JP2014222608A - Structure of connection with connector in flat cable, and connector - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a structure of connection with a connector in which a portion in a flat cable to be connected with the connector can be devised for waterproofing.SOLUTION: A structure of connection with a connector in a flat cable is disclosed. The flat cable is crimped by a connector in which a plurality of contact pins connected with a core wire of an equipment-side cable are protrusively provided. The connection structure of the flat cable is provided in a flat cable forming a plurality of flat core wires on a film substrate, a cushion sheet formed from a rubber or resin foam is provided on a surface opposing the contact pins. On a surface where the cushion sheet is provided, a contact hole is provided which is formed from a hole for connecting the contact pins to terminals provided in end portions of the flat core wires.

Description

  The present invention provides a flat, reliable and easy electrical connection and touch proof structure while ensuring electrical connection with various devices and ensuring waterproofness at the connection portion with the connector. In connection with the connector connection structure and connector in the cable, it is particularly effective for connecting a flat cable used on the sensor side to the connector on the instrument (measuring instrument body) side in a system for measuring biological signals, etc. The present invention relates to a connector structure and a connector in a flat cable.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in order to supply electric power and transmit / receive signals in medical and other electronic devices and other products, a flat or sheet-like flat cable having flexibility is used. And the connection part between the flat cable and the connector has waterproofness and touch-proof structure (structure where the connection part such as the terminal for conduction does not touch the potential unintentionally) depending on the usage environment and application. It may be required. Further, it may be required that the flat cable come out even when an external force is applied, or that the waterproof performance is prevented from being lowered. Therefore, conventionally, various techniques have been proposed as waterproof connectors for connecting such flat cables.

  For example, in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2013-69600), a flat that can ensure the holding force and the sealing performance between the flexible flat cable and the integrally molded portion even when a tensile force (external force) is applied to the flexible flat cable. A cable waterproof connector structure is proposed. In this document, a hole is provided between the conductors of the flexible flat cable in the flat cable waterproof connector structure, a slit is formed at the widthwise end of the flexible flat cable, and the cable holding portion includes the joint between the conductor and the terminal. A seal part that is integrally molded with resin or thermoplastic elastomer with high adhesion to a part of the conductor and terminal, and a high-rigidity resin that covers the seal part and covers the hole and slit of the flexible flat cable. A flat cable waterproof connector formed by a holding portion has been proposed.

  Also, in systems that measure biological signals, etc., the cable connection connector for detachably connecting the sensor side cable to the main unit (measuring instrument body) side, and the flat cable used therefor are also waterproof. Sex is required.

  Therefore, in Patent Document 2 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-135694), the sensor side cable can be easily attached and detached without requiring a strong operating force, and liquid can be prevented from entering the connector. The connector for cable connection which can carry out the electrical continuity with the sensor side cable stably and surely even if it is used repeatedly for a long time, and can reduce the manufacturing cost without requiring higher processing accuracy is proposed. In the connector proposed in this document, the flat cable contact is made by inserting the tip of the flat cable into the sheath of the cable receiving piece and sliding the slide cover to close the cable receiving piece with respect to the connector body. The contact pins are fitted into the holes, respectively, and the flat cable core and the cable on the instrument side are electrically connected via the contact pins. It becomes conductive. At the same time, the flat cable is sandwiched between the lower packing on the connector body side and the upper packing on the cable receiving piece side.

  Furthermore, in this patent document 2, it is a flat cable used with respect to said connector, Comprising: While forming a several flat core wire in parallel on a film substrate, the contact hole fitted with the contact pin of a connector is provided. Also proposed is a flat cable that is arranged at the front end of the flat core wire and is arranged so as to be shifted in the length direction of the flat core wire between adjacent contact holes.

JP2013-69600A JP 2005-135694 A

  As described above, it is a connector for connecting a flat cable, various proposals have been made to improve waterproofness, and a flat cable used for such a waterproof connector is also proposed in Patent Document 2.

However, in reality, in a flat cable, a technique for providing a device for waterproofing an electrical connection portion with a connector terminal has not yet been sufficiently developed. In addition, the flat cable using the touch-proof structure has not been proposed yet.
Accordingly, the first object of the present invention is to provide a connection structure with a connector that can be devised for waterproofing with respect to a connection portion with a connector in a flat cable, and further realizes a touch-pull structure. To do.

In addition, even in a connection structure with a connector in such a flat cable, it is necessary to make an electrical connection with the connector terminal securely, and even when an external force acts on the flat cable, It is necessary to hold the flat cable so that it does not come out of the connector.
Therefore, in the present invention, a connection structure with a connector in a flat cable that ensures waterproofness and reliability of electrical connection and prevents the flat cable from coming out of the connector even if an external force is applied. Providing is the second issue.

Furthermore, in order to ensure waterproofness in the connection structure with the connector in the flat cable, a stricter waterproof structure is required. On the other hand, in order to ensure the reliability of electrical connection, an accurate position is required. Matching is required. For this reason, in order to satisfy both at the same time, accuracy in manufacturing is required, and ingenuity of the manufacturing method is required for mass production.
Therefore, in the present invention, a third problem is to provide a manufacturing method capable of shortening the manufacturing time even in a connection structure with a connector in a flat cable that ensures waterproofness and electrical connection reliability. And

  In order to solve at least one of the above-described problems, in the present invention, a cushion sheet made of rubber or foamed resin is provided at a connection portion of the flat cable with the connector, and further, the cushion sheet is connected to the core wire of the device side cable. By providing contact holes for connection with multiple contact pins, not only waterproofness and electrical connection reliability, but also flat cable connectors that can eliminate the possibility of the flat cable coming out due to external force Provide a connection structure. In particular, from the viewpoint of ensuring waterproofness, the foamed resin is preferably an independent foamed resin in which voids formed in the resin are not connected.

  That is, according to the present invention, there is provided a flat cable connection structure sandwiched by a connector having a plurality of contact pins connected to the core wire of the device side cable, and the connection structure is formed on the film substrate. A cushion sheet made of rubber or foamed resin is provided on the surface facing the contact pin, and the contact pin is provided on the surface provided with the cushion sheet. The present invention provides a connection structure with a connector in a flat cable provided with a contact hole comprising a hole connected to a terminal provided at an end of the flat core wire.

  The film substrate can be formed of an insulating material having sufficient flexibility and a certain shape retaining property and having a tensile strength that does not easily cut, such as a polyethylene naphthalate film, a polyethylene terephthalate film, and a polyamideimide. It can be formed of a resin material such as a film. Moreover, since this film substrate specifies the shape of the flat cable, it is often formed in a long shape, but may be formed in other shapes. And the connection structure concerning this invention is formed in the connection part of this flat cable, and if the said flat cable is long, in addition to forming in any one end or both ends, arbitrary places (intermediate) Or the like. Furthermore, even if the flat cable is not long, it can be formed at any location that becomes a connection portion with a connector or the like.

  In addition, a plurality of flat core wires formed on the film substrate can be formed by using a metal material laminating technique such as vapor deposition, sputtering, or metal plating. Is preferably manufactured by printing. That is, it is desirable to form the conductive material by printing by screen printing, inkjet printing, gravure printing, or the like. As the conductive material, any conductive metal such as silver, a mixture of silver and carbon, gold, copper, carbon, aluminum, and nickel can be used.

  The cushion sheet is provided on a surface of the film substrate that faces the contact pins of the connector when connected to the connector. Such a cushion sheet can function to ensure waterproofness at the electrical connection portion of the contact pin. Those having flexibility or elasticity and having waterproof properties can be used, such as polyurethane, polystyrene, polyolefin such as polyethylene and polypropylene, phenol resin, polyvinyl chloride, urea resin, silicone, polyimide, melamine resin, etc. Foamed resin, desirably closed cell foamed resin, acrylic rubber, nitrile rubber, isoprene rubber, urethane rubber, ethylene propylene rubber, chlorosulfonated polyethylene, epichlorohydrin rubber, chloroprene rubber, silicone rubber, styrene Synthetic rubber and natural rubber such as butadiene rubber, butadiene rubber, fluorine rubber, and polyisobutylene (butyl rubber) can be used. In addition, the cushion sheet needs to be formed with a thickness that is at least sandwiched by the connector, and the connector has a flat sheath-like portion that removably accepts the connecting portion of the flat cable as will be described later. In some cases, it is formed to be the same as or slightly thinner than the height of the inlet in the sheath portion.

  A plurality of flat core wires provided on the film substrate are provided with a waterproof coating made of a non-conductive material. Such a waterproof coating can be formed using a resist material, and is not particularly limited. However, novolac type epoxy acrylate compounds, bisphenol fluorene type epoxy acrylate compounds, or acid-modified products of these epoxy acrylate compounds, etc. In addition to the photocurable resin composition, it can be formed of a thermosetting resin composition or a thermoplastic resin composition. In addition, it is not always necessary to use a photoresist material for this waterproof coating. For example, any waterproof material such as a vinyl chloride film or a PET film can be used as long as it is an electrically insulating material. .

  A terminal is formed at the end of the flat core wire. The terminal can be made of the same material as the flat core wire, or can be electrically connected to the flat core wire using another conductive material. Furthermore, it can be formed by laminating carbon and other conductive materials on the same material as the flat core wire. A contact hole formed as a hole for connecting a contact pin of the connector is provided in a portion where the terminal is formed. In addition to forming the contact hole as a hole not provided with the waterproof coating, a part of the film substrate is folded back to the front side where the flat core wire is formed, and is formed as a hole formed in the folded portion. You can also. Further, when the cushion sheet is provided so as to overlap the terminal, it can be formed as a hole penetrating the cushion sheet.

  Further, the terminal provided at the base end of the flat core wire can be formed of the same or different material as the flat core wire, and is formed of at least a conductive material and is electrically connected to the flat core wire. Has been. Such terminals may be circular or elliptical, square or other polygonal shapes. However, it is desirable that the terminal is formed wider than the core wire and has a predetermined length. This is to make sure that the contact hole exists in the terminal even when the contact hole is formed in the foldable portion (end or protrusion) of the film substrate and folded. .

  According to the connection structure with the connector in the flat cable configured as described above, the connection portion of the flat cable is sandwiched between the connectors, and the connection portion with the connector is a cushion made of rubber or foamed resin. A sheet will be provided. Therefore, when the connecting portion is sandwiched between the connectors, the elasticity of the cushion sheet ensures the adhesion between the connector and the connecting portion of the flat cable, and can achieve waterproofing between the two. In addition, the connection structure includes a contact hole including a hole for connecting a contact pin protruding from the connector to a terminal provided at an end of the flat core wire. For this reason, a contact pin will penetrate the said contact hole, and can ensure the integrity of a connector and a flat cable. Here, the contact hole can be formed so as to penetrate the cushion sheet, in addition to being formed in the folded portion by folding the film substrate. In particular, when a contact hole is formed in the cushion sheet, the integrity of the connector and the flat cable can be further ensured by the thickness of the cushion sheet.

In the present invention, it is desirable to further adopt the following form.
That is, in the connection structure with the connector in the flat cable of the present invention, the flat cable includes a folded portion where the film substrate is folded toward the surface where the flat core wire exists, and the back side of the folded portion of the film substrate. Preferably, the cushion sheet is provided, and the contact hole is preferably formed as a hole penetrating the folded film substrate and the cushion sheet at a position facing the terminal provided on the flat core wire. By providing a contact hole in the cushion sheet, it is possible to ensure sufficient catching between the inserted contact pin and the flat cable and the connector. The folded portion can be formed as a protruding portion in addition to the end portion of the film substrate.

  In addition, by forming a contact hole in the cushion sheet, the distance to reach the terminal provided on the flat core wire is increased by the thickness of the cushion sheet, thereby preventing an unintentional contact with the terminal. Can do. As a result, a touch-proof mechanism can be realized, and can be used with peace of mind in a connection structure such as a living body sensor in a medical instrument or the like.

  When forming such a connection structure, a cushion sheet is provided on the back side of the folded portion formed on the flat cable, a contact hole penetrating the film substrate and the cushion sheet is formed, and then the contact hole is folded over the terminal. Can exist.

  That is, a method for manufacturing a connection structure in a flat cable that is sandwiched between connectors in which a plurality of contact pins connected to a core wire of a device-side cable is protruded, and a plurality of flat core wires are formed on the surface In addition, a cushion sheet made of rubber or foamed resin is provided on the back surface of the folded portion provided on the film substrate in which the terminal is formed at the base end side end portion of the flat core wire, and the folded portion is a film in the folded portion. A connector in a flat cable that forms a contact hole including a hole penetrating the film substrate and the cushion sheet in a portion where the terminal exists when folded on the surface of the substrate, and folds the folded portion on the surface of the film substrate and joins it. It can be set as the manufacturing method of this connection structure. According to such a method, a contact hole can be accurately made to exist in a terminal simply by forming a contact hole at a predetermined location and turning it back at a predetermined location. In this regard, if a contact hole is formed in the cushion sheet and this is bonded to the terminal, it is difficult to align the contact hole and the terminal, and workability is reduced.

In the present invention, the contact hole provided in the cushion sheet can be formed with an inner diameter that is the same as or smaller than the outer diameter of the contact pin. Especially when the contact hole is provided in the cushion sheet, the cushion sheet around the contact hole is crushed with the contact pin, and the cushion sheet is in close contact with the contact pin. it can.
Therefore, a simple structure using a cushion sheet can ensure waterproofness, and as a result, it is possible to suppress the manufacturing cost and the product price and realize a disposable product. Particularly when used as a terminal of a bioelectrode in a medical machine instrument, the effect of realizing a disposable product is great. This is because, in the past, it was common to attach a waterproof cushion (O-ring, etc.) to the connector side to ensure waterproofness. If this is used repeatedly, It is also conceivable that the rubber becomes hard due to aging deterioration and the elasticity is lowered, and the waterproof effect cannot be obtained. In this regard, in the present invention, the cable side is waterproofed by an inexpensive method to realize a disposable product, so that the waterproof performance can always be secured with the initial performance, and the reliability is greatly improved. be able to.

  Moreover, in this invention, the error insertion prevention structure formed in the said film substrate by the asymmetrical protrusion or dent in the width direction can be formed. This is because the terminal exists on the front side where the flat core wire is present in the flat cable, and electrical connection cannot be made unless the front side faces the contact pin. That is, it is for uniquely specifying the direction in which the flat cable is inserted into the connector. Therefore, such an error insertion prevention structure can be formed as a protrusion or a recess asymmetric in the width direction on the connection portion formed in the flat cable, or as a protrusion or a recess asymmetric in the thickness direction of the connection portion. it can. In this case, a structure such as a protrusion or a recess for receiving an asymmetric protrusion or recess is required on the connector side.

The connection structure with the connector in the flat cable configured as described above can be used as a connection structure for electronic devices and other wiring, and a connection structure for connecting a biological electrode for acquiring a biological signal to the connector of the measurement device main body. Can be used as
Further, the connection structure with the connector can be formed at any end or both ends in the length direction of the flat cable, or at any position in the length direction of the flat cable. In particular, when forming at an arbitrary position in the length direction of the flat cable, the connection portion formed by the connection structure can be formed so as to protrude in the width direction of the flat cable.

  Therefore, in the present invention, in a system or the like for measuring a biological signal, a biological electrode formed using a flat cable having a connection structure that is detachably connected to a cable connecting connector on the measurement device body side. In addition, an electrode portion is formed on the distal end side, and a flat core wire for transmitting a signal acquired by the electrode portion is provided, and the connection structure provided in the flat cable is a connection structure with a connector in the flat cable according to the present invention described above. A bioelectrode is provided.

  Since such a bioelectrode is often used while attached to a human body for a relatively long time (1 to several days), it is easily affected by sweat, moisture, and the like. At the time of wearing, liquids such as sweat and moisture may move to the connector side through the flat cable, and if this enters the connector, there is a risk of hindering measurement. Therefore, by using the bioelectrode using the connection structure according to the present invention, it is possible to reliably waterproof the connection portion with the cable connection connector on the measurement device body side, and because it is a simple configuration, Manufacturing costs can be reduced.

In order to solve at least one of the above problems, the present invention provides a connector for connecting a flat cable having a connection structure with the connector according to the present invention.
That is, a flat cable having the above-described connection structure of the present invention, or a connector for connecting the above-described bioelectrode, and a flat sheath-like part that removably receives a portion where the connection structure of the flat cable is formed. A cable receiving piece and a connector main body provided with a plurality of contact pins connected to the core of the device side cable, and the connector receiving side of the cable receiving piece protrudes from the connector main body. An opening for allowing the provided connector pin to be retracted into the sheath-shaped portion is formed, and the tip of the connector pin exists in the sheath-shaped portion in a state where the cable receiving piece is overlaid on the connector body And a connector configured to be connected to a terminal provided at an end portion of the flat core wire in the flat cable.

  In the case of such a connector, by inserting the connecting portion in which the connecting structure of the flat cable having the connecting structure according to the present invention is formed into the sheath-like portion, and keeping the cable receiving piece on the connector main body. The connector pin and the terminal can be electrically connected. Therefore, the connector which can connect a flat cable by simple operation and can keep waterproof reliably is implement | achieved.

  Further, in the connector according to the present invention, the contact pin is connected to a terminal provided at an end portion of the flat core wire in the flat cable in the cushion sheet provided in the flat cable inserted into the sheath-like portion. A contact hole is provided, and the horizontal cross-sectional shape of the contact pin is desirably formed larger than the opening shape of the contact hole provided in the cushion sheet. This is because the connector pin bites into the cushion sheet in a state where the cable receiving piece is held on the connector body, and the waterproofness between the two can be more reliably maintained. From the viewpoint of ensuring such waterproofness, the connector pin has a horizontal cross-sectional shape that is similar to the opening shape of the contact hole so that the connector pin can bite evenly around the contact hole. It is desirable to be.

  In the connector according to the present invention, a plurality of contacts projecting from the connector main body in a state where the cable receiving piece is overlaid on the connector main body on the upper surface in the sheath portion of the cable receiving piece. It is desirable that a recess is formed at a position facing each of the pins.

  Even when the connector pin is pressed into contact with the flat cable terminal inserted into the sheath portion of the cable receiving piece and the film substrate is deformed, the deformation is received by the concave portion, so that the cushion in the other part is received. The pressure contact state between the sheet and the connector main body can be secured, and the waterproof property can be maintained.

In the connector according to the present invention, the cable receiving piece is pivotally mounted so as to be openable and closable toward the connector main body and to be opened by a spring, and resists the cable receiving piece against the spring. A lever for pressing and holding in a closed state can be formed as being pivotally attached to the connector body.
Such a lever can be tilted to form a protrusion that presses the cable receiving piece toward the connector main body. In this case, when the lever is raised, the pressing state of the cable receiving piece by the protrusion is released and separated from the connector main body. (Open) can be configured. Therefore, by forming such a lever, a connector that can connect or open a flat cable by lever operation is realized.

  According to the present invention, since the cushion sheet is provided at the connection portion of the flat cable with the connector, waterproofing at the electrical connection portion with the connector terminal can be reliably performed.

  Also, by providing a contact hole for connecting the contact pin of the connector to the terminal provided at the end of the flat core wire in this cushion sheet, the contact pin is engaged with the cushion sheet, and even if an external force is applied. Therefore, it is possible to realize a connection structure with the connector in the flat cable that prevents the flat cable from coming out of the connector.

And by arranging the contact hole in the cushion sheet and then folding back the film substrate, the alignment between the contact hole and the terminal can be easily performed, and the waterproofness and the reliability of electrical connection are ensured. Even if it is a connection structure with the connector in the secured flat cable, the manufacturing method which can shorten manufacturing time can be provided.

It is the schematic which shows the manufacturing process of the connection part of the flat cable concerning this Embodiment. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the structure before turning back the base end part of a film substrate. It is sectional drawing of the connector concerning this Embodiment, (A) is the state in which the cable receiving piece is open, (B) has shown the state in which the cable receiving piece was closed. It is a top view which shows the connector main body which comprises the said connector shown in FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the state which connected the connection part of the flat cable to the connector in this Embodiment, (A) Before connection, (B) At the time of connection, (C) After connection is shown. (A) The perspective view before turning up the folding | returning part which shows the connection part of other embodiment, (B) The perspective view formed by folding up the folding back part. (A) Plan view before folding back the folded portion, (B) Plan view after folding the folded portion, (C) Plan view in a state of being connected to the connector, showing the connection portion of the flat cable in another embodiment FIG. 6C is a side view of a connector according to another embodiment.

  Hereinafter, the connection portion 19 of the flat cable 10 in which the connection structure with the connector 50 in the flat cable 10 according to the present embodiment is formed, and the connector 50 that connects the connection portion 19 will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing the manufacturing process of the connecting portion 19 of the flat cable 10 according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration before the base end portion 18 of the film substrate 14 is folded back.
The film substrate 14 constituting the flat cable 10 according to the present embodiment is formed by using a flexible resin film or sheet, and particularly constituted by using polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polyethylene naphthalate (PEN). doing. On the surface of the film substrate 14, a plurality of flat core wires 13 made of metal foil, conductive paint, or the like are printed and wired, and each end of the flat core wires 13 has a circular shape with a diameter wider than that of the flat core wire 13. And a terminal 11 electrically connected to each other (FIG. 1A). In the case of the present embodiment, the terminal 11 branches the three flat core wires 13 into two branches in the vicinity of the connecting portion, so that a total of six flat core wires 13 are formed on the base end portion 18 side. And a terminal 11 is provided at each end, so that there are a total of six terminals 11. The six terminals 11 are not all arranged on the same line, but are arranged in a staggered manner in which the adjacent terminals on the left and right alternate with each other in the length direction of the flat core wire 13. Such terminals 11 can be formed at the same time when the flat core wire 13 is printed. The number of the flat core wires is not limited to six and can be formed with an arbitrary number. However, in order to ensure electrical connection with the contact pins, it is desirable that one flat core wire be connected to two or more terminals. Therefore, when the number of the flat core wires is n, it is desirable that the terminals 11 are formed in an integer multiple of n.

  Then, on the printed wiring of the terminal 11 and the flat core wire 13, the required length portion of the tip, that is, at least the terminal 11 portion is exposed, and a thinner waterproof coating 12 is applied to the tip side than that (see FIG. 1 (A)). Such a waterproof coating is formed using a resist material in the present embodiment. Thereby, the flat core wire 13 is exposed without covering at least the terminal 11 with the waterproof coating 12, and the tip end side thereof is covered with the waterproof coating 12, and the flat core wire 13 is waterproofed. The terminal portion not covered with the waterproof coating 12 is covered with a conductive material such as carbon, and the electrical connection between the contact pin and the flat core wire is performed via this conductive material.

  Further, a folded portion 20 is formed on the base end portion 18 side of the film substrate 14 so as to be folded back to the surface side where the flat core wire 13 is printed and wired. The base end portion 18 of the folded portion 20 is formed so as to be present in the region where the waterproof coating 12 is applied when folded, and the folded portion 20 is adhered to the film substrate 14 to thereby form the flat core wire. 13 waterproofness can be ensured.

  A cushion sheet 15 having a thickness of about 0.1 to 5 mm, which is formed using a closed cell polyolefin foam, is attached to the back surface of the film substrate 14 in the folded portion 20. The cushion sheet 15 can be present on the surface on which the flat core wire 13 is printed and wired when the folded portion 20 is folded from the folded line.

  In the folded portion 20, contact holes 16 each formed of a through hole are formed at positions facing each terminal 11 printed on the film substrate 14 when folded (FIG. 1B). When forming the contact holes 16, the contact holes 16 can be formed in advance on the film substrate 14 and the cushion sheet 15, but in this case, it is difficult to align the contact holes 16. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the cushion sheet 15 is bonded to the back surface of the film substrate 14 and is formed by punching so as to penetrate both. In particular, in the present embodiment, a total of six contact holes 16 are formed in accordance with the number of the terminals 11. In the present embodiment, the contact hole 16 is formed so as to open in a circular shape, and the inner diameter thereof is formed to be smaller than the outer diameter of a connector 50 pin projecting from the connector 50 described later. .

  In addition, two rectangular cutout portions 17 that are symmetrical in the length direction of the flat cable 10 are formed on the folding line indicated by the alternate long and short dash line in FIG. The two cutout portions 17 are formed at positions that are asymmetric in the width direction of the flat cable 10. The cutout portion 17 causes a notch-like recess to appear on the proximal end portion 18 side when the folded portion 20 is folded back (see FIG. 1C), and this recess is formed in the connector 50 described later. In combination with the projection 70, the error insertion prevention structure 17a is obtained. The error prevention structure 17a (notch portion) can be drilled simultaneously when the contact hole 16 is drilled.

  FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the state in which the contact hole 16 and the error insertion prevention structure 17a (notch portion) are formed as described above. As shown in this figure, a flat core wire 13 and a waterproof coating 12 are laminated on the surface of the film substrate 14, and the back surface of the film substrate 14 is a cushion sheet 15 on the folded portion 20. It is affixed. A contact hole 16 penetrating the film substrate 14 and the cushion sheet 15 is formed at a predetermined position of the folded portion 20.

  After the contact hole 16 is formed, the folded portion 20 is folded back to the front side of the film substrate 14 and bonded with an adhesive or a pressure sensitive adhesive (FIG. 1C). The folded position (the alternate long and short dash line shown in FIG. 1B) is a position where the contact hole 16 faces the terminal 11 printed and printed on the film substrate 14, and at least the folded distal end portion (base end portion 18). And adjust to exist on the waterproof coating 12. In this manner, the time and effort required for positioning the terminal 11 and the contact hole 16 can be greatly reduced, and thus the production efficiency can be improved. However, as long as the positioning of the terminal 11 and the contact hole 16 can be ensured, the folded portion 20 and the folding process are eliminated, and the cushion sheet 15 in which the contact hole 16 is formed is directly bonded to the surface of the film substrate 14. It is also possible.

  Further, although not shown, an overhanging portion protruding in the width direction of the film substrate 14 can be formed on the side edge of the film substrate 14. Such an overhang portion can be formed so as to define an insertion range and prevent an excessive insertion when the connection portion 19 of the flat cable 10 is inserted into the connector 50.

  In the flat cable 10 formed as described above, a sensor such as an electrode (not shown) can be formed at the tip portion on the side opposite to the side shown in the drawing. When the connector 50 to which the flat cable 10 is connected is a device that acquires a biological signal such as an electrocardiogram measurement, the electrode sensor can form an electrode or a sensor for acquiring the biological signal. . In addition, when the flat cable 10 is used as an electric conductor or a signal line, the connecting portion 19 as described above is formed on the side opposite to the side shown in the figure, and both ends of the flat cable 10 are formed. Can be formed to connect to the connector 50.

Next, the connector 50 according to the present embodiment that serves as a receiving side of the flat cable 10 will be described.
3A and 3B are cross-sectional views of the connector 50 according to the present embodiment, in which FIG. 3A shows a state where the cable receiving piece 52 is open, and FIG. 3B shows a state where the cable receiving piece 52 is closed. 4 is a plan view showing a connector main body 51 constituting the connector 50, and FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the connecting portion 19 of the flat cable 10 is connected to the connector 50 in the present embodiment. ) Before connection, (B) At connection, (C) After connection.

  First, as shown in FIG. 3, a connector 50 shown in this embodiment has a printed board 54 embedded in a resin-molded connector main body 51, and the core wires of various device-side cables 55 on the printed board 54. Are connected, and the various device side cables 55 are pulled out from the center of the rear end surface of the connector main body 51, so that they are fixed to the tips of the biometric measuring devices such as an electrocardiograph and other various device side cables 55. The other end of the device-side cable 55 may be connected to a not-shown plug for connecting the device, which is detachably connected to a device body such as a biological measurement device body.

  On the connector main body 51, six contact pins 56 having a circular cross section are vertically provided so as to correspond to the six terminals 11 of the flat cable 10. Each contact pin 56 is provided on the connector main body 51 while being connected to the core wire 57 of each device-side cable 55 on the printed circuit board 54 by implanting the narrow lower end portion 56a of the contact pin 56 on the printed circuit board 54. Each of the pin through holes 58 protrudes from the upper surface 59 of the connector body 51.

The number of contact pins 56 is the same as the number of the terminals. In the present embodiment, six contact pins 56 are projected. These six contact pins 56 are not all arranged in a line on the same line, but alternately in the left and right adjacent ones according to the arrangement of the six terminals 11 as shown in FIG. The arrangement is different between the front and rear. The number of contact pins may be formed corresponding to the number of the terminals, and is preferably formed with a multi-pin structure.
Further, the upper end surface of each contact pin 56 is formed in a spherical shape as shown in FIG. 5, and the diameter of the upper end side is narrowed. By making the diameter of the upper end surface of the contact pin 56 smaller than the inner diameter of the contact hole 16, the upper end surface can surely reach the terminal 11.

As shown in FIG. 5, a raised portion 60 is formed on the upper surface of the connector main body 51 in the vicinity of the contact pin 56 by slightly raising it from the other upper surfaces. This is because the cushion sheet 15 is pressed more strongly in the vicinity of the connector 50 pins to improve the adhesion, that is, to improve the waterproof property.
As such a connector, for example, a connector developed and produced by Futami M.E. Ltd., or a connector utilizing the structure of the connector can be used.

  Referring to FIG. 3 again, on the connector body 51, the cable receiving piece 52 pivotally supports the shaft pin 53 at the base end (rear end) on the rear end portion of the connector body 51 so as to be rotatable up and down. Thus, it is pivotally mounted so as to open and close toward the connector main body 51.

  The cable receiving piece 52 has an opening (cable receiving port 62) of a sheath-like portion 61 that receives the connecting portion 19 of the flat cable 10 on the free end surface (front end surface) thereof. The connecting portion 19 of the flat cable 10 is By inserting from the cable receiving port 62, the inside of the sheath-like portion 61 is reached. This sheath-like portion 61 is an opening formed by releasing the lower surface in the region where the front side of the entrance side is surrounded on all sides but inside the region where the contact pin 56 protrudes. It is formed as. Therefore, the contact pin 56 can enter the sheath-like portion through the opening on the lower surface. In the region where the opening is formed, the upper surface of the connector main body 51 defines the bottom surface of the sheath-like portion 61 in a state where the cable receiving piece 52 is closed.

  A pressure contact portion 63 of the cushion sheet 15 that is long in the width direction and protrudes upward is provided on the lower surface of the cable receiving piece 52 on the cable receiving port 62 side. Therefore, the cushion sheet 15 provided at the connection portion 19 of the flat cable 10 inserted from the cable receiving port 62 is sandwiched between the press contact portions 63 and can be waterproofed from the cable receiving port 62.

  Further, an upper end receiving hole 64 for receiving the deformation of the flat cable 10 pressed against the contact pin 56 is provided at the position facing the contact pin 56 in the sheath-like portion 61 in the cable receiving piece 52. . Due to the presence of the upper end receiving hole 64, when the connection portion 19 of the flat cable 10 is suppressed by the contact pin 56 of the connector 50, even if the connection portion 19 is deformed upward, the connection portion The thickness of 19 can enter the upper end receiving hole 64. Therefore, the pressure contact state between the cushion sheet 15 and the upper surface of the connector main body 51 can be secured, and the waterproofness can be maintained.

  And, on the lower surface of the base end portion 18 of the cable receiving piece 52 and the upper surface of the connector main body 51, circular spring receiving recesses 65 and 66 facing each other are formed, and by the coiled spring 71 accommodated in the upper and lower sides, The cable receiving piece 52 is biased upward, that is, in a direction to open with respect to the connector main body 51.

  A support portion 68 that rises upward and pivotally supports the pivot axis of the lever 67 is formed near the front side of the connector body 51. The lever 67 pivotally supported by the support portion 68 includes a protrusion 69 that urges the cable receiving piece 52 downward in a collapsed state (a state along the cable receiving piece 52) (FIG. 3A). By raising the lever 67, the protrusion 69 is rotated to release the downward urging force to the cable receiving piece 52, so that the cable receiving piece 52 is opened by the coil spring (FIG. 3). (B)).

  In the state where the cable receiving piece 52 is opened (FIG. 3A), the contact pin 56 does not exist in the sheath-like portion 61, and therefore the connecting portion 19 of the inserted flat cable 10 has the sheath-like shape. The end of the part 61 can be reached. On the other hand, when the cable receiving piece 52 is closed (FIG. 3B), the contact pin 56 enters the contact hole 16 formed in the cushion sheet 15 as shown in FIG. At this time, except for the upper end portion of the contact pin 56, the outer diameter is formed to be larger than the opening diameter of the contact hole 16, so that the cushion sheet in the vicinity of the contact hole 16 with the penetration of the contact pin 56 15 is pressed and deformed, and adhesion between the cushion sheet 15 and the contact pin 56 is secured. Therefore, the waterproof effect between the contact hole 16 and the contact pin 56 can be enhanced. As described above, since the contact pin 56 deforms the contact hole 16 as it enters, the cushion sheet 15 existing in the vicinity of the contact hole 16 is shown in FIG. ) As shown in FIG.

  Therefore, according to the connection structure formed in the connection portion 19 of the flat cable 10 according to this embodiment and the connector 50, the waterproof portion in the connection portion 19 between the contact pin 56 and the terminal 11 is simple in structure. The flat cable 10 can be connected to the connector 50 with a simpler operation.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a connecting portion before the folded portion is folded back (A) showing another embodiment of the flat cable 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and (B) formed by folding the folded portion. It is a perspective view which shows a connection part.
As shown in FIG. 6 (A), the connecting portion of the flat cable 10 according to the present embodiment forms a folded portion 80 that protrudes outward in the width direction of the film substrate 14, and this is shown in FIG. 6 (B). As shown in FIG. 4, the connection portion 19 is formed by folding the terminal 16 so as to overlap. Also in the connection portion 19 shown in this embodiment, a cushion sheet 15 formed using a foam is affixed to the back surface of the folded portion 80 (the back surface of the film substrate 14 where the flat core wire 13 exists). In addition, a contact hole 16 is perforated so as to penetrate the folded portion of the film substrate 14 and the cushion sheet 15. The contact hole 16 is also formed at a position where the contact hole 16 overlaps a terminal provided on the substrate when the folded portion 80 is folded.
Even when the connecting portion of the flat cable 10 is formed as described above, by using the cushion sheet, the terminal exists in the back of the contact hole, and a touch-proof structure can be realized, and the contact pin and the terminal 11 can be realized. It is possible to ensure waterproofing at the connecting portion 19 with the.

  FIG. 7 shows a flat cable 10 according to still another embodiment, a connecting portion 19 formed on the flat cable, and a connector connected to the connecting portion. In particular, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7A, electrodes 75 for obtaining biological signals are provided at both ends of the flat cable 10 formed in a long shape. The flat core wire 13 formed by printing is connected. The flat core wire 13 is connected to a terminal 11 formed at a substantially central portion of the film substrate 14. That is, in this embodiment, there is a base end (terminal 11) of the flat core wire in the middle portion of the film substrate 14, and the connection portion 19 is formed other than the end portion of the film substrate 14. Show.

  In the connection portion 19 where the terminals 11 are formed, a folded portion 80 protruding in the width direction of the film substrate 14 is formed, and the folded portion is a line indicated by a chain line (film substrate 14 in the drawing). The contact hole 16 formed in the folded portion overlaps with the terminal 11 so that the terminal can be exposed (FIG. 7B). This connecting portion is inserted into the connector as described above, and the contact pin 56 of the connector is electrically connected to the terminal 11 through the contact hole (FIG. 7C).

  In particular, since the connection portion 19 according to the present embodiment is formed in the middle portion of the film substrate, the connector connected to the connection portion should be formed so as to sandwich the film substrate in the thickness direction. is there. For this reason, in the connector according to this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7D, a connecting portion is formed by a connector body 81 provided with a contact pin 56 and a lid member 82 pivotally supported by the connector body 81. It is desirable that 19 be sandwiched. The base end side of the lid member 83 is pivotally supported by the connector main body 81, and a support portion for pivotally supporting the lever 83 for opening and closing the lid member 82 relative to the connector main body 81 is provided at the distal end side. 68 is formed. In such a connector, the lid member 82 is biased in an opening direction by an elastic member such as a spring, and by rotating the lever 83, the projection provided at the lower end presses the lid member in the closing direction, Thereby, the connection part 19 can be pinched | interposed.

Even in the connector formed in this way, the connection portion 19 formed in the flat cable is provided with a cushion sheet, and when the connector and the connection portion are connected, the contact pin 56 is provided in the cushion sheet. Since the contact hole is pressed and deformed to ensure adhesion, the waterproof property of the electrical connection portion between the contact pin and the terminal can be ensured.
As shown in this embodiment, the terminal structure according to the present invention is not necessarily formed at the end portion of the flat cable formed on the long length, and can be formed at any place in the length direction. .

  In the above-described embodiment, the connection structure of the flat cable 10 used particularly for a medical bioelectrode has been described. However, the connection structure of the wiring in other electronic devices and machine instruments, and the connector 50 can also be used. It can be used.

  The present invention can be used in any field where a cable for transmitting an electrical signal or the like is used, and can be widely used as a connection structure between the cable and a connector.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Flat cable 11 Terminal 12 Waterproof coating 13 Flat core wire 14 Film board 15 Cushion sheet 16 Contact hole 17a Error prevention structure 18 Base end part 19 Connection part 50 Connector 51 Connector main body 52 Cable receiving piece 54 Printed circuit board 55 Various apparatus side cables 56 contact pin 60 raised portion 61 sheath-like portion 63 pressure contact portion 67 lever 68 support portion

Claims (10)

A flat cable connection structure that is sandwiched between connectors that project from a plurality of contact pins connected to the core wire of the device side cable,
The connection structure is provided in a flat cable in which a plurality of flat core wires are formed on a film substrate,
A cushion sheet made of rubber or foamed resin is provided on the surface facing the contact pin, and the contact pin is connected to the terminal provided at the end of the flat core wire on the surface provided with the cushion sheet. A connection structure with a connector in a flat cable, characterized in that a contact hole comprising a hole to be connected is provided.
The flat cable includes a folded portion where the film substrate is folded toward the surface where the flat core wire exists, and the cushion sheet is provided on the back side of the folded portion of the film substrate,
The connection with the connector in the flat cable according to claim 1, wherein the contact hole is formed as a hole penetrating the folded film substrate and cushion sheet at a position facing the terminal provided in the flat core wire. Construction.
The connection structure with the connector in the flat cable of Claim 1 or 2 with which the contact hole provided in the said cushion sheet is formed with the internal diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the said contact pin or the said contact pin.
The connection structure with the connector in the flat cable as described in any one of Claims 1-3 in which the error insertion prevention structure formed in the said film substrate by the asymmetrical protrusion or dent in the width direction is formed.
A method for manufacturing a connection structure in a flat cable that is sandwiched between connectors in which a plurality of contact pins connected to a core wire of a device-side cable is provided,
A plurality of flat core wires are formed on the surface, and a cushion sheet made of rubber or foam resin is provided on the back surface of the folded portion provided on the film substrate in which terminals are formed on the base end side of the flat core wires,
In the folded portion, in the portion where the terminal is present when the folded portion is folded on the surface of the film substrate, a contact hole including a hole penetrating the film substrate and the cushion sheet is formed,
A method for producing a connection structure with a connector in a flat cable, wherein the folded portion is folded and joined to the surface of a film substrate.
In a biological signal measurement system or the like, a biological electrode formed using a flat cable having a connection structure that is detachably connected to a connector for cable connection on the measurement device body side,
An electrode part is formed on the tip side, and a flat core wire that transmits a signal acquired by the electrode part is provided.
The connection structure with which the said flat cable is provided is a connection structure with the connector in the flat cable as described in any one of Claims 1-4, The bioelectrode characterized by the above-mentioned.
A flat cable comprising the connection structure according to any one of claims 1 to 4, or a connector for connecting the bioelectrode according to claim 6,
A connector in which a cable receiving piece having a flat sheath-like portion that removably receives a portion in which the connection structure of the flat cable is formed, and a plurality of contact pins connected to the core of the device-side cable are projected. Consisting of the body,
On the surface of the cable receiving piece on the side of the connector main body, an opening that allows the connector pin protruding from the connector main body to be retracted into the sheath-shaped portion is formed,
In a state where the cable receiving piece is overlaid on the connector body, the tip of the connector pin is present in the sheath-like portion and connected to a terminal provided at an end portion of the flat core wire in the flat cable. Features a connector.
The cushion sheet provided in the flat cable inserted into the sheath-like part is provided with a contact hole for connecting the contact pin to a terminal provided at an end of a flat core wire in the flat cable,
The connector according to claim 7, wherein a horizontal cross-sectional shape of the contact pin is formed larger than an opening shape of a contact hole provided in the cushion sheet.
The upper surface of the sheath portion of the cable receiving piece is recessed at a position facing each of the plurality of contact pins protruding from the connector body in a state where the cable receiving piece is overlaid on the connector body. The connector according to claim 7 or 8, wherein is formed.
The cable receiving piece is pivotally attached to the connector body so as to be openable and closable toward the connector body and biased in a spring opening direction.
The connector according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein a lever for holding the cable receiving piece against the spring and holding it in a closed state is pivotally attached to the connector body.