JP2021026831A - Terminal - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a terminal including a first contact segment, a second contact segment, and a front extension part and having a new structure that facilitates characteristic adjustment of the first contact segment and the second contact segment.SOLUTION: A terminal 10 includes a first contact segment 15, a second contact segment 16, and a base end side part 11 held by a housing 20. The base end side part 11 has: a base part 12 located at a rear part of the terminal 10; and a front extension part 13 extending forward from an upper part of the base part 12. The base end side of the second contact segment 16 is connected to the front extension part 13.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 19

Description

The present disclosure relates to connectors and terminals for flat conductors.

As a connector for a flat conductor to which a flat conductor such as an FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit), an FFC (Flexible Flat Cable), or a printed circuit board is connected, a connector provided with a lock member for locking the flat conductor is known (patented). See References 1, 2 and 3).

As a terminal, a terminal having two contact pieces extending forward is known (see Patent Document 2). The terminal of Patent Document 2 further includes a forward extending portion provided alongside the two contact pieces.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2016-136462 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2019-07717 JP-A-2016-091616

The invention according to the first aspect of the present disclosure provides a flat conductor connector including a lock member for locking a flat conductor, which can be easily operated from a locked state to an unlocked state. The purpose is.
An object of the present invention according to the second aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a flat conductor connector including a lock member for locking a flat conductor, in which the locking member can be easily assembled. And.
The invention according to the third aspect of the present disclosure is a novel invention for facilitating characteristic adjustment of the first contact piece and the second contact piece in a terminal including a first contact piece, a second contact piece and a forward extending portion. It is intended to provide structural terminals.

≪First point of view≫
The flat conductor connector according to the first aspect has a housing and a locking convex portion for locking the flat conductor, and is located between a locked position and an unlocked position with respect to the housing. A displaceable lock member and an urging member that allows the lock member to be displaced to the unlocked position by elastically deforming and urges the lock member at the unlocked position to the locked position. The flat conductor connector provided, the locking convex portion of the lock member at the lock position locks the flat conductor by entering the path of the flat conductor, and at the unlock position. The locking convex portion of the locking member is retracted from the path to release the locking of the flat conductor, and the locking convex portion is either one side or the other side in the thickness direction of the flat conductor. The flat conductor is locked from the other side, and the lock member has an operation unit for moving the lock member to the unlock position, and the lock member from the lock position to the unlock position. Displacement is possible by the parallel movement of the locking member to the other side in the thickness direction.

The above-mentioned "displacement is possible by parallel movement of the lock member to the other side in the thickness direction" does not exclude an embodiment in which the displacement is possible by movement other than the parallel movement. is there.

In the above aspect, the flat conductor connector comprises a housing and a locking member. The locking member has a locking protrusion for locking the flat conductor and is displaceable between the locked and unlocked positions with respect to the housing. The locking convex portion of the lock member at the lock position locks the flat conductor by entering the path of the flat conductor. On the other hand, the locking convex portion of the locking member at the unlocked position is retracted from the path to release the locking of the flat conductor. The locking convex portion locks the flat conductor from the other side in the thickness direction of the flat conductor.

Further, the flat conductor connector includes an urging member. The urging member is elastically deformed to allow displacement of the lock member to the unlocked position, and urges the locked member at the unlocked position to the locked position.

Then, the lock member has an operation unit for moving the lock member to the unlocked position. Therefore, the user can move the lock member to the unlocked position by operating the operation unit.

Further, the displacement of the lock member from the lock position to the unlock position is possible by translation of the lock member to the other side in the thickness direction of the flat conductor.
Therefore, in the above aspect, unlike the prior art disclosed in Patent Documents 1, 2 and 3, it is not necessary to form the operation portion in consideration of the rotation of the lock member. As a result, it is easy to form the operating portion widely, and the operating force of the flat conductor toward the other side in the thickness direction is smoothly transmitted to the lock member. That is, according to the first viewpoint, the connector can be easily operated from the locked state to the unlocked state.

In the prior art disclosed in Patent Documents 1, 2 and 3, the locking member cannot be displaced from the locked position to the unlocked position by translation. Therefore, the operation portion of the lock member is formed at a position where a moment is likely to be generated in the lock member, and is not formed at a position where it overlaps with the center of rotation in the insertion direction. As a result, the operation unit is small.
Specifically, in the flat conductor connector disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to grip the operating portion (grip portion 31) and rotate the operating portion (rotating lever 3) in order to unlock the connector. is there.
Further, in the flat conductor connector disclosed in Patent Document 2, in order to unlock the connector, the operation portion (front wall portion 18) of the lock member (lock member 4) is hooked on a finger to move the lock member 4 upward. By lifting, it is necessary to rotate the lock member 4 along the rotation support surface portion 16.
Further, in the flat conductor connector disclosed in Patent Document 3, the lock member (of the elastic lock pieces 8, the locking projection 8a, the elastic arm 8c, and the operating portion 8b) has a rotation center around the curved portion 8d. Rotate and do not translate.

In the flat conductor connector according to the first and second aspects, in the 1-1 aspect, the lock member has one side portion located on one side in the thickness direction with respect to the path and the lock member with respect to the path. The other side portion located on the other side in the thickness direction and the connecting portion connecting the one side portion and the other side portion are provided, and the locking convex portion is formed so as to project from the other side portion. The operating portion is formed on the one side portion.

In the above aspect, the lock member has one side portion located on one side in the thickness direction of the path (path of the flat conductor), the other side portion located on the other side in the thickness direction of the path, and one side portion and the other. It has a connecting portion for connecting the side portions. The locking convex portion is formed so as to project from the other side portion, and the operating portion is formed on one side portion.
Therefore, the operation unit can be arranged on one side of the path in the thickness direction of the flat conductor.

In the flat conductor connector according to the first to third aspects, in the first or second aspect, the lock member has a one-sided portion located on one side in the thickness direction with respect to the path. It has a other side portion located on the other side in the thickness direction with respect to the path, and a connecting portion for connecting the one side portion and the other side portion, and the locking convex portion is from the other side portion. An urging direction regulating portion is formed on the one side portion, which is formed so as to project, and the movement of the lock member in the urging direction is restricted by abutting against the housing. The housing is formed with a removal direction regulating portion on the other side that is close to or in contact with the other side portion and restricts the movement of the other side portion on the removal direction side.

In the above aspect, an urging direction regulating portion is formed on one side portion. When the urging direction regulating portion comes into contact with the housing, the movement of the lock member in the urging direction is restricted.

Further, in the above aspect, the housing is formed with the other side portion withdrawal direction restricting portion which is close to or in contact with the other side portion and restricts the movement of the other side portion on the extraction direction side.
Therefore, when a force in the removal direction is applied from the flat conductor to the locking convex portion, the other side portion of the lock member is in close proximity to or in contact with the removal direction regulating portion on the other side portion of the housing, so that the lock member moves. Stops after absent or slight movement.

In the flat conductor connector according to the first to fourth aspects, in the first to third aspects, the end of the urging direction regulating portion on the removal direction side of the flat conductor is more than the locking convex portion. Located on the removal direction side.

In the above aspect, the end of the urging direction regulating portion on the removal direction side of the flat conductor is located on the removal direction side of the locking convex portion. Therefore, the urging direction regulating portion (outer upper surface 34) can be formed long forward.
However, in the connector of the above aspect, due to the force acting on the locking convex portion in the pulling direction, the locking convex portion retracts to the lock member with the end on the pulling direction side of the urging direction regulating portion as a fulcrum. The structure is such that the moment of is generated.
However, in the above aspect, since the housing is formed with the pull-out direction restricting portion on the other side, even if the lock member tries to rotate, the rotation does not occur, or even if it occurs, it is settled with a slight rotation.

In any of the first to first to fourth aspects, the flat conductor connector according to the first to fifth aspects is formed by a force acting on the locking convex portion from the flat conductor to be inserted. When the lock member rotates about the width direction of the flat conductor in the axial direction, the locking convex portion retracts from the path.

In the above aspect, the locking convex portion retracts from the path by rotating the lock member with the width direction of the flat conductor as the axial direction by the force acting on the locking convex portion from the inserted flat conductor. To do.
Therefore, the user can retract the locking convex portion from the path simply by inserting the flat conductor. Further, since the retracting of the locking convex portion is realized by the rotation of the locking member, the displacement of the locking member is smaller than that realized by the translation of the locking member, and as a result, a small insertion force is required.

In the first to fifth aspects of the flat conductor connector according to the first to sixth aspects, the operating portion of the lock member includes a position that substantially coincides with the center of rotation in the insertion direction. It is formed.

In the above aspect, the operating portion of the lock member is formed in a range including a position that substantially coincides with the center of rotation in the insertion direction. Therefore, the operation portion of the lock member can be formed widely.

In the flat conductor connector according to the first 7th aspect, in any one of the 1st to 1st to 6th aspects, the urging member includes a base portion and a contact portion that contacts the lock member. It has an elastic portion located between the base portion and the contact portion, and the elastic portion has at least two folded portions.

In the above aspect, the urging member has a base portion, a contact portion in contact with the lock member, and an elastic portion located between the base portion and the contact portion.
And the elastic part has at least two folded parts. Therefore, as compared with the embodiment in which there is only one folded portion, the structure is such that it is easy to prevent the contact portion and the lock member from sliding when the lock member moves in parallel.

≪Second point of view≫
The flat conductor connector according to the second aspect is a flat conductor connector including a housing and a lock member, and the housing is formed with a storage space for accommodating the lock member. The lock member accommodated in the accommodation space can be displaced between a lock position and an unlock position in the accommodation space, and the lock member is a locking convex portion for locking a flat conductor. When the lock member is in the lock position, the flat conductor is locked, and when the lock member is in the unlock position, the flat conductor is unlocked. The housing or the lock member is an elastic portion that can be elastically deformed, and has the elastic portion that allows the lock member to be inserted into the accommodation space from a predetermined direction by elastically deforming. The housing is provided with a detachment prevention portion that prevents the lock member from being detached from the accommodation space by contacting the lock member when the lock member in the accommodation space moves in the predetermined direction. Have.

In the above aspect, the flat conductor connector comprises a housing and a locking member. A storage space for accommodating the lock member is formed in the housing. The lock member accommodated in the accommodation space can be displaced between the lock position and the unlock position in the accommodation space.
The locking member has a locking protrusion for locking the flat conductor. The locking convex portion locks the flat conductor when the locking member is in the locked position and unlocks the flat conductor when the locking member is in the unlocked position.

Further, the housing or the lock member has an elastic portion that can be elastically deformed. The elastic portion elastically deforms to allow the lock member to be inserted into the accommodation space from a predetermined direction.
Therefore, when assembling the connector, the lock member can be inserted into the accommodation space from a predetermined direction by elastically deforming the elastic portion of the housing or the lock member.

Further, the housing prevents the lock member from coming off from the accommodation space by contacting the lock member when the lock member in the accommodation space moves in a predetermined direction (the direction in which the lock member is inserted). It has a detachment prevention part.
Therefore, even if the lock member in the accommodation space moves to the side where the lock member has been inserted, the detachment prevention portion of the housing abuts on the lock member, thereby preventing the lock member from detaching from the accommodation space.

From the above, according to the second viewpoint, in the process of assembling the lock member at the time of manufacturing the connector, a member other than the housing and the lock member is unnecessary, and the lock member is inserted while elastically deforming the elastic portion. The lock member will not be separated from the accommodation space just by doing so. That is, according to the second aspect, in the flat conductor connector provided with the lock member for locking the flat conductor, the work of assembling the lock member can be simplified.

In the flat conductor connector according to the second aspect, in the second aspect, the displacement between the lock position and the unlock position of the lock member is the accommodation in the predetermined direction. It is a displacement in a direction intersecting the opening direction of the space, and the release prevention portion abuts on the lock member when the lock member moves from the lock position to the opening direction, and the lock member is unlocked. When it moves from the lock position to the opening direction, it comes into contact with the lock member.

In the above aspect, the displacement between the lock position and the unlock position of the lock member is a displacement in a direction intersecting the opening direction of the accommodation space, which is a predetermined direction.
Therefore, the movement locus of the lock member differs between when the lock member moves from the lock position to the opening direction and when the lock member moves from the unlock position to the opening direction.

Therefore, in the above aspect, the release prevention portion hits the lock member when the lock member moves from the lock position to the opening direction and abuts on the lock member and when the lock member moves from the unlock position to the opening direction. Get in touch.
Therefore, it is possible to prevent the lock member from coming off in the connector in which the displacement between the lock position and the unlock position of the lock member intersects in the opening direction.

In the flat conductor connector according to the second to third aspects, in the second or second aspect, the elastic portion is a locking elastic portion formed in the housing to prevent the detachment. The locking elastic portion is configured to include a one-sided convex portion that constitutes a part or all of the portion.

In the above aspect, the elastic portion is a locking elastic portion formed in the housing. The locking elastic portion is configured to include a one-sided convex portion that constitutes a part or all of the detachment prevention portion.
Therefore, when assembling the lock member, the lock member can be inserted into the accommodation space by elastically deforming the locking elastic portion of the housing. Then, the release prevention portion including the convex portion on one side of the locking elastic portion that has been elastically restored prevents the lock member from being detached from the accommodation space.

In the second and third aspects, the flat conductor connector according to the second to fourth aspects allows the locking member to be displaced to the unlocked position by elastically deforming, and at the same time, the unlocked position is said to be said. A urging member for urging the lock member to the lock position is provided, and the disengagement prevention portion comprises the one-side convex portion of the locking elastic portion and the other-side convex protruding in the direction opposite to the locking convex portion. The one-side convex portion comes into contact with the lock member that moves from the lock position to the opening direction, and the other-side convex portion moves from the unlock position to the opening direction. Contact the lock member.

In the above aspect, the flat conductor connector comprises an urging member. The urging member is elastically deformed to allow displacement of the lock member to the unlocked position, and urges the locked member at the unlocked position to the locked position.

Further, the detachment prevention portion includes a one-side convex portion of the locking elastic portion and a other-side convex portion protruding in the direction opposite to the locking convex portion. The one-side convex portion abuts on the lock member moving from the lock position in the opening direction, and the other side convex portion abuts on the lock member moving from the unlock position in the opening direction.
Therefore, the amount of protrusion of the unilateral convex portion can be reduced as compared with the embodiment in which the detachment prevention portion is composed of only the unilateral convex portion. When the protrusion amount of the one-side convex portion becomes small, the lock member can be inserted toward a position close to the lock position when the lock member is inserted into the accommodation space, and as a result, the urging when the lock member is inserted. The amount of elastic deformation of the member can be reduced. When the amount of elastic deformation of the urging member when the lock member is inserted becomes small, for example, the force required when the lock member is inserted can be reduced.

In the second to third or second to fourth aspects, the flat conductor connector according to the second to fifth aspect allows the locking member to be displaced to the unlocked position by elastically deforming, and the above-mentioned A urging member for urging the lock member at the unlocked position to the lock position is provided, and the housing regulates displacement in the direction in which the lock member is urged and is formed at both ends in the connector width direction. The pair of urging direction regulating portions is provided, and the locking elastic portions are formed in pairs inside the connector width direction with respect to each of the pair of urging direction regulating portions, and the pair of locking elastic portions are respectively formed. It is configured to include an extension portion extending from the base end side toward the opening direction of the accommodation space, and the one-side convex portion formed on the tip end side of the extension portion.

In the above aspect, the flat conductor connector comprises an urging member. The urging member is elastically deformed to allow displacement of the lock member to the unlocked position, and urges the locked member at the unlocked position to the locked position.

Further, the housing includes a pair of urging direction regulating wall surfaces that regulate the displacement of the lock member in the urging direction. A pair of urging direction regulating surfaces are formed at both ends in the connector width direction. Therefore, the lock member is supported by a pair of urging direction regulating surfaces at both ends in the connector width direction, so that the posture of the lock member is stable.

Further, a pair of locking elastic portions are formed inside the connector width direction with respect to each of the pair of urging direction regulating surfaces. Therefore, the locking member is stably prevented from being detached from the accommodation space by the pair of locking convex portions of the pair of locking elastic portions located apart from each other in the connector width direction.

Further, each of the pair of locking elastic portions includes an extending portion extending from the base end side toward the opening direction of the accommodation space and a locking convex portion formed on the tip end side of the extending portion. Will be done. Therefore, the locking member is prevented from being detached from the accommodation space by the locking convex portion formed on the tip end side (opening direction side) of the extending portion extending in the opening direction. Further, since the length of the extending portion can be increased within the range of the connector dimension along the opening direction, the locking elastic portion can be made hard to be damaged.

The flat conductor connector according to the second 6th aspect, in any one of the 2nd to 2nd to 5th aspects, the connector opens in one of the directions along the substrate to be mounted. It has a flat conductor insertion port, and the opening direction of the accommodation space is the direction opposite to the opening direction of the flat conductor insertion port in the direction along the substrate, and the unlocking is performed from the lock position. The displacement to the position is a direction perpendicular to the substrate that approaches the substrate, and the lock member is an operation surface that faces away from the substrate in the direction perpendicular to the substrate and is the lock. It has the operation surface for the operation of dislocating the member to the unlock position.

In the above aspect, the connector has a flat conductor insertion slot that opens in one of the directions along the board to be mounted. On the other hand, the opening direction of the accommodation space is the direction opposite to the opening direction of the flat conductor insertion port in the direction along the substrate. Therefore, it is easy to form a large opening in the accommodation space.

Further, the displacement from the locked position to the unlocked position is the direction closer to the substrate in the direction perpendicular to the substrate. The lock member is an operation surface that faces a direction away from the substrate in a direction perpendicular to the substrate, and has an operation surface for an operation that displaces the lock member to an unlocked position. Therefore, the lock member can be displaced to the unlocked position by operating from the direction perpendicular to the substrate and away from the substrate.

≪Third point of view≫
The terminal according to the third aspect has a first contact portion on the tip side that contacts the object to be connected from one side in the first direction, and extends to one side in the second direction orthogonal to the first direction. A contact piece and a second contact piece having a second contact portion in contact with the object to be connected from one side in the first direction on the tip side and extending to one side in the second direction orthogonal to the first direction. A terminal including a proximal end side portion to which the proximal end sides of both the first contact piece and the second contact piece are connected, wherein the second contact piece is first with respect to the first contact piece. The front end side portion located on the other side in the direction is a front extending portion located on the other side in the first direction with respect to the second contact piece, and extends linearly to one side in the second direction. It has an extension portion, and the proximal end side of the second contact piece is connected to the front extension portion.

The above-mentioned "the base end side of the second contact piece is connected to the front extension portion" means that the entire base end side of the second contact piece is connected to the front extension portion. In addition, a case where a part of the base end side of the second contact piece is connected to the front extension portion is also included.

In the above aspect, the terminal includes a first contact piece, a second contact piece, and a proximal end side portion. Both the first contact piece and the second contact piece extend to one side in the second direction, and the tips of the first contact portion and the second contact portion that come into contact with the object to be connected from one side in the first direction, respectively. Have on the side.
The second contact piece is located on the other side of the first direction with respect to the first contact piece. The proximal end side of both the first contact piece and the second contact piece is connected to the proximal end side portion.

Further, the base end side portion has a forward extending portion located on the other side in the first direction with respect to the second contact piece. The forward extending portion extends linearly to one side in the second direction.
Therefore, the front extending portion of the base end side portion can be held by the housing, or the front extending portion can support another connector component to function.

Further, the base end side of the second contact piece is connected to the front extension portion.
Therefore, unlike the terminal in which the base end side of the second contact piece is not connected to the front extension portion, the degree of freedom in designing the terminal is improved. That is, for example, by connecting only the front extending portion to the base end side of the second contact piece, it is easy to widen the distance between the base ends of the first contact piece and the second contact piece. Further, for example, by connecting a part of the base end side of the second contact piece to the front extending portion, the base end of the second contact piece can be easily formed thick.

As described above, according to the above aspect, in the terminal provided with the first contact piece, the second contact piece and the forward extending portion, the new structure facilitates the characteristic adjustment of the first contact piece and the second contact piece. Terminals are provided.

In the third aspect, the terminal according to the third aspect has the space formed between the first contact piece and the second contact piece as the first space, and the second contact piece and the terminal. When the space formed between the front extension portion and the front extending portion is defined as the second space, the end of the first space on the other side in the second direction is the second end of the second space on the other side in the second direction. Located on the other side in two directions.

In the above aspect, the other end in the second direction of the first space is located on the other side in the second direction than the other end in the second direction of the second space.
Also in this aspect, as in the third aspect, the characteristics of the first contact piece and the second contact piece can be easily adjusted in the terminal provided with the first contact piece, the second contact piece, and the forward extending portion. A terminal with a new structure is provided.

In the third aspect or the third aspect, the terminal according to the third aspect is connected only to the front extension portion on the proximal end side of the second contact piece.

In the above aspect, the proximal end side of the second contact piece is connected only to the anterior extension portion.
Therefore, it is easy to widen the distance between the base end side of the first contact piece and the second contact piece without changing the dimension of the terminal in the first direction and the width dimension of the base end side of each contact piece. When the distance between the base end side of the first contact piece and the second contact piece is wide, for example, punching by a press die becomes easy.

In any of the third to third aspects, the terminal according to the third to fourth aspect is such that the end of the first space on the other side in the first direction is the other end in the second direction of the second space. It is located on the other side of the first direction from the side edge.

In the above aspect, the other end in the first direction of the first space is located on the other side of the first direction than the other end in the second direction of the second space.
In this embodiment as well, as in the third to third aspects, the base of the first contact piece and the second contact piece without changing the dimension of the terminal in the first direction and the width dimension of the base end side of each contact piece. It is easy to widen the distance between the ends. When the distance between the base end side of the first contact piece and the second contact piece is wide, for example, punching by a press die becomes easy.

The terminal according to the third to fifth aspect is the terminal according to any one of the third to third to third aspects, wherein the second contact piece is on one side in the second direction and one side in the first direction on the proximal end side thereof. It has an inclined portion extending in an oblique direction on the side.

In the above aspect, the second contact piece has an inclined portion extending in an oblique direction on one side in the second direction and one side in the first direction on the base end side thereof. Therefore, it is easy to secure the length of the second contact piece as compared with the embodiment in which the inclined portion is not formed on the base end side of the second contact piece.

In any of the third to third to third aspects, the terminal according to the third to sixth aspect is a plate edge extending substantially parallel to the first direction on the other side in the second direction of the first space. Is formed.

In the above aspect, a plate edge extending substantially parallel to the first direction is formed on the other side of the first space in the second direction. Therefore, for example, the width dimension of the first contact piece and the base end side of the second contact piece can be reduced as compared with the embodiment in which the plate edge extending curvedly on the other side in the second direction of the first space is formed. .. As a result, it is easy to secure the amount of deformation of the first contact piece and the base end side of the second contact piece.
In the above aspect, increasing the length of the plate edge extending substantially parallel to the first direction (for example, making it longer than the width of the base end of the second contact arm) is the first contact piece or the second contact. It is more preferable from the viewpoint of securing the amount of deformation on the base end side of the piece.

The terminal according to the third to third aspect is the connection target in any one of the third to third to third aspects, wherein the second contact portion is on the other side in the second direction from the first contact portion. Contact an object.

In the above aspect, the second contact portion contacts the connection object on the other side in the second direction from the first contact portion. Therefore, at the time of contact with the object to be connected, the timing of contact with the object to be connected is shifted between the first contact portion and the second contact portion.
In the above aspect, the positions of the first contact portion and the second contact portion in the third direction (meaning the direction perpendicular to both the first direction and the second direction) may be further matched. When the positions of the first contact portion and the second contact portion in the third direction are matched, the contact portion of the second contact portion in the object to be connected can be wiped by the first contact portion.

In any of the third to third to third aspects, the terminal according to the third to eighth aspect is formed with a protrusion that bites into the housing at the front extending portion.

In the above aspect, the front extending portion is formed with a protrusion that bites into the housing. Therefore, the terminal can be held in the housing by using the front extension portion.

According to the invention according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, in the flat conductor connector provided with the locking member for locking the flat conductor, the flat conductor connector which can be easily operated from the locked state to the unlocked state is provided. Can be provided.
According to the invention according to the second aspect of the present disclosure, in the flat conductor connector provided with the lock member for locking the flat conductor, the flat conductor connector for which the locking member can be easily assembled is provided. Can be done.
According to the invention according to the third aspect of the present disclosure, it is easy to adjust the characteristics of the first contact piece and the second contact piece in the terminal provided with the first contact piece, the second contact piece and the forward extending portion. It is possible to provide terminals with a new structure.

It is a perspective view of a connector and a flat conductor. It is a perspective view of the connector in a state where a flat conductor is connected. It is a perspective view seen from the rear of the connector in a state where a flat conductor is connected. It is a top view of the connector in a state where a flat conductor is connected. It is an exploded perspective view of a connector. It is a perspective view before assembling the lock member. It is a perspective view seen from the rear before assembling the lock member. It is a front view of the lock member. It is a top view of the lock member. It is a side view of a lock member. It is a bottom view of a lock member. It is a cross-sectional view in a cross section orthogonal to the connector width direction (the plane at the position of the upper convex portion, the cross-sectional view taken along line 12-12 in FIG. 4), (A) is a cross-sectional view of a work-in-process, and (B) is a cross-sectional view. It is sectional drawing of the lock member. It is a cross-sectional view in a cross section orthogonal to the connector width direction (plan of position of urging member, cross-sectional view taken along line 13-13 in FIG. 4), (A) is a cross-sectional view of a work-in-process, and (B) is a cross-sectional view. It is sectional drawing of the lock member. It is a cross-sectional view in a cross section orthogonal to the connector width direction (plan of terminal position, cross-sectional view taken along line 14-14 in FIG. 4), (A) is a cross-sectional view of work in process, and (B) is a lock member. It is a cross-sectional view of. It is a cross-sectional view showing the time of removal regulation, (A) is a cross-sectional view of the position of a locking convex portion, (B) is a cross-sectional view of the position of an urging member, and (C) is a cross-sectional view of the position of a terminal. It is a cross-sectional view showing an unlocked state, (A) is a cross-sectional view of the position of a locking convex portion, (B) is a cross-sectional view of a position of an urging member, and (C) is a cross-sectional view of a position of a terminal. It is a cross-sectional view showing the insertion of a flat conductor, (A) is a cross-sectional view of the position of the locking convex portion, (B) is a cross-sectional view of the position of the urging member, and (C) is a cross-sectional view of the position of the terminal. Is. It is a cross-sectional view showing the time of assembling the lock member, (A) is a cross-sectional view of the position of the locking convex portion, (B) is a cross-sectional view of the position of the urging member, and (C) is a cross-sectional view of the position of the terminal. Is. It is an enlarged view of a terminal.

Hereinafter, the connector 100 according to the embodiment will be described.

The + X direction shown in each figure may be referred to as the connector front direction, the + Y direction may be referred to as one side in the connector width direction, and the + Z direction may be referred to as the connector up direction. When simply referring to the front-back direction, the width direction, and the up-down direction, it means the connector front-back direction, the connector width direction, and the connector up-down direction.
Further, the + X direction may be the extraction direction, the −X direction may be the insertion direction, and the + Z direction may be one side of the thickness direction. These are directional representations based on the flat conductor 90 connected to the connector 100.

<Connector>
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the connector 100 is a flat conductor connector to which the flat conductor 90 is connected. The flat conductor 90 is inserted into the connector 100 from the front of the connector in the direction along the substrate 80 (see FIG. 15C) on which the connector 100 is mounted.

As shown in FIG. 5, the connector 100 includes a terminal 10, a housing 20 that holds the terminal 10, a lock member 30 for restricting the removal of the flat conductor 90, and an urging member that urges the lock member 30. It is composed of 40 and.

(Connector manufacturing process)
The method of manufacturing the connector 100 includes a work-in-process manufacturing step of manufacturing the work-in-process 100A (see FIGS. 6 and 7) and a lock member assembling step of assembling the lock member 30 to the work-in-process 100A.

In the work-in-process manufacturing process, the terminal 10 and the urging member 40 are assembled to the housing 20 to manufacture the work-in-process 100A (see FIGS. 5 to 7).
The terminal 10 is assembled from the rear of the housing 20, and the urging member 40 is assembled from the front of the housing 20.

In the lock member assembling step, the lock member 30 is assembled to the work in process 100A from the rear of the work in process 100A (see FIG. 18).
As shown in FIG. 7, the work-in-process 100A has a storage space 21 for accommodating the lock member 30. The accommodation space 21 is open to the rear. The lock member 30 is inserted into the accommodation space 21 from behind the work-in-process 100A.

(Basic function of connector)
The lock member 30 is displaceably arranged in the accommodation space 21. The lock member 30 is at least displaceable between the lock position K (see FIG. 15) and the unlock position L (see FIG. 16).

As shown in FIG. 15, in the state where the lock member 30 is in the lock position K (referred to as the lock state), the locking convex portion 73 of the lock member 30 enters the path SR of the flat conductor 90. From this state, even if the flat conductor 90 tries to move in the removal direction, the locking convex portion 73 locks the tip portion 91 of the flat conductor 90, and the removal of the flat conductor 90 is restricted.

As shown in FIG. 16, in the state where the lock member 30 is in the unlock position L (referred to as the unlock state), the lock member 30 is translated downward from the lock position K. Therefore, the locking convex portion 73 of the locking member 30 is retracted from the path SR of the flat conductor 90. From this state, when the flat conductor 90 tries to move in the pulling direction, the flat conductor 90 is allowed to be pulled out without the tip 91 of the flat conductor 90 being locked by the locking convex portion 73.

≪Terminal 10≫
As shown in FIG. 5, a plurality of terminals 10 are provided. The plurality of terminals 10 have the same structure as each other. The plurality of terminals 10 are arranged side by side in the width direction at equal intervals in the same posture as each other. The detailed structure of the terminal 10 will be described later.

≪Housing 20≫
The housing 20 is made of an insulating material such as synthetic resin.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the housing 20 has a terminal holding portion 22.
The terminal holding portion 22 is a portion that holds a plurality of terminals 10. The terminal holding portion 22 is formed at the central portion in the width direction of the connector 100. A flat conductor insertion port 102 into which the flat conductor 90 is inserted is formed on the front surface side of the terminal holding portion 22. A plurality of terminal insertion ports 51 into which a plurality of terminals 10 are inserted are formed on the rear surface side of the terminal holding portion 22. The terminal holding portion 22 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape.

The housing 20 has a pair of urging member holding portions 23 that hold the pair of urging members 40. The pair of urging member holding portions 23 are one urging member holding portion 23 located at one end in the width direction of the connector 100 and the other urging member 23 located at the other end in the width direction of the connector 100. It is composed of a member holding portion 23. The urging member holding portion 23 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 13, the urging member holding portion 23 has an urging member arrangement space 61 in which the urging member 40 is arranged. The urging member arrangement space 61 is formed in the intermediate portion of the urging member holding portion 23 in the connector width direction. The urging member arrangement space 61 opens forward, and the urging member 40 is inserted into the urging member arrangement space 61 from the front of the housing 20 through this opening.
Further, the urging member arrangement space 61 opens upward, and a part of the urging member 40 (a part including the contact portion 48) protrudes upward from this opening.
On the other hand, the urging member arrangement space 61 does not open downward, rearward, or on both sides in the connector width direction (see FIG. 13).

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 13, a lower convex portion 28 projecting upward is formed at the rear end of the urging member holding portion 23. As shown in FIG. 16B, the lower convex portion 28 comes into contact with the lock member 30 when the lock member 30 at the unlock position L moves rearward, and prevents the lock member 30 from coming off. The lower convex portion 28 corresponds to the "other side convex portion" which is a part of the "disengagement prevention mechanism".

The pair of urging member holding portions 23 are arranged outside the terminal holding portion 22 in the connector width direction (see FIG. 7). In the connector width direction, a pair of spaces (arm accommodating space 21B) are formed between the terminal holding portion 22 and the pair of urging member holding portions 23. A pair of arm portions 32 (described later) of the lock member 30 are accommodated in the pair of arm portion accommodating spaces 21B.

As shown in FIG. 7, a space (main body) in which the main body portion 31 (described later) of the lock member 30 is housed above the terminal holding portion 22, the pair of arm portion accommodating spaces 21B, and the pair of urging member holding portions 23. Part accommodation space 21A) is formed.

The housing 20 has a side wall 24 that stands upward from the urging member holding portion 23.
The main body 31 of the lock member 30 comes into contact with the inner surface of the side wall 24 in the width direction when the lock member 30 moves in the width direction. The inner surface of the side wall 24 in the width direction is a plane whose normal direction is the inner surface in the width direction. The inner surface of the side wall 24 in the width direction is located outside the outer surface of the urging member arrangement space 61 in the connector width direction.
The outer surface of the side wall 24 in the width direction is a plane whose normal direction is the outer side in the width direction, and is flush with the outer surface in the width direction of the urging member holding portion 23, and is on the outer side in the width direction of the connector 100. Make up the edges.

The housing 20 has a pair of top walls 25 located above the main body accommodating space 21A. Each of the pair of top walls 25 is formed on a part of the housing 20 on the outer side in the connector width direction. The top wall 25 is connected to the upper end of the side wall 24 and extends inward in the connector width direction from the upper end of the side wall 24. When the lock member 30 moves upward, the main body 31 of the lock member 30 comes into contact with the lower side surface 25A of the top wall 25.

The housing 20 has a front wall 26 which is a front wall of the main body accommodating space 21A. The upper end of the front wall 26 coincides with the upper surface of the top wall 25 in the vertical direction. The front wall 26 connects the front end of the side wall 24 on one side in the width direction and the front end of the side wall 24 on the other side in the width direction.

The housing 20 has a pair of locking elastic portions 27. The locking elastic portion 27 is formed immediately inside the top wall 25 in the connector width direction. The locking elastic portion 27 extends rearward from the upper end of the front wall 26.

The locking elastic portion 27 has an extending portion 27A extending rearward from the front wall 26 and an upper convex portion 27B formed at the tip of the extending portion 27A. By elastically deforming the extending portion 27A, the upper convex portion 27B can be displaced upward.

The upper side surface of the top wall 25 and the upper side surface of the locking elastic portion 27 are in a flush relationship, and both are formed as a plane having the upper direction as the normal direction, and there is no step or the like between them.

As shown in FIG. 12 (A), the lower side surface 25A of the top wall 25 and the lower side surface 27A1 of the extending portion 27A of the locking elastic portion 27 are both flat surfaces having the downward direction as the normal direction. On the other hand, the lower side surface 25A of the top wall 25 is located below the lower side surface 27A1 of the extending portion 27A of the locking elastic portion 27. As a result, the outer upper surface 34 (see FIG. 7) of the main body 31 of the lock member 30 abuts on the lower side surface 25A of the top wall 25, but hits the lower side surface 27A1 of the extending portion 27A of the locking elastic portion 27. Do not touch.

A through hole 27C penetrating in the vertical direction is formed in the locking elastic portion 27. A part (tip portion 91) of the flat conductor 90 inserted into the connector 100 becomes visible from above the connector 100 through the through hole 27C. The through hole 27C of the locking elastic portion 27 is formed at a position where at least a part thereof overlaps with the removing portion 37 (see FIG. 7) of the locking member 30 in a plan view.

The through hole 27C has a slit shape extending in the front-rear direction at the center of the extending portion 27A of the locking elastic portion 27 in the width direction. The front end of the slit-shaped through hole 27C reaches the front side surface 26A of the front wall 26, and the extending portion 27A of the locking elastic portion 27 is easily deformed.

≪Lock member 30≫
The lock member 30 is made of an insulating material such as a synthetic resin.

The lock member 30 has a main body portion 31 and a pair of arm portions 32.
The main body 31 constitutes an upper portion (a portion on one side in the thickness direction) of the lock member 30. As shown in FIG. 15, the main body portion 31 is arranged on one side (upper side) in the thickness direction with respect to the path SR of the flat conductor 90, and corresponds to the “one side portion” of the present disclosure.
The pair of arm portions 32 is composed of an arm portion 32 on one side in the width direction and an arm portion 32 on the other side in the width direction. The arm portion 32 is located below the main body portion 31.

The main body 31 has a central bulging surface 33 and a pair of outer upper surfaces 34 as its upper surface.
The central bulging surface 33 is formed in a range centered in the width direction of the main body 31. The central bulging surface 33 bulges upward with respect to the pair of outer upper surfaces 34. As shown in FIG. 3, the central bulging surface 33 is arranged between the pair of locking elastic portions 27 of the housing 20 and is exposed above the connector. When the central bulging surface 33 is pressed downward, the locking member 30 moves downward and is displaced to the unlocked position (see FIG. 16C). The central bulging surface 33 corresponds to the "operation surface" and "operation unit" of the present disclosure.
The pair of outer upper surfaces 34 are formed in a range outside the width direction of the main body 31. The outer upper surface 34 is a plane having an upward direction as a normal direction. The outer upper surface 34 is arranged below the locking elastic portion 27 and the top wall 25 of the housing 20 (see FIG. 3). The upward range of motion of the lock member 30 is defined by the outer upper surface 34 abutting on the lower side surface 25A (see FIGS. 13 and 15) of the top wall 25 of the housing 20.

The central bulging surface 33 has a front horizontal plane 33A and a rear inclined surface 33B.
The front horizontal plane 33A is a plane whose normal direction is upward. The front horizontal plane 33A constitutes most of the central bulging surface 33 in plan view. The front horizontal surface 33A functions as a suction surface when the connector 100 is sucked and held.
The rear inclined surface 33B is a plane whose normal direction is a direction slightly inclined rearward with respect to the upward direction. The rear inclined surface 33B is formed rearward with respect to the front horizontal plane 33A.

A pair of rear recesses 35 are formed in the main body 31.
The rear recess 35 is a portion in which the outer upper surface 34 is recessed downward. An upper convex portion 27B of the locking elastic portion 27 of the housing 20 is arranged in the rear concave portion 35 (see FIG. 3). The rear recess 35 is opened not only upward but also rearward.

A pair of front recesses 36 are formed in the main body 31.
The front recess 36 is a portion where the outer upper surface 34 is recessed downward. The front recess 36 is formed forward with respect to the rear recess 35. The front recess 36 is opened not only upward but also forward. When the lock member 30 is assembled, the upper convex portion 27B of the locking elastic portion 27 of the housing 20 passes through the portion of the front concave portion 36 that is opened toward the front (see FIG. 18 (A)). ..

A regulation convex portion 39 is formed between the rear concave portion 35 and the front concave portion 36.
The regulation convex portion 39 is arranged in front of the upper convex portion 27B of the locking elastic portion 27 of the housing 20 (see FIG. 15 (A)). The rear movable range of the lock member 30 is defined by the regulation convex portion 39 abutting on the upper convex portion 27B of the locking elastic portion 27 of the housing 20. The upper surface of the regulation convex portion 39 coincides with the outer upper surface 34 of the lock member 30.

A pair of removing portions 37 are formed on the main body portion 31.
The removing portion 37 is a hole that penetrates the outer upper surface 34 of the main body portion 31 in the vertical direction. The removing portion 37 is formed above the position where the flat conductor 90 is inserted, and the tip portion 91 of the flat conductor 90 can be visually recognized from above the connector via the removing portion 37. The removing portion 37 is located in front of the rear recess 35.

As shown in FIG. 8, the main body 31 has a central lower surface 38A and an outer lower surface 38B as lower surfaces thereof.
The central lower surface 38A is formed in the central range in the width direction of the main body 31. The range in the width direction in which the central lower surface 38A is formed is wider than the range in the width direction in which the central bulging surface 33 is formed. The central lower surface 38A is a plane whose normal direction is downward. As shown in FIGS. 11 and 14, a plurality of lightening portions 38C are formed on the central lower surface 38A. The lightening portion 38C is a portion where the resin of the main body portion 31 is lightened. The central lower surface 38A comes into contact with the upper surface 22A of the terminal holding portion 22 of the housing 20 when the lock member 30 moves downward. The downward movable range of the lock member 30 is defined by the contact of the central lower surface 38A with the terminal holding portion 22 of the housing 20.
The outer lower surface 38B is a plane whose normal direction is downward. The outer lower surface 38B is formed above the central lower surface 38A, and does not come into contact with the upper surface 23A (see FIGS. 7 and 13) of the urging member holding portion 23 of the housing 20 even if the lock member 30 moves downward (FIG. 7 and FIG. 13). 16 (B)). The urging member 40 comes into contact with the outer lower surface 38B. Therefore, the lock member 30 receives an upward elastic force from the urging member 40 on the outer lower surface 38B and is urged upward. The outer lower surface 38B is formed outside the pitch direction from the position where the removing portion 37 is formed.

The main body 31 has a pair of main body side surfaces 38D.
The pair of main body side surfaces 38D form both ends of the main body portion 31 in the width direction. The side surface 38D of the main body is a flat surface whose normal direction is outside in the width direction. The main body side surface 38D is formed over substantially the entire front-rear direction of the main body portion 31. The side surface 38D of the main body comes into contact with the inner surface of the side wall 24 of the housing 20 in the width direction when the lock member 30 moves in the width direction. The range of motion of the lock member 30 in the width direction is defined by the contact of the main body side surface 38D of the main body 31 of the lock member 30 with the side wall 24 of the housing 20.

The main body 31 has a main body rear surface 38E.
The rear surface 38E of the main body constitutes the rear end of the main body 31. The rear surface 38E of the main body is a flat surface whose normal direction is the rear direction. The rear surface 38E of the main body is formed over substantially the entire width direction of the main body 31.

The main body 31 has a main body front surface 38F.
The front surface 38F of the main body constitutes the front end of the main body 31. The front surface 38F of the main body is a flat surface whose normal direction is the front direction. The front surface 38F of the main body is formed over substantially the entire width direction of the main body 31. The front surface 38F of the main body does not come into contact with the front wall 26 of the housing 20 even if the lock member 30 is translated forward. This is because the range of motion of the lock member 30 in the forward direction is defined by the front end surface 72A of the second extending portion 72 of the arm portion 32 of the lock member 30 contacting the housing 20 (the other side portion extraction direction regulating portion 66). This is because it is done (see FIG. 15).

As shown in FIG. 10, the arm portion 32 has a first extension portion 71 extending downward from the main body portion 31, a second extension portion 72 extending forward from the first extension portion 71, and a second extension portion 72. It has a locking convex portion 73 that protrudes upward from the portion 72.

As shown in FIG. 15, the first extending portion 71 extends from one side (upper side) to the other side (lower side) in the thickness direction with respect to the path SR of the flat conductor 90. The first extension portion 71 connects the main body portion 31 and the second extension portion 72, and corresponds to the “connecting portion” of the present disclosure.
The second extending portion 72 is arranged on the other side (lower side) in the thickness direction with respect to the path SR of the flat conductor 90, and corresponds to the “other side portion” of the present disclosure.

The second extending portion 72 has a front end surface 72A at its front end. The front end surface 72A comes into contact with a part of the housing 20 (the other side portion withdrawal direction regulating portion 66, see FIG. 12) when the lock member 30 is translated in the forward direction (see FIG. 15). The front end surface 72A of the second extending portion 72 of the lock member 30 comes into contact with a part of the housing 20, so that the range of motion of the lock member 30 in the front direction is defined. The front end surface 72A is a plane whose normal direction is the front direction.

The locking convex portion 73 enters the path SR in the locked state (see FIG. 15). When the lock member 30 is displaced from the lock position K to the unlock position L, the locking convex portion 73 retracts from the path SR (see FIG. 16).

A locking surface 73A for locking the flat conductor 90 is formed on the locking convex portion 73. The locking surface 73A receives a force in the removal direction from the flat conductor 90 when the removal of the flat conductor 90 is restricted. The locking surface 73A is a plane whose normal direction is the rear direction.

The locking convex portion 73 is formed with an inclined surface 73B that the tip portion 91 of the flat conductor 90 comes into contact with when the flat conductor 90 is inserted. By forming the inclined surface 73B at the position where the tip portion 91 of the flat conductor 90 comes into contact, the downward direction (the direction in which the locking convex portion 73 retracts) to the locking convex portion 73 due to the contact with the flat conductor 90. The power of the ingredients acts. The inclined surface 73B is a flat surface. The front end of the inclined surface 73B coincides with the front end surface 72A in the front-rear direction.

≪Bending member 40≫
As shown in FIG. 13A, the urging member 40 is located between the bases 41, 42, 43, the contact portion 48 in contact with the lock member 30, and the base portions 41, 42, 43 and the contact portion 48. It has elastic portions 44, 45, 46, 47 and.

The base portions 41, 42, and 43 include a substrate fixing portion 41, a press-fit fixing portion 43 that is press-fitted and fixed to the housing 20, and an inclined portion 42 that connects the substrate fixing portion 41 and the press-fit fixing portion 43.
The elastic portions 44, 45, 46 have two folded portions 44, 46 and a straight portion 45 connecting the two folded portions 44, 46.
The contact portion 48 is a portion bent so that the upper side is convex. A tip 49 is formed at the tip of the contact 48. The tip of the tip 49 is located below the upper side surface 23A of the urging member holding portion 23 in the illustrated state where the urging member 40 is not elastically deformed.

The urging member 40 is elastically deformed in the locked state of the connector 100 (see FIG. 15B). In each drawing except FIG. 16, the urging member 40 (and the terminal 10) in a state of not being elastically deformed is shown. Therefore, the figure in which the urging member 40 and the lock member 30 are drawn so as to overlap means that the urging member 40 is elastically deformed.

The board fixing portion 41 of the urging member 40 is fixed to the board 80 on the front side of the connector opposite to the board fixing portion 14 of the terminal 10. As a result, the mounting strength of the connector 100 is ensured.

<Normal state>
In the connector 100 in which the flat conductor 90 is not inserted (referred to as “normal state”), the lock member 30 is located at the same position as in the locked state (see FIG. 15). In the connector 100 in the normal state, the locking convex portion 73 has entered the path SR of the flat conductor 90. Further, the outer upper surface 34 of the lock member 30 is in surface contact with the lower side surface 25A of the pair of top walls 25 of the housing 20. Further, the outer lower surface 38B of the main body 31 of the lock member 30 is urged upward by the urging member 40.
Of the lock member 30, the position urged by the urging member 40 and the position where movement in the urging direction (upward direction) is restricted by the housing 20 (position in contact with the top wall 25) are in the connector width direction. (See FIG. 15 (B)).

<Insert flat conductor>
The operation when the flat conductor 90 is inserted (referred to as “when the conductor is inserted”) will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 17, when the flat conductor 90 is inserted, the tip portion 91 of the flat conductor 90 comes into contact with the inclined surface 73B of the locking convex portion 73 of the lock member 30. The locking convex portion 73 receives a force having a downward component in which the locking convex portion 73 retracts from the path SR.
Specifically, the force that the lock member 30 receives from the flat conductor 90 on the inclined surface 73B of the locking convex portion 73 is in the rearward and downward diagonal directions.
Then, the lock member 30 receives a reaction force in the forward direction from the upper convex portion 27B of the locking elastic portion 27 of the housing 20 on the front surface (regulating convex portion 39) of the rear concave portion 35.

Therefore, the lock member 30 is tilted so that its front portion is displaced downward. At this time, the rear end of the outer upper surface 34 of the lock member 30 is tilted while being in contact with the lower side surface 25A of the top wall 25 of the housing 20 (see FIG. 17B). That is, the movement of the lock member 30 when the conductor is inserted is a rotation centered on the rear end of the outer upper surface 34 of the lock member 30.

Then, when the tip 91 of the flat conductor 90 gets over the locking convex portion 73 of the lock member 30, the force acting on the locking convex portion 73 of the lock member 30 is lost from the flat conductor 90. Then, the lock member 30 urged by the urging member 40 returns to the lock position K (see FIG. 15). When the lock member 30 returns to the lock position K, the locking convex portion 73 is arranged in the notch portion 94 (locking convex portion insertion portion) of the flat conductor 90, and the lower side surface 25A of the pair of top walls 25 of the housing 20 The outer upper surface 34 of the lock member 30 comes into contact with the surface. As a result, the lock state is set.

<Extraction regulation>
The operation at the time of removal restriction (when a force in the removal direction is applied to the flat conductor 90 in the locked state) will be described with reference to FIG.

When the flat conductor 90 tries to move in the pulling direction, a force in the pulling direction acts from the tip 91 of the flat conductor 90 onto the locking surface 73A of the locking convex portion 73 of the lock member 30.

In the locked state, the front end surface 72A of the arm portion 32 of the lock member 30 is in contact with or close to the other side portion extraction direction regulating portion 66 of the housing 20. Therefore, when a force in the removal direction acts on the locking convex portion 73, the front end surface 72A of the arm portion 32 immediately receives a reaction force in the insertion direction from the housing 20, or moves slightly forward to the housing 20. The other side portion comes into contact with the extraction direction regulating portion 66 (see FIG. 12) and receives a reaction force in the insertion direction. As a result, the removal of the flat conductor 90 is restricted.
As shown in FIG. 12, the other side portion extraction direction regulating portion 66 of the housing 20 is a flat surface having the rear side in the normal direction.

<Unlock>
A state in which the lock member 30 is in the unlocked position (referred to as “unlocked state”) will be described with reference to FIG.

When the central bulging surface 33 (operation unit, operation surface) of the main body 31 of the lock member 30 is pushed downward from the locked state, the lock member 30 moves downward.

When the lock member 30 is translated downward, the central lower surface 38A of the main body 31 of the lock member 30 comes into contact with the upper surface 22A of the terminal holding portion 22. The downward movable range of the lock member 30 is defined by the central lower surface 38A of the main body 31 of the lock member 30 coming into contact with the upper surface 22A of the terminal holding portion 22.

In a state where the central lower surface 38A of the main body 31 of the lock member 30 is in contact with the upper surface 22A of the terminal holding portion 22, the locking convex portion 73 of the arm portion 32 of the lock member 30 is retracted from the path SR, and the flat conductor 90 Evacuate from the notch portion 94 (removal portion) of. Therefore, the removal of the flat conductor 90 is permitted.

<Withdrawal Control Department>
When the lock member 30 moves rearward from the lock position K, the regulation convex portion 39 of the lock member 30 comes into contact with the upper convex portion 27B of the locking elastic portion 27 of the housing 20 (see FIG. 15 (A)). That is, the upper convex portion 27B (one-side convex portion) of the locking elastic portion 27 prevents the lock member 30 moving rearward from the lock position K from being detached.

On the other hand, when the lock member 30 moves downward in parallel and moves to the unlock position L (see FIG. 16), the upper convex portion 27B of the locking elastic portion 27 of the housing 20 moves to the outside of the rear concave portion 35 of the lock member 30. It moves, and the rearward movement of the lock member 30 cannot be regulated by the upper convex portion 27B.
However, in this state, the rear surface 38E of the main body of the lock member 30 is arranged in front of the lower convex portion 28 of the housing 20. Therefore, even if the lock member 30 moves rearward from this state, the rear surface 38E of the main body of the lock member 30 comes into contact with the lower convex portion 28 (the other side convex portion) of the housing 20 and is separated from the accommodation space 21. Be regulated.

<When assembling the lock member>
The operation when the lock member 30 is assembled (when the lock member is assembled) will be described with reference to FIG.

When the lock member 30 is inserted into the accommodation space 21, as shown in FIG. 18B, the main body portion 31 of the lock member 30 passes between the top wall 25 of the housing 20 and the lower convex portion 28. Then, during the insertion, the urging member 40 starts to come into contact with the outer lower surface 38B of the lock member 30. After that, the lock member 30 is inserted while being urged upward by the urging member 40.

When the insertion is further advanced from the state shown in FIG. 18, the regulation convex portion 39 of the lock member 30 comes into contact with the inclined surface 27B1 of the upper convex portion 27B of the locking elastic portion 27 of the housing 20. As the insertion is further advanced, the locking elastic portion 27 is elastically deformed so that the upper convex portion 27B is displaced upward.
When the regulation convex portion 39 of the lock member 30 gets over the upper convex portion 27B of the locking elastic portion 27, the shape of the locking elastic portion 27 returns to the original shape. As a result, the assembly of the lock member 30 is completed.

(Detailed structure of terminals)
Next, the detailed structure of the terminal 10 will be described with reference to FIG.
In FIG. 19, the −Z direction is defined as one side in the first direction, the + Z direction is defined as the other side in the first direction, the + X direction is defined as one side in the second direction, and the −X direction is defined as the other side in the second direction.

The terminal 10 is made of a plate material. The terminal 10 does not have a bent portion of the plate material, and the entire terminal 10 has a flat plate shape. The plate thickness direction of the terminal 10 faces the connector width direction (third direction).

The terminal 10 has a base end side portion 11 held by the housing 20 (see FIG. 14A). The base end side portion 11 includes a base portion 12 located at the rear portion of the terminal 10 and a front extending portion 13 extending forward (one side in the second direction) from the upper portion (the portion on the other side in the first direction) of the base portion 12. Has.
A protrusion 13A that bites into the housing 20 is formed in the front extending portion 13, and is press-fitted into the housing 20 (see FIG. 14A).

Further, the terminal 10 has a substrate fixing portion 14 which is fixed to the substrate 80 by soldering or the like. The substrate fixing portion 14 is formed at a position rearward (−X direction) and downward (−Z direction) with respect to the base portion 12.

Further, the terminal 10 includes a first contact piece 15 and a second contact piece 16.
Both the first contact piece 15 and the second contact piece 16 extend to one side in the second direction, and each come into contact with the flat conductor 90 as the "object to be connected" from one side in the first direction. The contact portion 15A and the second contact portion 16A are provided on the tip side. The second contact piece 16 is located on the other side of the first contact piece 15 in the first direction. The second contact portion 16A contacts the flat conductor 90 on the other side in the second direction from the first contact portion 15A.

The first contact piece 15 has a straight portion 15C extending in one side in the second direction on the base end side thereof, and an inclined portion extending in the diagonal direction on one side in the second direction and the other side in the first direction on the tip end side thereof. It has 15B.
The second contact piece 16 has a first inclined portion 16C extending in an oblique direction on one side in the second direction and one side in the first direction on the base end side thereof, and on the tip end side thereof, on one side in the second direction and on the first side. It has a second inclined portion 16B extending in an oblique direction on one side and the other side.
The direction in which the contact piece extends can be grasped with reference to the direction in which the pair of edges of the contact piece face. Specifically, when both of the pair of edges of the contact piece extend in the oblique direction, it is understood that the contact piece extends in the oblique direction.

A first space 17 is formed between the first contact piece 15 and the second contact piece 16, and a second space 18 is formed between the second contact piece 16 and the forward extending portion 13.

The base end side of the second contact piece 16 is not connected to the base portion 12, but is connected only to the front extending portion 13.
As a result, the end 17A on the other side in the second direction of the first space 17 is located on the other side in the second direction with respect to the end 18A on the other side in the second direction of the second space 18, and the first direction of the first space 17 The end 17B on the other side is located on the other side in the first direction with respect to the end 18A on the other side in the second direction of the second space 18.

On the other side of the first space 17 in the second direction, a plate edge 12A extending substantially parallel to the first direction is formed. The length of the plate edge 12A extending substantially parallel to the first direction is longer than the width of the base end of the second contact piece 16.

(Structure of terminal holding part)
Next, the structure of the terminal holding portion 22 of the housing 20 will be described.

As shown in FIG. 14A, the terminal holding portion 22 has a lower wall 52 and an upper wall 53.
In the space between the lower wall 52 and the upper wall 53, the base end side portion 11 of the terminal 10 and the contact pieces 15 and 16 are arranged. The upper side surface of the upper wall 53 constitutes the upper surface 22A of the terminal holding portion 22.

The front end 52A of the lower wall 52 is located in front of the front end 53A of the upper wall 53 and the front wall 26 of the housing 20. This makes it easier to insert the flat conductor 90.

Further, the terminal holding portion 22 has a plurality of intervening walls 54 arranged between adjacent terminals 10 among the plurality of terminals 10.
Insertion grooves 55 for inserting the flat conductor 90 are formed in the plurality of intervening walls 54. The insertion groove 55 extends rearward from the front end of the intervening wall 54. The rear end 55A of the insertion groove 55 is located at the intermediate portion in the front-rear direction of the intervening wall 54. The rear end 55A of the insertion groove 55 defines the limit of the insertion depth of the flat conductor 90.

On the upper side of the insertion groove 55, a width direction connecting portion 56 for connecting a plurality of intervening walls 54 in the connector width direction is formed. The width direction connecting portion 56 extends in the front-rear direction. The front extending portion 13 of the terminal 10 is inserted and press-fitted between the widthwise connecting portion 56 and the upper wall 53.

<Effect>
Next, the action and effect of this embodiment will be described from the first viewpoint.

In the present embodiment, the flat conductor connector 100 includes a housing 20 and a lock member 30. The lock member 30 has a locking convex portion 73 for locking the flat conductor 90, and is displaceable between the locking position K and the unlocking position L with respect to the housing 20. The locking convex portion 73 of the lock member 30 at the lock position K locks the flat conductor 90 by entering the path SR of the flat conductor 90. On the other hand, the locking convex portion 73 of the locking member 30 at the unlocking position L is retracted from the path SR to release the locking of the flat conductor 90. The locking convex portion 73 locks the flat conductor 90 from the other side (lower side) in the thickness direction of the flat conductor 90.
Further, the flat conductor connector 100 includes an urging member 40. The urging member 40 allows the lock member 30 to be displaced to the unlock position L by elastically deforming, and urges the lock member 30 at the unlock position L to the lock position K.
Then, the lock member 30 has an operation unit (central bulging surface 33) for moving the lock member 30 to the unlocked position. Therefore, the user can move the lock member 30 to the unlock position L by operating the operation unit (central bulging surface 33).
Further, the displacement of the lock member 30 from the lock position K to the unlock position L is possible by translating the flat conductor 90 of the lock member 30 to the other side (lower side) in the thickness direction. Therefore, in the present embodiment, unlike the prior art, it is not necessary to form the operation portion (central bulging surface 33) in consideration of the rotation of the lock member 30. As a result, the operating portion (central bulging surface 33) can be easily formed widely, and the operating force of the flat conductor 90 toward the other side (lower side) in the thickness direction is smoothly transmitted to the lock member 30. That is, the connector can be easily operated from the locked state to the unlocked state.

Further, in the present embodiment, the lock member 30 has one side portion (main body portion 31) located on one side (upper side) of the flat conductor 90 in the thickness direction of the path SR and the flat conductor 90 rather than the path SR. A connecting portion that connects the other side portion (second extension portion 72) located on the other side (lower side) in the thickness direction, and the one side portion (main body portion 31) and the other side portion (second extension portion 72). (First extension portion 71) and. The locking convex portion 73 is formed so as to project from the other side portion (second extending portion 72), and the operating portion (central bulging surface 33) is formed on one side portion (main body portion 31).
Therefore, the operation unit (central bulging surface 33) can be arranged on one side (upper side) of the flat conductor 90 in the thickness direction with respect to the path SR.

Further, in the present embodiment, the housing 20 is brought close to or in contact with the other side portion (second extension portion 72), and the other side portion (second extension portion 72) is moved on the removal direction side (front side). The other side portion withdrawal direction regulating portion 66 to be regulated is formed (see FIGS. 12 and 15).
Therefore, when a force in the pulling direction is applied from the flat conductor 90 to the locking convex portion 73, the second extending portion 72 (the other side portion) of the lock member 30 becomes the other side portion pulling direction regulating portion 66 of the housing 20. The locking member 30 does not move or moves slightly and then stops because it is in close proximity to or in contact with.

Further, in the present embodiment, the end of the urging direction regulating portion (outer upper surface 34) of the flat conductor 90 on the removal direction side (front side) is located on the removal direction side (front side) of the locking convex portion 73. Therefore, the urging direction regulating portion (outer upper surface 34) can be formed long forward. By forming the urging direction regulating portion (outer upper surface 34) long forward, in the present embodiment, the contact area between the top wall 25 of the housing 20 and the outer upper surface 34 of the lock member 30 becomes large, and they are locally localized to each other. The action of various forces is suppressed.
However, due to the force acting on the locking convex portion 73 in the pulling direction, the locking convex portion 73 has a locking convex portion 73 as a fulcrum on the locking member 30 with the end on the pulling direction side of the biasing direction regulating portion (a pair of outer upper surfaces 34) as a fulcrum. The structure is such that a moment is generated in the retracting direction.
However, in the present embodiment, since the other side portion extraction direction regulating portion 66 is formed in the housing 20, even if the lock member 30 tries to rotate, does the locking convex portion 73 rotate in the retracting direction? Even if it happens, it will be settled with a slight rotation.

Further, in the present embodiment, the locking member 30 rotates about the width direction (connector width direction) of the flat conductor 90 by the force acting on the locking convex portion 73 from the inserted flat conductor 90. By doing so, the locking convex portion 73 is retracted from the path SR.
Therefore, the user can retract the locking convex portion 73 from the path SR simply by inserting the flat conductor 90. Further, since the retracting of the locking convex portion 73 is realized by the rotation of the lock member 30, a smaller insertion force is required as compared with the case where the locking member 30 is realized by translation.
In particular, in the present embodiment, the center of rotation at the time of insertion (the rear end of the outer upper surface 34) is located on one side (rear and upper) in the insertion direction and the thickness direction with respect to the locking convex portion 73. .. Therefore, even smaller insertion force is required.

Further, in the present embodiment, the operation portion (center bulging surface 33) of the lock member 30 is within a range including a position that substantially coincides with the center of rotation in the insertion direction (connector front-rear direction) (see reference numeral 33B in FIG. 15). It is formed. Therefore, the operation portion (central bulging surface 33) of the lock member 30 can be formed widely.

Further, in the present embodiment, the urging member 40 is an elastic portion located between the base portions 41, 42, 43, the contact portion 48 in contact with the lock member 30, and the base portions 41, 42, 43 and the contact portion 48. It has 44, 45, 46 and.
The elastic portions 44, 45, 46 have two folded portions 44, 46. Therefore, as compared with the embodiment in which the folding portions 44 and 46 are one, the structure is such that the contact portion 48 and the lock member 30 are more likely to be suppressed from sliding when the lock member 30 moves in parallel in the vertical direction. Become.

Next, the action and effect of this embodiment will be described from the second viewpoint.

In the present embodiment, the flat conductor connector 100 includes a housing 20 and a lock member 30. A housing space 21 for accommodating the lock member 30 is formed in the housing 20. The lock member 30 accommodated in the accommodation space 21 is displaceable between the lock position K and the unlock position L in the accommodation space 21.
The lock member 30 has a locking convex portion 73 for locking the flat conductor 90. The locking convex portion 73 locks the flat conductor 90 when the lock member 30 is in the lock position K, and releases the lock of the flat conductor 90 when the lock member 30 is in the unlock position L.
Further, the housing 20 has an elastic portion (locking elastic portion 27) that can be elastically deformed. The elastic portion (locking elastic portion 27) is elastically deformed to allow the lock member 30 to be inserted into the accommodation space 21 from a predetermined direction (rear direction of the connector). Therefore, when assembling the connector, the lock member 30 can be inserted into the accommodation space 21 from a predetermined direction (rear direction of the connector) by elastically deforming the elastic portion (locking elastic portion 27) of the housing 20. ..
Further, the housing 20 prevents the lock member 30 from coming off from the accommodation space 21 by coming into contact with the lock member 30 when the lock member 30 in the accommodation space 21 moves in a predetermined direction (rear direction of the connector). It has detachment prevention parts 27B and 28. Therefore, even if the lock member 30 in the accommodation space 21 moves to the side where the lock member 30 has been inserted, the detachment prevention portions 27B and 28 of the housing 20 come into contact with the lock member 30, thereby causing the accommodation space 21 of the lock member 30 to come into contact with the lock member 30. Withdrawal from is prevented.
From the above, in the process of assembling the lock member 30 at the time of manufacturing the connector, a member other than the housing 20 and the lock member 30 is unnecessary, and the lock member is elastically deformed while the elastic portion (locking elastic portion 27) is elastically deformed. The lock member 30 does not separate from the accommodation space 21 just by inserting the 30. That is, in the flat conductor connector 100 including the lock member 30 for locking the flat conductor 90, the work of assembling the lock member 30 can be simplified.

Further, in the present embodiment, the displacement between the lock position K and the unlock position L of the lock member 30 is a displacement in a direction intersecting the opening direction (rear direction of the connector) of the accommodation space 21 which is a predetermined direction. .. Therefore, when the lock member 30 moves from the lock position K in the opening direction (rear direction of the connector) and when the lock member 30 moves from the unlock position in the opening direction (rear direction of the connector), the lock member 30 moves. The trajectory will be different.
Therefore, the release prevention portions 27B and 28 come into contact with the lock member 30 when the lock member 30 moves from the lock position K to the opening direction (rear direction of the connector), and the lock member 30 comes into contact with the lock member 30 from the unlock position in the opening direction (connector). When it moves in the backward direction), it comes into contact with the lock member 30.
Therefore, it is possible to prevent the lock member 30 from coming off in the connector in which the displacement between the lock position K and the unlock position of the lock member 30 intersects the opening direction (rear direction of the connector).

Further, in the present embodiment, the elastic portion is a locking elastic portion 27 formed in the housing 20. The locking elastic portion 27 is configured to include a one-side convex portion (upper convex portion 27B) that forms a part of the detachment prevention portions 27B and 28.
Therefore, when the lock member 30 is assembled, the lock member 30 can be inserted into the accommodation space 21 by elastically deforming the locking elastic portion 27 of the housing 20. Then, the detachment prevention portions 27B and 28 including the one-side convex portion (upper convex portion 27B) of the locking elastic portion 27 that has been elastically restored prevents the lock member 30 from being detached from the accommodation space 21.
The "one-sided convex portion" may constitute all of the detachment prevention portions 27B and 28.

Further, in the present embodiment, the disengagement prevention portions 27B and 28 have a one-side convex portion (upper convex portion 27B) of the locking elastic portion 27 and the other-side convex portion (protruding in the direction opposite to the locking convex portion 73). It is configured to include a lower convex portion 28). The one-side convex portion (upper convex portion 27B) abuts on the lock member 30 moving from the lock position K in the opening direction (rear direction of the connector), and the other side convex portion (lower convex portion 28) is from the unlock position. It abuts on the lock member 30 that moves in the opening direction (rear direction of the connector).
Therefore, the amount of protrusion of the one-side convex portion (upper convex portion 27B) can be reduced as compared with the embodiment in which the detachment prevention portions 27B and 28 are composed of only one side convex portion (upper convex portion 27B). .. When the protrusion amount of the one-side convex portion (upper convex portion 27B) becomes small, the lock member 30 can be inserted toward the position close to the lock position K when the lock member is inserted into the accommodation space 21, and as a result, The amount of elastic deformation of the urging member 40 when the lock member 30 is inserted can be reduced. When the amount of elastic deformation of the urging member 40 when the lock member 30 is inserted becomes small, for example, the force required when the lock member 30 is inserted can be reduced.

Further, in the present embodiment, the housing 20 includes a pair of urging direction regulating surfaces (lower side surface 25A of the top wall 25) that regulate the displacement of the lock member 30 in the urging direction. A pair of urging direction regulating wall surfaces (lower side surface 25A of the top wall 25) are formed at both ends in the width direction of the connector. Therefore, since the lock member 30 is supported by a pair of urging direction regulating wall surfaces (lower side surface 25A of the top wall 25) at both ends in the connector width direction, the posture of the lock member 30 is stable.
Further, the locking elastic portions 27 are formed in pairs on the inner side in the connector width direction with respect to each of the pair of urging direction regulating wall surfaces (lower side surface 25A of the top wall 25). Therefore, the locking member 30 is stably prevented from being separated from the accommodation space 21 by the pair of locking convex portions 73 of the pair of locking elastic portions 27 located apart from each other in the connector width direction.
Further, the pair of locking elastic portions 27 are formed on the extending portion 27A extending from the base end side toward the opening direction (connector rear direction) of the accommodation space 21 and on the tip end side of the extending portion 27A, respectively. It is configured to include a lateral convex portion (upper convex portion 27B). Therefore, the one-side convex portion (upper convex portion) formed on the tip end side (opening direction side) of the extending portion 27A extending in the opening direction (rear direction of the connector) so that the lock member 30 can be separated from the accommodation space 21. 27B) is prevented. Further, since the length of the extending portion 27A can be increased in the range of the connector dimension (the range of the front-rear dimension of the connector) along the opening direction (the rearward direction of the connector), the locking elastic portion 27 that is not easily damaged can be obtained. ..

Further, in the present embodiment, the connector 100 has a flat conductor insertion port 102 that opens in one of the directions along the mounted substrate 80 (the front direction of the connector). On the other hand, the opening direction of the accommodation space 21 (rear direction of the connector) is the direction opposite to the opening direction of the flat conductor insertion port 102 (front direction of the connector) along the substrate 80. Therefore, it is easy to form a large opening of the accommodation space 21.

Further, in the present embodiment, the displacement from the lock position K to the unlock position L is the direction closer to the substrate 80 (downward direction) in the direction perpendicular to the substrate 80 (vertical direction). The lock member 30 is an operation surface (central bulging surface 33) that faces a direction away from the substrate 80 (upward direction) in a direction perpendicular to the substrate 80, and is an operation that displaces the lock member 30 to the unlock position L. Has an operating surface (central bulging surface 33) for
Therefore, the lock member 30 can be displaced to the unlock position L by operating from the direction perpendicular to the substrate 80 and away from the substrate 80. It should be noted that the fact that the lock member 30 can be displaced to the unlocked position by an operation from above the substrate is beneficial, for example, when a large number of connectors are mounted on the substrate 80.

Next, the action and effect of the present embodiment will be described from the third viewpoint.

In the present embodiment, the terminal 10 includes a first contact piece 15, a second contact piece 16, and a front extension portion 13, and the proximal end side of the second contact piece 16 is connected to the front extension portion 13.
Therefore, unlike the terminal 10 in which the base end side of the second contact piece 16 is not connected to the forward extending portion 13, the degree of freedom in designing the terminal 10 is improved. That is, for example, by connecting only the front extending portion 13 to the base end side of the second contact piece 16, it is easy to widen the distance between the base ends of the first contact piece 15 and the second contact piece 16. Further, for example, by connecting a part of the second contact piece 16 on the base end side to the front extending portion 13, the base end of the second contact piece 16 can be easily formed to be thick.
As described above, according to the third viewpoint, the characteristics of the first contact piece 15 and the second contact piece 16 are adjusted in the terminal 10 including the first contact piece 15, the second contact piece 16, and the forward extending portion 13. Newly structured terminals are provided to facilitate this.

Further, in the present embodiment, the proximal end side of the second contact piece 16 is connected only to the forward extending portion 13. Therefore, the dimensions of the terminals 10 in the first direction and the width dimensions of the proximal ends of the contact pieces 15 and 16 are not changed, and the first contact pieces 15 and the second contact pieces 16 are located on the proximal ends. Easy to widen the interval. If the distance between the base ends of the first contact piece 15 and the second contact piece 16 is wide, for example, punching with a press die can be facilitated.

Further, in the present embodiment, the second contact piece 16 has an inclined portion 15B extending in an oblique direction on one side in the second direction and one side in the first direction on the base end side thereof. Therefore, it is easier to secure the length of the second contact piece 16 as compared with the embodiment in which the inclined portion 15B is not formed on the base end side of the second contact pieces 15 and 16.

Further, in the present embodiment, a plate edge 12A extending substantially parallel to the first direction is formed on the other side of the first space 17 in the second direction. Therefore, for example, the width dimension on the base end side of the first contact piece 15 and the second contact piece 16 is compared with the embodiment in which the plate edge extending curvedly on the other side in the second direction of the first space 17 is formed. Can be made smaller. As a result, it is easy to secure the amount of deformation on the proximal end side of the first contact piece 15 and the second contact piece 16.

Further, in the present embodiment, the second contact portion 16A contacts the flat conductor 90 on the other side in the second direction from the first contact portion 15A. Therefore, at the time of contact with the flat conductor 90, the timing at which the first contact portion 15A and the second contact portion 16A come into contact with the object to be connected is different.

Further, in the present embodiment, the front extending portion 13 is formed with a protruding portion 13A that bites into the housing 20. Therefore, the terminal 10 can be held in the housing 20 by using the forward extending portion 13.

Next, the action and effect of this embodiment will be described from other viewpoints.

In the present embodiment, since the top wall 25 that restricts the movement of the lock member 30 in the urging direction (upward direction) is connected to the side wall 24 and the front wall 26, the top wall 25 is not easily damaged.

Further, in the present embodiment, the front end surface 72A of the second extending portion 72 of the lock member 30 and the locking surface 73A of the locking convex portion 73 are close to each other in the vertical direction, so that the lock member 30 is restricted from being removed. It is difficult for a large moment to occur. Specifically, the upper end of the front end surface 72A and the lower end of the locking surface 73A substantially coincide with each other in the vertical direction.

In the present embodiment, since the front concave portion 36 is formed in front of the rear concave portion 35 of the lock member 30, the front-rear dimension of the regulation convex portion 39 is reduced. By reducing the front-rear dimension of the regulation convex portion 39, it is possible to shorten the time during which the locking elastic portion 27 is elastically deformed when the lock member 30 is assembled.
Further, the formation of the front recess 36 delays the time when the lock member 30 starts to receive the reaction force from the locking elastic portion 27. In particular, the time when the lock member 30 starts to receive the reaction force from the locking elastic portion 27 is later than the time when the lock member 30 starts to receive the reaction force from the urging member 40, and the timing is shifted. The lock member 30 can be easily inserted.

Further, in the present embodiment, the width of the rear recess 35 (dimension in the connector width direction) is such that the rear recess 35 does not come into contact with the upper convex portion 27B of the locking elastic portion 27 when the lock member 30 moves in the width direction. It is set to. When the lock member 30 moves in the width direction, the main body side surface 38D of the lock member 30 comes into contact with the side wall 24 of the housing 20.

Further, in the present embodiment, it is possible to confirm whether or not the flat conductor 90 has been connected through the through hole 27C formed in the extending portion 27A of the locking elastic portion 27 of the housing 20. Is. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a through hole or the like for confirming whether or not the flat conductor 90 has been connected separately from the locking elastic portion 27, and the connector can be made small.

Further, in the present embodiment, the housing 20 does not exist below the second extending portion 72 of the lock member 30 at the lock position K. Therefore, the vertical range of motion of the lock member 30 is large. That is, the lock member 30 can be moved downward until the second extending portion 72 reaches a position close to the substrate 80.
Further, a reinforcing portion 67 connecting the terminal holding portion 22 and the urging member holding portion 23 is formed behind the second extending portion 72 of the lock member 30 at the unlock position L (FIG. 16A). reference). Therefore, the housing 20 is reinforced.
Further, since the rear end 72B of the second extending portion 72 is located in front of the rear end (main body rear surface 38E) of the main body portion 31, the reinforcing portion 67 can be formed without increasing the front-rear dimension of the connector 100.

Further, in the present embodiment, even if the lock member 30 is translated downward, the outer lower surface 38B of the lock member 30 does not abut on the urging member holding portion 23 of the housing 20, and the lock member 30 is the central lower surface 38A. Is supported from below only in the central portion in the width direction in which the is formed. Therefore, it is difficult for a force that causes warpage to act on the main body 31 of the lock member 30.
Further, the outer lower surface 38B of the main body 31 of the lock member 30 is located above the central lower surface 38A. As a result, the urging member holding portion 23 can be formed high while allowing the central lower surface 38A of the lock member 30 to come into contact with the housing 20. By forming the urging member holding portion 23 high, the strength of the housing 20 can be improved.

[Supplementary Description of the above Embodiment]
In the above embodiment, the lock member 30 and the urging member 40 are members formed separately from the housing 20, but the locking member and the urging member of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the urging member may be integrally molded with the housing from a synthetic resin material.

Further, in the above embodiment, the removing portion 37 that makes a part of the flat conductor 90 visible is a hole that penetrates in the vertical direction, but the removing portion of the present disclosure is not limited to the hole.

Further, in the above embodiment, the operation surface (central bulging surface 33) as the operation portion is formed on the main body portion 31 as one side portion, but the operation portion of the present disclosure is not limited to this. The operating portion may be formed on the other side portion.

Further, in the above embodiment, the outer upper surface 34 as the "biasing direction regulating portion" is formed on the main body portion 31 as one side portion, but the "biasing direction regulating portion" of the present disclosure is limited to this. Instead, it may be formed on the other side.

Further, in the above embodiment, the lock member 30 has a main body portion 31 as a "one side portion", a second extension portion 72 as a "other side portion", and a first extension portion as a "connecting portion". 71, but the "locking member" of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the lock member may be composed of only the other side portion.

Further, in the above embodiment, the lock member can be rotated as in the case of inserting the conductor (see FIG. 17), but the lock member of the present disclosure is not limited to this. The lock member may be configured so that it can only move in parallel and may not rotate.

Further, in the above embodiment, the lock member can be translated so as to be displaced from the lock position K to the unlock position L (see FIGS. 15 and 16), but the lock member of the present disclosure is not limited to this. .. The lock member may be configured so that it can only rotate as in the case of inserting a conductor, and may not be able to move in parallel.

Further, in the above embodiment, the locking elastic portion 27 as the "elastic portion" is formed in the housing 20, but the elastic portion of the present disclosure is not limited to this. The elastic portion may be formed on the lock member.

Further, in the above embodiment, an inclined surface 27B1 is formed on the upper convex portion 27B as the "one-side convex portion of the locking elastic portion", and the locking member 30 is brought into contact with the inclined surface 27B1. By inserting 30 into the accommodation space 21, the locking elastic portion 27 could be elastically deformed. However, the "one-sided convex portion of the locking elastic portion" of the present disclosure is not limited to this, and an inclined surface may not be formed. In this case, the lock member may be inserted into the accommodation space while elastically deforming the locking elastic portion with a worker's finger, a jig, a machine, or the like.

Further, in the above embodiment, the "terminal" is a terminal having a flat conductor 90 as a connection object, but the "terminal" of the present disclosure is not limited to this. The terminal may be a terminal to which the connector is an object to be connected.

Further, in the above embodiment, the lock member 30 is formed of an insulating material such as synthetic resin, but the "lock member" of the present disclosure may be formed of another material such as ceramic or metal.

100 connector (connector for flat conductor)
102 Flat conductor insertion port 10 Terminal 11 Base end side 12A Plate edge 13 Front extension 13A Projection 15 First contact piece 15A First contact part 16 Second contact piece 16A Second contact part 16C First inclined part ( Inclined part)
17 First space 17A Second direction other side end 17B First direction other side end 18 Second space 18A Second direction other side end 20 Housing 21 Accommodation space 22 Terminal holding part 23 Biasing member holding part 24 Side wall 25 Top wall (Bending direction regulation department)
25A Lower side (Biasing direction regulation part)
26 Front wall 27 Locking elastic part (elastic part)
27A Extension 27B, 28 Detachment prevention part 27B Upper convex part (one side convex part)
28 Lower convex part (other side convex part)
30 Lock member 31 Main body (convex on one side)
32 Arm (connecting part, other side)
33 Central bulging surface (operation unit, operation surface)
34 Outer upper surface (biasing direction regulation part)
40 Biasing member 41, 42, 43 Base 44, 45, 46 Elastic part 44, 46 Folded part 48 Contact part 66 Other side part Extraction direction regulation part 71 First extension part (connecting part)
72 Second extension (other side)
72A Front end face (Biasing direction regulation part)
73 Locking convex part 80 Substrate 90 Flat conductor 91 Tip part

Claims (8)

A first contact piece having a first contact portion on the tip side that contacts the object to be connected from one side in the first direction and extending to one side in the second direction orthogonal to the first direction.
A second contact piece having a second contact portion on the tip side that contacts the object to be connected from one side in the first direction and extending to one side in the second direction orthogonal to the first direction.
A terminal including a proximal end side portion to which the proximal end sides of both the first contact piece and the second contact piece are connected.
The second contact piece is located on the other side of the first direction with respect to the first contact piece.
The base end side portion is a front extension portion located on the other side in the first direction with respect to the second contact piece, and has the front extension portion linearly extending to one side in the second direction.
The proximal end side of the second contact piece is connected to the anterior extension.
Terminal. The space formed between the first contact piece and the second contact piece is defined as the first space.
When the space formed between the second contact piece and the front extension portion is defined as the second space,
The other end in the second direction of the first space is located on the other side in the second direction with respect to the other end in the second direction of the second space.
The terminal according to claim 1. The base end side of the second contact piece is connected only to the front extension portion.
The terminal according to claim 1 or 2. The space formed between the first contact piece and the second contact piece is defined as the first space.
When the space formed between the second contact piece and the front extension portion is defined as the second space,
The other end in the first direction of the first space is located on the other side in the first direction with respect to the other end in the second direction of the second space.
The terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The second contact piece has an inclined portion extending in an oblique direction on one side in the second direction and one side in the first direction on the base end side thereof.
The terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The space formed between the first contact piece and the second contact piece is defined as the first space.
When the space formed between the second contact piece and the front extension portion is defined as the second space,
On the other side of the first space in the second direction, a plate edge extending substantially parallel to the first direction is formed.
The terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The second contact portion contacts the connection object on the other side in the second direction from the first contact portion.
The terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 6. A protrusion that bites into the housing is formed on the front extending portion.
The terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 7.