Aspect 9) The connector of aspect 9 has an insertion restricting piece that interferes with the housing to restrict the movement of the insert in the insertion direction.
[0113] According to the above-described embodiment, the insertion body has an insertion restricting piece, which stops the conductive region of the insertion body at an appropriate position within the slit, thereby ensuring that the first conductor and the second conductor are reliably electrically connected.
[0114] (Aspect 10) The electrical wiring of aspect 10 comprises a first conductor, a second conductor, a housing, a slit provided in the housing, and an insert inserted through the slit, wherein at least one of the housing or the insert has a conductive region, and the first conductor and the second conductor are sandwiched between the housing and the insert in the conductive region.
[0115] According to the above-described embodiment, by inserting an insert into the slit and sandwiching the first and second conductors with the insert, the first and second conductors can be electrically connected via a conductive region, and an electrical connection can be ensured between thin conductors with a simple connector configuration.
[0116] 100, 200, 300, 400… Connectors 110, 210, 310, 410… Housings 110a, 210a, 310a, 410a… Front 110b, 210b, 310b, 410b… Top 110c, 210c, 310c, 410c… Bottom 110d, 210d, 310d, 410d… Side 110e, 210e, 310e, 410e… Rear 111, 211, 311, 411… Wire guides 111a, 211a, 311a, 411a… Notches 112, 212, 312, 412… Slits 113, 213, 313, 413… Position confirmation holes 114, 218, 318… Guides 115,215,315...Pinching surface 115a,215a,315a...Pinching gap 116,216,316...Step surface 117,219,319a,319b...Locking protrusion 118,217,317...Step gap 120,220,320,420,520,620...Insertion body 121,221,321,421,521,621...Insertion piece 122,223,324,325...Stopper 123,224,326...Tip surface 130...Wiring 130a, 130b...Insulating film 131a, 131b... Conductor wire 214, 314, 414... Fixing hole 222, 323, 422, 622a, 622b... Insertion holes 230... Textile 240... Fixing member 311b, 323a, 323b... Tapered 322... Upper edge 424... Insertion restricting piece 522... Notch
Claims
1. A connector for electrically connecting a first conductor and a second conductor, comprising: a housing; a slit provided in the housing; and an insert inserted through the slit, wherein at least one of the housing or the insert has a conductive region, and the first conductor and the second conductor are sandwiched between the housing and the insert in the conductive region.
2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the entire housing or insert is formed of a conductive material, and the conductive region is formed by this material.
3. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the housing has a wire guide that guides the first wire and the second wire through the slit.
4. The connector according to claim 3, wherein the insert has insertion holes for inserting the first conductor and the second conductor at positions corresponding to the conductor guide.
5. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the housing has a first surface which is flat and a second surface which is opposite to the first surface and is curved.
6. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the housing has a first surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface, and a fixing hole that penetrates from the first surface to the second surface.
7. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the housing has a position confirmation hole that allows the position of the tip of the insert inside the housing to be visually confirmed.
8. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the insert has a stopper that interferes with the housing and restricts movement in the opposite direction to the insertion direction.
9. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the insert has an insertion restricting piece that interferes with the housing to restrict movement in the insertion direction.
10. Electrical wiring comprising: a first conductor; a second conductor; a housing; a slit provided in the housing; and an insert inserted through the slit, wherein at least one of the housing or the insert has a conductive region, and the first conductor and the second conductor are sandwiched between the housing and the insert in the conductive region.
Citation Information
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