JP5500929B2 - Flexible conductor connector - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a flexible conductor connector suitable for connecting flexible conductors.

  The flexible conductor is, for example, a flexible flat board such as a flexible printed circuit board (abbreviated as flexible board or FPC (Flexible Printed Circuits)) or a flexible flat cable (abbreviated as FFC (Flexible Flat Cable)). A wiring device that is flexible and has a planar structure. The flexible conductor is thin, flexible, and can be deformed greatly.

  Today, small electronic devices (especially portable devices) are becoming smaller, thinner, and lighter, and flexible conductors that are thin and flexible have a high degree of freedom when incorporated into devices. Widely used in electronic equipment.

  For example, conventionally, a flexible substrate has a spatial restriction in an electronic device such as a wire passing through a hinge of a folding mobile phone or a camera lens internal wire, wiring to a movable part in an electronic device, or three-dimensional wiring. For example, it is often used for wiring for wiring or wiring where it is necessary to bend the substrate.

  As described above, the flexible substrate is often used for the internal wiring of the electronic device. However, depending on the application, the flexible substrate may be directly inserted from the side surface of the casing of the electronic device and connected to the electronic device. .

  For example, as an example, there is a disposable type disposable electrode used in a Holter electrocardiogram inspection device which is a medical device. The disposable electrode for the Holter electrocardiogram inspection is a disposable flexible substrate that is disposable once used from the viewpoint of hygiene. In the Holter electrocardiogram inspection device, the terminal portion of the disposable electrode is directly inserted into the Holter electrocardiograph during use. The terminal part of the disposable electrode inserted in the Holter electrocardiograph is connected to, for example, a pattern on a substrate built in the Holter electrocardiograph. Thereby, the inspection electrode of the disposable electrode and the Holter electrocardiograph are electrically connected, and the electrocardiogram can be measured and recorded.

  On the other hand, Patent Document 1 discloses a connector for connecting a flexible conductor, more specifically, a connector for inserting a flexible conductor into a connector housing in which a plurality of terminal terminals and the like are press-fitted to achieve electrical continuity with the terminals. Is disclosed.

JP 2002-93526 A

  However, conventionally, the terminal portion of the disposable electrode is usually not a connector, and the terminal is exposed. For this reason, the length of the disposable electrode (that is, electrode lead) cannot be increased due to the nature as a medical device, and the distance between the testing electrode and the Holter electrocardiograph cannot be increased when the device is used. Therefore, there is a certain limit to the improvement of the wearing feeling of the subject. In order to solve this problem, the terminal portion of the disposable electrode may be formed as a connector, but there are various requirements for its structure. For example, since it is assumed that the Holter electrocardiogram examination apparatus continuously records an electrocardiogram during daily life for a long time (for example, 24 hours a day), it is preferable to have waterproofness. In addition, it is also necessary that the connector can be easily inserted and removed, and that it can be produced at a low cost as a disposable type.

  In this respect, the flexible conductor connection connector disclosed in Patent Document 1 has no structural measures for waterproofness. In addition, since terminal terminals are built in, there are certain limits to miniaturization, thickness reduction, and weight reduction. Furthermore, since the terminal terminal is exposed to the outside, it is not preferable for medical equipment from the viewpoint of safety. In addition, the structure itself is somewhat complicated, and there is a certain limit to cost reduction.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a disposable connector for a flexible conductor that has a simple structure and cannot easily touch a terminal, has waterproofness, and can be easily inserted and removed.

The connector for a flexible conductor of the present invention includes a flexible flat flexible conductor having a contact point formed in a terminal portion, a first housing that accommodates the flexible conductor inserted therein in a predetermined state, and the predetermined conductor A second housing that is pushed into the first housing so as to be applied to the flexible conductor in a state and presses the terminal portion against an inner wall of the first housing, and the flexible conductor is a contact point of the terminal portion. the forming surface first elastic layer except the contacts are formed.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the connector for disposable type flexible conductors which cannot touch a terminal easily by simple structure, has waterproofness, and is easy to insert / extract can be provided.

The perspective view which shows the connector for flexible conductors concerning one embodiment of this invention Sectional drawing which follows the AA line of FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the flexible conductor connector of FIG. The schematic perspective view which shows the state before folding of the flexible conductor shown in FIG. Sectional drawing which follows the BB line of FIG. FIG. 1 is a fragmentary exploded perspective view showing a state before the flexible conductor connector of FIG. Sectional drawing which shows the state which connected the connector for flexible conductors of FIG. 1 to the cable side connector FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the main part of the cross-section seen along another line. Process drawing which shows an example of the manufacturing process of the connector for flexible conductors of FIG. Process drawing which shows an example of the manufacturing process of the connector for flexible conductors of FIG.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  1 is a perspective view showing a flexible conductor connector according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a diagram of the flexible conductor connector of FIG. It is a disassembled perspective view. In the present embodiment, a flexible substrate will be described as an example of the flexible conductor.

  A flexible conductor connector (hereinafter simply referred to as “connector”) 100 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 includes a flexible board 110 as a specific example of a flexible conductor, a first housing 150 and a second housing for housing the flexible board 110. And a housing 170.

  The flexible substrate 110 is a flexible flat type flexible conductor in which a predetermined number (here, for example, five) of contacts 114a, 114b, 114c, 114d, and 114e are formed on the terminal portion 112. The flexible substrate 110 is configured by, for example, using a flexible flexible substrate in which a circuit pattern is formed of a conductive metal on a resin film, and forming a contact 114 and a waterproof mechanism on a terminal portion 112 of the flexible substrate. ing. The contact 114 and the waterproof mechanism are formed by printing, as will be described in detail later. Further, the terminal portion 112 of the flexible substrate 110 is bent into a substantially U shape when viewed from the side so that the contact 114 is positioned on a vertical surface on the insertion direction side with respect to the insertion direction C of the flexible substrate 110. Yes. Thereby, the vertical surface on the insertion direction side of the folded U-turn base 116 is a contact surface (contact formation surface) including the contact 114.

  4 is a schematic perspective view showing a state before the flexible substrate 110 is folded, and FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB of FIG.

  The terminal portion 112 of the flexible substrate 110 has a plurality of functional layers formed on a resin film by printing (multilayered structure). Specifically, as shown well in FIG. 5, first, the flexible substrate 110 is formed by forming a conductor layer 120 (circuit pattern) with a silver ink or the like on a resin film 118 such as a PET (polyethylene terephthalate) film. Further, a flexible substrate is formed on which a protective layer 122 having an insulating property is formed with resist ink or the like. Further, in the terminal portion 112 of the flexible substrate 110, the contact layer 124 (that is, the contact 114) is formed with carbon ink or the like after the protective layer 122 (resist) is removed at the contact formation position of the flexible substrate. . Further, a first elastic layer 126 is formed on the terminal portion 112 of the flexible substrate 110 on the entire contact surface side except for the contact layer 124 (contact 114), for example, with an elastic adhesive. The first elastic layer 126 functions as a packing. Accordingly, by providing the first elastic layer 126 as described above, a high degree of waterproofness can be obtained particularly when the flexible substrate 110 is housed and fixed in the housing, and particularly with respect to the first housing 150. Occurrence of gaps between members due to mechanical changes is also prevented, and waterproofness can be maintained for a long time. Further, when the first elastic layer 126 is formed of an elastic adhesive, the flexible substrate 110 is firmly fixed (joined) simply by press-fitting (pushing) into the housing (particularly the first housing 150) due to the function as an adhesive. )can do. In this case, the thickness of the elastic adhesive is preferably 50 microns or more, for example.

  A second elastic layer 128 is formed on the back surface of the terminal portion 112 of the flexible substrate 110, that is, on the surface opposite to the contact surface. The second elastic layer 128 is formed, for example, by sticking a foamed foam having cushioning properties. In this case, the thickness of the foamed foam is preferably, for example, 0.6 mm or more. The second elastic layer 128 also functions as a packing. Therefore, by forming such a second elastic layer 128 on the back surface of the terminal portion 112, a high degree of waterproofness can be obtained particularly when the flexible substrate 110 is housed and fixed in the housing. As a result, a gap between members due to a change with time is also prevented, and waterproofness can be maintained over a long period of time. Note that a cushioning material such as foamed foam that does not have an adhesive function is used for the back surface of the terminal portion 112 instead of an elastic adhesive. The sliding operation of the second housing 170 with respect to the flexible substrate 110 during assembly (the arrow in FIG. 3) D) is ensured, and the flexible housing 110 can be pushed into the first housing 150 (see arrow C in FIG. 3) so that the second housing 170 is applied to the flexible substrate 110.

  In addition, a protrusion 130 that functions as a stopper is provided on a side surface of the flexible substrate 110. The protrusion 130 prevents the flexible substrate 110 from being pushed into the first housing 150 more than necessary when the second housing 170 is applied to the flexible substrate 110 and pushed into the first housing 150.

  Both the first housing 150 and the second housing 170 are molded into a predetermined shape with resin. The first housing 150 is a housing member for accommodating the flexible substrate 110 inserted therein in a predetermined state. The second housing 170 is pushed into the first housing 150 so as to be applied to the flexible substrate 110 in a state where the flexible substrate 110 is temporarily accommodated in the first housing 150, and the terminal portion 112 of the flexible substrate 110 is moved to the first housing 150. This is a housing member for press-contacting the inner wall 152 of the housing 150. That is, the second housing 170 functions as a slider having a so-called wedge function. The first housing 150 and the second housing 170 have no gap so as to ensure a high degree of waterproofness while performing their respective functions in a state where the terminal portion 112 completely accommodates the substantially U-shaped flexible substrate 110. It is molded into an optimal shape. In particular, as shown well in FIG. 2, the first housing 150 and the second housing 170 have the multilayer structure of the flexible substrate 110 described above (particularly, elastic bonding of the terminal portion 112) in a state where the flexible substrate 110 is completely accommodated. In cooperation with the agent layer and the foamed foam layer), a waterproof structure having a high degree of waterproofness is realized.

  A pin hole 154 for inserting a pin to be described later is formed in a portion of the first housing 150 facing the contact 114 of the terminal portion 112 of the flexible substrate 110. In this example, five pin holes 154a to 154e are formed corresponding to the five contact points 114a to 114e.

  Engaging grooves 156 are formed on both side surfaces of the first housing 150, and locking projections 172 for coupling are provided on both side surfaces of the second housing 170, respectively. When the connector 100 is assembled, the second housing 170 is pushed into the first housing 150 in a state where the flexible substrate 110 is temporarily accommodated in the first housing 150, thereby engaging the first housing 150. The lock projection 172 of the second housing 170 is engaged with the mating groove 156, and the first housing 150 and the second housing 170 are coupled in a state where the flexible substrate 110 is completely accommodated. The lock protrusion 172 moves in the reverse insertion direction so that the second housing 170 can be prevented from being detached even when a tensile force in the reverse insertion direction is applied to pull out the second housing 170 from the first housing 150. The shape is regulated.

  Further, on the upper surface of the first housing 150, a locking portion 158 is formed for coupling both connectors when the connector 100 is connected to the cable-side connector.

  6 is an exploded perspective view of a principal part showing a state before the connector 100 is connected to the cable-side connector, FIG. 7 is a sectional view showing a state where the connector 100 is connected to the cable-side connector, and FIG. It is the principal part cross-section disassembled perspective view which looked at along another line. The cable-side connector is, for example, a connector to which a cable connected to a device is connected.

  A cable-side connector 200 shown in FIGS. 6 to 8 is connected to the connector 100 having the above-described configuration, and includes a cable 202 and a connector main body 204. The connector main body 204 is provided with the same number of pins 206 as the contacts 114 of the connector 100. Each pin 206 is provided with an independent ring-shaped rubber packing 208. Thereby, the waterproofness between the pins 206 is ensured. As shown in FIG. 7, when the connector 100 is inserted into the cable-side connector 200 (in the direction of arrow E) and the connectors 100 and 200 are connected to each other, each pin 206 of the cable-side connector 200 is connected to the connector. It contacts the corresponding contact 114 on the 100 side.

  Further, on the upper surface of the cable-side connector 200, an engaging portion 210 that engages with the engaging portion 158 of the connector 100 (first housing 150) is provided. The engaging portion 210 includes a space 212 for accommodating the locking portion 158, a release button 214 for pressing and releasing the locking portion 158, and a spring 216 for biasing the release button 214 upward.

  Here, the manufacturing process of the connector 100 having the above configuration will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a process diagram illustrating an example of a manufacturing process of the connector 100.

  First, the manufacturing process of the flexible substrate 110 will be described. In the first step, a conductor layer 120 (circuit pattern) is formed with silver ink or the like on a resin film 118 such as a PET film (see FIG. 9A). In the second step, an insulating protective layer 122 is formed on the entire surface with resist ink or the like except for the contact formation position (see FIG. 9B). In the third step, the contact layer 124 (that is, the contact 114) is formed with carbon ink or the like at the contact formation position (see FIG. 9C). In the fourth step, the first elastic layer 126 is formed on the entire surface of the terminal portion 112 except for the contact layer 124 (contact point 114) with an elastic adhesive or the like (see FIG. 9D). In the fifth step, the second elastic layer 128 is formed of foamed foam or the like on the entire back surface (surface opposite to the contact surface) of the terminal portion 112 (see FIG. 9E). The flexible substrate 110 is completed through the above steps. A multilayered structure is realized by using a printing technique from the first process to the fourth process, and using a foaming foam sheet sticking or printing technique in the fifth process.

  Thereafter, in a sixth step, an operation of attaching a resin housing to the completed flexible substrate 110 is performed. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9F, after the flexible substrate 110 is inserted into the first housing 150 (direction C) and temporarily accommodated, the second housing 170 is applied to the flexible substrate 110 in this state. In this way, it is pushed into the first housing 150 (direction D), and the terminal portion 112 of the flexible substrate 110 is brought into pressure contact with the inner wall 152 of the first housing 150. At this time, when the second housing 170 is pushed to a predetermined position, the lock projection 172 of the second housing 170 is engaged with the engagement groove 156 of the first housing 150, and the housing of the flexible substrate 110 is completed in the state where the accommodation is completed. The first housing 150 and the second housing 170 are coupled. Thereby, the assembly of the connector 100 is completed (see FIG. 9G). As described above, the flexible substrate 110 can be assembled to the housing by press-fitting one-touch in the same direction.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, by attaching the resin housings 150 and 170 to the flexible substrate 110 using the printing technique, the terminals cannot be easily touched by a simple structure, and waterproofing is achieved. It is possible to provide a disposable connector for a flexible conductor that is easy to insert and remove.

  Specifically, the elastic adhesive (first elastic layer 126) formed on the contact surface side of the terminal portion 112 is applied to the inner wall of the housing (first housing 150) and the cushioning property formed on the back surface of the terminal portion 112. Since the flexible substrate 110 is pressed against the housing (second housing 170) through a certain foam (second elastic layer 128), waterproofness can be ensured.

  Further, since the cable-side connector 200 is also provided with a waterproof structure (rubber packing 208) for each pin 206, even if the connector 100 is inserted into the cable-side connector 200 with the tip of the connector 100 wet, the pin 206 Waterproof performance and insulation performance can be secured.

  In addition, since the terminal portion 112 of the flexible board 110 is bent in a substantially U shape, a plane perpendicular to the insertion direction can be used as a contact face even though the flexible board has a planar structure. Insertion and removal can be easily performed.

  In addition, the circuit and waterproof mechanism can be formed using printing technology, the foamed foam on the back side can be punched out (multi-piece removal), and the flexible substrate 110 can be assembled into the housing with a press-fitting one-touch operation. Therefore, it can be produced at low cost.

  Moreover, since it can be produced at low cost, it can also be a disposable type. Therefore, the connector 100 according to the present embodiment can be applied as a disposable disposable electrode used in, for example, a Holter electrocardiogram inspection device. In this case, the cable side connector 200 is built in or connected to the Holter electrocardiograph.

  In the present embodiment, a flexible substrate is described as an example of the flexible conductor, but the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention can also be applied to other flexible conductors of a flexible flat type such as a flexible flat cable.

  Moreover, although this Embodiment demonstrated taking the connector for medical devices as an example, this is only the most suitable example and is not limited to this. The present invention is not limited to connectors for medical devices but can be widely applied to electrical connectors for connecting flexible conductors.

  The embodiments of the present invention have been described above. The above description is an illustration of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the configuration and operation of the apparatus described in the above embodiment are merely examples, and it is obvious that these can be partially changed, added, and deleted within the scope of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Connector for flexible conductors 110 Flexible substrate 112 Terminal part 114 Contact 116 U-turn base 118 Resin film (PET film)
120 Conductor layer (silver ink)
122 Protective layer (resist ink)
124 Contact layer (carbon ink)
126 1st elastic layer (elastic adhesive)
128 Second elastic layer (foamed foam)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 130 Protrusion 150 1st housing 152 Inner wall 154 Pin hole 156 Engagement groove 158 Locking part 170 2nd housing 172 Lock convex part 200 Cable side connector 202 Cable 204 Connector main body 206 Pin 208 Rubber packing 210 Engagement part 212 Space 214 Release button 216 Spring

Claims (7)

A flexible flat flexible conductor in which a contact is formed on the terminal portion;
A first housing for accommodating the flexible conductor inserted therein in a predetermined state;
A second housing that is pushed into the first housing so as to be applied to the flexible conductor in the predetermined state and presses the terminal portion against the inner wall of the first housing;
The flexible conductor is
Wherein the contact-forming surface of the terminal portion first elastic layer except the contacts are formed,
Flexible conductor connector. The terminal portion is bent in a substantially U shape so that the contact point is located on a vertical surface on the insertion direction side with respect to the insertion direction of the flexible conductor.
The connector for flexible conductors according to claim 1. The first housing and the second housing are molded of resin;
The connector for flexible conductors according to claim 1 or 2 . A second elastic layer is formed on a surface of the terminal portion opposite to the contact formation surface;
The connector for flexible conductors as described in any one of Claim 1 to 3 . The first elastic layer is formed of an elastic adhesive,
The second elastic layer is formed of foamed foam,
The connector for flexible conductors according to claim 4 . The contact, the first elastic layer, and the second elastic layer are formed by printing.
The connector for flexible conductors according to claim 4 or 5 . A pin hole for inserting a pin is formed in a portion of the first housing facing the contact.
The connector for flexible conductors as described in any one of Claim 1 to 6 .

Images