JP2010251059A - Connector for flat cable, and harness with the same - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a connector for a flat cable capable of reducing the number of components, miniaturizing an outer dimension, and also simplifying a connection process of the flat cable. <P>SOLUTION: For a relay housing 11 of the connector for the flat cable, an end of the flat cable 100 with a conductor exposed part 107 with a plurality of conductors 105 exposed is arranged at one end, and terminals 109 mounted on counterpart conductors fitted to counterpart cables 101 are inserted from the other end side and held so as to be enabled to contact each of the plurality of conductors 105 at the conductor exposed part 107. The plurality of conductors 105 at the conductor exposed part 107 and the terminals 109 are welded together. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a flat cable connector for connecting one or a plurality of flat cables formed by insulatingly covering a plurality of conductors arranged in parallel and one or a plurality of mating cables, and for the flat cable. The present invention relates to a harness (cable harness) including a connector.

  Conventionally, there has been known a flat cable connector for connecting a flat cable formed by insulatingly covering a plurality of conductors arranged in parallel and a counterpart cable (see Patent Document 1). The flat cable connector disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes three parts including a housing part, a holder, and a holder guide. And the housing part is comprised so that the terminal laser-welded to the conductor (mating side conductor) of the flat cable comprised as a mating side cable may be accommodated. Further, the holder is configured as a member to which an end portion of a flat cable connected to the counterpart cable via a terminal is attached. Note that the end portion of the flat cable is attached to the holder so that the covering portion of the insulating coating is partially peeled off and the conductor is exposed and folded back and wound around the holder. Further, the holder guide is configured as a member for inserting a holder with a flat cable attached thereto and guiding the holder into the housing portion.

JP-A-7-21405 (page 4-5, FIG. 1-2)

  However, as described above, the flat cable connector disclosed in Patent Document 1 requires at least three components such as a housing part, a holder, and a holder guide. For this reason, an increase in the number of parts is caused, and since it is necessary to mold each part, an increase in manufacturing cost is also caused. And since many component parts are needed, there exists a problem that it will be easy to invite the enlargement of an external shape as the whole connector. Furthermore, since many components are used for connection, there is a problem that many steps are required to complete the connection of the flat cable. That is, in the case of the flat cable connector of Patent Document 1, (1) First, a flat cable with a folding hook is attached to be wound around a holder, (2) Next, this holder is inserted into a holder guide, (3 Next, a terminal for laser welding to the mating cable is attached to the housing part. (4) Further, after laser welding of the mating cable and the terminal, a holder holding the flat cable and a holder guide are fitted into the housing part. This completes the connection of the flat cable. Thus, many processes are required for connection.

  In view of the above circumstances, the present invention can reduce the number of parts, reduce the outer shape, and simplify the flat cable connection process. The purpose is to provide. Moreover, it aims also at providing a harness (cable harness) provided with the connector for flat cables.

In order to achieve the above object, a flat cable connector according to a first aspect of the present invention includes one or more flat cables and one or more mating cables formed by insulating a plurality of conductors arranged in parallel. The present invention relates to a flat cable connector. The flat cable connector according to the first aspect of the present invention is configured such that an end portion of the flat cable having a conductor exposed portion in which a plurality of conductors are exposed by removing a covering portion of the insulating coating is disposed on one end side, and A relay housing that holds a mating conductor provided on the mating cable or a terminal attached to the mating conductor so that the terminal is inserted from the other end side so as to be in contact with each of the plurality of conductors in the conductor exposed portion. A plurality of the conductors in the exposed conductor portion and the counterpart conductor or the terminal are welded to each other by welding.

  According to the present invention, the flat cable connector is configured by the relay housing in which the end of the flat cable is disposed on one end side and the mating conductor or terminal of the mating cable is inserted on the other end side. And the conductor in the conductor exposed part of the edge part of a flat cable, and the other party conductor or a terminal are welded by welding, and a flat cable and the other party cable are electrically connected. For this reason, a flat cable connector can be configured without providing many parts such as a housing part, a holder, and a holder guide as disclosed in Patent Document 1. Thereby, the number of parts can be reduced, and the manufacturing cost can also be reduced. And since there are few component parts, it can suppress that the external shape enlarges, and can implement | achieve the compact and small connector for flat cables. Further, according to the flat cable connector of the present invention, the conductor exposed portion is disposed on one end side of the relay housing, and the mating conductor or terminal is inserted on the other end side, and these are welded, thereby connecting the flat cable. Will be done. For this reason, the simplification of the connection process of a flat cable can be achieved.

  Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a flat cable connector capable of reducing the number of parts, reducing the outer shape, and simplifying the flat cable connection process. Can do.

  A flat cable connector according to a second invention is the flat cable connector according to the first invention, wherein the conductor exposed portion is arranged in a state where the plurality of conductors extend along a linear direction on one end side of the relay housing. It is characterized by being.

  According to the present invention, the exposed conductor portion at the end of the flat cable is arranged with the plurality of conductors extending straight with respect to the relay housing. For this reason, unlike the flat cable connector disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is not necessary to provide a conductor exposed portion as a folded portion in which a length sufficient to be wound around the holder is secured. Thereby, the length of the conductor exposed portion can be shortened, and the cost can be reduced by shortening the length of the flat cable. Further, unlike the flat cable connector disclosed in Patent Document 1, the conductor is exposed quickly without causing troublesome work and work such as attaching a folded hook to the end of the flat cable and winding it around the holder. The part can be arranged in the relay housing. For this reason, the further simplification of the connection process of a flat cable can be achieved.

The flat cable connector according to a third aspect of the invention is the flat cable connector of the first or second aspect, wherein the end portion of the flat cable is pulled out along the extending direction of the plurality of conductors. And the relay exposed housing is provided with a tip insulating coating portion formed by leaving a portion of the coating portion shifted so as to be pulled out and leaving the tip at the tip. Is formed so as to be able to penetrate at least one of the gaps between the plurality of conductors in the conductor exposed portion, and is at least locked to the end portion of the flat cable at the tip insulating coating portion. One locking projection is provided.

  According to the present invention, the latching protrusion is provided on the relay housing, and when the end of the flat cable is disposed on one end side of the relay housing, the latching projection provides a gap between the conductors in the exposed conductor portion. It penetrates and is locked to the tip insulating coating portion. For this reason, the end of the flat cable can be positioned and temporarily held with respect to the relay housing in a state before welding with the mating conductor or the like by a simple configuration in which the latching protrusion is provided on the relay housing.

  The flat cable connector according to a fourth aspect is the flat cable connector according to the third aspect, wherein the locking projection is along a gap between the plurality of conductors in the conductor exposed portion arranged in the relay housing. A plurality of wall-like portions each extending in parallel with the conductor are provided.

  According to the present invention, the plurality of locking protrusions are provided as wall-like portions extending in parallel along the gap between the conductors of the exposed conductor portion. For this reason, the end of the flat cable is connected to the relay housing in a state before welding with the mating conductor or terminal by a plurality of locking projections arranged corresponding to the shape of the gap between the conductors of the exposed conductor portion. Can be temporarily held firmly.

  The flat cable connector according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the flat cable connector according to any one of the first to fourth aspects of the present invention, wherein the end portion of the flat cable disposed on one end side is sandwiched in the relay housing. On both sides, convex holding portions formed in a convex shape are provided so that both sides of the end portion of the flat cable can be held in the thickness direction, respectively.

  According to the present invention, the convex holding portions are provided on both sides of the relay housing so as to hold both side portions of the end portion of the flat cable. For this reason, a simple configuration in which convex holding portions are provided on both sides of the relay housing temporarily prevents the end of the flat cable from being displaced relative to the relay housing in a state before welding with the mating conductor or terminal. Can be retained.

  A flat cable connector according to a sixth invention is the flat cable connector according to any one of the first to fifth inventions, wherein the cover is attached to the relay housing so as to cover the exposed conductor exposed portion. A housing is further provided.

  According to the present invention, since the cover housing is provided, it is possible to cover and protect the exposed conductor exposed portion by attaching the cover housing to the relay housing. Therefore, the connection location between the flat cable and the counterpart cable can be reliably protected.

  The flat cable connector according to a seventh aspect of the invention is the flat cable connector according to the sixth aspect of the invention, wherein the cover housing protrudes so that an end of the flat cable disposed on one end side of the relay housing can be pressed. At least one formed pressing portion is provided.

According to the present invention, by attaching the cover housing to the relay housing in which the end portion of the flat cable is disposed on one end side, the end portion of the flat cable is pressed more firmly by the pressing portion provided on the cover housing. Will be retained. This
In the flat cable connector having the relay housing and the cover housing, the flat cable can be firmly held.

  A flat cable connector according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is the flat cable connector according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, wherein the pressing portion is formed so as to be disposed along the conductor in the conductor exposed portion disposed in the relay housing. And a plurality of them.

  According to the present invention, since the plurality of pressing portions are provided so as to press each of the conductors along the exposed conductor, the flat cable connector having the relay housing and the cover housing can hold the flat cable more firmly. Can do.

  A flat cable connector according to a ninth invention is the flat cable connector according to any one of the sixth to eighth inventions, wherein the cover housing is formed separately from the relay housing and is detachable. It is characterized by being.

  According to the present invention, since the cover housing is provided separately from the relay housing so as to be detachable, the cover housing is removed when not needed, and the relay housing is attached to the cover housing and used as necessary. it can. Also, since the cover housing is formed separately from the relay housing, it can be stored separately so that it does not get in the way when the cover housing is not needed. It can be used as a connector. Further, since the mold for molding the relay housing and the mold for molding the cover housing can be formed separately, it is possible to prevent the mold shape from becoming complicated.

  The flat cable connector according to a tenth aspect of the present invention is the flat cable connector according to any of the sixth to eighth aspects of the invention, wherein the cover housing is a hinge that can be bent by elastic deformation with respect to the relay housing. It is connected through the part and is integrally formed.

  According to the present invention, even if the cover housing is not attached to the relay housing so as to partially cover the relay housing, the cover housing is connected to the relay housing via the hinge portion. It can be prevented from being separated from the relay housing and dissipated. The cover housing can be quickly attached to the relay housing so as to cover the exposed conductor exposed portion at the stage where the work of welding the counterpart conductor or terminal and the conductor exposed conductor is completed. .

  The flat cable connector according to an eleventh aspect of the invention is the flat cable connector of the tenth aspect of the invention, wherein the hinge portion is on the other end side where the counterpart conductor or the terminal is inserted into the relay housing. And being connected to the cover housing on the other end side, which is the side facing the other end side of the relay housing, and integrally connecting the cover housing and the relay housing. To do.

  According to this invention, the relay housing and the cover housing are connected to each other at the other end side corresponding to the side where the mating conductor or terminal is inserted by the hinge portion. For this reason, the cover housing is disposed adjacent to the relay housing at the corresponding portions of the outer shape when combined. Thereby, the relay housing and the cover housing which are integrally connected via the hinge portion can be configured in a compact manner.

A flat cable connector according to a twelfth aspect of the invention is the flat cable connector of the eleventh aspect of the invention, wherein the flat cable end of the relay housing is disposed on both sides of the cover housing on one end side. A cover side engaging portion that can be engaged with a relay side engaging portion formed on both sides on one end side is provided.

  According to the present invention, the relay housing and the cover housing connected at the other end sides are attached so that the one end sides are engaged with each other through the engagement between the relay side engaging portion and the cover side engaging portion. Will be. For this reason, the relay housing and the cover housing can be engaged with each other on one end side opposite to the other end side where the hinge portion is arranged, and the cover portion is relayed by efficiently arranging the hinge portion and the engaging portion. It can be firmly attached to the housing.

  The flat cable connector according to a thirteenth aspect of the invention is the flat cable connector of the tenth aspect of the invention, wherein the hinge portion includes one side on both sides of the cover housing and one side on both sides of the relay housing. The cover housing and the relay housing are integrally connected to each other.

  According to this invention, the relay housing and the cover housing are connected to each other on both sides by the hinge portion. For this reason, the cover housing is disposed adjacent to the relay housing at the corresponding portions of the outer shape when combined. Thereby, the relay housing and the cover housing which are integrally connected via the hinge portion can be configured in a compact manner.

  A flat cable connector according to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention is the flat cable connector according to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, wherein the cover housing includes a first cover housing and a second cover housing, and the hinge portion includes the first hinge portion and the second hinge portion. A hinge portion, and the first hinge portion is connected to one side of both sides of the first cover housing and one side of both sides of the relay housing, The relay housing is integrally connected, and the second hinge part is connected to the other side of the both sides of the second cover housing and to the other side of the both sides of the relay housing. The cover housing and the relay housing are integrally connected, and both sides of the first cover housing are connected. On the other side, a first cover engaging portion that can be engaged with a second cover engaging portion formed on one side of both sides of the second cover housing is provided. And

  According to the present invention, the cover housing is provided as each of the first and second cover housings connected to both sides of the relay housing via the first and second hinge portions, respectively. For this reason, the cover housing comprised so that it may combine with a pair will be arrange | positioned adjacent to the both sides centering on the relay housing. Accordingly, the relay housing and the cover housing that are integrally connected via the hinge portion can be configured more compactly. Then, the first and second cover housings are arranged so as to be folded and folded at the respective hinge portions toward the relay housing, and are engaged with each other by the respective engaging portions of the respective cover housings. It can be firmly attached to cover a part.

  The flat cable connector according to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention is the flat cable connector according to any one of the first to fourteenth aspects of the present invention, wherein the plurality of conductors in the exposed conductor portion and the mating conductor or the terminal are spots. The welding is performed by resistance welding, laser welding, or electron beam welding.

  According to the present invention, the plurality of conductors in the conductor exposed portion and the counterpart conductor or terminal are welded by spot resistance welding, laser welding, or electron beam welding, respectively, so that each conductor and each counterpart conductor or Each terminal can be easily welded and welded individually.

  A harness according to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention for achieving the above-described object is a flat cable connector according to any one of the first to fifteenth aspects of the invention, the flat cable connected by the flat cable connector, and the mating member. And a side cable.

  According to the present invention, a harness having the same effects as the flat cable connector of the first to fifteenth inventions can be realized. Therefore, according to the present invention, there is provided a harness that can reduce the number of parts in the connector for connection, can reduce the outer shape, and can simplify the flat cable connection process. can do.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a flat cable connector that can reduce the number of components, reduce the outer shape, and simplify the flat cable connection process. . Moreover, a harness provided with the connector for flat cables can be provided.

It is a perspective view which shows the connector for flat cables which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention, and the harness which concerns on this embodiment comprised using this connector for flat cables. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the flat cable connector shown in FIG. 1 and a part of each of the flat cable and the counterpart cable connected by the flat cable connector. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of FIG. 2. It is a perspective view which expands and shows only the flat cable in FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the relay housing in the connector for flat cables shown in FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the cover housing in the connector for flat cables shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 5. It is a perspective view which shows the connection procedure of the flat cable and the other party cable by the connector for flat cables shown in FIG. It is a perspective view which shows sectional drawing of the relay housing in one state shown in FIG. It is an expanded sectional view which expands and shows a part of section of Drawing 9. It is sectional drawing of the cross section shown in FIG. It is a perspective view which shows sectional drawing of the relay housing in one state shown in FIG. It is an expanded sectional view which expands and shows a part of section of Drawing 12. It is a perspective view which shows sectional drawing of the relay housing in one state shown in FIG. It is sectional drawing of the cross section shown in FIG. It is an expanded sectional view which expands and shows a part in FIG. It is sectional drawing explaining a mode that the spot resistance welding of a conductor and a terminal is performed in the relay housing of one state shown in FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the relay housing in which the spot resistance welding of the conductor and terminal shown in FIG. 17 was completed. It is a perspective view which shows the flat cable connector which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention, and each of each of the flat cable connected by this flat cable connector, and the other party cable. It is a perspective view which shows the flat cable connector which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention, and each of each of the flat cable connected by this flat cable connector, and the other party cable. FIG. 21 is a perspective view illustrating a state where the cover housing is attached to the relay housing in the flat cable connector illustrated in FIG. 20. It is a perspective view which shows the state which connects flat cables using the connector for flat cables shown in FIG.

  Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The present invention also relates to a flat cable connector for connecting one or a plurality of flat cables formed by insulating a plurality of conductors arranged in parallel and one or a plurality of mating cables, and the flat cable. As a harness provided with a cable connector, it can be widely applied to various uses.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 shows a flat cable connector 1 (hereinafter also simply referred to as “connector 1”) according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and a harness (cable harness) according to this embodiment configured using this connector 1. FIG. A harness 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 includes a connector 1 according to the present embodiment, a connector 103 connected to a printed circuit board 104 (only part of which is shown in FIG. 1), a plurality of connectors 102, and 1 One flat cable 100 and a plurality of counterpart cables 101 are provided. Via this harness 10, a printed circuit board 104 and a printed circuit board (not shown) to which a plurality of connectors 102 are connected are connected.

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the connector 1 according to the present embodiment and a part of each of the flat cable 100 and the counterpart cable 101 connected by the connector 1. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view showing only the flat cable 100 in FIG. A flat cable 100 shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 is configured as a flexible flat cable (FFC), and is formed by insulatingly covering a plurality of conductors 105 arranged in parallel with a covering portion 106. The flat cable 100 is formed by, for example, extrusion molding with a plurality of conductors 105 and an insulating covering portion 106 integrated. Moreover, each conductor 105 is comprised as the aggregate | assembly which bundled the thin wire rod, for example. In addition, about this embodiment, it can apply not only to a flexible flat cable but to flat cables (for example, flexible printed circuit board (FPC)) other than a flexible flat cable.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4, a conductor exposed portion 107 and a tip insulating coating portion 108 are provided at the end of the flat cable 100. The conductor exposed portion 107 is provided as a portion where a plurality of the conductors 105 are exposed by partially removing the insulating coating portion 106. The conductor exposed portion 107 is formed by peeling the covering portion 106 so as to be pulled out along the extending direction of the plurality of conductors 105 (the direction in which the plurality of conductors 105 extend in parallel). Further, the tip insulating covering portion 108 is formed by leaving a part of the covering portion 106 shifted so as to be pulled out when the conductor exposed portion 107 is formed as described above. The end of the flat cable 100 opposite to the end where the conductor exposed portion 107 is provided is connected to the connector 103.

The plurality of mating cables 101 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 are configured as a plurality of individual cables. Each mating cable 101 is formed by insulatingly covering a conductor (mating conductor) configured as a core wire, and the mating cable 101 in which a covering portion of the insulating coating is peeled off from this conductor. The terminal 109 is attached by crimping at the end. In addition, the conductor provided in each other party cable 101 is comprised as the aggregate | assembly which bundled the thin wire rod, for example. Further, the plurality of mating cables 101 are collectively connected to each connector 102 as a plurality of mating cables 101. The plurality of mating cables 101 and the flat cable 100 are connected by a connector 1 as will be described later.

  Next, the connector 1 of this embodiment will be described in detail. The connector 1 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 includes a relay housing 11 and a cover housing 12. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the relay housing 11. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the cover housing 12. Both the relay housing 11 and the cover housing 12 are formed of a resin material.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the relay housing 11 is formed in a thin rectangular case shape, and is provided with a flat cable arrangement portion 13, a terminal insertion portion 14, a locking projection portion 15, an engagement convex portion 16, and the like. The flat cable placement portion 13 is provided on one end side of the relay housing 11 as a portion where the end portion of the flat cable 100 having the conductor exposed portion 107 is placed. Moreover, the terminal insertion part 14 is provided in the other end side of the relay housing 11 as a part in which the terminal 109 attached to the other party conductor provided in each other party cable 101 is inserted in a line. . In the terminal insertion portion 14, terminal insertion holes into which the terminals 109 are respectively inserted are formed in a line. That is, in the relay housing 11, the end of the flat cable 100 is arranged on one end side in the connection direction, which is the direction in which the flat cable 100 and the counterpart cable 101 are connected, and the terminal 109 is arranged on the other end side. It will be.

  Further, in the relay housing 11, each terminal 109 is inserted from the other end side so that each terminal 109 is held so as to be in contact with each of the plurality of conductors 105 in the conductor exposed portion 107, and a flat cable is provided on one end side. By arranging 100 end portions, each terminal 109 and each conductor 105 come into contact with each other. Note that the plurality of conductors 105 and the terminals 109 in the conductor exposed portion 107 are welded by welding, as described later, in the state of contact as described above.

  FIG. 7 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 5, and is an enlarged perspective view showing one portion of both side portions on one end side of the relay housing 11. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, a plurality of locking protrusions 15 are provided in the flat cable placement portion 13. As will be described later, the locking projection 15 is formed as a portion that locks the end portion of the flat cable 100 at the distal insulating coating portion 108, and is provided as a wall-shaped portion that extends in parallel. . Further, a pair of engaging convex portions 16 are formed as protruding portions on both sides on one end side of the relay housing 11, and when the cover housing 12 is attached to the relay housing 11, It is provided as an engaging part.

  The cover housing 12 shown in FIG. 6 is formed separately from the relay housing 11. The cover housing 12 is provided as a member that is attached to the relay housing 11 so as to cover the conductor exposed portion 107 that is disposed on the relay housing 11 and welded to the plurality of terminals 109 (see FIG. 2). ). Further, the cover housing 12 is provided with a lid portion 17, a pressing portion 18, an engaging wall portion 19, an inner wall portion 20, and the like.

  The lid portion 17 of the cover housing 12 is formed as a flat plate portion that covers the conductor exposed portion 107 disposed in the relay housing 11. In addition, when the cover housing 12 is attached to the relay housing 11, a plurality of the pressing portions 18 are provided on the side facing the relay housing 11 in the lid portion 17, and are arranged so as to extend in parallel. And this press part 18 is formed so that the edge part of the flat cable 100 arrange | positioned at the one end side in the relay housing 11 may be pressed.

  Further, the engagement wall portion 19 is provided as a pair of side wall portions protruding on both sides of the cover housing 12, and an engagement hole 19 a that can be engaged with each engagement convex portion 16 of the relay housing 11 is formed. Has been. The cover housing 12 is attached to the relay housing 11 by engaging the engagement portions 19 so as to fit the engagement convex portions 16 in the engagement holes 19a (see FIG. 2). On the other hand, when removing the cover housing 12 from the relay housing 11, the engagement wall portion 19 is expanded outward, the engagement with the engagement convex portion 16 is released, and the removal operation is performed. Thus, in the connector 1, the cover housing 12 is detachably provided to the relay housing 11 by providing the engagement wall portion 19 and the engagement convex portion 16. In addition, the inner wall part 20 is arrange | positioned inside each engagement wall part 19, and is provided with one pair. And this inner wall part 20 is a wall part which hold | maintains so that the side wall part of the relay housing 11 may be pinched | interposed between the engagement wall parts 19 in the state in which the cover housing 12 was attached with respect to the relay housing 11. Is provided.

  FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a connection procedure between the flat cable 100 and the counterpart cable 101 by the connector 1. Hereinafter, the assembly procedure shown in FIG. 8 will be described, and the configuration of the connector 1 will be described in more detail along the assembly procedure with reference to FIGS. 8 to 18. When assembling the connector 1, as shown in FIG. 8A, first, each terminal 109 attached to the mating conductor of each mating cable 101 is inserted from the terminal insertion portion 14 of the relay housing 11. . FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a cross-sectional view of the relay housing 11 in the state shown in FIG. FIG. 9 shows a cross section in the connecting direction of the flat cable 100 and the counterpart cable 101. FIG. 10 is an enlarged sectional view showing a part of the section of FIG. 9 in an enlarged manner. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the cross section in FIG. 9 viewed from the width direction of the relay housing 11 (direction perpendicular to the connection direction). In addition, in FIG. 11, the external shape is shown about the other party cable 101 and the terminal 109 which appeared in the cross section.

  As shown in FIGS. 9 to 11, each mating cable 101 is provided with a conductor (mating conductor) 110 and a surrounding covering portion, and each of the conductor 110 and the end portion of the covering portion is provided. The terminal 109 is crimped. Each terminal 109 is inserted into and inserted into each terminal insertion hole 14 a of the terminal insertion portion 14 in the relay housing 11. Each terminal 109 is formed with a protrusion 109 a that protrudes obliquely toward the side to be crimped to the mating cable 101. When the terminal 109 is inserted into and inserted into the terminal insertion hole 14a, the protrusion 109a extending obliquely toward the inlet opening into which the terminal 109 is inserted in the terminal insertion hole 14a interferes with the inner wall of the terminal insertion hole 14a. It will bend inward once. And if the terminal 109 is inserted to the back of the terminal insertion hole 14a, the deformation | transformation of the protrusion 109a will elastically recover in the location of the locking hole 21 formed in the relay housing 11. FIG. As a result, the projection 109a is locked in the locking hole 21 when an external force is applied to the terminal 109 in the locking hole 21 with respect to the relay housing 11 (or when an external force is applied to the terminal 109 in the direction of coming out of the terminal insertion hole 14a. In a possible state), it is held in the terminal insertion hole 14a.

The relay housing 11 is formed with a welding hole 22 through which an electrode for spot resistance welding described later can be inserted. In a state where the terminal 109 is inserted to the depth of the terminal insertion hole 14 a, the tip end portion of the terminal 109 is arranged in a state exposed to the welding hole 22. Also, terminal 10
9 is arranged in a state of being exposed between the locking projections 15 on the side opposite to the portion exposed at the welding hole 22.

  When the terminal 109 attached to the counterpart cable 101 is inserted from the terminal insertion portion 14 and held against the relay housing 11 (see FIG. 8A), then, as shown in FIG. 8B, An end portion of the flat cable 100 is arranged in the flat cable arrangement portion 13 of the relay housing 11. FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a cross-sectional view of the relay housing 11 in the state shown in FIG. 8B in a cross-section in the connecting direction of the flat cable 100 and the counterpart cable 101. FIG. 13 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a part of the cross section of FIG. 12 in an enlarged manner. FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing the cross section of the relay housing 11 in the state shown in FIG. FIG. 15 shows a cross-sectional view of the cross section in FIG. 14 viewed from the vertical direction (from the connection direction). FIG. 16 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a part of FIG. 14 in an enlarged manner.

  As shown in FIGS. 12 to 16, the end portion of the flat cable 100 is arranged in the flat cable arrangement portion 13 on one end side of the relay housing 11. At this time, the exposed conductor portion 107 at the end of the flat cable 100 is arranged in the flat cable arrangement portion 13 in a state where the plurality of conductors 105 extend in parallel along the linear direction. Each conductor 105 is disposed in contact with each terminal 109 (see FIG. 13). Further, each locking projection 15 provided on the relay housing 11 is formed in a shape and dimension that can penetrate the gap between the plurality of conductors 105 in the conductor exposed portion 107, and is disposed in the gap between the conductors 105. Is done. Each locking projection 15 provided as a wall-like portion extends in parallel with the conductor 105 along the gap between the plurality of conductors 105 in the conductor exposed portion 107 disposed in the relay housing 11. Is provided. Further, when the respective locking projections 15 are arranged in the gaps between the conductors 105 as described above, as described above, the end of the flat cable 100 is caused by the respective locking projections 15 in the distal insulating coating portion 108. Will be locked.

  14 to 16, the relay housing 11 is provided with convex holding portions 23 on both sides of the end portion of the flat cable 100 arranged on one end side. . The pair of convex holding portions 23 are formed in a convex shape protruding inward so as to be able to hold both sides of the end portion of the flat cable 100 in the thickness direction. When the end of the flat cable 100 is arranged, both ends of the end of the flat cable 100 are bent so as to be slightly bent inward, and the end of the flat cable 100 is flattened while releasing the bending. By arranging in the cable arrangement part 13, the end part of the flat cable 100 can be held by the convex holding part 23.

  When the terminal 109 is inserted into the relay housing 11 and the end portion of the flat cable 100 is arranged, the state shown in FIG. 8B is reached, and then each conductor 105 of the exposed conductor portion 107 in contact with the relay housing 11. And the terminals 109 are welded together by welding. As this welding, for example, spot resistance welding is performed. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view for explaining how spot resistance welding is performed between the conductor 105 and the terminal 109 in the relay housing 11 in the state shown in FIG. FIG. 17 shows a cross-sectional view of the relay housing 11 in the connecting direction of the flat cable 100 and the counterpart cable 101, and shows the external appearance of the counterpart cable 101 and the terminal 109 that appear in the cross section.

In spot resistance welding in which the conductor 105 and the terminal 109 are welded, for example, a pair of comb-like electrode units disposed opposite to each other with the contact portion between the conductor 105 and the terminal 109 interposed therebetween is used. That is, as shown in FIG. 17, a plurality of electrodes (111a, 111b) arranged corresponding to each conductor 105 and each terminal 109 arranged in contact with each other are provided, and each of these electrodes (111a, 111b) is provided. An electrode unit arranged in parallel corresponding to each conductor 105 and each terminal 109 is used (in FIG. 17, only one electrode 111a and 111b is shown).

  At the time of spot resistance welding using the above comb-like electrode unit, a plurality of electrodes 111a are simultaneously moved in the direction of arrow A in the figure from the position illustrated by the two-dot chain line to the position illustrated by the solid line. 111 a contacts and contacts each conductor 105 on the side opposite to the side in contact with the terminal 109. The plurality of electrodes 111b are simultaneously moved in the direction of arrow B in the drawing from the position illustrated by the two-dot chain line to the position illustrated by the solid line, and the side opposite to the side where each electrode 111b contacts the conductor 105 with respect to each terminal 109 Touch to contact. At this time, each electrode 111 b moves toward each terminal 109 through the welding hole 22. In the terminal 109, a hole for allowing the electrode 111 b to pass is formed in a portion facing the welding hole 22. The electrode 111b that has passed through the hole comes into contact with the terminal 109 on the side opposite to the side in contact with the conductor 105.

  As described above, in a state where the electrode 111a is in contact with the conductor 105 and the electrode 111b is in contact with the terminal 109, the electrode is configured to generate Joule heat for welding at the contact portion between the conductor 105 and the terminal 109. Energization is performed between 111a and electrode 111b. Further, at the time of this energization, simultaneously, a pressurizing operation is performed in which the electrode 111a and the electrode 111b urge the conductor 105 and the terminal 109 in a direction of pressing from both sides. As a result, the contact portion between the conductor 105 and the terminal 109 sandwiched between the electrode 111a and the electrode 111b is heated and melted and further welded by being pressurized. When the welding is completed, the energization and pressurizing operations are terminated, and the conductor 105 and the terminal 109 are firmly welded together by welding.

  The spot resistance welding is performed in order for each conductor 105 and each terminal 109, for example. That is, when spot resistance welding is performed with a pair of electrodes 111a and 111b on a set of conductors 105 and terminals 109 in contact with each other, subsequently, the set of conductors 105 and terminals 109 on which the welding is performed is performed. The same spot resistance welding is performed on a pair of conductors 105 and terminals 109 arranged next to each other by a pair of electrodes 111a and 111b in contact therewith. This spot resistance welding is sequentially performed on all the conductors 105 and the terminals 109. FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 17, and is a cross-sectional view showing the relay housing 11 in which spot resistance welding between the conductor 105 and the terminal 109 is completed. As shown in FIG. 18, in the state where spot resistance welding is completed, each terminal 109 inserted and held from the terminal insertion hole 14a on the other end side with respect to the relay housing 11 is connected to one end side of the relay housing 11. The conductors 105 in the exposed conductor exposed portion 107 are firmly welded at the welded portion 112.

  In the present embodiment, the case where the respective conductors 105 and the respective terminals 109 are welded by spot resistance welding has been described as an example, but the respective conductors 105 and the respective terminals 109 are welded by welding other than spot resistance welding. Each may be performed. For example, laser welding may be performed in which a contact portion between the conductor 105 and the terminal 109 is heated and welded by irradiating a laser beam. Moreover, the electron beam welding which heats and welds by irradiating the electron beam to the contact part of the conductor 105 and the terminal 109 may be performed. Further, in this embodiment, the case where spot resistance welding is performed at one place on a set of conductors 105 and terminals 109 has been described as an example, but even if spot resistance welding is performed at a plurality of places. Good. In this case, for example, a pair of electrodes that are in contact with the pair of conductors 105 and the terminals 109 to perform energization and pressurization operations are formed into a plurality of branched shapes, and the pair of conductors 105 and the terminals 109 are formed. You may use what contacts. Alternatively, a plurality of pairs of electrodes that contact the pair of conductors 105 and terminals 109 may be used.

When the welding of each conductor 105 in the conductor exposed portion 107 at the end of the flat cable 100 and the terminal 109 attached to each counterpart cable 101 is completed, the cover housing 12 is relayed as shown in FIG. It is attached to the housing 11. As a result, the conductor exposed portion 107 is covered by the cover housing 12 without being exposed to the outside. Further, as described above, the cover housing 12 is engaged with the relay housing 11 by engaging the pair of engaging wall portions 19 with the pair of engaging convex portions 16 of the relay housing 11 in the engaging holes 19a. It is attached (see FIG. 2). In addition, a plurality of pressing portions 18 in the cover housing 12 are formed so as to be disposed along some of the plurality of conductors 105 in the conductor exposed portion 107 disposed in the relay housing 11 (see FIG. 6). For this reason, as shown in FIG. 2, in a state where the cover housing 12 is attached to the relay housing 11, the end portions of the flat cable 100 are pressed at a plurality of locations along the conductor 105 by the pressing portions 18 and are firmly held. Will be.

  According to the connector 1 described above, the end of the flat cable 100 is arranged on one end side and the relay housing 11 into which the terminal 109 attached to the conductor 110 of the counterpart cable 101 is inserted on the other end side is used for the flat cable. The connector 1 is configured. And the conductor 105 and the terminal 109 in the conductor exposure part 107 of the edge part of the flat cable 100 are welded by welding, and the flat cable 100 and the other party cable 101 are electrically connected. For this reason, the flat cable connector 1 can be configured without providing many parts such as a housing part, a holder, and a holder guide as disclosed in Patent Document 1. Thereby, the number of parts can be reduced, and the manufacturing cost can also be reduced. And since there are few components, it can suppress that the external shape enlarges, and can implement the connector 1 for compact and small flat cables. Further, according to the flat cable connector 1, the conductor exposed portion 107 is disposed on one end side of the relay housing 11, the terminal 109 is inserted on the other end side, and these are welded to connect the flat cable 100. It will be. For this reason, the simplification of the connection process of a flat cable can be achieved.

  Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the flat cable connector 1 can reduce the number of parts, reduce the outer shape, and simplify the connecting process of the flat cable 100. Can be provided.

  Further, according to the connector 1, the conductor exposed portion 107 at the end of the flat cable 100 is arranged with the plurality of conductors 105 extending straight with respect to the relay housing 11. For this reason, unlike the flat cable connector disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is not necessary to provide a conductor exposed portion as a folded portion in which a length sufficient to be wound around the holder is secured. Thereby, the length of the conductor exposed portion 107 can be shortened, and the cost can be reduced by shortening the length of the flat cable 100. Further, unlike the flat cable connector disclosed in Patent Document 1, the conductor is exposed quickly without causing troublesome work and work such as attaching a folded hook to the end of the flat cable and winding it around the holder. The part 107 can be arranged in the relay housing 11. For this reason, the further simplification of the connection process of the flat cable 100 can be achieved.

  Further, according to the connector 1, the locking projection 15 is provided on the relay housing 11, and when the end of the flat cable 100 is arranged on one end side of the relay housing 11, the locking projection 15 is exposed to the conductor. The gaps between the conductors 105 in the portion 107 are penetrated and locked to the tip insulating coating portion 108. For this reason, the end of the flat cable 100 can be positioned with respect to the relay housing 11 and temporarily held in a state before the terminal 109 is welded by a simple configuration in which the locking projection 15 is provided on the relay housing 11. it can.

Further, according to the connector 1, the plurality of locking projections 15 are provided as wall-like portions extending in parallel along the gaps between the conductors 105 of the conductor exposed portion 107. For this reason, the end of the flat cable 100 is connected to the relay housing 11 in a state before welding with the terminal 105 by the plurality of locking projections 15 arranged corresponding to the shape of the gap between the conductors 105 of the conductor exposed portion 107. In contrast, it can be temporarily held firmly.

  Further, according to the connector 1, the convex holding portions 23 that hold the both side portions of the end portion of the flat cable 100 on both sides of the relay housing 11 are provided. For this reason, the simple structure of providing the convex holding portions 23 on both sides of the relay housing 11 prevents the end of the flat cable 100 from being displaced with respect to the relay housing 11 in a state before welding with the terminal 109. It can be temporarily held.

  Further, according to the connector 1, since the cover housing 12 is provided, by attaching the cover housing 12 to the relay housing 11, it is possible to cover and protect the exposed conductor exposed portion 107. Therefore, the connection location between the flat cable 100 and the counterpart cable 101 can be reliably protected.

  According to the connector 1, the cover housing 12 is attached to the relay housing 11 in which the end portion of the flat cable 100 is disposed on one end side, so that the end portion of the flat cable 100 is pressed by the pressing portion 18 provided on the cover housing 12. The part is pressed and held more firmly. Accordingly, the flat cable 100 can be firmly held in the flat cable connector 1 having the relay housing 11 and the cover housing 12.

  Further, according to the connector 1, since the plurality of pressing portions 18 are provided so as to be pressed along the conductor 105 of the conductor exposed portion 107, in the flat cable connector 1 having the relay housing 11 and the cover housing 12, the flat cable connector 1 is flat. The cable 100 can be held more firmly.

  Further, according to the connector 1, since the cover housing 12 is provided so as to be detachable separately from the relay housing 11, the cover housing 12 is removed when not needed, and the relay housing 11 is attached to the cover housing as necessary. 12 can be used. Further, since the cover housing 12 is formed separately from the relay housing 11, when the cover housing 12 is not necessary, it can be stored separately so as not to get in the way. It can be used as a flat cable connector. Moreover, since the mold for molding the relay housing 11 and the mold for molding the cover housing 12 can be formed separately, it is possible to suppress the complicated mold shape.

  Further, according to the connector 1, the plurality of conductors 105 of the conductor exposed portion 107 and the terminals 109 are welded by spot resistance welding, respectively. Therefore, the conductors 105 and the terminals 109 are individually welded and welded. Can be done easily.

  Moreover, according to the harness 10 which concerns on this embodiment, the harness which show | plays the effect similar to the connector 1 mentioned above is realizable. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to reduce the number of components in the connector 1 for connection, to reduce the outer shape, and to simplify the connection process of the flat cable 100. The harness 10 can be provided.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 19 illustrates a flat cable connector 2 (hereinafter simply referred to as “
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a flat cable 100 and a part of a counterpart cable 101 connected by the connector 2. The connector 2 is configured similarly to the connector 1 of the first embodiment, and includes a relay housing 11 and a cover housing 12. However, the present embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the cover housing 12 is connected to the relay housing 11 via a hinge portion 24. In the following description, components similar to those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings, and description thereof is omitted.

  In the connector 2, the cover housing 12 is connected to the relay housing 11 via a hinge portion 24 formed to be bendable by elastic deformation, and is integrally formed of a resin material. And the hinge part 24 is provided with two or more (this embodiment three), and the cover housing 12 and the relay housing 11 are integrally connected in the some place. And each hinge part 24 is the other end side (namely, terminal insertion part) which is the side by which the terminal 109 (not shown in FIG. 19) attached to the other party cable 101 is inserted with respect to the relay housing 11. 14 is provided). Each hinge portion 24 is connected to the cover housing 12 on the other end side, which is the side facing the other end side of the relay housing 11. In the present embodiment, the case where three hinge portions 24 are provided is described as an example, but this need not be the case. That is, one, two, or four or more hinge portions 24 may be provided.

  In addition, engagement convex portions 16 similar to those in the first embodiment are provided on both sides of one end side, which is the side where the end portion of the flat cable 100 is arranged, in the relay housing 11. This engagement convex part 16 comprises the relay side engaging part in 2nd Embodiment. And the engagement wall part 19 which can be engaged with the engagement convex part 16 is each provided in the both sides of the one end side in the cover housing 12 similarly to 1st Embodiment. This engagement wall part 19 comprises the cover side engaging part in 2nd Embodiment.

  According to the connector 2 demonstrated above, there can exist an effect similar to the connector 1 of 1st Embodiment. That is, according to the second embodiment, the flat cable connector 2 can reduce the number of components, reduce the outer shape, and simplify the connecting process of the flat cable 100. Can be provided.

  According to the connector 2, even when the cover housing 12 is not attached to the relay housing 11 so as to cover a part thereof, the cover housing 12 is connected to the relay housing 11 via the hinge portion 24. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the cover housing 12 from being separated from the relay housing 11 and dissipated. Then, when the operation of welding the terminal 109 and the conductor 105 of the exposed conductor portion 107 is completed, the cover housing 12 is quickly attached to the relay housing 11 so as to cover the exposed conductor exposed portion 107. Can do.

  Moreover, according to the connector 2, the relay housing 11 and the cover housing 12 are connected by the hinge part 24 in the other end side corresponding to the side in which the terminal 109 is inserted. For this reason, the cover housing 12 is disposed adjacent to the relay housing 11 at corresponding portions of the outer shape when combined. Thereby, the relay housing 11 and the cover housing 12 which are integrally connected via the hinge part 24 can be comprised compactly.

According to the connector 2, the relay housing 11 and the cover housing 12 connected at the other ends are connected to the engaging convex portion 16 serving as the relay-side engaging portion and the engaging wall portion 19 serving as the cover-side engaging portion. It will be attached so that it may engage in one end side via engagement. For this reason,
The relay housing 11 and the cover housing 12 can be engaged with each other on one end side opposite to the other end side where the hinge portion 24 is arranged, and the hinge portion 24 and the engaging portions (16, 19) are efficiently arranged. Thus, the cover housing 12 can be firmly attached to the relay housing 11.

(Third embodiment)
20 shows a flat cable connector 3 (hereinafter also simply referred to as “connector 3”) according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and each of the flat cable 100 and the counterpart cable 101 connected by the connector 3. FIG. It is a perspective view which shows a part. The connector 3 is configured similarly to the connector 1 of the first embodiment, and includes a relay housing 11 and a cover housing 25. However, the first embodiment is that the cover housing 25 is connected to the relay housing 11 via the hinge portion 26 and that the cover housing 25 is provided with two cover housings (25a, 25b). It is different from the form. In the following description, components similar to those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings, and description thereof is omitted.

  In the connector 3, the cover housing 25 is connected to the relay housing 11 via a hinge portion 26 that can be bent by elastic deformation and is integrally formed of a resin material. As the cover housing 25, a first cover housing 25a and a second cover housing 25b are provided. FIG. 21 is a perspective view showing a state in which the first cover housing 25a and the second cover housing 25b are attached to the relay housing 11. FIG. The first cover housing 25a and the second cover housing 25b are attached to the relay housing 11 so as to cover each half of the exposed conductor exposed portion 107 in the width direction.

  Moreover, in the connector 3, as shown in FIG.20 and FIG.21, as the hinge part 26, the 1st hinge part 26a and the 2nd hinge part 26b are provided. The first hinge portion 26a is connected to one side of both sides in the width direction of the first cover housing 25a and one side of both sides of the relay housing 11 in the width direction, and relays with the first cover housing 25a. The housing 11 is integrally connected. The second hinge portion 26b is connected to the other side of the both sides in the width direction of the second cover housing 25b and the other side of the both sides of the relay housing 11, so that the second cover housing 25b and the relay housing are connected. 11 are integrally connected.

  A first cover engaging portion 27 having an engagement hole is provided on the other side of the both sides of the first cover housing 25a. On the other hand, a second cover engaging portion 28 having a projecting convex portion is provided on one side of both sides of the second cover housing 25b. Then, the first cover engaging portion 27 and the second cover engaging portion 28 are engaged with the engaging holes of the first cover engaging portion 27 by engaging the protruding convex portions of the second cover engaging portion 28. Are configured to be engageable with each other.

When the cover housing 25 is attached to the relay housing 11, first, the first hinge portion 26 a is bent so that the first cover housing 25 a is overlapped with the relay housing 11 so as to cover half of the conductor exposed portion 107. Deploy. At this time, the engaging wall portion 19 provided in the first cover housing 25 a is engaged with the corresponding engaging convex portion 16 in the relay housing 11. Next, the second hinge part 26 b is bent, and the second cover housing 25 b is disposed so as to overlap the relay housing 11 so as to cover the remaining half of the conductor exposed portion 107. At this time, the engaging wall portion 19 provided in the second cover housing 25 b is engaged with the corresponding engaging convex portion 16 in the relay housing 11, and the second cover engaging portion 28 is engaged with the first cover engaging portion 27. Engage with. Thereby, the attachment of the cover housing 25 to the relay housing 11 is completed.

  According to the connector 3 demonstrated above, there can exist an effect similar to the connector 1 of 1st Embodiment. That is, according to the third embodiment, the flat cable connector 3 can reduce the number of parts, reduce the outer shape, and simplify the connecting process of the flat cable 100. Can be provided.

  And according to the connector 3, since the cover housing 25 is connected with the relay housing 11 via the hinge part 26, it can prevent that the cover housing 25 isolate | separates from the relay housing 11, and dissipates. Then, when the operation of welding the terminal 109 (not shown in FIGS. 20 and 21) and the conductor 105 of the conductor exposed portion 107 by welding is completed, the cover is provided so as to cover the conductor exposed portion 107 that has been welded. The housing 25 can be quickly attached to the relay housing 11.

  Further, according to the connector 3, the first cover housing 25a and the relay housing 11 are connected to each other on both sides by the first hinge portion 26a, and the second cover housing 25b and the relay housing 11 are connected to the second hinge. The other side of both sides is connected by the part 26b. For this reason, the cover housing 25 is disposed adjacent to the relay housing 11 at corresponding portions of the outer shape when combined. Thereby, the relay housing 11 and the cover housing 25 which are integrally connected via the hinge portion 26 can be configured in a compact manner.

  Further, according to the connector 3, the first and second cover housings in which the cover housing 25 is connected to both sides of the relay housing 11 via the first and second hinge portions (26 a, 26 b), respectively. (25a, 25b). For this reason, the cover housing 25 configured to be combined in a pair is disposed adjacent to both sides centering on the relay housing 11. Thereby, the relay housing 11 and the cover housing 25 which are integrally connected via the hinge portion 26 can be configured more compactly. The first and second cover housings (25a, 25b) are arranged so as to be folded back and folded at the hinge portions (26a, 26b) toward the relay housing 11, and the respective engagements of the cover housings (25a, 25b). By engaging the joint portions (27, 28) with each other, the cover housing 25 can be firmly attached so as to cover a part of the relay housing 11.

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

(1) In the above-described embodiment, the flat cable connector that connects one flat cable and a plurality of counterpart cables configured as individual cables has been described as an example, but this need not be the case. For example, one flat cable and one or a plurality of flat cables as counterpart cables may be connected. Further, a plurality of flat cables and one or a plurality of flat cables as counterpart cables may be connected. Further, a plurality of flat cables and a plurality of individual cables as counterpart cables may be connected. In the above-described embodiment, the case where the terminal attached to the mating conductor provided in the mating cable and the conductor in the conductor exposed portion of the flat cable are welded is described as an example, but this is not the case. Also good. That is, the mating conductor may be inserted from the other end of the relay housing and welded directly to the conductor in the exposed portion of the flat cable. In this case, for example, the electrode tip shape may be changed as appropriate so that the conductors can be easily welded together.

  FIG. 22 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 19 of the second embodiment, and shows a state in which the flat cable 100 and the flat cable 113 as the counterpart cable are connected using the connector 2 according to the second embodiment. It is a perspective view shown. In this case, a conductor exposed portion in which a plurality of conductors (mating conductors) are exposed is formed by removing a portion of the insulation coating at the end of the flat cable 113, and each conductor in the conductor exposed portion is connected to the relay housing. 11 can be inserted from the other end side. And each conductor of the flat cable 113 and the conductor 105 of the flat cable can be welded by welding and directly connected. Alternatively, a terminal may be crimped to each conductor of the flat cable 113, and this terminal may be inserted from the other end of the relay housing 11 and welded to the conductor 105 of the flat cable 100 to be welded.

(2) In the above-described embodiment, the flat cable connector provided with the cover housing has been described as an example. However, this need not be the case. In other words, a flat cable connector that includes only a relay housing without a cover housing may be implemented.

(3) The engaging portion for attaching the cover housing to the relay housing is not limited to that illustrated in the above-described embodiment, and various modifications may be made. In the first embodiment, the cover housing provided detachably with respect to the relay housing has been described as an example in which the cover housing is fixed with respect to the relay housing and is not displaced once it is engaged. Also good. For example, in the relay housing and the cover housing that can be attached to and detached from the relay housing, the swing engaging portion that swingably engages the cover housing with the relay housing and the swing engaging portion are formed separately. The cover housing may be provided with a fixing engagement portion that is fixed to the relay housing and is not displaced.

(4) In the second and third embodiments, the flat cable connector in which the relay housing and the cover housing are connected via the hinge has been described. However, the arrangement, number, shape, and the like of the hinge are variously changed. May be implemented.

(5) In the above-described embodiment, the case where the conductor exposed portion at the end of the flat cable is arranged in a state extending along the linear direction has been described as an example, but this need not be the case. For example, the conductor exposed portion may be bent or wound around the relay housing.

(6) In the above-described embodiment, an example in which one flat cable connector is provided as a harness has been described. However, this need not be the case, and a harness provided with a plurality of flat cable connectors. May be implemented. Moreover, in a harness, the cable of a various form can be selected and connected as an other party cable connected with a flat cable by the connector for flat cables.

  The present invention relates to a flat cable connector for connecting one or a plurality of flat cables formed by insulatingly covering a plurality of conductors arranged in parallel and one or a plurality of mating cables, and for the flat cable. As a harness provided with a connector, it can apply widely.

1 flat cable connector 11 relay housing 12 cover housing 100 flat cable 101 mating cable 105 conductor 107 conductor exposed portion 109 terminal

Claims (16)

A flat cable connector for connecting one or more flat cables formed by insulatingly covering a plurality of conductors arranged in parallel and one or more mating cables,
An end portion of the flat cable having a conductor exposed portion in which a part of the insulating coating is partially removed and a plurality of the conductors are exposed is disposed on one end side, and a mating conductor provided on the mating cable or A relay housing that holds the terminal attached to the counterpart conductor so that the terminal is inserted from the other end side so as to be in contact with each of the plurality of conductors in the conductor exposed portion;
A flat cable connector, wherein a plurality of the conductors in the exposed conductor portion and the counterpart conductor or the terminal are welded to each other by welding. The flat cable connector according to claim 1,
The flat cable connector is characterized in that the conductor exposed portion is arranged in a state where a plurality of the conductors extend along a linear direction on one end side of the relay housing. The flat cable connector according to claim 1 or 2,
The end portion of the flat cable is peeled off so that the covering portion of the insulating coating is pulled out along the extending direction of the plurality of conductors, thereby forming the exposed conductor portion and shifted so as to be pulled out. A tip insulating coating part formed by leaving a part of the coating part left at the tip is provided,
The relay housing is formed so as to be able to penetrate at least one of the gaps between the plurality of conductors in the conductor exposed portion, and is connected to the end portion of the flat cable at the tip insulating coating portion. A flat cable connector, characterized in that at least one locking projection for stopping is provided. The flat cable connector according to claim 3,
A plurality of the locking projections are provided as wall-like portions extending in parallel with the conductors along gaps between the plurality of conductors in the conductor exposed portions arranged in the relay housing. A flat cable connector. The flat cable connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The relay housing has a convex shape on both sides of the end portion of the flat cable arranged on one end side so as to hold both sides of the end portion of the flat cable in the thickness direction. A flat cable connector, characterized in that a convex holding portion formed on each is provided. The flat cable connector according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
A flat cable connector, further comprising a cover housing attached to the relay housing so as to cover the exposed conductor portion where welding has been performed. The flat cable connector according to claim 6,
The flat cable is characterized in that the cover housing is provided with at least one pressing portion formed so as to project the end portion of the flat cable disposed on one end side in the relay housing so as to be pressed. Connector. The flat cable connector according to claim 7,
A flat cable connector, wherein the pressing portion is formed so as to be arranged along the conductor in the conductor exposed portion arranged in the relay housing. A flat cable connector according to any one of claims 6 to 8,
The flat cable connector according to claim 1, wherein the cover housing is formed separately from the relay housing and is detachable. A flat cable connector according to any one of claims 6 to 8,
The flat cable connector is characterized in that the cover housing is connected to the relay housing via a hinge portion formed to be bendable by elastic deformation and is integrally formed. The flat cable connector according to claim 10,
The hinge portion is connected to the relay housing on the other end side on which the counterpart conductor or the terminal is inserted, and is opposed to the other end side of the relay housing with respect to the cover housing. A flat cable connector, wherein the cover housing and the relay housing are integrally connected to each other, which are connected at the other end side. The flat cable connector according to claim 11,
Engageable on both sides of one end side of the cover housing with a relay side engaging portion formed on both sides of the one end side, which is the side where the end of the flat cable in the relay housing is disposed. A flat cable connector, wherein a cover-side engaging portion is provided. The flat cable connector according to claim 10,
The hinge portion is connected to one side of both sides of the cover housing and one side of both sides of the relay housing, and integrally connects the cover housing and the relay housing. Features a flat cable connector. The flat cable connector according to claim 13,
A first cover housing and a second cover housing are provided as the cover housing, and a first hinge part and a second hinge part are provided as the hinge part,
The first hinge portion is connected to one side of the both sides of the first cover housing and one side of the both sides of the relay housing so that the first cover housing and the relay housing are integrated. Concatenate,
The second hinge portion is connected to the other side of the both sides of the second cover housing and the other side of the both sides of the relay housing so that the second cover housing and the relay housing are integrated. Concatenate,
A first cover engagement that is engageable with a second cover engaging portion formed on one side of both sides of the second cover housing is provided on the other side of the both sides of the first cover housing. A flat cable connector, characterized in that a joint is provided. The flat cable connector according to any one of claims 1 to 14,
A flat cable connector, wherein a plurality of the conductors in the exposed portion of the conductor and the mating conductors or the terminals are welded by spot resistance welding, laser welding, or electron beam welding, respectively. A flat cable connector according to any one of claims 1 to 15,
The flat cable and the mating cable connected by the flat cable connector;
A harness comprising:

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