CN108365361B

CN108365361B - Connector with a locking member

Info

Publication number: CN108365361B
Application number: CN201810058085.7A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 小山胜三郎; 大仓崇宜; 高松亚美
Original assignee: JST Mfg Co Ltd
Current assignee: JST Mfg Co Ltd
Priority date: 2017-01-23
Filing date: 2018-01-22
Publication date: 2021-09-07
Anticipated expiration: 2038-01-22
Also published as: CN108365361A

Abstract

The invention provides a connector, which can easily perform potting treatment on the surface of a substrate connected with a conductive member with a plurality of conductors. The plurality of terminals (11) are respectively in contact with and connected to the plurality of conductors (102) of the conductive member (100). A main body case (12) holds a plurality of terminals (11). The sealing member (13) is attached to the end portion side of the main body case (12) connected to the substrate (101) with respect to the main body case (12), and seals between the inside of the main body case (12) and the substrate (100). The sealing member (13) is configured to penetrate the terminal (11) in a press-fitted state and to be in close contact with the terminal (11) and the main body case (12).

Description

Connector with a locking member

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a connector for connecting a conductive member having a plurality of conductors to a substrate.

Background

Conventionally, a connector is used for electrically connecting a conductive member having a plurality of conductors to a substrate. Examples of such a conductive member having a plurality of conductors include: a flexible conductive member configured as a flexible cable or a flexible substrate, a conductive member having a plurality of wires and a housing for holding the wires, a conductive member having a counter-side substrate, a plurality of conductors, and a housing for holding the conductors, and the like. Further, japanese patent application laid-open No. 10-125416 discloses a connector for connecting a flexible conductive member having a plurality of conductors to a substrate.

A connector (connector for FPC/FFC) disclosed in japanese patent application laid-open No. 10-125416 has an insulating member and a plurality of contacts held by the insulating member. The insulating member is provided with: an insertion end face having an insertion groove into which the FPC/FFC is inserted; and a welding end face opposite to the insertion end face. Each terminal held by the insulator has an elastic leg facing the inside of the insertion groove and contacting the FPC/FFC inserted from the insertion groove and a soldering leg facing a soldering end face. The connector in japanese patent laid-open No. 10-125416 is electrically connected to a substrate by soldering a solder foot on the substrate.

A connector disclosed in japanese patent application laid-open No. 10-125416 is used for connecting a substrate and a conductive member such as a flexible conductive member. On the other hand, a conductive circuit is formed on a surface of a substrate connected to a conductive member such as a flexible conductive member via a connector, and various electronic components are also mounted. When the surface of a substrate on which a conductive circuit is formed and various electronic components are mounted is protected from the viewpoints of waterproofing, dust prevention, vibration prevention, and the like, potting treatment is performed to cover the surface of the substrate with a potting material. For example, the potting process is performed by applying a potting material to the surface of the substrate or by filling the potting material into the surface of the substrate in a state of being surrounded by a case or the like.

The potting material disposed to cover the surface of the substrate for protecting the surface of the substrate is made of an insulating material such as resin. Therefore, when performing potting treatment on the surface of a substrate connected to a conductive member such as a flexible conductive member via a connector, it is necessary to prevent a potting material from entering a region where a terminal of the connector connected to the substrate and a conductor of the conductive member such as the flexible conductive member are in contact with each other.

Therefore, when potting treatment is performed on the surface of a substrate connected to a conductive member such as a flexible conductive member, a peripheral wall surrounding the connector needs to be formed on the substrate. That is, it is necessary to form a peripheral wall surrounding the periphery of a connector connecting the substrate and a conductive member such as a flexible conductive member on the substrate, thereby blocking the inflow of the potting material and preventing the potting material from entering a region where the terminal of the connector and the conductor of the conductive member such as the flexible conductive member are in contact with each other.

However, the formation of the peripheral wall as described above on the surface of the substrate on which the conductive circuit is formed and various electronic components are mounted involves a large restriction, and the operation is difficult. Therefore, it is desirable to realize a connector capable of easily performing potting treatment on a surface of a substrate connected to a conductive member such as a flexible conductive member.

Disclosure of Invention

In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a connector capable of easily performing potting treatment on a surface of a substrate connected to a conductive member having a plurality of conductors.

(1) A connector of one aspect of the present invention for achieving the above object relates to a connector for connecting a conductive member having a plurality of conductors to a substrate. Further, a connector of one aspect of the present invention includes: a main body case that holds a plurality of terminals that are respectively in contact with and connected to the plurality of conductors; and a sealing member that is attached to an end portion side of the main body case, which is connected to the substrate, with respect to the main body case, and that seals a gap between the inside of the main body case and the substrate, wherein the sealing member is configured to penetrate the terminal in a press-fitted state and to be in close contact with the terminal and the main body case.

According to this configuration, in the connector, the plurality of terminals held in the main body housing penetrate the sealing member in a state of being press-fitted into the sealing member mounted on the end portion side of the main body housing on the board connection side, respectively. Each terminal is connected to the substrate by soldering or the like at a portion that penetrates the sealing member and is exposed from the main body case. Thereby, the connector is electrically connected to the substrate. In addition, a plurality of conductors in the conductive member having a plurality of conductors are respectively in contact with and connected to each of a plurality of terminals in the connector. Thereby, the connector is electrically connected to the conductive member. Thus, the conductive member and the substrate are electrically connected via the connector.

In a state where the conductive member and the substrate are connected via the connector having the above-described configuration, the space between the inside of the main body case and the substrate is sealed by a sealing member which is attached to the end portion side of the main body case on the substrate connection side and is in close contact with the main body case. The terminals exposed from the main body case and connected to the substrate in a state of penetrating the sealing member are pressed into the sealing member and brought into close contact with the sealing member. Thereby, the periphery of the portion of each terminal, the end portion of which is exposed from the main body case and which penetrates through the sealing member, is sealed by the sealing member.

Therefore, even when potting treatment is performed on the surface of the substrate connected to the conductive member via the connector, the potting material can be prevented from flowing into the main body case. That is, the sealing member in close contact with the main body case can prevent the potting material from entering the inside of the main body case. Further, since the terminals connected to the substrate are press-fitted into the sealing member and closely attached to the sealing member, the potting material is prevented from entering the inside of the body case from the periphery of the terminals. Thereby, the potting material is prevented from infiltrating into the area where the terminals of the connector are in contact with the conductors of the conductive member.

In addition, according to the above configuration, even when potting treatment is performed on the surface of the substrate connected to the conductive member having the plurality of conductors, the substrate and the conductive member may be connected via the connector. That is, according to the above configuration, even when the potting process is performed on the surface of the substrate connected to the conductive member, it is not necessary to perform a difficult operation of forming the peripheral wall surrounding the periphery of the connector with a large restriction. Therefore, according to the above configuration, even when the potting process is performed on the surface of the substrate connected to the conductive member having the plurality of conductors, the potting process can be easily performed.

Therefore, according to the above configuration, it is possible to provide a connector capable of easily performing potting treatment on the surface of the substrate with the conductive member (having a plurality of conductors).

(2) The sealing member may be provided with a press-fitting hole through which the terminal passes in a press-fitted state.

According to this configuration, in the connector, the seal member is provided with the press-in hole into which each terminal is press-fitted. The terminals that are exposed from the main body case in a state of being pressed into the press-in holes of the sealing member and penetrating the sealing member and are connected to the substrate are in close contact with the sealing member. Therefore, the periphery of the portion of each terminal, the end portion of which is exposed from the main body case and which penetrates through the sealing member, is sealed by the sealing member. Thus, even when potting treatment is performed on the surface of the substrate, the potting material can be prevented from entering the interior of the body case from the periphery of each terminal, and further, the potting material can be prevented from entering.

(3) The terminal may be pressed into the sealing member in a state of piercing the sealing member.

According to this structure, in the connector, the terminal is pressed into the sealing member in a state of piercing the sealing member. The terminals that are exposed from the main body case and connected to the substrate in a state of piercing the sealing member and being pressed into the sealing member to penetrate the sealing member are in close contact with the sealing member. Therefore, the periphery of the portion of each terminal, the end portion of which is exposed from the main body case and which penetrates through the sealing member, is sealed by the sealing member. Thus, even when potting treatment is performed on the surface of the substrate, the potting material can be prevented from entering the interior of the body case from the periphery of each terminal, and further, the potting material can be prevented from entering.

The terminal penetrating the sealing member is pressed into the sealing member in a state of piercing the sealing member. Therefore, in the sealing member, it is not necessary to provide a hole into which the terminal is pressed in advance, and it is not necessary to position the terminal at a position corresponding to the hole. Therefore, the terminals are not pressed into the sealing member at all at positions deviated from the previously provided press-fitting holes. Therefore, the following situation can be prevented from occurring: the terminal is press-fitted into the sealing member while being deviated from a press-fitting hole provided in advance, and the potting material enters the main body case through the press-fitting hole.

(4) The sealing member may be provided as an integral member, and the plurality of terminals may be press-fitted into the sealing member.

According to this structure, the sealing member is provided integrally and constituted as 1 member into which the plurality of terminals are press-fitted. Therefore, the sealing member into which the plurality of terminals are press-fitted can be collectively and easily attached to the main body housing, and thus the assembling work of the connector can be efficiently and easily performed.

(5) The sealing member may be fitted into the main body case by fitting into an end portion side of the main body case where the main body case is connected to the substrate, and the outer periphery of the sealing member may be configured to be in close contact with an inner periphery of the main body case.

According to this configuration, the seal member is fitted into the main body case with the outer periphery thereof in close contact with the inner periphery of the main body case, and thereby is attached to the main body case. Therefore, the structure in which the seal member is attached in close contact with the main body case can be realized with a simple structure.

(6) The main body case may include: a terminal holding case that holds a plurality of the terminals; and a cover case to which the sealing member is attached and which holds the terminal holding case, the sealing member being attached to one end side of the cover case, the terminal holding case being held in the cover case by being inserted into the inside of the cover case from the other end side of the cover case.

According to this structure, the main body housing is configured to have the terminal holding housing and the cover housing as separate components assembled integrally. The sealing member and the plurality of terminals can be attached to the cover housing and the terminal holding housing, respectively. Therefore, the sealing member and the plurality of terminals can be easily attached to the main body case. Further, a sealing member is attached to one end side of the cover case, and a terminal holding case holding a plurality of terminals is inserted from the other end side of the cover case and held in the cover case. Therefore, the assembling work between the terminal holding housing holding the plurality of terminals and the cover housing to which the sealing member is attached can be easily performed. Therefore, according to the above configuration, the assembling work of the connector can be further facilitated.

Further, according to the above configuration, the housing body to which the sealing member is attached is configured as a member separate from the terminal holding housing that holds the plurality of terminals. Therefore, the thickness of the layer of the potting material required for the potting process can be dealt with by changing only the height of the cover housing, and there is no need to change the specification of the terminal holding housing. Therefore, in the connector for connecting the conductive member and the substrate, the degree of freedom in designing the layer thickness dimension of the potting material can be easily increased.

(7) The body case may be provided with an inner wall for holding the plurality of terminals, the inner wall may be provided with a plurality of through holes through which the plurality of terminals respectively penetrate, an inner peripheral surface of each of the plurality of through holes may have a guide surface for guiding the plurality of terminals in a direction in which the plurality of terminals respectively penetrate through the inner wall, and the guide surface may be configured to be narrowed in a direction in which the plurality of terminals respectively penetrate through the inner wall.

According to this configuration, the plurality of terminals are held in the main body case in a state of penetrating through holes of the inner wall. When each terminal penetrates the through hole of the inner wall, the through hole penetrating the inner wall is guided by a guide surface that narrows in the direction in which each terminal penetrates the inner wall. Therefore, in each terminal, the position of the portion that penetrates the inner wall and is exposed from the inner wall can be easily positioned at a predetermined position. Further, by making the predetermined position of the sealing member into which each terminal is press-fitted correspond to the position of the through hole that penetrates the inner wall and exposes the terminal from the inner wall, each terminal can be easily positioned at the predetermined position of the sealing member into which each terminal is press-fitted. Therefore, the position of each terminal is prevented from being deviated from the predetermined position of the sealing member into which each terminal is press-fitted, and the terminals are prevented from being press-fitted into the sealing member at positions deviated from the predetermined position. In addition, in the sealing member, when the press-fitting holes through which the terminals are press-fitted are provided, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of positional deviation of the terminals with respect to the press-fitting holes of the sealing member, and further, it is possible to prevent the terminals from being press-fitted into the sealing member at positions deviated from the press-fitting holes. Therefore, when the plurality of terminals held in the main body case are respectively press-fitted into each of the plurality of press-fitting holes of the sealing member, it is possible to prevent the sealing member from being damaged due to positional deviation of the terminals.

(8) The sealing member may be a rubber member.

According to this configuration, the seal member is formed of a rubber member that is a highly elastic material having a large elastic limit. Then, each terminal is press-fitted into a rubber sealing member. Therefore, the terminals can be easily press-fitted into the sealing member in a state of being in close contact with the sealing member. Therefore, according to the above configuration, the assembling work of the connector can be further facilitated.

(9) The main body case may be an integral member, an inner wall that holds the plurality of terminals may be provided inside the main body case, and the inner wall may be provided with a plurality of through holes through which the plurality of terminals respectively pass.

According to this configuration, the main body case is integrally provided as 1 member, and the member is provided with an inner wall in which a plurality of through holes through which the plurality of terminals respectively pass are formed to hold the plurality of terminals. Therefore, the main body case can be made into a single component, and an increase in the number of components can be suppressed.

(10) The conductive member may be a flexible conductive member having a plurality of the conductors.

According to this configuration, the plurality of terminals of the connector are connected to the plurality of conductors of the flexible conductive member having flexibility and the substrate. Thus, the flexible conductive member, which can be operated freely in a state where the plurality of conductors are densely arranged even in a restricted wiring path, is electrically connected to the substrate via the connector. Further, according to the above configuration, it is possible to provide a connector capable of easily performing potting treatment on the surface of the substrate connected to the flexible conductive member.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a connector capable of easily performing potting treatment on a surface of a substrate connected to a conductive member having a plurality of conductors.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is a view showing a part of a flexible conductive member and a part of a substrate together.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the connector, and is a view showing a part of the flexible conductive member and a part of the substrate together.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing a part of the flexible conductive member.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing the connector shown in fig. 1 in an exploded state.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing the terminal holding housing and the terminals in the connector shown in fig. 4 in an exploded state.

Fig. 6 is a view showing the terminal shown in fig. 5, fig. 6 (a) is a plan view (top view), fig. 6 (B) is a left side view, fig. 6 (C) is a front view, and fig. 6 (D) is a right side view.

Fig. 7 is a diagram illustrating the terminal shown in fig. 5, fig. 7 (a) is a plan view (top view), fig. 7 (B) is a left side view, fig. 7 (C) is a front view, and fig. 7 (D) is a right side view.

Fig. 8 is a diagram showing a part of the flexible conductive member and the connector shown in fig. 1, fig. 8 (a) is a left side view, fig. 8 (B) is a plan view (top view), fig. 8 (C) is a front view, and fig. 8 (D) is a bottom view.

Fig. 9 is a sectional view of a part of the flexible conductive member and the connector as viewed in the direction of the arrow of line X4 in fig. 8 (C).

Fig. 10 is a sectional view of a part of the flexible conductive member and the connector as viewed in the direction of the arrow of line X5 in fig. 8 (C).

Fig. 11 is a view showing the terminal holding housing shown in fig. 5, fig. 11 (a) is a plan view (top view), fig. 11 (B) is a front view, and fig. 11 (C) is a bottom view.

Fig. 12 is a view showing a cover housing of the connector shown in fig. 4, fig. 12 (a) is a left side view, fig. 12 (B) is a plan view (top view), fig. 12 (C) is a front view, and fig. 12 (D) is a bottom view.

Fig. 13 is a view showing a seal member of the connector shown in fig. 4, fig. 13 (a) is a left side view, fig. 13 (B) is a plan view (top view), fig. 13 (C) is a front view, and fig. 13 (D) is a bottom view.

Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a part of the substrate, the connector, and a part of the flexible conductive member in a state where potting treatment is performed.

Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the connector, and is a view showing a part of the flexible conductive member and a part of the substrate together.

Fig. 16 is a view showing a seal member without a press-in hole, fig. 16 (a) is a left side view, fig. 16 (B) is a plan view (top view), fig. 16 (C) is a front view, and fig. 16 (D) is a bottom view.

Fig. 17 is a diagram showing a connector of a modification, and is a diagram showing a conductive member including a plurality of terminal-equipped wires together with a substrate.

Fig. 18 is a sectional view showing the connector and the conductive member shown in fig. 17, and is a view showing a state where the connector and the conductive member are not connected.

Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view showing a connector of a modification, and is a diagram showing a conductive member including a counter side substrate and a substrate connected to the connector together.

Fig. 20 is a sectional view showing the connector and the conductive member shown in fig. 19, and is a view showing a state where the connector and the conductive member are not connected.

Description of the reference symbols

1: a connector; 11: a terminal; 12: a main body case; 13: a sealing member; 13 a: pressing into the hole; 100: a flexible conductive member (conductive member); 101: a substrate; 102: a conductor.

Detailed Description

Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The present invention is widely applicable to various applications as a connector for connecting a conductive member having a plurality of conductors to a substrate.

[ outline of connector ]

Fig. 1 and 2 are perspective views showing a connector 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and are views showing a part of a flexible conductive member 100 and a part of a substrate 101 together. Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing a part of the flexible conductive member 100. Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing the connector 1 in an exploded state. Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing the terminal holding housing 14 and the terminal 11 in the connector 1 in an exploded state.

In addition, fig. 1 illustrates a state in which the flexible conductive member 100 and the substrate 101 are connected by the connector 1. On the other hand, in fig. 2, a state before the flexible conductive member 100 and the substrate 101 are connected by the connector 1 is illustrated. In addition, in fig. 1 and 2, only a part of each of the flexible conductive member 100 and the substrate 101 is schematically illustrated in a missing state. More specifically, in fig. 1 and 2, as for the flexible conductive member 100, a portion of the end portion 100a of the flexible conductive member 100 connected to the connector 1 and a portion in the vicinity thereof are illustrated. In fig. 1 and 2, a portion connected to the connector 1 and a portion in the vicinity thereof are illustrated for the substrate 101.

The connector 1 shown in fig. 1, 2, 4, and 5 is configured as a connector for connecting a flexible conductive member 100 having a plurality of conductors 102 to a substrate 101. The connector 1 is configured to include: a plurality of terminals 11; a main body case 12 holding a plurality of terminals 11; and a seal member 13 mounted to the main body case 12. The connector 1 is electrically and mechanically connected to the substrate 101, and the connector 1 is also electrically and mechanically connected to the flexible conductive member 100.

In fig. 1 and 2, the substrate 101, only a part of which is schematically illustrated in a broken state, is configured as a substrate in which a conductive circuit pattern is provided on at least one of the front surface and the back surface. In fig. 1 and 2, the conductive circuit pattern of the substrate 101 is not illustrated.

[ Flexible conductive Member ]

In the present embodiment, the flexible conductive member 100 shown in fig. 1 to 3 is configured as a flexible cable having a plurality of conductors 102 covered with an insulating material. More specifically, the flexible conductive member 100 is configured as a Flexible Flat Cable (FFC). The flexible conductive member 100 is provided with a plurality of conductors 102, a covering 103, a reinforcing plate 104, and the like. That is, in the present embodiment, the conductive member electrically connected to the substrate 101 via the connector 1 is configured as a flexible conductive member 100 having a plurality of conductors 102.

The flexible conductive member 100 has an elongated shape in which the overall shape is a flat shape. However, fig. 1 to 3 illustrate the portion of the end portion 100a of the flexible conductive member 100 and the portion in the vicinity thereof in a cutaway state as described above. That is, in fig. 1 to 3, a part of the flexible conductive member 100 including the end portion 100a in the longitudinal direction is illustrated.

The plurality of conductors 102 are each formed in an elongated extending shape, and are arranged in an equally spaced manner in the flexible conductive member 100. Also, a plurality of conductors 102 are provided in the flexible conductive member 100 so as to extend parallel to each other. Each conductor 102 is configured as, for example, an aggregate of 1 elongated flat foil-shaped metal wire or a bundle of thin metal wires. In the present embodiment, each conductor 102 is formed as 1 flat foil-shaped metal wire, for example.

The covering portion 103 is formed of an insulating material and provided so as to cover the plurality of conductors 102. That is, the plurality of conductors 102 are insulated and covered by the covering portion 103. In the present embodiment, the covering portion 103 is exemplified to have a configuration in which a pair of insulating sheets or insulating films are provided on the front surface side and the back surface side of the flexible conductive member 100, respectively. In this example, for example, a pair of insulating sheets or a pair of insulating films are integrally formed (integrated) with a plurality of conductors 102 arranged in parallel interposed therebetween. This constitutes a covering portion 103 covering the plurality of conductors 102 with an insulating material.

The reinforcing plate 104 is formed of, for example, a resin material, and is provided at the end portion 100a of the flexible conductive member 100. The reinforcing plate 104 is provided as an elongated flat plate-like member for increasing the rigidity of the tip of the end portion 100a of the flexible conductive member 100 to be reinforced. When the end portion 100a of the flexible conductive member 100 is inserted into the connector 1 and connected, a reinforcing plate 104 is provided at the end portion 100a of the flexible conductive member 100 in order to smoothly perform the insertion connection step.

The reinforcing plate 104 is adhesively fixed to one of the front and back surfaces at the tip of the end portion 100a of the flexible conductive member 100. Also, the reinforcing plate 104 is mounted with respect to the end portion 100a of the flexible conductive member 100 so as to extend along the width direction perpendicular to the length direction of the flexible conductive member 100 and along the edge portion of the end portion 100 a. In fig. 3, the longitudinal direction of the flexible conductive member 100 is indicated by a double arrow X2, and the width direction of the flexible conductive member 100 is indicated by a double arrow X3.

In addition, the flexible conductive member 100 is provided with a conductor exposure portion 105 in which the end portions of the plurality of conductors 102 are exposed, at the end portion 100a thereof. The conductor exposure portion 105 is provided at the end portion 100a of the flexible conductive member 100 as a portion that exposes the end portions of the plurality of conductors 102 on a face on the opposite side to the side on which the reinforcing plate 104 is mounted, of the front and back faces that extend flat.

Further, a notch hole 106 is provided in the end portion 100a of the flexible conductive member 100 at the center portion in the width direction thereof. The notch hole 106 is provided as an engaged portion, and when the end portion 100a of the flexible conductive member 100 is connected to the connector 1, an engagement holding portion 14c, which will be described later, of the connector 1 is engaged with the engaged portion. In the present embodiment, the notch hole 106 is a substantially rectangular through hole that penetrates the end portion 100a of the flexible conductive member 100.

In addition, as described above, in the present embodiment, the notch hole 106 is provided at the central portion in the width direction of the flexible conductive member 100. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the flexible conductive member 100 is configured in a form in which the conductor 102 is not disposed at the center portion in the width direction thereof.

In the present embodiment, the description has been given taking as an example the form in which the flexible conductive member 100 configured as a flexible cable is connected to the connector 1, but this need not be the case. That is, the flexible conductive member connected to the connector 1 is not limited to the flexible cable of the above-described embodiment, and may be a flexible conductive member having a plurality of conductors. For example, a flexible cable having a layer structure or a conductor arrangement structure different from the above-described form may be used as the flexible conductive member. In addition, as the flexible conductive member, a flexible cable configured in a form other than a flexible flat cable may be used. In addition, as the flexible conductive member, a flexible substrate such as a flexible printed circuit board (FPC) may be used.

[ terminal ]

Next, the structure of the connector 1 will be described in further detail. First, a plurality of terminals 11 included in the connector 1 will be described. The plurality of terminals 11 shown in fig. 2, 4, and 5 are formed of a conductive metal material, and are configured to be in contact with and electrically connected to the plurality of conductors 102 of the flexible conductive member 100, respectively. That is, each terminal 11 is connected to each conductor 102. In the present embodiment, each of the plurality of terminals 11 is electrically connected to each of the plurality of conductors 102 by being in contact with each of the plurality of conductors 102 exposed at the conductor exposure portion 105 of the flexible conductive member 100.

The plurality of terminals 11 are integrally formed, respectively. Each of the plurality of terminals 11 is formed by bending a single terminal material, for example. In the present embodiment, the terminals 11 include 2 types of terminals, i.e., the terminals 11a and the terminals 11b, which have different numbers of bent portions formed by bending. In the connector 1 of the present embodiment, the

terminals

11a and 11b are provided in the same number and in plural numbers, respectively.

Each terminal 11 is held in the main body housing 12 by being inserted and embedded in the terminal holding housing 14 of the main body housing 12. The plurality of terminals 11 held by the main body case 12 are arranged so as to be aligned along the width direction of the main body case 12. The

terminals

11a and 11b are arranged alternately in the width direction of the main body case 12. The plurality of terminals 11 are held by the main body case 12 in a state of being arranged along surfaces parallel to each other.

In addition, the width direction of the main body case 12 coincides with the width direction of the connector 1. In fig. 2 and 4, the width direction of the connector 1 and the main body housing 12 is illustrated by a double-headed arrow X1. The width direction of the connector 1 and the main body housing 12 is a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the end portion 100a of the flexible conductive member 100 is inserted into the main body housing 12, and is a direction in which the plurality of terminals 11 are arranged in line in the main body housing 12.

The plurality of terminals 11 are inserted into and fitted into the terminal holding case 14 of the main body case 12 from a plurality of slit-shaped open grooves 14a provided in the terminal holding case 14 of the main body case 12. The above-mentioned groove 14a, which is slit-shaped and into which the terminal 11 is inserted, is opened at an end portion on the opposite side to the end portion on the side where the end portion 100a of the flexible conductive member 100 is inserted, on the terminal holding case 14 of the main body case 12. That is, the terminal 11 is inserted into and fitted into the terminal holding case 14 of the body case 12 from an end portion on the opposite side to the end portion on the side where the end portion 100a of the flexible conductive member 100 is inserted.

Fig. 6 is a view showing the terminal 11a in the terminal 11, fig. 6 (a) is a plan view (top view) of the terminal 11a, fig. 6 (B) is a left side view of the terminal 11a, fig. 6 (C) is a front view of the terminal 11a, and fig. 6 (D) is a right side view of the terminal 11 a. Fig. 7 is a view showing the terminal 11B in the terminal 11, fig. 7 a is a plan view (plan view) of the terminal 11B, fig. 7B is a left side view of the terminal 11B, fig. 7C is a front view of the terminal 11B, and fig. 7D is a right side view of the terminal 11B.

Each of the terminals 11(11a, 11b) shown in fig. 5 to 7 includes a body portion 16a, a contact portion 16b, a board connecting portion 16c, and the like. The main body portion 16a is formed by bending 1 terminal material. A contact portion 16b is provided at one end of the body portion 16 a. A portion of the body portion 16a opposite to the side where the contact portion 16b is provided in the longitudinal direction is configured as a substrate connection portion 16 c.

The main body 16a is provided with bent portions (16d, 16e) formed by bending the terminal material. The shape of the body portion 16a is different between the terminal 11a and the terminal 11b, the bent portion 16d is provided on both the terminal 11a and the terminal 11b, and the bent portion 16e is provided only on the terminal 11 b.

The bent portion 16d is formed as a portion of each of the

terminals

11a and 11b, which is formed by bending the terminal material by about 180 °. The bent portion 16d is provided on the contact portion 16b side in the longitudinal direction of the body portion 16a in both the terminal 11a and the terminal 11 b. On the other hand, the bent portion 16e provided only on the terminal 11b but not on the terminal 11a is configured as a portion formed by bending the above-described terminal material by about 90 °. The bent portion 16e is provided on the side of the board connection portion 16c with respect to the bent portion 16d in the longitudinal direction of the body portion 16a of the terminal 11 b. In addition, the terminal 11b is provided with 2 bent portions 16 e.

Further, the body portion 16a is provided with a widened portion 16f having a wider dimension in the width direction at a middle portion in the longitudinal direction of the body portion 16 a. The widened portion 16f is provided with a pair of engaging claws 16 g. When the terminal 11 is inserted from the groove 14a and is embedded inside the terminal holding housing 14 of the body housing 12, the terminal 11 is pressed into the terminal holding housing 14 at the widened portion 16 f. When the terminal 11 is press-fitted into the terminal holding case 14 at the widened portion 16f, the terminal 11 is engaged with the inner wall surface of the terminal holding case 14 at the pair of engaging claws 16 g. Thereby, the terminal 11 is held in the terminal holding case 14 of the main body case 12.

The contact portion 16b is provided as a portion that is in contact with and electrically connected to the conductor 102 at the conductor exposure portion 105 of the flexible conductive member 100. That is, the plurality of terminals 11 are electrically connected to the conductors 102 of the flexible conductive member 100 at the contact portions 16 b.

The contact portion 16b is provided at a portion of the main body portion 16a on the distal end side of the bent portion 16 d. The portion of the main body 16a, at which the contact portion 16b is provided on the distal end side of the bent portion 16d, is configured to be elastically deformed and bent by coming into contact with the end portion 100a when the end portion 100a of the flexible conductive member 100 is inserted into the connector 1 and connected to the connector 1. Therefore, when the end portion 100a of the flexible conductive member 100 is inserted into the connector 1 and connected to the connector 1, the contact portion 16b is pressed by the above-described elastic deformation and contacts the conductor 102.

All the contact portions 16b of the plurality of terminals 11 of the connector 1 are arranged in a line on the same straight line extending in the width direction of the main body housing 12. That is, the contact portions 16b are arranged in a line on the same straight line extending in the width direction of the main body case 12, regardless of which terminal 11 is the terminal 11a in which the bent portion 16e is not provided in the main body portion 16a or the terminal 11b in which 2 bent portions 16e are provided in the main body portion 16 a.

The substrate connection portion 16c is provided as a portion that is electrically connected to the substrate 101 and mechanically fixed to the substrate 101. The substrate connecting portion 16c is formed as a part of the body portion 16a on the opposite side to the side on which the contact portion 16b is provided in the longitudinal direction. The substrate connection portion 16c is inserted through a through hole 101a provided in the substrate 101 as a hole penetrating the substrate 101 in the thickness direction. The substrate connection portion 16c is soldered and fixed to the substrate 101 in a state of being inserted through the through hole 101 a.

The substrate connection portion 16c is soldered to the substrate 101 as described above, and thereby electrically connected to the conductive circuit pattern provided on at least one of the front surface and the back surface of the substrate 101. Thereby, the terminal 11 is electrically connected to the substrate 101. Further, on the substrate 101, for example, a conductive circuit pattern is also provided on the surface opposite to the surface on which the main body housing 12 of the connector 1 is disposed, out of the front surface and the back surface thereof. The terminal 11 is electrically connected to the substrate 101 via solder on a surface of the substrate 101 opposite to the side on which the main body case 12 is disposed.

The substrate connection portion 16c is mechanically fixed to the substrate 101 by being soldered to the substrate 101 as described above. The substrate connection portions 16c of the plurality of terminals 11 are soldered on the substrate 101, whereby the connector 1 is fixed and connected to the substrate 101.

The substrate connection portions 16c of the plurality of terminals 11 are arranged in 2 lines extending in parallel in the width direction of the main body case 12. More specifically, the substrate connection portion 16c of the terminal 11a in which the bent portion 16e is not provided on the main body portion 16a and the substrate connection portion 16c of the terminal 11b in which 2 bent portions 16e are provided on the main body portion 16a are arranged on different straight lines extending parallel to each other in the width direction of the main body case 12, respectively. The through holes 101c provided in the substrate 101 are also arranged in 2 lines extending in parallel, corresponding to the arrangement of the substrate connecting portions 16 c.

In the main body case 12, the position of the substrate connection portion 16c of the terminal 11a and the position of the substrate connection portion 16c of the terminal 11b are set to be shifted in the width direction of the main body case 12, and are set to be shifted in the direction perpendicular to both the width direction of the main body case 12 and the insertion direction of the flexible conductive member 100. Therefore, the main body case 12 is arranged so that the positions of the substrate connection portions 16c of the terminals 11a and the positions of the substrate connection portions 16c of the terminals 11b are in a so-called staggered arrangement.

[ Main body case ]

Fig. 8 is a diagram showing a part of the flexible conductive member 100 and the connector 1, fig. 8 (a) is a left side view, fig. 8 (B) is a plan view (top view), fig. 8 (C) is a front view, and fig. 8 (D) is a bottom view. Fig. 9 is a sectional view of the connector 1 and a part of the flexible conductive member 100 as viewed in the direction of the arrow marked on the line X4 in fig. 8 (C). Fig. 10 is a sectional view of a part of the flexible conductive member and the connector as viewed in the direction of the arrow of line X5 in fig. 8 (C).

The main body case 12 shown in fig. 1, 2, 4, 5, and 8 to 10 is configured to have a terminal holding case 14 and a cover case 15 formed of an insulating resin material. The main body case 12 is configured to have a shape extending long in the width direction, and hold the plurality of terminals 11 arranged in line in the width direction.

[ terminal holding case ]

Fig. 11 is a view showing the terminal holding case 14 of the main body case 12, fig. 11 (a) is a plan view (top view), fig. 11 (B) is a front view, and fig. 11 (C) is a bottom view. The terminal holding case 14 shown in fig. 2, 4, 5, and 8 to 11 is provided as a member having a frame-like outer shape and holding the plurality of terminals 11. The terminal holding case 14 is provided with a plurality of grooves 14a, insertion ports 14b, engagement holding portions 14c, and the like.

The plurality of grooves 14a are arranged in a row along the width direction of the terminal holding housing 14, and are open at the end portions of one end side in the height direction of the terminal holding housing 14, respectively. Each groove 14a is open like a slit and is configured as a groove into which each terminal 11 is inserted and fitted. Each groove 14a extends in a slit shape along the height direction of the terminal holding housing 14, and each terminal 11 inserted into each groove 14a is inserted and fitted into the terminal holding housing 14 along the height direction of the terminal holding housing 14. The terminals 11 fitted into the grooves 14a are press-fitted into the grooves 14a at the widened portions 16f, and are engaged with the inner wall surface of the terminal holding case 14 at the pair of engaging claws 16 g. Thereby, each terminal 11 is held by the terminal holding case 14. In addition, each terminal 11 is held by the terminal holding case 14, and the substrate connection portion 16c is exposed to the outside.

The width direction of the terminal holding housing 14 coincides with the width direction of the connector 1 and the main body housing 12, and is the direction indicated by the double-headed arrow X1 in fig. 2, 4, and 11 (B). In addition, the height direction of the terminal holding housing 14 coincides with the height direction of the connector 1 and the main body housing 12. The height directions of the connector 1, the main body housing 12, and the terminal holding housing 14 are illustrated by a double-headed arrow X6 in fig. 8 and 11 (B). In addition, the height direction of the connector 1 is a direction parallel to the connecting direction of the flexible conductive member 100 and the connector 1.

The insertion port 14b is provided on the terminal holding case 14 as an opening into which the end portion 100a of the flexible conductive member 100 is inserted. The insertion opening 14b is open at the end of the other end side in the height direction of the terminal holding case 14. That is, the insertion port 14b is opened at an end portion on the opposite side in the height direction of the terminal holding case 14 with respect to an end portion on the side where the plurality of grooves 14a are opened. Also, the insertion port 14b is provided on the terminal housing 14 so as to be open in the entire width direction of the terminal holding housing 14. The inner space on the back side of insertion port 14b communicates with the inner space on the back side of grooves 14a in terminal holding case 14. In the inner space on the back side of insertion port 14b, contact portion 16b of plurality of terminals 11 held by terminal holding case 14 is arranged.

The engagement holding portion 14c is provided inside the terminal holding case 14 and is provided integrally with the terminal holding case 14. The engagement holding portion 14c is configured to engage with the end portion 100a of the flexible conductive member 100 to hold the end portion 100a of the flexible conductive member 100.

The engagement holding portion 14c is provided at a central portion in the width direction of the terminal holding case 14 inside the terminal holding case 14. The engagement holding portion 14c is provided inside the terminal holding case 14c so as to extend in a cantilever manner from the inner surface of the terminal holding case 14. More specifically, the engagement holding portion 14c is provided to be bent by substantially 90 ° after being relatively short-projected from the inner surface of the terminal holding case 14 substantially perpendicularly to the inner surface, and is further cantilevered toward the back side of the insertion port 14b substantially parallel to the inner surface. Since the engagement holding portion 14c is provided as described above, when the end portion 100a of the flexible conductive member 100 is inserted into the terminal holding case 14 from the insertion port 14b, it is elastically deformed and bent by the urging force of the flexible conductive member 100.

When the end portion 100a of the flexible conductive member 100 is inserted from the insertion port 14b into the terminal holding case 14, the end portion 100a of the flexible conductive member 100 abuts on the convex portion 14d provided in the engagement holding portion 14 c. Thus, the engagement holding portion 14c is biased by the end portion 100a of the flexible conductive member 100 via the convex portion 14d, and is elastically deformed and deflected. The convex portion 14d is provided in the engagement holding portion 14c as a portion that engages with the notch hole 106 of the end portion 100a of the flexible conductive member 100. The convex portion 14d is provided as a projection-like portion projecting toward the opposite side to the inner surface side of the terminal holding case 14 at a halfway position of a portion of the engagement holding portion 14c extending substantially parallel to the inner surface of the terminal holding case 14.

When end 100a of flexible conductive member 100 is inserted from insertion port 14b into terminal holding case 14, end 100a thereof abuts on projection 14 d. The engagement holding portion 14c is biased by the end portion 100a of the flexible conductive member 100 and is thereby deflected. Further, when the notch hole 106 of the end 100a of the flexible conductive member 100 inserted from the insertion port 14b reaches a position corresponding to the convex portion 14d, the convex portion 14d is fitted into the notch hole 106 and engaged therewith. At this time, the engagement holding portion 14c elastically deformed and deflected elastically returns to a state extending substantially parallel to the inner surface of the terminal holding case 14. Thereby, the flexible conductive member 100 inserted into the terminal holding case 14 is held in the terminal holding case 14.

As described above, when the end portion 100a of the flexible conductive member 100 is inserted into the terminal holding case 14, the end portion 100a is configured to come into contact with the engagement holding portion 14c, thereby being temporarily elastically deformed. The engagement holding portion 14c is configured to be elastically restored after being temporarily elastically deformed, and to be engaged with the notch hole 106 provided in the end portion 100a of the flexible conductive member 100.

Further, a window 14e is provided in the terminal holding case 14. The window 14e is set as a window: when the end portion 100a of the flexible conductive member 100 is inserted from the insertion port 14b to the inside of the terminal holding case 14, the position of the end portion 100a of the flexible conductive member 100 is visually confirmed from the outside of the terminal holding case 14.

In the present embodiment, the window 14e is provided at the central portion in the width direction of the terminal holding housing 14 on the terminal holding housing 14. The window 14e is provided as a hole through which a part of the inside of the terminal holding case 14 is visible, and is provided to penetrate from the inside of the terminal holding case 14 to the outside of the terminal holding case 14. The window 14e is provided so as to open the inside of the terminal holding case 14 in the region near the convex portion 14d of the engagement holding portion 14c in the terminal holding case 14 in the region from the insertion port 14b to the back side so as to be visually recognized from the outside.

An operator performs an operation of connecting the flexible conductive member 100 to the connector 1 by inserting the end portion 100a of the flexible conductive member 100 from the insertion opening 14b of the terminal holding housing 14, and the operator can observe the inside of the terminal holding housing 14 from the outside of the terminal holding housing 14 through the window 14 e. Further, the operator can easily confirm whether or not the end portion 100a of the flexible conductive member 100 inside the terminal holding case 14 is engaged with and held by the engagement holding portion 14 c. Thereby, the operator can easily confirm whether or not the flexible conductive member 100 is inserted into the terminal holding case 14 at a position where it is properly connected to the connector 1.

[ case of hood ]

Fig. 12 is a diagram showing the cover case 15 of the main body case 12, fig. 12 (a) is a left side view, fig. 12 (B) is a plan view (top view), fig. 12 (C) is a front view, and fig. 12 (D) is a bottom view. The cover case 15 shown in fig. 1, 2, 4, 8 to 10, and 12 is provided as a member having a frame-like outer shape and holding the terminal holding case 14. The cover case 15 is configured to mount a seal member 13 described later.

The cover case 15 has a peripheral wall 15a and an inner wall 15 b. The peripheral wall 15a is formed as a square tubular portion, and defines a space for accommodating the terminal holding case 14 and a sealing member 13 described later therein. The peripheral wall 15a is configured to be open at both ends in the height direction of the cover case 15 and to have a square cylindrical portion extending long in the width direction.

The width direction of the cover housing 15 coincides with the width direction of the connector 1 and the main body housing 12, and is a direction indicated by a double-headed arrow X1 in fig. 2, 4, and 12 (B). In addition, the height direction of the cover housing 15 coincides with the height direction of the connector 1 and the main body housing 12. The height direction of the connector 1, the main body housing 12, and the cover housing 15 is illustrated as a double-headed arrow X6 in fig. 8 and 12 (B).

Further, the peripheral wall 15a of the cover case 15 is provided with an opening 15c and an opening 15d which are opened at both ends in the height direction.

The opening 15c is provided as an opening into which a seal member 13 described later is inserted in the cover housing 15. The seal member 13 is inserted into the cover case 15 from the opening 15c and fitted into the inside of the opening 15c, whereby the seal member 13 is mounted to the cover case 15. The opening 15c is open at an end of the cover case 15 on the side connected to the substrate 101, that is, at an end on one end side. Therefore, the seal member 13 is attached to one end side of the cover case 15.

The opening 15d is provided as an opening into which the terminal holding housing 14 in a state where the plurality of terminals 11 are held is inserted in the cover housing 15. The terminal holding case 14 is inserted into the cover case 15 from the opening 15d and is fitted into the inner side of the opening 15d, so that the terminal holding case 14 is held in the cover case 15. The opening 15d is open at the end opposite to the side connected to the substrate 101 in the cover case 15, that is, the end on the other end side. Therefore, the terminal holding case 14 is inserted from the other end side of the cover case 15 to the inside of the cover case 15 and thereby held in the cover case 15.

Further, an inner circumferential convex portion 15g is provided on the inner circumference of the peripheral wall 15a of the cover case 15 to define a region for housing the seal member 13. Inner peripheral convex portion 15g is provided as a portion: and is fitted into and closely attached to an outer peripheral recess 13b (described later) provided on the outer periphery of the seal member 13 (accommodated inside the cover case 15). The inner circumferential convex portion 15g is provided so as to protrude inward from the inner circumference of the circumferential wall 15a, and extends over the entire circumference along the circumferential direction of the inner circumference of the circumferential wall 15 a.

The inner wall 15b is configured as a wall portion that is provided inside the peripheral wall 15a and holds the plurality of terminals 11. In the present embodiment, the inner wall 15b constitutes an inner wall that is provided inside the main body case 12 and holds the plurality of terminals 11. The inner wall 15b is provided integrally with the peripheral wall 15a inside the peripheral wall 15 a. The inner wall 15b is configured to extend in a plane direction perpendicular to the height direction of the cover housing 15 and to divide an area inside the peripheral wall 15a into an area for accommodating the sealing member 13 and an area for accommodating the terminal holding housing 14.

The inner wall 15b is provided with a plurality of through holes 15e through which the plurality of terminals 11 respectively penetrate. Each through hole 15e penetrates the inner wall 15b in the thickness direction. That is, each through hole 15e penetrates the inner wall 15b in the height direction of the cover case 15. Each through hole 15e communicates a region in which the sealing member 13 is housed with a region in which the terminal holding case 14 is housed. Each through hole 15e is provided on the inner wall 15b at a position corresponding to each terminal 11 held by the terminal holding housing 14 inserted into the cover housing 15.

The inner peripheral surfaces of the through holes 15e have guide surfaces 15f (see fig. 9, 10, and 12) for guiding the terminals 11 in the direction of penetrating the inner wall 15 b. In the present embodiment, the direction in which each of the plurality of terminals 11 penetrates the inner wall 15b is along the height direction of the cover case 15, and is a direction from the region side in which the terminal holding case 14 is housed toward the region side in which the sealing member 13 is housed. The guide surface 15f is configured to be narrowed in a direction in which each of the plurality of terminals 11 penetrates the inner wall 15 b. That is, in the present embodiment, the guide surface 15f is configured to be narrowed in a direction from the region side of the housing terminal holding case 14 toward the region side of the housing sealing member 13, which is a direction in the height direction of the cover case 15.

In the present embodiment, the guide surface 15f is configured to include 4 flat surfaces arranged in series in the circumferential direction of the inner circumferential surface of the through hole 15 e. The 4 flat surfaces of the guide surface 15f are each configured as a trapezoidal surface. The guide surface 15f including the 4 flat trapezoidal surfaces defines a space constituting a part of the rectangular pyramid in the height direction, with the region side for housing the sealing member 13 as the apex side and the region side for housing the terminal holding housing 14 as the bottom side.

Further, a recess 15h is provided in the inner wall 15b of the cover case 15 on the side opposite to the region in which the seal member 13 is housed. The recessed groove 15h is formed as a recessed portion in the inner wall 15b, which is formed so as to be recessed and opened toward a region where the seal member 13 is housed and linearly extends in the width direction of the cover case 15. The concave groove 15h is configured to fit a later-described convex portion 13c for front and back surface determination provided on the seal member 13 (housed inside the cover case 15) in a gap fitting state. When the seal member 13 is attached to the cover case 15, the seal member 13 is fitted into the cover case 15 in such a manner that the front-back surface discrimination convex portion 13c is fitted into the concave groove 15 h. Thereby, the seal member 13 is mounted in the cover case 15 in a state where the front-back direction is appropriate.

[ sealing Member ]

Fig. 13 is a view showing the seal member 13, fig. 13 (a) is a left side view, fig. 13 (B) is a plan view (top view), fig. 13 (C) is a front view, and fig. 13 (D) is a bottom view. The sealing member 13 shown in fig. 4, 8 to 10, 12, and 13 is configured as a member for sealing between the inside of the main body case 12 and the substrate 101. The seal member 13 is provided as an integral member and is constituted as a rubber member. In the present embodiment, the sealing member 13 is substantially rectangular parallelepiped and is formed in a shape having a basic outer shape of an elongated plate shape.

The sealing member 13 is attached to the main body case 12 through an end portion side of the main body case 12 embedded in the main body case 12, which is connected to the substrate 101. In the present embodiment, the seal member 13 is mounted in the cover case 15 of the main body case 12 by being fitted from the opening 15c of the cover case 15. The outer periphery 13d of the seal member 13 is configured to closely contact the inner periphery of the main body case 12. In the present embodiment, the seal member 13 is configured such that the outer periphery 13d is closely attached to the back side surface of the opening 15c on the inner periphery of the peripheral wall 15a of the cover housing 15 of the main body housing 12 in the entire circumferential direction.

The outer periphery 13d of the seal member 13 is a side surface portion having a dimension in the height direction of the seal member 13, and is a side surface portion extending in a substantially rectangular shape so as to form a basic outer shape of an elongated plate shape. The height direction of the seal member 13 coincides with the height direction of the connector 1, and is illustrated as a double-headed arrow X6 in fig. 8 and 13 (C).

Further, an outer peripheral recess 13b is provided in the outer periphery 13d of the seal member 13. The outer peripheral recessed portion 13b is formed so as to be recessed inward on the outer periphery 13d of the seal member 13, and is provided so as to extend over the entire periphery 13d of the seal member 13. The outer peripheral concave portion 13b is provided as a portion into which an inner peripheral convex portion 15g provided on the inner periphery of the peripheral wall 15a of the cover case 15 is fitted. When the seal member 13 is fitted into the cover housing 15, the inner peripheral convex portion 15g is fitted into the outer peripheral concave portion 13b, and the outer peripheral concave portion 13b is in close contact with the inner peripheral convex portion 15 g. Thereby, the outer periphery 13d of the seal member 13 is closely attached to the inner periphery of the cover housing 15 of the main body housing 12.

Further, the outer periphery 13d of the seal member 13 is also in close contact with the inner periphery of the cover case 15 of the main body case 12 at a portion other than the outer peripheral recessed portion 13 b. The outer periphery 13d includes a portion constituting the outer peripheral recessed portion 13b and a portion disposed across the outer peripheral recessed portion 13b in the height direction of the seal member 13. The portion of the outer periphery 13d disposed across the outer periphery concave portion 13b has a portion that is convexly curved outward and extends over the entire periphery of the outer periphery 13 d. When the seal member 13 is fitted into the cover case 15, a portion bulging outward in a convex curved shape is elastically deformed, so that the curved portion is deformed. Thus, the portion disposed on the outer periphery 13d with the outer peripheral concave portion 13b interposed therebetween is also in close contact with the inner periphery of the cover case 15 of the main body case 12.

The sealing member 13 is provided with a press-fitting hole 13a, and the terminal 11 is inserted through the press-fitting hole 13a in a press-fitted state. In the present embodiment, the sealing member 13 is provided as an integral member, and a plurality of press-fitting holes 13a into which the plurality of terminals 11 are press-fitted are provided. That is, the sealing member 13 is provided as an integral member, and is configured to press-fit the plurality of terminals 11. In the sealing member 13, a plurality of press-in holes 13a are provided at positions corresponding to a plurality of through holes 15e of the cover case 15 in a state where the sealing member 13 is attached to the cover case 15. That is, the seal member 13 and the cover case 15 are configured such that, in a state where the seal member 13 is mounted in the cover case 15, the press-in holes 13a are located at positions facing portions of the through holes 15e that are open on the opening 15c side.

When assembling the connector 1, the terminal holding housing 14 holding the plurality of terminals 11 is inserted into the cover housing 15 to which the sealing member 13 is attached. When the terminal holding housing 14 is inserted and fitted into the cover housing 15, each terminal 11 penetrates the through hole 15e of the cover housing 15 and is press-fitted into each press-fitting hole 13a of the sealing member 13. The terminals 11 press-fitted into the press-fitting holes 13a are in close contact with the sealing member 13 at a part of the body 16 a. The terminals 11 that are press-fitted into the press-fitting holes 13a and closely contact the sealing member 13 penetrate the sealing member 13, and the substrate connection portions 16c of the terminals 11 are exposed to the outside of the sealing member 13.

As described above, the seal member 13 is in close contact with the terminals 11 at the press-fitting holes 13a, and in close contact with the inner periphery of the cover housing 15 of the main housing 12 at the outer periphery 13 d. In this way, the sealing member 13 is configured to be in close contact with the terminal 11 and the main body housing 12, and the sealing member 13 is configured to seal between the inside of the main body housing 12 and the substrate 101 in a state where the connector 1 is connected to the substrate 101.

As a modification of the seal member 13, a seal member 130 of the form illustrated in fig. 16 may be implemented as a seal member attached to the cover case 15. In the description of the sealing member 130 of the modification, the same reference numerals are given to the elements having the same configuration as the sealing member 13 and the elements corresponding to the sealing member 13 in the drawings, or the same reference numerals are given to the elements, and the description thereof is omitted. Fig. 16 is a view showing the seal member 130 without the press-in hole 13a, fig. 16 (a) is a left side view, fig. 16 (B) is a plan view (top view), fig. 16 (C) is a front view, and fig. 16 (D) is a bottom view.

The contact surface 131 of the seal member 130 that contacts the inner wall 15b of the cover case 15 is formed as a flat surface, for example, and the press-in hole 13a is not provided. That is, the seal member 130 in a state before being assembled into the connector 1 is not provided with the press-fitting hole 13a for press-fitting the terminal 11. As shown in fig. 16 (B), a long groove 130a extending in the longitudinal direction may be provided on the contact surface 131 of the seal member 130. The long groove 130a is formed in a substantially U-shape in cross section, and the long groove 130a is provided at a position corresponding to the plurality of through holes 15e of the cover case 15 in a state where the seal member 130 is attached to the cover case 15. That is, the position of the center line extending in the longitudinal direction of the long groove 130a is located along the portion of each through hole 15e that is open on the opening 15c side.

When assembling the connector 1 having the sealing member 130 in place of the sealing member 13, the plurality of terminals 11 are pressed into the sealing member 130 so as to pierce the sealing member 130. Therefore, in the state of the assembled connector 1, the plurality of terminals 11 are pressed into the sealing member 130 in a state of piercing the sealing member 130. In this way, the connector 1 having the sealing member 130 in the following state may be implemented: the plurality of terminals 11 are press-fitted into the sealing member 130 and penetrate the sealing member 130 in a state where the sealing member 130 is pierced by the plurality of terminals 11.

[ Assembly of connector ]

The connector 1 is configured by assembling a plurality of terminals 11, a terminal holding housing 14, a cover housing 15, and a sealing member 13. In assembling the connector 1, first, the plurality of terminals 11 are inserted into the terminal holding housing 14 from each of the plurality of grooves 14a, respectively. The terminals 11 inserted from the grooves 14a are fitted into the terminal holding housing 14 and held by the terminal holding housing 14. The plurality of terminals 11 are fitted into the terminal holding case 14 in a state of being integrally (integrally) formed at an end portion on the substrate connection portion 16c side by a strap, for example. Then, the bar is separated from the plurality of terminals 11 in a state of being fitted into the terminal holding case 14.

On the other hand, the seal member 13 is mounted into the cover housing 15. At this time, the seal member 13 is fitted into the cover case 15 from the opening 15c of the cover case 15. When the seal member 13 is fitted and mounted in the cover housing 15, the outer periphery 13d of the seal member 13 is in a state of being in close contact with the inner periphery of the cover housing 15.

When the sealing member 13 is mounted into the cover housing 15 and the plurality of terminals 11 are held by the terminal holding housing 14, they are then combined. Specifically, the terminal holding housing 14 holding the plurality of terminals 11 is inserted into the opening 15d of the cover housing 15 to which the sealing member 13 is attached. The terminal holding case 14 inserted into the cover case 15 from the opening 15d is fitted into the back side of the opening 15d and held by the cover case 15.

When the terminal holding case 14 is fitted into the cover case 15, the terminals 11 held by the terminal holding case 14 are guided by the guide surfaces 15f of the through holes 15e of the inner wall 15b to penetrate through the through holes 15 e. Further, the terminals 11 penetrating the through holes 15e are press-fitted into the press-fitting holes 13a of the sealing member 13 attached to the cover case 15. The terminals 11 press-fitted into the press-fitting holes 13a pass through the sealing member 13 in a state of being in close contact with the press-fitting holes 13a, and the substrate connection portions 16c are exposed from the sealing member 13.

Through the above-described steps, the assembling operation of the connector 1 is completed, and the connector 1 is configured.

[ connection of Flexible conductive Member to substrate by connector ]

Next, the connection between the flexible conductive member 100 and the substrate 101 by the connector 1 assembled as described above will be further described. On the substrate 101, for example, conductive circuit patterns (not shown) are provided on the front surface and the back surface, and the connector 1 and various electronic components (not shown) are mounted and connected on the substrate 101. In the present embodiment, the connector 1 is mounted and connected to the substrate 101 through the through hole as an example.

The connector 1 is disposed on the substrate 101 such that the terminals 11 are inserted into the through holes 101a of the substrate 101. The body case 12 is disposed on one of the front and rear surfaces of the substrate 101 so that the terminals 11 are inserted into the through holes 101a, and the connector 1 is soldered to the substrate 101 in a state where the end portions of the terminals 11 on the substrate connection portion 16c side are exposed from the through holes 101 a. That is, the substrate connection portion 16c of the terminal 11 is soldered to a portion of the substrate 101 including a predetermined conductor element, on the surface opposite to the surface on which the main body case 12 is arranged, out of the front surface and the back surface of the substrate 101. Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a part of the substrate 101, the connector 1, and a part of the flexible conductive member 100 in a state where potting treatment is performed. As shown in fig. 14, the substrate connection portion 16c of the terminal 11 is soldered to the substrate 101 by means of solder 107. By performing soldering, the connector 1 is electrically and mechanically connected to the substrate 101.

When the connector 1 is mounted and connected to the substrate 101 together with various electronic components (not shown), a potting treatment for covering the surface of the substrate 101 with a potting material 108 is performed in order to protect the surface of the substrate 101 on which the various electronic components are mounted from water, dust, or vibration (see fig. 14). For example, the substrate 101 is surrounded by a case (not shown), and a potting material 108 such as a liquid urethane resin is injected and filled into the surface of the substrate 101 in the case. Thereafter, the potting material 108 is cured in the thermostatic bath, and the potting process is terminated. Fig. 14 shows a state in which the potting material 108 filled on the surface of the substrate 101 to which the connector 1 is connected is cured.

As described above, when the potting process is performed, a process of injecting a liquid potting material 108 into the substrate 101 surrounded by the case is performed. At this time, the liquid potting material 108 flows into the opening 15c side of the cover housing 15 through a minute gap between the body housing 12 and the substrate 101 of the connector 1. However, since the sealing member 13 is in close contact with the terminal 11 and the main body case 12, the space between the inside of the main body case 12 and the substrate 101 is sealed (seal). Therefore, the potting material 108 in a liquid state is prevented from entering the inside of the connector 1, and the potting material 108 is prevented from entering the region where the terminal 11 contacts the conductor 102 of the flexible conductive member 100.

When the potting process is performed on the substrate 101, the flexible conductive member 100 is connected to the connector 1 connected to the substrate 101. At this time, the end portion 100a of the flexible conductive member 100 is inserted into the connector 1 through the opening 15d of the cover housing 15 and the insertion port 14b of the terminal holding housing 14.

The end portions 100a of the flexible conductive member 100 inserted into the interior of the connector 1 are respectively contacted and connected with the plurality of terminals 11 at the plurality of conductors 102. The end portion 100a of the flexible conductive member 100 is engaged and held with the engagement holding portion 14c of the terminal holding case 14 in the notch hole 106. Thereby, the flexible conductive member 100 is electrically and mechanically connected to the connector 1. Further, since the flexible conductive member 100 is connected to the connector 1 connected to the substrate 101 as described above, the electrical connection and the mechanical connection between the flexible conductive member 100 and the substrate 101 are completed via the connector 1.

[ action and Effect of the present embodiment ]

According to the present embodiment, in the connector 1, the plurality of terminals 11 held by the main body housing 12 are respectively passed through the sealing member 13 attached to the end portion side of the main body housing 12 on the connection side with the substrate 101 in a press-fitted state. Each terminal 11 is connected to the substrate 101 by soldering at a portion that penetrates the sealing member 13 and is exposed from the main body case 12. Thereby, the connector 1 is electrically connected to the substrate 101. In addition, the plurality of conductors 102 in the flexible conductive member 100 are respectively in contact with and connected to each of the plurality of terminals 11 in the connector 1. Thereby, the connector 1 is electrically connected to the flexible conductive member 100. Thus, the flexible conductive member 100 and the substrate 101 are electrically connected via the connector 1.

In a state where the flexible conductive member 100 and the substrate 101 are connected via the connector 1, the space between the inside of the main body case 12 and the substrate 101 is sealed (seal) by a sealing member 13 which is attached to the end portion side of the main body case 12 on the connection side with the substrate 101 and is in close contact with the main body case 12. The terminals 11, which are exposed from the main body case 12 in a state of penetrating the sealing member 13 and connected to the substrate 101, are press-fitted into the press-fitting holes 13a of the sealing member 13 and closely attached to the sealing member 13. Thereby, the periphery of the portion of each terminal 11 whose end portion is exposed from the main body case 12, which portion penetrates the sealing member 13, is sealed by the sealing member 13.

Therefore, even when the potting process is performed on the surface of the substrate 101 connected to the flexible conductive member 100 via the connector 1, the potting material 108 can be prevented from flowing into the inside of the body case 12. That is, the potting material 108 is prevented from entering the inside of the body case 12 by the sealing member 13 being in close contact with the body case 12. Further, since the terminals 11 connected to the substrate 101 are press-fitted into the press-fitting holes 13a of the sealing member 13 and are in close contact with the sealing member 13, the potting material 108 from the periphery of the terminals 11 is prevented from entering the inside of the body case 12. Thereby, the potting material 108 is prevented from infiltrating into the area where the terminals 11 of the connector 1 are in contact with the conductors 102 of the flexible conductive member 100.

In addition, according to the present embodiment, even when the potting process is performed on the surface of the substrate 101 connected to the flexible conductive member 100, the substrate 101 and the flexible conductive member 100 may be connected only via the connector 1. That is, according to the present embodiment, even when the potting process is performed on the surface of the substrate 101 connected to the flexible conductive member 100, the difficult task of forming the peripheral wall surrounding the periphery of the connector 1 with a large restriction is not required. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, even when the potting process is performed on the surface of the substrate 101 connected to the flexible conductive member 100, the potting process can be easily performed.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide the connector 1 capable of easily performing potting treatment on the surface of the substrate 101 connected to the flexible conductive member 100.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the sealing member 13 is provided integrally and is configured as 1 member into which the plurality of terminals 11 are press-fitted. In the present embodiment, the seal member 13 is provided integrally with 1 member in which a plurality of press-in holes 13a are formed. Therefore, the sealing member 13 into which the plurality of terminals 11 are press-fitted can be easily collectively attached to the main body housing 12, and the assembling operation of the connector 1 can be efficiently and easily performed.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the seal member 13 is fitted into the main body case 12 in a state where the outer periphery 13d is in close contact with the inner periphery of the main body case 12, and is thereby attached to the main body case 12. Therefore, the structure in which the seal member 13 is attached to the main body case 12 in a close contact state can be realized with a simple structure.

In addition, according to the present embodiment, the main body housing 12 is configured to have the terminal holding housing 14 and the cover housing 15 as separate components that are assembled integrally. The sealing member 13 and the plurality of terminals 11 can be attached to the cover housing 15 and the terminal holding housing 14, respectively. Therefore, the sealing member 13 and the plurality of terminals 11 can be easily attached to the main body case 12. The sealing member 13 is attached to one end side of the cover case 15, and the terminal holding case 14 holding the plurality of terminals 11 is inserted from the other end side of the cover case 15 and held in the cover case 15. Therefore, the assembly work between the terminal holding housing 14 holding the plurality of terminals 11 and the cover housing 15 to which the sealing member 13 is attached can be easily performed. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the assembly work of the connector 1 can be further facilitated.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the cover housing 15 to which the sealing member 13 is attached is configured as a member separate from the terminal holding housing 14 that holds the plurality of terminals 11. Therefore, the thickness of the layer of the potting material 108 required for the potting process can be dealt with by changing only the height of the cover housing 15, and there is no need to change the specification of the terminal holding housing 4. Therefore, in the connector 1 that connects the flexible conductive member 100 and the substrate 101, the degree of freedom in designing the layer thickness dimension of the potting material 108 can be easily increased.

In addition, according to the present embodiment, each of the plurality of terminals 11 is held in the main body case 12 in a state of penetrating the through hole 15e of the inner wall 15 b. When each terminal 11 penetrates the through hole 15e of the inner wall 15b, the through hole 15e penetrating the inner wall 15b is guided by a guide surface 15f that narrows in the direction in which each terminal 11 penetrates the inner wall 15 b. Therefore, in each terminal 11, the position of the portion that penetrates through the inner wall 15b and is exposed from the inner wall 15b can be easily positioned at a predetermined position. Further, by making the press-in holes 13a of the sealing member 13 correspond to the positions of the through holes 15e that penetrate the inner wall 15b and expose the terminals 11 from the inner wall 15b, the terminals 11 can be easily positioned at the positions corresponding to the press-in holes 13a of the sealing member 13. Therefore, the position of each terminal 11 is suppressed from being displaced from the position of each press-in hole 13a of the sealing member 13, and each terminal 11 is prevented from being press-fitted into the sealing member 13 at a position displaced from each press-in hole 13 a. Therefore, when the plurality of terminals 11 held by the main body case 12 are pressed into each of the plurality of press-in holes 13a in the sealing member 13, the sealing member 13 can be prevented from being damaged due to positional deviation of the terminals 11.

In the connector 1 having the sealing member 130 of the modification shown in fig. 16 in place of the sealing member 13, the plurality of terminals 11 are press-fitted into the sealing member 130 in a state of piercing the sealing member 30. The terminals 11 connected to the substrate 101 exposed from the main body case 12 in a state of penetrating the sealing member 130 and penetrating the sealing member 130 by press-fitting the sealing member 130 are in close contact with the sealing member 130. Therefore, the sealing member 130 seals the periphery of the portion of each terminal 11 having its end exposed from the main body case 12, which portion penetrates the sealing member 130. Accordingly, even when potting treatment is performed on the surface of the substrate 101, the potting material can be prevented from entering the interior of the body case 12 from the periphery of each terminal 11, and further, the potting material can be prevented from entering.

The sealing member 130 is not provided with the press-in hole 13a, and the terminal 11 penetrating the sealing member 130 is press-fitted into the sealing member 130 in a state of piercing the sealing member 130. Therefore, in the sealing member 130, it is not necessary to provide a hole such as the press-fitting hole 13a for press-fitting the terminal 11 in advance, and it is not necessary to position the terminal 11 at a position corresponding to the hole. Therefore, the terminals 11 are not pressed into the sealing member 130 at all at positions deviated from the previously provided press-fitting holes. Therefore, the following situation can be prevented from occurring: the terminal 11 is press-fitted into the sealing member 130 while being deviated from a press-fitting hole provided in advance, and the potting material enters the inside of the body case 12 through the press-fitting hole.

Further, since the sealing member 130 is not provided with a hole for press-fitting the terminal 11, the terminal 11 can be easily and reliably passed through the sealing member 130 in a state of being in close contact with the sealing member 130, without generating a gap between the sealing member 130 and the terminal 11. Therefore, the plurality of terminals 11 can be easily arranged densely and press-fitted through the sealing member 130, and thus, the trouble of the work and the time required for manufacturing the connector 1 can be reduced. As a result, the cost required for manufacturing the connector 1 can be reduced.

In addition, according to the present embodiment, the seal member 13 is formed of a rubber member that is a highly elastic material having a large elastic limit. The terminals 11 are press-fitted into press-fitting holes 13a provided in a rubber sealing member 13. Therefore, the terminals 11 can be easily press-fitted into the press-fitting holes 13a in a state of being in close contact with the sealing member 13. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the assembly work of the connector 1 can be further facilitated.

[ modified examples ]

The embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made as long as they are within the scope of the claims. For example, the following modifications may be made.

(1) In the above-described embodiment, the insertion type connector in which the substrate connection portion of the terminal is inserted and soldered into the through hole of the substrate has been described as an example, but this need not be the case. For example, a surface mount type connector may be implemented.

(2) In the above-described embodiment, the description has been given taking the example in which the seal member is configured as a rubber member, but this need not be the case. The sealing member may be made of a resin material other than the rubber member. For example, the sealing member may be formed using a UV curable resin material.

(3) In the above-described embodiment, the case where the cover case and the seal member configured separately are combined to attach the seal member to the cover case has been described as an example, but this need not be the case. The following embodiments may be implemented: the state in which the seal member is mounted on the cover housing is formed using the same method as so-called 2-color molding. For example, the following embodiments may be implemented: the material of the cap case and the material of the seal member were injected into the molding dies in this order using 1 molding die, and cured separately, thereby forming a state in which the seal member was mounted on the cap case.

(4) In the above-described embodiment, the description has been given taking the form of 1 member in which the seal member is integrally provided as an example, but this need not be the case. The following embodiments may be implemented: there are a plurality of sealing members, each of which is configured to be closely attached to the terminal and the body housing. In this case, a mode in which 1 press-in hole is provided in each of the plurality of seal members may be implemented, or a mode in which a plurality of press-in holes are provided in each of the plurality of seal members may be implemented.

(5) In the above-described embodiment, the description has been given taking the example in which the seal member is attached to the main body case in a state of being in close contact with the inside of the end portion of the main body case, but this need not be the case. The following embodiments may be implemented: the seal member is attached to the main body case in a state of being in close contact with an end face of the end portion of the main body case or in a state of being in close contact with both the end face and the inside of the end portion of the main body case. Further, the following embodiments may be implemented: the seal member is attached to the main body case in a state of being in close contact with the end face and the outside of the end portion of the main body case or in a state of being in close contact with the end face, the inside, and the outside of the end portion of the main body case.

(6) In the above-described embodiment, the case where the main body case is configured to have the terminal holding case and the cover case has been described as an example, but this need not be the case. The form in which the body case is provided as an integral member can also be realized.

As a connector in the form of a member in which the main body housing is integrally provided, for example, a modification example shown in fig. 15 may be implemented. Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the connector 2, and is a view showing a part of the flexible conductive member 100 and a part of the substrate 101 together. The connector 2 shown in fig. 15 is different from the connector 1 in the form of the main body housing 20. In the following description of the connector 2, the same reference numerals are given to the same components as those of the above-described embodiment and the same components as those of the above-described embodiment, or the same reference numerals are given to the same components, and the description thereof is omitted.

The main body housing 20 of the connector 2 is provided as an integral part. The main body case 20 has a frame-like outer shape, and is provided as a member that holds the plurality of terminals 11. The main body case 20 is provided with a plurality of grooves 20a, an insertion port 20b, an engagement holding portion not shown in fig. 15, an opening 20c, an inner wall 20d, and the like.

The plurality of grooves 20a have the same configuration as the plurality of grooves 14a of the terminal holding housing 14 of the connector 1, and each groove 20a is configured as a groove into which each terminal 11 is inserted and fitted. However, the plurality of grooves 20a are not provided in the terminal holding housing 14 which is configured as a separate member from the cover housing 15, but are provided in the 1-member main body housing 20 which is integrally provided. In addition, each of the plurality of grooves 20a is different from the groove 14a of the terminal holding case 14, and is opened at an end portion on the opposite side to the end portion on the side connected to the substrate 101 on the main body case 20.

The insertion port 20b has the same structure as the insertion port 14b of the terminal holding case 14 of the connector 1, and is provided as an opening into which the end portion 100a of the flexible conductive member 100 is inserted. The engagement holding portion (not shown) of the main body case 20 has the same configuration as the engagement holding portion 14c of the terminal holding case 14, and is configured to engage with the end portion 100a of the flexible conductive member 100 to hold the end portion 100a of the flexible conductive member 100. However, the insertion port 20b and the engagement holding portion of the main body case 20 are not provided in the terminal holding case 14 which is a separate component from the cover case 15, but are provided in the main body case 20 which is integrally provided in 1 component.

The opening 20c has the same structure as the opening 15c of the cover housing 15 of the connector 1, and is provided as an opening into which the seal member 13 is inserted. However, the opening 20c is not provided in the cover housing 15 which is a separate member from the terminal holding housing 14, but is provided in the main body housing 20 which is integrally provided in 1 member. Further, an inner peripheral convex portion 20e is provided on the inner peripheral side of the opening 20c on the inner periphery of the region defining the housing seal member 13 in the main body case 20. The inner peripheral convex portion 20e has the same structure as the inner peripheral convex portion 15g of the cover housing 15 of the connector 1.

The inner wall 20d is provided inside the main body case 20, and is configured as a wall portion that holds the plurality of terminals 11. The inner wall 20d has the same structure as the inner wall 15b of the cover housing 15 of the connector 1. However, the inner wall 20d is not provided on the cover housing 15 which is a separate member from the terminal holding housing 14, but is provided on the 1-member main body housing 20 which is integrally provided.

Further, a recessed groove 20f is provided on the inner wall 20d on the side opposite to the region in which the seal member 13 is housed. The groove 20f has the same structure as the groove 15h provided on the inner wall 15b of the cover housing 15 of the connector 1.

The inner wall 20d is provided with a plurality of through holes 20g through which the plurality of terminals 11 respectively penetrate. The through hole 20g has the same structure as the through hole 15e provided in the inner wall 15b of the cover housing 15 of the connector 1. The inner peripheral surface of each of the plurality of through holes 20g has a guide surface 20h for guiding the plurality of terminals 11 in the direction of penetrating the inner wall 20 d. The guide surface 20h has the same structure as the guide surface 15f on the inner peripheral surface of the through hole 15e provided in the inner wall 15b of the cover housing 15 of the connector 1.

According to the above modification, the same effects as those of the above embodiment can be obtained. That is, according to the above modification, it is possible to provide the connector 2 capable of easily performing the potting process on the surface of the substrate 101 connected to the flexible conductive member 100.

In addition, according to the above-described modification, the main body case 20 is integrally provided and is constituted as 1 member provided with the inner wall 20d, and the inner wall 20d is formed with the plurality of through holes 20g through which the plurality of terminals 11 are respectively passed and held. Therefore, the main body case 12 can be made into a single component, and an increase in the number of components can be suppressed.

(7) In the above-described embodiment, the description has been given taking as an example the form in which the conductive member connected to the connector is configured as a flexible conductive member having a plurality of conductors, but this need not be the case. For example, the following embodiments may be implemented: the conductive member connected to the connector is configured as a conductive member having a plurality of terminal-equipped wires and a housing that holds the terminal-equipped wires.

As a connector to be connected to a conductive member having a plurality of terminal-equipped wires and a housing for holding the terminal-equipped wires, for example, the connector 3 according to the modification shown by way of example in fig. 17 and 18 may be implemented. In the following, a modified example will be described with reference to the drawings, but elements having the same configuration as the above-described embodiment and elements corresponding to the above-described embodiment are given the same reference numerals or are referred to the same reference numerals in the drawings, and thus the description thereof will be omitted.

Fig. 17 is a sectional view showing a connector 3 of a modification, and is a view showing a conductive member 110 including a plurality of terminal-equipped wires 111 together with a substrate 101. In addition, fig. 17 shows a state in which the connector 3 is connected to the conductive member 110. Fig. 18 is a sectional view showing the connector 3 and the conductive member 110, and is a view showing a state where the connector 3 and the conductive member 110 are not connected. In fig. 17 and 18, the plurality of terminal-equipped wires 111 of the conductive member 110 are illustrated as portions of the end portion on the side connected to the connector 3 and portions in the vicinity thereof. In addition, the substrate 101 is partially illustrated, and a portion connected to the connector 3 and a portion in the vicinity thereof are illustrated. In addition, in fig. 17 and 18, with respect to the plurality of terminal-equipped electric wires 111, the outer shape is illustrated instead of the cross section.

The conductive member 110 connected to the connector 3 shown in fig. 17 and 18 is configured to have a plurality of terminal-equipped wires 111 and a wire holding case 112. Each of the plurality of terminal-equipped wires 111 is configured to include: a conductor 113 having a copper wire 113a and a crimp terminal 113 b; and a covering section 114 for insulating and covering the copper wire 113a of the conductor 113. The conductive member 110 is configured as a conductive member having a plurality of conductors 113 by including a plurality of terminal-equipped wires 111 each having a conductor 113.

The copper wire 113a of the conductor 113 and the covering 114 constitute a flexible cable. The crimp terminal 113b is formed of a metal material having conductivity, and is configured as a terminal that is pressed and connected to the copper wire 113a and the covering portion 114 by crimping. More specifically, the base end side of the crimp terminal 113b is pressed and crimped to the surface of the covering portion 114. In addition, the crimp terminal 113b is pressed at the center in the longitudinal direction and crimped to the end of the copper wire 113 a. The crimp terminal 113b is provided at a distal end portion thereof with a contact connecting portion 115 which is brought into contact with a later-described terminal 21 of the connector 3 and electrically connected to a contact portion 22b of the terminal 21. The contact connecting portion 115 is provided with a leaf spring-like contact portion formed by bending a plate-like portion, for example. The contact connecting portion 115 is configured to be electrically connected to the contact portion 22b of the terminal 21 in a state where a contact pressure is secured by being in contact with the contact portion 22b of the terminal 21 at a plate spring-like contact portion.

The wire holding case 112 is formed of an insulating resin material, and is provided as a member that holds the ends of the plurality of terminal-equipped wires 111 and is connected to the connector 3 in a fitting manner. The wire holding case 112 has a shape extending long in the width direction. The end portions of the plurality of terminal-equipped wires 111 are held by the wire holding case 112 while being arranged in a state aligned in the width direction of the wire holding case 112. More specifically, the ends of the plurality of terminal-equipped electric wires 111 are held in the electric wire holding case 112 in a state where the portions thereof crimping the terminals 113b are inserted into the electric wire holding case 112. The crimp terminals 113b of the plurality of terminal-equipped wires 111 are held by the wire holding case 112 while being arranged so that longitudinal directions thereof extend parallel to each other.

In addition, the wire holding case 112 is provided with an opening 116 at an end portion on the opposite side to the side from which the held terminal-equipped wire 111 is drawn out. Inside the opening 116, the contact connecting portion 115 on the crimp terminal 113b of the terminal-equipped wire 111 held in the wire holding case 112 is exposed. The wire holding housing 112 is configured to be connected to the terminal holding housing 14 of the main body housing 12 of the connector 3 by fitting at an end portion on the side where the opening 116 is provided and the contact connecting portion 115 is exposed.

The connector 3 connected to the conductive member 110 is configured as a connector for connecting the conductive member 110 having a plurality of conductors 113 to the substrate 101. The connector 3 is configured to include a plurality of terminals 21, a main body housing 12 that holds the plurality of terminals 21, and a sealing member 13 attached to the main body housing 12. The main body case 12 is configured to include a terminal holding case 14 and a cover case 15. The connector 3 is electrically and mechanically connected to the substrate 101, and also electrically and mechanically connected to the conductive member 110.

The plurality of terminals 21 are respectively in contact with and electrically connected to each of the plurality of conductors 113 in the conductive member 110. The plurality of terminals 21 held by the main body case 12 are arranged so as to be aligned along the width direction of the main body case 12. More specifically, the plurality of terminals 21 are arranged to be aligned on 2 straight lines extending in parallel along the width direction of the main body case 12.

The plurality of terminals 21 are integrally formed, for example, by press working a plate-like member. Each terminal 21 is inserted and embedded in the terminal holding case 14 of the main body case 12, thereby being held in the main body case 12. The terminals 21 penetrate through the through holes 15e of the inner wall 15b of the cover case 15 of the main body case 12.

Each terminal 21 is provided with a body portion 22a, a pair of contact portions 22b, a board connecting portion 22c, and the like. The pair of contact portions 22b are provided as portions electrically connected to the contact connection portions 115 on the crimp terminals 113b of the conductor 113 of the conductive member 110. The pair of contact portions 22b is provided at one end of the main body portion 22a, and is formed as a pair of portions that branch off from the main body portion 22a in a substantially U-shape and extend substantially in parallel. The pair of contact portions 22b are configured to contact the contact connection portions 115 inserted between the pair of contact portions 22b from both sides in a state where the contact connection portions 115 are sandwiched therebetween, and to be electrically connected to the contact connection portions 115.

The substrate connection portion 22c is provided as a portion that is electrically connected to the substrate 101 and mechanically fixed on the substrate 101. The substrate connecting portion 22c is configured as a part of the body portion 22a on the opposite side to the side on which the pair of contact portions 22b are provided in the longitudinal direction.

The sealing member 13 is provided on the end portion side of the main body case 12 attached to the main body case 12, which is connected to the substrate 101, and seals between the inside of the main body case 12 and the substrate 101. The sealing member 13 is provided with a plurality of press-fitting holes 13a, and the terminals 21 penetrate the sealing member 13 in a state of being press-fitted into the press-fitting holes 13 a. Thereby, the sealing member 13 is configured to be in close contact with the terminals 21 and the main body case 12. In the connector 3, the seal member 130 shown in fig. 16 may be used instead of the seal member 13. When the sealing member 130 is used instead of the sealing member 13, the sealing member 130 is in a state of being pierced by the terminal 21 and the terminal 21 is press-fitted.

The connector 3 described above is connected to the substrate 101 at the substrate connecting portion 22c of the terminal 21. Then, in a state where the connector 3 is connected to the substrate 101, the surface of the substrate 101 is subjected to potting treatment. When the potting process is performed on the substrate 101, the conductive member 110 is connected to the connector 3 connected to the substrate 101. At this time, the end of the conductive member 110 on the side where the opening 116 of the wire holding case 112 is provided is fitted to the body case 12 of the connector 3. By fitting the end portion of the wire holding case 112 to the main body case 12, the contact connecting portion 115 of the conductor 113 is inserted between the pair of contact portions 22b of the terminal 21 in the region inside the opening 116 of the wire holding case 112. The pair of contact portions 22b are in contact with the contact connection portions 115 inserted between the pair of contact portions 22b while sandwiching the contact connection portions 115 from both sides, and are electrically connected to the contact connection portions 115. Thereby, the connector 3 is connected to the conductive member 110, and therefore the conductive member 110 is electrically connected to the substrate 101 via the connector 3.

According to the above-described modification, in a state where the conductive member 110 having the plurality of terminal-equipped wires 111 is connected to the substrate 101 via the connector 3, the space between the inside of the main body case 12 and the substrate 101 is sealed by the sealing member 13, wherein the sealing member 13 is attached to the end portion side of the main body case 12 on the connection side with the substrate 101 and is in close contact with the main body case 12. The terminals 21, which are exposed from the main body case 12 and connected to the substrate 101 while penetrating the sealing member 13, are press-fitted into the press-fitting holes 13a of the sealing member 13 and are in close contact with the sealing member 13. Thereby, the periphery of the portion of each terminal 21 whose end is exposed from the main body case 12, which portion penetrates the sealing member 13, is sealed by the sealing member 13.

Therefore, even when the potting process is performed on the surface of the substrate 101 connected to the conductive member 110 via the connector 3, the potting material can be prevented from flowing into the body case 12. That is, the sealing member 13 in close contact with the main body case 12 can prevent the potting material from entering the inside of the main body case 12. Further, since the terminals 21 connected to the substrate 101 are press-fitted into the press-fitting holes 13a of the sealing member 13 and closely attached to the sealing member 13, the potting material is prevented from entering the inside of the body case 12 from the periphery of the terminals 21. Thereby, the potting material is prevented from entering into the region where the terminal 21 of the connector 3 is in contact with the conductor 113 of the conductive member 110.

Further, according to the above-described modification, even when potting treatment is performed on the surface of the substrate 101 connected to the conductive member 110 having the plurality of terminal-equipped wires 111, the substrate 101 and the conductive member 110 may be connected via the connector 3. That is, according to the above-described modification, even when potting treatment is performed on the surface of the substrate 101 connected to the conductive member 110 having the plurality of terminal-equipped wires 111, it is not necessary to perform such a difficult operation that the peripheral wall surrounding the periphery of the connector 3 is formed with a large restriction. Therefore, according to the above-described modification, even when the potting process is performed on the surface of the substrate 101 connected to the conductive member 110 (having the plurality of terminal-equipped wires 111), the potting process can be easily performed.

Therefore, according to the above modification, it is possible to provide the connector 3 capable of easily performing potting treatment on the surface of the substrate 101 connected to the conductive member 110 having the plurality of terminal-equipped wires 111.

(8) In the above-described embodiment and the above-described modification, the description has been given taking as an example a configuration in which the conductive member connected to the connector is configured as a flexible conductive member having a plurality of conductors, and a configuration in which the conductive member is configured as a conductive member having a plurality of terminal-equipped wires and a housing, but this need not be the case. For example, the following embodiments may be implemented: the conductive member connected to the connector is configured as a conductive member having a mating-side substrate, a plurality of conductors, and a housing for holding the conductors.

As a connector to be connected to a conductive member having a counter substrate, a plurality of conductors, and a housing, for example, the connector 4 of the modification shown in fig. 19 and 20 can be implemented. In the following, a modified example will be described with reference to the drawings, but elements having the same configuration as the above-described embodiment and elements corresponding to the above-described embodiment are given the same reference numerals or are referred to the same reference numerals in the drawings, and the description thereof will be omitted.

Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view showing a connector 4 of a modification, and is a view showing a conductive member 120 including a counter side substrate 121 together with a substrate 101 connected to the connector 4. In addition, fig. 19 shows a state where the connector 4 is connected to the conductive member 120. Fig. 20 is a sectional view showing the connector 4 and the conductive member 120, and is a view showing a state where the connector 4 and the conductive member 120 are not connected. In addition, in fig. 19 and 20, a part of a counter side substrate 121 on the substrate 101 and the conductive member 120 is illustrated. In addition, in fig. 19 and 20, the outer shape is illustrated instead of the cross section for the terminal 23 of the connector 4 and the conductor 122 of the conductive member 120.

The conductive member 120 connected to the connector 4 shown in fig. 19 and 20 is configured to include a counter-side substrate 121, a plurality of conductors 122, and a conductor holding case 123.

The counter substrate 121 is provided as a substrate member connected to the substrate 101 via the connector 4, the conductor holding case 123, and the plurality of conductors 122. The counter substrate 121 has a conductive circuit pattern provided on at least one of the front and back surfaces. In addition, a through hole 121a is formed in the counter side substrate 121, and the through hole 121a is provided as a hole penetrating in the thickness direction of the counter side substrate 121. A conductor 122 formed in a shaft shape, a columnar shape, or a needle shape is inserted through the through hole 121 a. The conductor 122 is fixed to the counter substrate 121 by soldering in a state inserted through the through hole 121 a. In fig. 19 and 20, the solder is not shown.

Each of the plurality of conductors 122 is formed of a conductive metal material, and is provided as a terminal having a substantially prismatic shape and an elongated shape, for example. The conductor 122 is held by the conductor holding case 123 and electrically connected to the mating side substrate 121 and the terminal 23 of the connector 3. The plurality of conductors 122 held by the conductor holding case 123 are arranged in the width direction of the conductor holding case 123. More specifically, the plurality of conductors 122 are arranged in a line extending in the width direction of the conductor holding case 123. The plurality of conductors 122 are held in the conductor holding case 123 in a state where the longitudinal directions thereof extend parallel to each other.

Each conductor 122 is inserted through the through hole 121a of the counter substrate 121 at one end portion side, and is connected to the counter substrate 121 by soldering. Each conductor 122 is soldered to the counter substrate 121, and is thus electrically connected to a conductive circuit pattern provided on at least one of the front and back surfaces of the counter substrate 121. Thereby, each conductor 122 is electrically connected to the counter substrate 121.

Further, the conductor 122 is provided with a contact connecting portion 124 on the other end side opposite to the one end side connected to the counter side substrate 121, which is in contact with a terminal 23 of the connector 4 described later and electrically connected to the contact portion 24b of the terminal 23. The end portion of the distal end side of the contact connecting portion 124 is a rectangular cross section, and is formed in a shape that narrows toward the distal end side. This structure allows easy insertion and connection to the contact portion 24b of the terminal 23 described later.

The conductor holding case 123 is formed of an insulating resin material, and is provided as a member that holds the plurality of conductors 122 and is connected to the connector 4 by fitting. The conductor holding case 123 has a shape extending long in the width direction. The plurality of conductors 122 are held by the conductor holding case 123 in a state of being arranged in line in the width direction of the conductor holding case 123. More specifically, the plurality of conductors 122 are held in the conductor holding case 123 at the central portion in the longitudinal direction of each conductor 122 in a state of being pressed into the conductor holding case 123 and penetrating the conductor holding case 123. The plurality of conductors 122 are held by the conductor holding case 123 in a state of being arranged to extend in parallel with each other in the longitudinal direction.

The conductor holding case 123 is provided with an opening 125 at an end portion on the opposite side to the side where the held conductor 122 is connected to the counter side substrate 121. Inside the opening 125, the contact connecting portion 124 on the conductor 122 held in the conductor holding case 123 is exposed. The conductor holding case 123 is configured to be connected to the terminal holding case 14 of the main body case 12 of the connector 4 by fitting at an end portion on the side where the opening 125 is provided and the contact connecting portion 124 is exposed.

The connector 4 connected to the conductive member 120 is configured as a connector for connecting the conductive member 120 having a plurality of conductors 122 to the substrate 101. The connector 4 is configured to include a plurality of terminals 23, a main body housing 12 that holds the plurality of terminals 23, and a sealing member 13 attached to the main body housing 12. The main body case 12 is configured to include a terminal holding case 14 and a cover case 15. The connector 4 is electrically and mechanically connected to the substrate 101, and also electrically and mechanically connected to the conductive member 120.

The plurality of terminals 23 are respectively in contact with and electrically connected to each of the plurality of conductors 122 of the conductive member 120. The plurality of terminals 23 held by the main body case 12 are arranged so as to be aligned along the width direction of the main body case 12. More specifically, the plurality of terminals 23 are arranged in a line extending in parallel along the width direction of the main body case 12.

The plurality of terminals 23 are integrally formed, for example, by press working and bending a plate-shaped member. Each terminal 23 is inserted and embedded in the terminal holding case 14 of the main body case 12 so as to be held by the main body case 12. The terminals 23 penetrate through the through holes 15e of the inner wall 15b of the cover case 15 of the main body case 12.

Each terminal 23 is provided with a body portion 24a, a contact portion 24b, a board connection portion 24c, and the like. The body portion 24a is provided to be formed into a shaft-like, columnar, or needle-like portion, and has a longitudinal direction.

The contact portion 24b is provided as a portion electrically connected to the contact connection portion 124 in the conductor 122 of the conductive member 120. The contact portion 24b is integrally provided with the main body portion 24a on one end side of the main body portion 24a, and is formed as a square tubular portion. The contact portion 24b formed in a square tube shape is provided with a space inside. The contact portion 24b is configured to contact the contact connecting portion 124 inserted into the hole on the inner periphery of the hole, and to be electrically connected to the contact connecting portion 124.

The substrate connection portion 24c is provided to be electrically connected to the substrate 101 and mechanically fixed to a portion of the substrate 101. The substrate connecting portion 24c is configured as a part of the body portion 24a on the opposite side to the side on which the contact portion 24b is integrally provided in the longitudinal direction.

The seal member 13 is provided as a member: the end portion side of the main body case 12 attached to the main body case 12, which is connected to the substrate 101, seals between the inside of the main body case 12 and the substrate 101. The sealing member 13 is provided with a plurality of press-fitting holes 13a, and the sealing member 13 is configured such that the terminals 23 penetrate the sealing member 13 in a state of being press-fitted into the press-fitting holes 13 a. Thereby, the sealing member 13 is configured to be in close contact with the terminals 23 and the main body case 12. In the connector 4, the seal member 130 shown in fig. 16 may be used instead of the seal member 13. When the sealing member 130 is used instead of the sealing member 13, the sealing member 130 is in a state of being pierced by the terminal 23 and the terminal 23 is press-fitted.

The connector 4 described above is connected to the substrate 101 at the substrate connecting portion 24c of the terminal 23. Then, in a state where the connector 4 is connected to the substrate 101, the surface of the substrate 101 is subjected to potting treatment. When the potting process is performed on the substrate 101, the conductive member 120 is connected to the connector 4 connected to the substrate 101. At this time, the end of the conductive member 120 on the side where the opening 125 of the conductor holding case 123 is provided is fitted to the main body case 12 of the connector 4. By fitting the end of the conductor holding case 123 into the main body case 12, the contact connecting portion 124 of the conductor 122 is inserted into the contact portion 24b of the terminal 23 in the region inside the opening 125 of the conductor holding case 123. The square tubular contact portion 24b is in contact with the outer periphery of the contact connecting portion 124 inserted inside the contact portion 24b at the inner periphery thereof, and is electrically connected to the contact connecting portion 124. Thereby, the connector 4 is connected to the conductive member 120, and the conductive member 120 and the substrate 101 are electrically connected via the connector 4. In a state where the substrate 101 and the conductive member 120 are connected to each other via the connector 4, the counter side substrate 121 of the substrate 101 and the conductive member 120 are arranged in parallel to each other.

According to the above-described modification, in a state where the conductive member 120 having the counter-side substrate 121 and the plurality of conductors 122 is connected to the substrate 101 via the connector 4, the space between the inside of the main body case 12 and the substrate 101 is sealed by the sealing member 13, and the sealing member 13 is attached to the end portion side of the main body case 12 on the connection side with the substrate 101 and is in close contact with the main body case 12. The terminals 23, which are exposed from the main body case 12 and connected to the substrate 101 while penetrating the sealing member 13, are press-fitted into the press-fitting holes 13a of the sealing member 13 and are in close contact with the sealing member 13. Thereby, the periphery of the portion of each terminal 23 whose end is exposed from the main body case 12, which portion penetrates the sealing member 13, is sealed by the sealing member 13.

Therefore, even when the potting process is performed on the surface of the substrate 101 connected to the conductive member 120 via the connector 4, the potting material can be prevented from flowing into the main body case 12. That is, the sealing member 13 in close contact with the main body case 12 can prevent the potting material from entering the inside of the main body case 12. Further, since the terminals 23 connected to the substrate 101 are press-fitted into the press-fitting holes 13a of the sealing member 13 and are in close contact with the sealing member 13, the potting material is prevented from entering the inside of the body case 12 from the periphery of the terminals 23. Thereby, the potting material is prevented from infiltrating into the area where the terminals 23 of the connector 4 are in contact with the conductors 122 of the conductive member 120.

Further, according to the above-described modification, even when the potting process is performed on the surface of the substrate 101 connected to the conductive member 120 having the counter-side substrate 121 and the plurality of conductors 122, the substrate 101 and the conductive member 120 may be connected via the connector 4. That is, according to the above-described modification, even when potting treatment is performed on the surface of the substrate 101 connected to the conductive member 120 having the counter-side substrate 121 and the plurality of conductors 122, it is not necessary to perform such a difficult operation that the peripheral wall surrounding the periphery of the connector 4 is formed with a large restriction. Therefore, according to the above-described modification, even when the potting process is performed on the surface of the substrate 101 connected to the conductive member 120 having the counter substrate 121 and the plurality of conductors 122, the potting process can be easily performed.

Therefore, according to the above modification, it is possible to provide the connector 4 capable of easily performing the potting process on the surface of the substrate 101 connected to the conductive member 120 having the counter side substrate 121 and the plurality of conductors 122.

Industrial applicability of the invention

The present invention is widely applicable as a connector for connecting a conductive member having a plurality of conductors to a substrate.

Claims

1. A connector for connecting a conductive member having a plurality of conductors to a substrate, the connector comprising:

a plurality of terminals which are respectively in contact with and connected to the plurality of conductors;

a main body housing that holds a plurality of the terminals; and

a sealing member which is attached to an end portion side of the main body case, which is connected to the substrate, with respect to the main body case, and which seals a space between the inside of the main body case and the substrate,

the sealing member is configured to penetrate the terminal in a press-fitted state and to be in close contact with the terminal and the body case,

the terminal is pressed into the sealing member in a state of piercing the sealing member,

the seal member is provided with a long groove extending in a longitudinal direction, the long groove having a substantially U-shaped cross-sectional shape, the long groove being provided at a position corresponding to the plurality of through-holes of the main body case in a state where the seal member is mounted in the main body case, and the long groove is configured such that a position of a center line extending in the longitudinal direction thereof is located at a position along a portion of each of the through-holes which is open on the opening side.

2. The connector of claim 1,

an inner wall holding a plurality of the terminals is provided inside the main body case,

a plurality of through holes are formed in the inner wall, the plurality of terminals are respectively passed through the plurality of through holes,

an inner peripheral surface of each of the plurality of through holes has a guide surface for guiding the plurality of terminals in a direction in which the terminals penetrate the inner wall,

the guide surface is configured to be narrowed in a direction in which each of the plurality of terminals penetrates the inner wall.

3. A connector for connecting a conductive member having a plurality of conductors to a substrate, the connector comprising:

a main body housing that holds a plurality of the terminals; and

the sealing member is provided with a press-fitting hole through which the terminal passes in a press-fitted state,

the guide surface is configured to be narrowed in a direction in which the plurality of terminals penetrate the inner wall,

the seal member and the main body case are configured such that the press-in hole is located at a position facing an opening portion of the through hole in a state where the seal member is attached to the main body case,

the terminal is configured to be press-fitted into the press-fitting hole of the sealing member after the through hole penetrating the inner wall is guided by the guide surface.

4. Connector according to claim 1 or 3,

the sealing member is provided as an integral member, and the plurality of terminals are pressed into the sealing member.

5. Connector according to claim 1 or 3,

the sealing member is attached to the main body case by being fitted into an end portion side of the main body case connected to the substrate,

the seal member is configured such that an outer periphery thereof is in close contact with an inner periphery of the main body case.

6. Connector according to claim 1 or 3,

the main body case has:

a terminal holding case that holds a plurality of the terminals; and

a cover housing to which the sealing member is attached and which holds the terminal holding housing,

the sealing member is attached to one end side of the cover housing, and the terminal holding housing is held by the cover housing by being inserted into the cover housing from the other end side of the cover housing.

7. Connector according to claim 1 or 3,

the sealing member is configured as a rubber member.

8. Connector according to claim 1 or 3,

the main body housing is provided as an integral part,

the inner wall is provided with a plurality of through holes through which the plurality of terminals respectively pass.

9. Connector according to claim 1 or 3,

the conductive member is configured as a flexible conductive member having a plurality of the conductors.