JP2026013169A - Terminal fittings - Google Patents

Abstract

A terminal fitting capable of satisfactorily connecting a conductive path of a flexible printed circuit board to a resilient contact piece can be realized.
[Solution] A terminal fitting (10) is connected to a conductive path (132) in a flexible printed circuit board (130) that includes a resin base material (131) and a conductive path (132) laminated on the base material (131). The terminal fitting (10) includes a main body (20) and a resilient contact piece (30) that extends from the main body (20) and resiliently contacts the conductive path (132). The resilient contact piece (30) has a pair of contact portions (41) that are spaced apart and contact the conductive path (132).
[Selected Figure] Figure 7

Description

This disclosure relates to terminal fittings.

The connector in Patent Document 1 comprises a housing into which a cable configured as an FPC is inserted, and contacts housed in the housing. The contacts are roughly H-shaped and have a rod-shaped fixed contact portion, a rod-shaped movable contact portion, and a connecting spring portion that connects the two contact portions. By clamping the cable between the two contact portions, the connector and the cable are brought into a conductive state.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-36187

However, with the connector configuration of Patent Document 1, when the contact portion of the movable contact part is pressed against the conductive path of the flexible printed circuit board, the resin layer underneath the conductive path deforms, causing the conductive path to deform in a direction away from the contact portion. This can result in insufficient contact pressure between the contact portion and the conductive path. Therefore, there is a need for a terminal fitting that can effectively connect the conductive path of the flexible printed circuit board to the elastic contact piece.

The terminal fitting disclosed herein was developed based on the above circumstances, and aims to provide a good connection between the conductive path of a flexible printed circuit board and the elastic contact piece.

The terminal fitting of the present disclosure comprises:
A terminal fitting connected to a conductive path in a flexible printed circuit board including a resin base material and a conductive path laminated on the base material,
a main body;
a resilient contact piece extending from the main body and resiliently contacting the conductive path;
Equipped with
The resilient contact piece has at least a pair of contact portions spaced apart from each other and in contact with the conductive path.

This disclosure makes it possible to realize a terminal fitting that can effectively connect the conductive path of a flexible printed circuit board to the elastic contact piece.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a terminal fitting according to a first embodiment, as viewed from the left side. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the terminal fitting of FIG. 1 as viewed from the right side. 3 is a side view of the front end portion of the terminal fitting of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of the front end portion of the terminal fitting of FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the front end portion of the terminal fitting of FIG. 1. FIG. FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view showing a state in which the connector of the first embodiment and the mating connector have been completely mated. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the connection portion between the resilient contact piece and the flexible printed circuit board in FIG. 6, as viewed from the front. FIG. 8 is a side view of the front end portion of the terminal fitting of the second embodiment as viewed from the left side. 9 is a bottom view of the front end portion of the terminal fitting of FIG. 8. FIG. FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the front end portion of the terminal fitting of the third embodiment. FIG. 11 is a bottom view of the front end portion of the terminal fitting of the fourth embodiment. FIG. 12 is a side view of the front end portion of a terminal fitting according to another embodiment. 13 is a bottom view of the front end portion of the terminal fitting of FIG. 12. FIG.

Description of the embodiments of the present disclosure
First, embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described.
(1) A terminal fitting connected to a conductive path in a flexible printed circuit board including a resin base material and a conductive path laminated on the base material,
a main body;
a resilient contact piece extending from the main body and resiliently contacting the conductive path;
Equipped with
The resilient contact piece is a terminal fitting having at least a pair of contact portions spaced apart from each other and in contact with the conductive path.

By using the terminal fitting (1), the base material in the portion (inner portion) between the two portions of the flexible printed circuit board that come into contact with the pair of contact points is forced together with no escape route, resulting in an increased thickness. Therefore, when the contact points and the conductive path are in contact, the portions of both portions that connect to the inner portions and receive contact pressure from the pair of contact points are less likely to become thin, and the conductive path is less likely to deform in a direction away from the contact points. This makes it easier to ensure contact pressure between the inner portion of the flexible printed circuit board and the contact points. Therefore, the terminal fitting can effectively connect the conductive path of the flexible printed circuit board to the resilient contact piece.

(2) A terminal fitting as described in (1), in which the pair of contact portions are aligned in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the resilient contact pieces.

In the terminal fitting (2), compared to a configuration in which the pair of contact portions are aligned in a direction different from the direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the resilient contact piece, the inner portion is more likely to enter between the pair of contact portions when the flexible printed circuit board approaches the resilient contact piece in the extension direction of the resilient contact piece. This makes it even more difficult for the base material in the inner portion to escape, and it is pushed closer together, increasing its thickness. Therefore, when the contact portions and the conductive path are in contact, the portions of both parts that receive contact pressure from the pair of contact portions and that connect to the inner portion are even less likely to become thinner, and therefore the conductive path is even less likely to deform in a direction away from the contact portions. This makes it even easier to ensure contact pressure between the inner portion of the flexible printed circuit board and the contact portions.

(3) A terminal fitting as described in (2), in which the distance between the pair of contact portions narrows toward the front in the direction in which the flexible printed circuit board approaches the pair of contact portions.

In the terminal fitting (3), when the flexible printed circuit board slides into contact with the resilient contact pieces along the direction of extension of the resilient contact pieces to connect, the relatively wide gap between the pair of contact parts makes it easier for the inner portion to be drawn in. Then, as the flexible printed circuit board and the resilient contact pieces approach each other, the relatively narrow gap between the pair of contact parts adequately holds the inner portion. This means that the base material in the inner portion is forced closer together with nowhere to escape, increasing its thickness. Therefore, when the contact parts and the conductive path are in contact, the portions of both parts that receive contact pressure from the pair of contact parts and that connect to the inner portion are even less likely to become thinner, making it even more difficult for the conductive path to deform in a direction away from the contact parts. This makes it even easier to ensure contact pressure between the inner portion of the flexible printed circuit board and the contact parts.

(4) A terminal fitting described in any one of (1) to (3), in which a non-through recess is formed in the resilient contact piece between the pair of contact portions, recessed on the side opposite the flexible printed circuit board.

In the terminal fitting (4), compared to a configuration in which a recess is formed between a pair of contact points, the pair of contact points are less likely to deform apart, and changes in contact pressure between the contact points and the conductive path can be suppressed.

(5) The resilient contact piece has two pairs of contact portions arranged in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the resilient contact piece,
The terminal fitting according to (1), wherein the contact portions of one pair are aligned with the contact portions of the other pair in the extension direction.

In the terminal fitting (5), the portion (central portion) surrounded by the portions of the flexible printed circuit board that contact the four contact portions is between the pair of inner portions in the extension direction of the resilient contact piece, and has no escape route to the outside (outside in the extension direction of the resilient contact piece), resulting in a thicker portion. Furthermore, the central portion of the flexible printed circuit board is between the pair of inner portions in the direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the resilient contact piece (the portion between the two portions that contact a pair of adjacent contact portions in the extension direction of the resilient contact piece), and has no escape route to the outside (outside in the direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the resilient contact piece), resulting in a thicker portion. Therefore, when the contact portions and the conductive paths are in contact with each other, the portions that receive contact pressure from the contact portions and that connect to the central portion are less likely to become thinner, and therefore the conductive paths are less likely to deform in a direction away from the contact portions. This makes it easier to ensure contact pressure between the conductive paths of the flexible printed circuit board and the contact portions.

[Details of the embodiment of the present disclosure]
[Example 1]
A first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 7. In this first embodiment, with regard to the front-to-rear direction, the F direction in Figures 1 and 6 is defined as the front. The front is the direction in which the connector 100 is mated with the mating connector 110. With regard to the up-down direction, the H direction in Figures 1 and 6 is defined as the upward direction. With regard to the left-to-right direction, the R direction in Figure 1 is defined as the right.

(Configuration of terminal fitting 10)
A terminal fitting 10 according to the first embodiment is shown in Fig. 1. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the terminal fitting 10 is integrally formed by bending a single conductive metal plate. The terminal fitting 10 is an inseparable single member. The terminal fitting 10 is connectable to a flexible printed circuit board 130 (see Fig. 6). The terminal fitting 10 includes a main body 20 and a resilient contact piece 30.

The main body 20 is the part that is assembled to the housing 50 (see Figure 6), which will be described later. The main body 20 has a support portion 21, a receiving portion 22, and a connecting piece 23.

The support portion 21 is the portion that supports the resilient contact piece 30. The support portion 21 is a rectangular tube that is long in the front-to-rear direction and has an open bottom. The support portion 21 comprises a top plate 21A, a left side plate 21B, and a right side plate 21C. The top plate 21A is a thin plate that is long in the front-to-rear direction. The left side plate 21B and the right side plate 21C extend downward from both the left and right ends of the top plate 21A.

The receiving portion 22 is fixed to the housing 50. The receiving portion 22 is a nearly rectangular plate. The upper and lower edges of the receiving portion 22 are formed with hooks 22A and 22B, respectively, that hook into the through-hole 122 of the housing 50 (see Figure 6). As shown in Figure 6, the receiving portion 22 and a portion of the rear end of the support portion 21 fit into the through-hole 122 of the housing 50 and are fixed in place.

The connection piece 23 is a strip-like plate that extends rearward from the lower rear corner of the receiving portion 22. The connection piece 23 is electrically connected to a conductive portion (not shown) of the circuit board 60 (see Figure 6), which will be described later. The connection piece 23 extends rearward from the receiving portion 22, then bends downward and then bends rearward again.

The resilient contact piece 30 extends in a cantilevered manner from the main body 20. The resilient contact piece 30 is strip-shaped. The resilient contact piece 30 resiliently contacts the conductive path 132 of the flexible printed circuit board 130. As shown in Figure 3, the resilient contact piece 30 has a base end 31, a folded portion 32, and an extending portion 33.

The base end 31 extends forward from the support portion 21. The folded portion 32 is connected to the front end of the base end 31. The folded portion 32 extends forward from the base end 31 and is folded back toward the lower end and rear side (toward the support portion 21). The folded portion 32 has a curved shape that convexly faces forward. The extending portion 33 is connected to the extending end (lower rear end) of the folded portion 32.

The extension portion 33 extends rearward (toward the support portion 21) from the folded portion 32. The extension portion 33 is curved so that it is convex downward. The rear end side of the extension portion 33 overlaps with the support portion 21 in the vertical direction. The extension portion 33 has a forward inclined portion 33A and a rearward inclined portion 33B. The forward inclined portion 33A extends diagonally rearward and downward from the extending end of the folded portion 32. The rearward inclined portion 33B extends diagonally rearward and upward from the rear end of the forward inclined portion 33A.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, a pair of contacts 41 are formed on the extension 33. The pair of contacts 41 contact the conductive path 132 of the flexible printed circuit board 130. As shown in FIG. 4, the pair of contacts 41 are formed at the apex of the downwardly convex portion of the extension 33 (the boundary between the forward inclined portion 33A and the rearward inclined portion 33B). As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, the pair of contacts 41 are spaced apart in a direction (left-right direction) perpendicular to the extension direction of the resilient contact piece 30 (more specifically, the base end 31) relative to the support portion 21, i.e., in the width direction (left-right direction) of the resilient contact piece 30. In other words, the pair of contacts 41 are spaced apart in a direction (left-right direction) perpendicular to the extension direction and thickness direction of the forward inclined portion 33A of the extension 33, and are spaced apart in a direction (left-right direction) perpendicular to the extension direction and thickness direction of the rearward inclined portion 33B of the extension 33.

The contact portions 41 protrude downward. As shown in Figure 7, the cross-sectional shape of the contact portions 41 perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction is trapezoidal. The pair of contact portions 41 are symmetrical with respect to a plane passing through the center between the pair of contact portions 41 (a plane perpendicular to the left-to-right direction).

The contact portion 41 is formed with a bottom surface 41A, an inner side surface 41B, and an outer side surface 41C. The bottom surface 41A is a downwardly convex curved surface formed by part of the underside of the extension portion 33. The inner side surface 41B and the outer side surface 41C are upwardly inclined surfaces that extend outward from the bottom surface 41A.

As shown in Figures 5 and 7, a recess 42 is formed in the resilient contact piece 30 between a pair of contact portions 41. The recess 42 is recessed upward (toward the support portion 21). When the terminal fitting 10 and the flexible printed circuit board 130 are connected, the recess 42 is recessed on the side opposite the flexible printed circuit board 130. The recess 42 does not penetrate through the resilient contact piece 30. The recess 42 is elongated in the front-to-rear direction, which is longer than the extension direction (direction perpendicular to the width and thickness directions) of the resilient contact piece 30 (specifically, the extension portion 33). The left-to-right width of the recess 42 is slightly smaller than the left-to-right width of the contact portion 41. As shown in Figure 7, the cross-sectional shape of the recess 42 perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction is trapezoidal.

The recess 42 is composed of a rear wall 42A and the inner side surfaces 41B of the pair of contact portions 41. The rear wall 42A is a flat surface parallel to the front-to-rear and width directions. As shown in Figure 5, the front end of the rear wall 42A is connected without a step to the forward inclined portion 33A of the extension portion 33. The rear end of the rear wall 42A is connected without a step to the rear inclined portion 33B of the extension portion 33.

As shown in Figure 4, the depth of the recess 42 is greatest at the apex of the downwardly convex portion of the extension 33 (the boundary between the forward inclined portion 33A and the rearward inclined portion 33B). The depth of the recess 42 gradually decreases both forward and rearward.

(Configuration of connector 100)
6, the connector 100 of the first embodiment is mounted on a circuit board 60. The connector 100 includes a housing 50 and terminal fittings 10.

As shown in Figure 6, the housing 50 has a rear wall 51 and a hood portion 52. The rear wall 51 is perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction. The hood portion 52 protrudes forward from the rear wall 51. The hood portion 52 has a rectangular cylindrical shape that opens forward. The mating housing 120 fits into the hood portion 52. The rear wall 51 has multiple holes 53 (only one is shown in Figure 6) that penetrate from front to back. The terminal fittings 10 are attached by press-fitting into each hole 53 in the rear wall 51.

The housing 50 is fixed to the circuit board 60. The tip end of the connecting piece 23 of the terminal fitting 10 is electrically connected to a conductive portion (not shown) of the circuit board 60.

(Configuration of Mating Connector 110)
As shown in Figure 6, the mating connector 110 includes a mating housing 120 and a flexible printed circuit board 130. The mating housing 120 has an accommodating section 121 that accommodates a portion of the rear end of the flexible printed circuit board 130. The rear end of the mating housing 120 is formed with a plurality of through holes 122 that penetrate in the front-to-rear direction. The terminal fittings 10 are inserted into the through holes 122. The front of the flexible printed circuit board 130 stops when it abuts the edge of the through holes 122.

The flexible printed circuit board 130 comprises a resin base material 131 and a conductive path 132 laminated on the base material 131. The conductive path 132 is laminated on the upper surface of the base material 131.

(Mating state of connector 100 and mating connector 110)
6 , when the connector 100 and the mating connector 110 are mated, the front end portions of the terminal fittings 10 enter the accommodation portions 121 of the mating connector 110 through the through holes 122. The resilient contact pieces 30 approach the flexible printed circuit board 130 while sliding relative to the flexible printed circuit board 130 along the direction in which the resilient contact pieces 30 (more specifically, the base ends 31) extend relative to the support portions 21 (front-rear direction). The front end portions of the terminal fittings 10 are sandwiched in the vertical direction between the flexible printed circuit board 130 and the upper wall portion 121A of the accommodation portion 121. Specifically, the support portions 21 and the base ends 31 contact the underside of the upper wall portion 121A, and the pair of contact portions 41 of the extension portions 33 contact the conductive paths 132 of the flexible printed circuit board 130.

As shown in FIG. 7 , a pair of contact portions 41 contact contact portions 130A on the flexible printed circuit board 130. The pair of contact portions 130A are spaced apart in the left-right direction (a direction parallel to the opposing direction of the pair of contact portions 41). When pressed by the contact portion 41, the contact portion 130A deforms outward in the left-right direction (indicated by the arrow in FIG. 7 ). Therefore, the inner portion 130B between the pair of contact portions 130A on the flexible printed circuit board 130 is forced closer to the pair of contact portions 130A, increasing its thickness as the pair of contact portions 130A deform toward each other. Therefore, when the contact portion 41 and the conductive path 132 are in contact with each other, the portion of the contact portion 130A that connects to the inner portion 130B is less likely to become thinner, and as a result, the conductive path 132 is less likely to deform away from the contact portion 41. This makes it easier to ensure contact pressure between the inner portion 130B of the flexible printed circuit board 130 and the contact portion 41. For example, it becomes easier to ensure sufficient contact pressure between the corner between the bottom surface 41A and the inner side surface 41B of the contact portion 41 and the inner portion 130B. Therefore, the terminal fitting 10 can effectively connect the conductive path 132 of the flexible printed circuit board 130 to the elastic contact piece 30.

In conventional configurations where the resilient contact piece has only one contact portion, the contact portion of the flexible printed circuit board tends to deform in a thickness direction, which in turn tends to cause the conductive path to deform in a direction away from the contact portion. This causes the resilient base material to escape outward in the left-right direction, making it difficult to ensure contact pressure between the resilient contact piece and the conductive path. This increases the electrical resistance between the resilient contact piece and the conductive path. Therefore, the configuration of this first embodiment eliminates an escape route for the force of the inner portion 130B of the flexible printed circuit board 130. Therefore, compared to conventional configurations, it is easier to ensure contact pressure between the inner portion 130B of the flexible printed circuit board 130 and the contact portion 41, reducing the electrical resistance between the resilient contact piece 30 and the conductive path 132.

In this way, the configuration of this first embodiment makes it easier to ensure contact pressure between the inner portion 130B of the flexible printed circuit board 130 and the contact portion 41, so there is no need to increase the load applied to the flexible printed circuit board 130 from the elastic contact piece, and the flexible printed circuit board 130 will not buckle under the load.

<Effects of Example 1>
By using the terminal fitting 10 of the first embodiment, the base material 131 of the flexible printed circuit board 130 in the portion (inner portion 130B) between the two portions (contact portions 130A) that contact the pair of contact portions 41 of the resilient contact piece 30 is forced together with no escape route, resulting in an increased thickness. Therefore, when the contact portions 41 and the conductive path 132 are in contact with each other, the portions of the two portions (contact portions 130A) that receive contact pressure from the pair of contact portions 41 and that connect to the inner portion 130B are less likely to become thin, and the conductive path 132 is less likely to deform in a direction away from the contact portions 41. This makes it easier to ensure contact pressure between the inner portion 130B of the flexible printed circuit board 130 and the contact portions 41. Therefore, the terminal fitting 10 can satisfactorily connect the conductive path 132 of the flexible printed circuit board 130 to the resilient contact piece 30.

In the terminal fitting 10 of Example 1, the pair of contact portions 41 are aligned in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the resilient contact piece 30 relative to the support portion 21. This configuration, compared to a configuration in which the pair of contact portions 41 are aligned in a direction other than the direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the resilient contact piece 30 (left-right direction) (e.g., a configuration in which the pair of contact portions 41 are aligned in the front-rear direction), makes it easier for the inner portion 130B to enter between the pair of contact portions 41 when the flexible printed circuit board 130 approaches the resilient contact piece 30 in the direction of its extension (specifically, the front-rear direction). This makes it even more difficult for the base material 131 in the inner portion 130B to escape, resulting in an increased thickness. Therefore, when the contact portions 41 and the conductive path 132 are in contact with each other, the portions of both portions (contact portion 130A) that receive contact pressure from the pair of contact portions 41 and that connect to the inner portion 130B are even less likely to become thinner. This in turn makes it even more difficult for the conductive path 132 to deform in a direction away from the contact portion 41. This makes it even easier to ensure contact pressure between the inner portion 130B of the flexible printed circuit board 130 and the contact portion 41.

In the resilient contact piece 30 of the terminal fitting 10 of Example 1, a non-through recess 42 is formed between a pair of contact portions 41, recessed on the side opposite the flexible printed circuit board 130. With this configuration, the pair of contact portions 41 are less likely to deform apart than in a configuration in which a through recess 42 is formed between the pair of contact portions 41, and changes in contact pressure between the contact portions 41 and the conductive path 132 can be suppressed.

[Example 2]
A second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to Figures 8 and 9. The terminal fitting of the second embodiment differs from that of the first embodiment in the contact portion, but is otherwise the same as that of the first embodiment. Note that the same components as those of the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in Figures 8 and 9, a pair of contact portions 241 are formed on the extension portion 33 of the terminal fitting 210 of Example 2. The pair of contact portions 241 are spaced apart in a direction (front-rear direction) along the extension direction (direction perpendicular to the width direction and thickness direction) of the resilient contact piece 30 (specifically, the extension portion 33) relative to the support portion 21.

The contact portion 241 protrudes downward. The contact portion 241 is formed across the entire left-right direction of the extension portion 33. The contact portion 241 has a bottom surface 241A and an inner side surface 241B. The bottom surface 241A is formed by a portion of the lower surface of the extension portion 33. The inner side surface 241B is an upwardly sloping surface that extends outward in the front-to-rear direction relative to the bottom surface 241A.

A recess 242 is formed in the resilient contact piece 30 between a pair of contact portions 241. The recess 242 is recessed upward (toward the support portion 21). When the terminal fitting 10 and the flexible printed circuit board 130 are connected, the recess 242 is recessed on the side opposite the flexible printed circuit board 130. The recess 242 does not penetrate through the terminal fitting 10. The recess 242 is elongated in the left-right direction (specifically, the width direction of the extension portion 33). The recess 242 is formed across the entire width of the extension portion 33.

The recess 242 is composed of a rear wall 242A and inner side surfaces 241B of the pair of contact portions 241. The rear wall 242A is a flat surface that is parallel to the front-rear and width directions.

As with the first embodiment, this configuration also makes it easier to ensure contact pressure between the contact portion 241 and the conductive path 132 of the flexible printed circuit board 130. Therefore, the terminal fitting 210 can effectively connect the conductive path 132 of the flexible printed circuit board 130 to the elastic contact piece 30.

[Example 3]
A third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to Fig. 10. The terminal fitting of the third embodiment differs from that of the first embodiment in the contact portion, but is otherwise the same as that of the first embodiment. Note that the same components as those of the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

10 , the terminal fitting 310 of Example 3 is formed with two pairs of contact portions (a pair of contact portions 341 and a pair of contact portions 343). The pair of contact portions 341 are formed forward of the pair of contact portions 343. The pair of contact portions 341 are spaced apart in a direction (left-right direction) perpendicular to the extension direction of the resilient contact piece 30 (more specifically, the base end portion 31) relative to the support portion 21, i.e., in the width direction (left-right direction) of the resilient contact piece 30. In other words, the pair of contact portions 341 are spaced apart in a direction (left-right direction) perpendicular to the extension direction and thickness direction of the forward inclined portion 33A of the extension portion 33. The pair of contact portions 343 are spaced apart in a direction (left-right direction) perpendicular to the extension direction of the resilient contact piece 30, i.e., in the width direction (left-right direction) of the resilient contact piece 30. In other words, the pair of contact points 343 are spaced apart in a direction (left-right direction) perpendicular to the extension direction and thickness direction of the rearward inclined portion 33B of the extension portion 33.

The contact portions 341 of one pair are spaced apart from the contact portions 343 of the other pair in the extension direction (front-to-back direction) of the resilient contact pieces 30. Specifically, the left contact portion 341 is spaced apart from the left contact portion 343 in the extension direction (front-to-back direction) of the resilient contact pieces 30. The right contact portion 341 is spaced apart from the right contact portion 343 in the extension direction (front-to-back direction) of the resilient contact pieces 30. The extension direction of the resilient contact pieces 30 is a direction (front-to-back direction) perpendicular to the width direction (left-to-right direction) and thickness direction at the apex of the downwardly convex portion of the extension portion 33 (the boundary between the forward inclined portion 33A and the rearward inclined portion 33B).

The contact portions 341, 343 protrude downward. The cross-sectional shape of the contact portion 341 perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction is trapezoidal. The pair of contact portions 341 are symmetrical with respect to a plane (plane perpendicular to the left-right direction) that passes through the center between the pair of contact portions 341. The pair of contact portions 343 are symmetrical with respect to a plane (plane perpendicular to the left-right direction) that passes through the center between the pair of contact portions 343.

The contact portion 341 is formed with a bottom surface 341A and an inner side surface 341B. The bottom surface 341A is a downwardly convex curved surface formed by part of the lower surface of the extension portion 33. The inner side surface 341B is an upwardly sloping surface that extends outward from the bottom surface 341A.

The contact portion 343 is formed with a bottom surface 343A and an inner side surface 343B. The bottom surface 343A is a downwardly convex curved surface formed by part of the lower surface of the extension portion 33. The inner side surface 343B is an upwardly inclined surface that extends outward from the bottom surface 343A.

In the resilient contact piece 30, recesses 342 are formed between a pair of contact portions 341 and between a pair of contact portions 343. The recesses 342 have the same shape as the recesses 42 in the first embodiment. The recesses 342 are recessed upward (toward the support portion 21). The recesses 342 are recessed on the side opposite the flexible printed circuit board 130 when the terminal fitting 10 and the flexible printed circuit board 130 are connected. The recesses 342 do not penetrate through the resilient contact piece 30. The recesses 342 are elongated in the extension direction (direction perpendicular to the width and thickness directions) of the resilient contact piece 30 (specifically, the extension portion 33), more specifically in the front-to-rear direction. The left-to-right width of the recesses 342 is slightly smaller than the left-to-right width of the contact portions 341 and 343. The cross-sectional shape of the recesses 342 perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction is trapezoidal.

The recess 342 is composed of a rear wall 342A, inner side surfaces 341B of the pair of contact portions 341, and inner side surfaces 343B of the pair of contact portions 343. The rear wall 342A is a flat surface parallel to the front-to-rear and width directions. The front end of the rear wall 342A is connected without a step to the forward inclined portion 33A of the extension portion 33. The rear end of the rear wall 342A is connected without a step to the rear inclined portion 33B of the extension portion 33.

The depth of the recess 342 is greatest at the apex of the downwardly convex portion of the extension 33 (the boundary between the forward inclined portion 33A and the rearward inclined portion 33B). The depth of the recess 342 gradually decreases both forward and rearward.

A recess 344 is formed in the resilient contact piece 30 between the contact portion 341 and the contact portion 343. The recess 344 is recessed upward (toward the support portion 21). The recess 344 is recessed on the side opposite the flexible printed circuit board 130 when the terminal fitting 10 and the flexible printed circuit board 130 are connected. The recess 344 does not penetrate through. The recess 344 is elongated in the left-right direction (specifically, the width direction of the extension portion 33). The recess 344 is formed across the entire width of the extension portion 33.

The recess 344 is composed of a rear wall 344A, inner side surfaces 341C of the pair of contact portions 341, and inner side surfaces 343C of the pair of contact portions 343. The rear wall 344A is a flat surface parallel to the front-rear and width directions.

In the terminal fitting 310 of the third embodiment, the portion (central portion) surrounded by the portions of the flexible printed circuit board 130 that contact the four contact portions 341, 343 is between a pair of inner portions (see inner portion 130B in Figure 7) in the extension direction (front-rear direction) of the resilient contact piece 30, and is therefore pushed outward in the front-rear direction (outward in the extension direction of the resilient contact piece 30), resulting in a larger thickness. Furthermore, the central portion of the flexible printed circuit board 130 is between a pair of inner portions (portions between the two portions that contact a pair of adjacent contact portions 341, 343 in the extension direction of the resilient contact piece 30) in the direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the resilient contact piece 30 (left-right direction), and is therefore pushed outward in the direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the resilient contact piece 30 (outward in the direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the resilient contact piece 30), resulting in a larger thickness. Therefore, when the contact portions 341, 343 and the conductive path 132 are in contact, the portions of the part that receive contact pressure from each contact portion and that connect to the central portion are less likely to become thin, and as a result, the conductive path 132 is less likely to deform in a direction away from the contact portions. This makes it easier to ensure contact pressure between the conductive path 132 of the flexible printed circuit board 130 and the contact portions 341, 343.

[Example 4]
A fourth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to Fig. 11. The terminal fitting of the fourth embodiment differs from that of the first embodiment in the contact portion, but is otherwise the same as that of the first embodiment. Note that the same components as those of the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 11 , a pair of contact portions 441 are formed on the extension portion 33 of the terminal fitting 410 of Example 4. The pair of contact portions 441 are spaced apart in a direction (left-right direction) perpendicular to the extension direction of the resilient contact piece 30 (more specifically, the base end portion 31) relative to the support portion 21, i.e., in the width direction (left-right direction) of the resilient contact piece 30.

The contact portion 441 protrudes downward. The cross-sectional shape of the contact portion 441 perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction is trapezoidal. The pair of contact portions 441 are symmetrical with respect to a plane passing through the center between the pair of contact portions 441 (a plane perpendicular to the left-to-right direction).

A recess 442 is formed in the resilient contact piece 30 between a pair of contact portions 441. The recess 442 is recessed upward (toward the support portion 21). The left-right width of the recess 442 narrows toward the front (rear) side in the direction in which the flexible printed circuit board 130 approaches the pair of contact portions 441. In other words, the distance between the pair of contact portions 441 narrows toward the front (rear) side in the direction in which the flexible printed circuit board 130 approaches the pair of contact portions 441.

The contact portion 441 is formed with a bottom surface 441A, an inner side surface 441B, and an outer side surface 441C. The bottom surface 441A is a downwardly convex curved surface formed by part of the lower surface of the extension portion 33. The inner side surface 441B and the outer side surface 441C are upwardly inclined surfaces that extend outward from the bottom surface 441A.

The recess 442 is composed of a rear wall 442A and inner side surfaces 441B of the pair of contact portions 441. The rear wall 442A is a flat surface parallel to the front-to-rear and width directions. The front end of the rear wall 442A is connected without a step to the forward inclined portion 33A of the extension portion 33. The rear end of the rear wall 442A is connected without a step to the rearward inclined portion 33B of the extension portion 33.

The depth of the recess 442 is greatest at the apex of the downwardly convex portion of the extension 33 (the boundary between the forward inclined portion 33A and the rearward inclined portion 33B). The depth of the recess 442 gradually decreases both forward and rearward.

In the terminal fitting 410 of the fourth embodiment, as the flexible printed circuit board 130 approaches the resilient contact piece 30 in the extension direction (front-rear direction) of the resilient contact piece 30, the relatively wide gap between the pair of contact portions 441 makes it easier for the inner portion (see inner portion 130B in FIG. 7 ) to be drawn in. Then, as the flexible printed circuit board 130 and the resilient contact piece 30 approach each other, the relatively narrow gap between the pair of contact portions 441 adequately holds the inner portion. Therefore, when the contact portions 441 and the conductive path 132 are in contact with each other, the portions of both parts that receive contact pressure from the pair of contact portions 441 and that connect to the inner portion are even less likely to become thinner. Consequently, the conductive path 132 is even less likely to deform in the direction away from the contact portions 441. This makes it easier to ensure contact pressure between the inner portion of the flexible printed circuit board 130 and the contact portions.

[Other Examples]
The present invention is not limited to the examples described above and illustrated in the drawings, but is defined by the claims. The present invention includes the equivalent meaning of the claims and all modifications within the scope of the claims, including the following embodiments.

Terminal fittings may have a different shape from those of Examples 1-4 above. For example, as shown in Figures 12 and 13, terminal fitting 510 comprises a main body 520 and a resilient contact piece 530. Main body 520 has a support portion 521 configured similarly to support portion 21 of Example 1. Support piece 521A is provided at the front end of support portion 521. Support piece 521A extends forward from support portion 521 and then bends to the right. Support piece 521A is formed with a tip portion 521B that contacts the underside of base end 531 of resilient contact piece 530. Resilient contact piece 530 has a base end 531, a folded portion 532, and an extending portion 533. A contact portion 541 is formed on the underside of extending portion 533. Contact portion 541 is a rectangular protrusion that protrudes downward. The lower end of the tip portion 521B contacts the upper surface of the extension portion 533.

In Examples 1-4 above, the arrangement direction of the pair of contact portions is not limited to these. For example, the resilient contact piece may have a pair of contact portions arranged in a direction offset from the left-right and front-rear directions.

In the above-mentioned Examples 1, 2, and 4, a configuration in which two contact portions are provided is shown, but three or more contact portions may be provided. In the above-mentioned Example 3, a configuration in which four contact portions are provided is shown, but five or more contact portions may be provided. For example, the resilient contact piece may have three or more pairs of contact portions arranged at a distance in the left-right direction.

In Examples 1-4 above, non-penetrating recesses were illustrated, but the recesses may also penetrate the resilient contact pieces.

In Examples 1-4 above, the resilient contact piece has a folded shape, but it may also have a shape that extends in a direction away from the main body without being folded.

In Examples 1-4 above, the resilient contact piece was cantilevered, but it may also be double-supported.

In Examples 1-4 above, the terminal fittings may be configured to have support pieces that extend forward from the main body 20 parallel to the resilient contact pieces and contact the underside of the flexible printed circuit board 130. This allows the flexible printed circuit board 130 to be sandwiched between the resilient contact pieces and the support pieces, thereby connecting the flexible printed circuit board 130 to the terminal fittings.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10: Terminal fitting 20: Main body 21: Support portion 21A: Top plate 21B: Left side plate 21C: Right side plate 22: Receiving portions 22A, 22B: Hook portion 23: Connection piece 30: Resilient contact piece 31: Base end portion 32: Folded portion 33: Extension portion 33A: Forward inclined portion 33B: Rear inclined portion 41: Contact portion 41A: Bottom surface 41B: Inner side surface 41C: Outer side surface 42: Recess 42A: Back wall 50: Housing 51: Back wall 52: Hood portion 53: Hole 60: Circuit board 100: Connector 110: Mating connector 120: Mating housing 121: Accommodating portion 121A: Upper wall portion 122: Through hole 130: Flexible printed circuit board 130A: Contact portion 130B: Inner portion 131: Base material 132: Conductive path 210: Terminal metal fitting 241: Contact portion 241A: Bottom surface 241B: Inner side surface 242: Recess 242A: Back wall 310: Terminal metal fitting 341: Contact portion 341A: Bottom surface 341B: Inner side surface 341C: Inner side surface 342: Recess 342A: Back wall 343: Contact portion 343A: Bottom surface 343B: Inner side surface 343C: Inner side surface 344: Recess 344A: Back wall 410: Terminal metal fitting 441: Contact portion 441A: Bottom surface 441B: Inner side surface 441C: Outer side surface 442: Recess 442A: Back wall 510: Terminal metal fitting 520: Main body portion 521: Support portion 521A: Support piece 521B: Tip portion 530: Elastic contact piece 531: Base end portion 532: Folded portion 533: Extension portion 541: Contact portion

Claims (5)

A terminal fitting connected to a conductive path in a flexible printed circuit board including a resin base material and a conductive path laminated on the base material,
a main body;
a resilient contact piece extending from the main body and resiliently contacting the conductive path;
Equipped with
The resilient contact piece is a terminal fitting having at least a pair of contact portions spaced apart from each other and in contact with the conductive path. The terminal fitting described in claim 1, wherein the pair of contact portions are aligned in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the resilient contact pieces. The terminal fitting described in claim 2, wherein the spacing between the pair of contact portions narrows toward the front in the direction in which the flexible printed circuit board approaches the pair of contact portions. A terminal fitting as described in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the resilient contact piece has a non-through recess formed between the pair of contact portions, recessed on the side opposite the flexible printed circuit board. The resilient contact piece has two pairs of contact portions arranged in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the resilient contact piece,
The terminal fitting according to claim 1 , wherein the contact portions of one pair are aligned with the contact portions of the other pair in the extending direction.