WO2021034785A1

WO2021034785A1 - Cable assembly and connector assembly

Info

Publication number: WO2021034785A1
Application number: PCT/US2020/046722
Authority: WO
Inventors: Nobuyuki Kondo; Kyoko Motohashi; Takuji Hanyu
Original assignee: Molex, Llc
Priority date: 2019-08-20
Filing date: 2020-08-18
Publication date: 2021-02-25
Also published as: JP2021034161A

Abstract

A first connector 1 is attached to an end portion of a cable 3. The first connector 1 includes a plurality of terminals 11 each connected to end portions of a plurality of cables 3, a plurality of first fitting bodies 10 each having a plurality of first terminals 11, and a flexible part 30 made of an elastic material. The flexible part 30 includes a connection part 31 that connects the plurality of fitting bodies 10 and a cable holding part 32 that holds the end portions of the plurality of cables 3.

Description

CABLE ASSEMBLY AND CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY

RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to Japanese Application Serial No. 2019- 150602, filed on August 20, 2019, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates to a cable assembly and a connector assembly.

BACKGROUND ART

[0003] A connector for connecting a plurality of cables to a base on which a conductor pad is formed is used (for example, Patent Document 1). In such a connector, terminals provided at end portions of the cable are held by a housing made of plastic. Therefore, a relative position between the terminals is fixed.

[0004] Patent Document 1 JP 2015-149251 A

SUMMARY

[0005] When the base on which the connector pad is formed is made of a flexible material and is attached to a flexible place such as clothes or skin, the base may be deformed (bent). However, there is a problem that the shape of the known connector (in other words, the relative position between the terminals) cannot follow the deformation of the base.

[0006] (1) A cable assembly proposed in the present disclosure includes a plurality of cables arranged in the first direction and a connector. The connector includes a plurality of terminals each of which is connected to end portions of the plurality of cables, a plurality of fitting bodies that are arranged in the first direction, each have the plurality of terminals, and are fitted into a mating connector, and a flexible part that is made of an elastic material. The flexible part includes a connection part that connects the plurality of fitting bodies and a cable holding part that holds the end portions of the plurality of cables. According to this structure, the connection part is deformed, and as a result, a shape of the connector can follow the deformation of the base. Further, it is possible to improve mechanical durability against bending of the cable without increasing the number of components by the cable holding part.

[0007] (2) In the cable assembly described in (1), the plurality of fitting bodies may each have a plurality of housings that are made of a material having higher rigidity than that of the elastic material. The plurality of housings may each have a fitting part that houses the terminal and is fitted into the mating connector.

[0008] (3) In the cable assembly described in (1), the plurality of fitting bodies may each have a plurality of housings that house the terminal and are fitted into the mating connector. The plurality of terminals may each have the contact part that contacts the terminal of the mating connector, and the base portion that is a part other than the contact part of the terminal. The plurality of cables may each have an outer sheath and a core wire having an exposed part that is exposed from the outer sheath and connected to the terminal. The base portion of the terminal and the exposed part of the core wire may be buried in at least one of the housing and the flexible part.

[0009] (4) In the cable assembly described in (3), the exposed part of the core wire and the end portion of the outer sheath may be buried in the cable holding part.

[0010] (5) In the cable assembly described in (1), the plurality of fitting bodies may each have the plurality of housings that are made of a material having higher rigidity than that of the elastic material. The plurality of housings may have a gap between two adjacent housings.

[0011] (6) In the cable assembly described in (1), the plurality of fitting bodies may each have the plurality of housings that are made of a material having higher rigidity than that of the elastic material. The base portions of the plurality of terminals may be held by the plurality of housings, respectively. The flexible connection part may connect the plurality of housings. [0012] (7) In the cable assembly described in (1), the plurality of fitting bodies may each have the plurality of housings that are made of a material having higher rigidity than that of the elastic material and house the terminal. The base portions of the plurality of terminals may be held by the connection part. The plurality of housings may be fixed to the outside of the connecting portion.

[0013] (8) An example of the connector assembly proposed in the present disclosure has the cable assembly described in (1), and is a connector assembly that includes a first connector that is the connector of the cable assembly and a second connector that can be fitted into the first connector. The second connector has a plurality of second terminals that are arranged in the first direction and a plurality of second fitting bodies each of which has the plurality of second terminals and is configured to be fitted into each of the plurality of first fitting bodies. According to this structure, the connection part is deformed, and as a result, a shape of the first connector can follow the deformation of the base. In addition, the cable holding part can improve the durability of the cable without increasing the number of components.

[0014] (9) In the connector assembly described in (8), the plurality of first fitting bodies may each have the plurality of first housings that are made of a material having higher rigidity than that of the elastic material. The plurality of first housings may each have a fitting part that is a recess housing the first terminal. The plurality of second fitting bodies may include a second housing that is made of an elastic material and fitted into the fitting part.

[0015] (10) In the connector assembly described in (8), one of an outer surface of the second housing and an inner surface of the fitting part of the first housing may be provided with a seal part that is pressed against the other.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a cable assembly according to a first example proposed in the present disclosure and an upper side of a second connector. [0017] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating upper sides of a first fitting body and an engaging member that are included in the first connector illustrated in FIG. 1. [0018] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a lower side of the first connector illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0019] FIG. 4 is a plan view of the first fitting body included in the first connector illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0020] FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a first terminal included in a first connector and a second fitting body included in a second connector.

[0021] FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a second terminal included in the second fitting body.

[0022] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the first connector and the second connector taken along the line VII- VII illustrated in FIG. 4. A cut surface passes through two contact parts included in the second terminal.

[0023] FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating a second example of the first connector.

[0024] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a flexible part included in the first connector illustrated in FIG. 8.

[0025] FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating the lower side of the first connector illustrated in FIG. 8.

[0026] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the first connector and the second connector illustrated in FIG. 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0027] Hereinafter, a cable assembly and a connector assembly proposed in the present disclosure will be described. In this specification, directions indicated by Z1 and Z2 in FIG. 1 are each referred to as up and down directions, directions indicated by Y1 and Y2 in FIG. 1 are each referred to as front and rear directions, and directions indicated by XI and X2 in FIG. 1 are each referred to as right and left directions. These directions are used to describe a relative positional relationship of elements (components, members, and parts) of the cable assembly and the connector assembly. These directions do not limit a posture of the cable assembly and the connector assembly when the cable assembly is used.

[0028] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the connector assembly includes a plurality of cables 3 arranged in the horizontal direction, a first connector 1, and a second connector 2. The two connectors 1 and 2 can be fitted in a vertical direction. The first connector 1 is attached to end portions of the plurality of cables 3 and forms a cable assembly M together with the plurality of cables 3.

[0029] The second connector 2 has a plurality of second fitting bodies 60 (see FIG. 1) arranged in the horizontal direction. The second fitting bodies 60 are arranged at certain intervals. Each second fitting body 60 has a second terminal 61 (see FIG. 6) and a second housing 70 (see FIG. 5). The plurality of second fitting bodies 60 are arranged on, for example, a flexible base B. As the base B, for example, a flexible printed circuit is used. The second terminal 61 is electrically connected to a conductor portion (not illustrated) formed on the base B. Two adjacent second fitting bodies 60 are separated in the horizontal direction. Therefore, the position of the second fitting body 60 may change according to the deformation (for example, bending) of the base B.

[0030] The first connector 1 has a plurality of first fitting bodies 10 (see FIG. 2) arranged in the horizontal direction. The first fitting body 10 has a first terminal 11 and a first housing 20. The plurality of first fitting bodies 10 are attached to the end portions of the plurality of cables 3, respectively. The first terminal 11 is connected to the end portion of the cable 3. The first housing 20 houses a contact part 11a (see FIG. 3) of the first terminal 11.

[0031] Note that in this specification, the "end portion of the cable" includes a portion that is in electrical contact with the connecting part of the terminal (the connecting part 11c in the first connector 1). For example, the "end portion of the cable" includes an end portion of a core wire (exposed part 3a in the cable 3) exposed from an outer sheath of the cable. The terminal and the cable may be connected by soldering or crimping. The crimping means deforming the terminal and bringing the terminal into contact with the core wire of the cable. In addition, pressure welding may be used to connect the terminal and the cable. That is, the cable whose outer sheath is not peeled off may be pushed into a substantially U-shaped pressure contact blade, and the pressure contact blade may break the outer sheath and contact the core wire.

[0032] The first terminal 11 is formed, for example, from a metal plate by press working. The first terminal 11 has a contact part 11a that contacts the second terminal 61 of the second connector 2. As illustrated in FIG. 5, in the example of the first connector 1, the contact part 11a has a plate shape extending downward. In addition, the first terminal 11 has a base portion 1 lb that is a part other than the contact part 11a. The base portion lib has a connecting part lie, which is electrically connected to the cable 3, at a rear portion of the first terminal 11, for example. The cable 3 has an outer sheath 3b and a core wire (electric wire) covered with the outer sheath 3b. The core wire has an exposed part 3 a, which is exposed from the outer sheath 3b, at the end portion thereof. The exposed part 3a is attached to the connecting part lie of the first terminal 11 by, for example, soldering. The base portion lib has a held part lid extending forward from the connecting part lie. The contact part 11a is bent with respect to the held part lid and extends downward. A position of the connecting part 11 c is lower than that of the held part 11 d. A shape of the first terminal 11 is not limited to the example of the first connector 1, and may be changed as appropriate. For example, the contact part 1 la may have a pin shape.

[0033] The base portion 1 lb (more specifically, the held part 11 d) of the first terminal 11 is held by the first housing 20 (see FIG. 7). In the example of the first connector 1, the held part lid of the first terminal 11 is buried in the first housing 20. That is, the first housing 20 is formed by insert molding. In the insert molding, a resin as a material of the first housing 20 is supplied to a die in which the base portion lib of the first terminal 11 is arranged. As a result, the base portion 1 lb (more specifically, the held part 1 Id) of the first terminal 11 is buried in the first housing 20, and the first housing 20 is formed watertight for the held part lid.

[0034] As illustrated in FIG. 7, the base portion 1 lb of the first terminal 11 is buried in an upper portion 20d of the first housing 20. The first housing 20 has a fitting part 21. The fitting part 21 is a recess opened downward, and the inside thereof is provided with the contact part 11a of the first terminal 11. According to this structure, the first terminal 11 can be protected by the first housing. More specifically, the contact part 11a can be protected by the fitting part 21. The first housing 20 is made of a material (specifically, resin) having a rigidity higher than that of an elastic material forming a flexible part 30 described later. Therefore, the contact part 11a can be more reliably protected by the first housing 20. The material of the first housing 20 is, for example, polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyamide, polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), or the like. The second fitting body 60 of the second connector 2 is fitted into the fitting part 21. The first housing 20 does not have an opening that communicates with the outside other than an opening (opening into which the second fitting body 60 is inserted) of the fitting part 21 opened downward.

[0035] The first fitting bodies 10 are arranged at certain intervals in the horizontal direction. A gap G1 (see FIG. 7) is secured between two adjacent first fitting bodies 10. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 7, the first connector 1 has the flexible part 30 made of the elastic material. The elastic material is, for example, elastomer or rubber. An example of the elastomer can include thermoplastic polyester. The flexible part 30 has a connection part 31 that connects the plurality of first fitting bodies 10. According to this structure, the change (for example, the change in the relative position in the vertical direction) in the relative position of the plurality of first fitting bodies 10 is permitted by the deformation of the connection part 31. As a result, the first connector 1 can also be deformed following the deformation (bending) of the base B to which the second connector 2 is attached, while maintaining the connection of the first terminal 11 and the second terminal 61. In the example of the first connector 1, the connection part 31 extends in the horizontal direction, and the plurality of first fitting bodies 10 are fixed thereto. The connection part 31 passes through the positions of the respective first fitting bodies 10 in the horizontal direction. All the first fitting bodies 10 are connected by one connection part 31. According to this structure, when the base B mounted with the second connector 2 is deformed while the first connector 1 is connected to the second connector 2, there is an advantage that the deformation of the base B is transmitted to the entire first connector 1 , and thus the first connector 1 is easily deformed following the base B. As the deformation of the base B, there may be the case in which the base B swells upward (when central portions of the connectors 1 and 2 bulge upward) or the case in which the base B swells downward (when the central portions of the connectors 1 and 2 bulge downward). Further, there may be the case in which the base B is twisted and deformed, or a right portion and a left portion of the base B (right portion and left portion of the connectors 1 and 2) are displaced in the front-rear direction. Both the first connector 1 and the second connector 2 can follow any deformation.

[0036] The base portions lib of the plurality of first terminals 11 are held by the plurality of first housings 20, respectively. The connection part 31 connects the plurality of first housings 20. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 7, in the example of the first connector 1, the connection part 31 is formed above the plurality of first housings 20 and covers upper surfaces of the first housings 20. In addition, the connection part 31 has a portion (front portion 31a, see FIG. 3) formed along a front surface of the first housing 20 and a portion (rear portion 3 lb, see FIG. 3) formed along a rear surface of the first housing 20. A gap G1 (see FIG. 7) is secured between side surfaces of the two adjacent first housing bodies 20. Therefore, the relative position of the two adjacent first housings 20 changes smoothly. The connection part 31 has a part located between the first housings 20 in a plan view.

[0037] In this way, the first housing 20 made of a material having higher rigidity than that of the flexible part 30 holds the base portion lib of the first terminal 11, and the flexible part 30 connects the plurality of first housings 20. According to this structure, when the first connector 1 is manufactured, the first housing 20 is molded and then the flexible part 30 is molded. As a result, a material having a melting point higher than that of the flexible part 30 can be used as the material of the first housing 20. Therefore, the material can be easily selected.

[0038] As illustrated in FIG. 7, the connection part 31 has a part 31e that is located between the side surfaces of the two adjacent first housings 20 and connects the two adjacent first housings 20. (In the example of FIG. 7, the part 31e is a part located below an upper surface 20c of the first housing 20. Hereinafter, the "part 31e" is referred to as a "side connection part 3 le".) The connection strength of the plurality of first housings 20 can be improved by the side surface connection part 3 le.

[0039] As illustrated in FIG. 7, the side surface connection part 3 le is located at an upper portion of the first fitting body 10 and does not reach a lower end of the first housing 20. Therefore, a space SI in which the connection part 31 does not exist is secured between lower portions of the two adjacent first housings 20. As a result, the lower portion of the first housing 20 can easily move in the horizontal direction (direction hi in FIG. 7). As a result, when the second fitting body 60 of the second connector 2 is fitted into the first fitting body 10, it is possible to reduce a force required to increase or decrease a distance between the lower portions of the two adjacent first housings 20. As a result, the flexibility of the position and movement of the first connector 1 can be improved, and the first connector 1 can easily follow the deformation of the base B.

[0040] As illustrated in FIG. 7, the connection part 31 has a groove 3 If extending in the front-rear direction on the upper surface thereof. The groove 3 If extends from a front end to a rear end of the upper surface of the connection part 31. The groove 3 If is located between the two adjacent first fitting bodies 10 (that is, between two adjacent first housings 20) in a plan view of the first connector 1. The groove 3 If also contributes to the improvement in the flexibility of the first connector 1.

[0041] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the flexible part 30 has a plurality of cable holding parts 32. The plurality of cable holding parts 32 hold the end portions of the plurality of cables 3, respectively. As a result, the durability of the cable 3 can be improved without increasing the number of components. The plurality of cable holding parts 32 extends rearward from the connection part 31 and is integrated with the end portion of the cable 3. Since the cable holding part 32 is made of the elastic material, the cable holding part 32 can reduce a load acting on the end portion of the cable 3 , for example, when the cable 3 is bent, thereby improving the durability of the cable 3.

[0042] As illustrated in FIG. 2, a connecting part lie of the first terminal 11 protrudes rearward from the rear surface of the first housing 20. The core wire of the cable 3 has an exposed part 3a that is exposed from the outer sheath 3b and connected to the connecting part lie of the first terminal 11. The cable holding part 32 covers the entire connecting part lie, the entire exposed part 3 a, and the end portion of the outer sheath 3b. That is, the entire connecting part lie, the entire exposed part 3a, and the end portion of the outer sheath 3b are buried in the material of the cable holding part 32. Thereby, the cable holding part 32 is formed watertight for the connecting part 1 lc and the exposed part 3 a.

[0043] In the first connector 1, the base portion lib (held part lid) of the first terminal 11 is buried in the first housing 20, and the end portion of the cable 3 is buried in the cable holding part 32. Therefore, the conductor parts (more specifically, the base portion 1 lb of the first terminal 11 and the exposed part 3 a of the core wire) other than the contact part 11a of the first terminal 11 are completely covered with the first housing 20 and the flexible part 30. That is, the conductor parts are buried in the first housing 20 and the flexible part 30 and do not have a portion exposed to the outside. Therefore, high waterproof property can be secured for the first terminal 11 and the cable 3.

[0044] In addition, in the example of the first connector 1, the connecting part li e of the first terminal 11 and the exposed part 3 a of the cable 3 are buried in the flexible part 30 instead of the first housing 20. By doing so, it is possible to prevent the first housing 20 made of a material having a higher melting point than the material of the flexible part 30 from coming into contact with the outer sheath 3b of the cable 3. Further, for example, unlike the first housing 20, according to the structure in which the connecting part lie of the first terminal 11 and the exposed part 3a of the cable 3 are buried in the first housing 20, it is not necessary to mold the first housing 20 while the cable 3 is connected to the first terminal 11 during the manufacturing of the first connector 1, and the cable 3 may hinder the molding operation of the first housing 20. On the other hand, according to the structure in which the connecting part lie of the first terminal 11 and the exposed part 3 a of the cable 3 are buried in the flexible part 30, it is possible to mold the first housing 20 before the cable 3 is connected to the first terminal 11 during the manufacturing of the first connector 1. Therefore, the manufacturing operation of the first connector 1 can be facilitated. Furthermore, according to this structure, the cable holding part 32 of the flexible part 30 can flexibly follow the movement of the cable 3.

[0045] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the cable holding part 32 is provided with a plurality of grooves 32a that surround the cable 3 and extend in a circumferential direction. The plurality of grooves 32a are arranged in the front-rear direction. According to this structure, a stress acting on the cable holding part 32 can be reduced when the cable 3 is bent at the end portion.

[0046] The shape of the cable holding part 32 is not limited to the example of the first connector 1. In the example of the first connector 1, two adjacent cable holding parts 32 are separated in the horizontal direction. However, the flexible part 30 may have, for example, one cable holding part 32 extending in the horizontal direction. Then, the end portions of the plurality of cables 3 may be covered with the one cable holding part 32. In addition, the connecting part lie of the first terminal 11 or the exposed part 3a of the cable 3 may be covered with the first housing 20, instead of the flexible part 30. In this case, the end portion of the outer sheath 3b may be covered with the cable holding part 32 of the flexible part 30.

[0047] An example of a method for manufacturing a first connector 1 will be described. First, the plurality of first terminals 11 are formed by press working. Then, the plurality of first housings 20 integrated with the base portion lib of the first terminal 11 are formed by insert molding. Next, the end portions (specifically, the exposed parts 3a of the core wire) of the plurality of cables 3 are each connected to the connecting parts lie of the first terminals 11 protruding from the rear surface of the first housing 20. The connection is made by soldering, for example. As a result, the plurality of first fitting bodies 10 attached to the end portion of the cable 3 are obtained. According to this procedure, the first housing 20 can be molded before the cable 3 is connected to the first terminal 11. Therefore, the manufacturing operation of the first connector 1 can be facilitated.

[0048] Next, the flexible part 30 integrated with the plurality of first fitting bodies 10 is formed by insert molding. In the insert molding, the material of the flexible part 30 is supplied to the die in which the plurality of first fitting bodies 10 to which the cables 3 are attached are arranged. Thereby, the connection part 31 that connects the plurality of first housings 20 and the cable holding part 32 that covers the connecting part lie, the exposed part 3a, and the end portion of the outer sheath 3b are obtained. At this time, an engaged member 41 described later may also be fixed to the flexible part 30 by insert molding. As a result, the first connector 1 is obtained.

[0049] Note that the method for manufacturing a first connector 1 is not limited to the above example. For example, the end portions (specifically, the exposed parts 3a of the core wire) of the plurality of cables 3 may be connected to the connecting parts lie of the plurality of first terminals 11, respectively. Then, the first housing 20 integrated with the base portion lib of the first terminal 11 to which the cable 3 is connected may be formed by insert molding. [0050] The second fitting body 60 forming the second connector 2 has a second terminal 61. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the second terminal 61 has, for example, two contact parts 61a. The two contact parts 61a are arranged on an opposite side to each other in the horizontal direction, and the contact part 11a of the first terminal 11 is inserted therebetween. In the example of the first connector 1, the contact part 11a has a plate shape. The two contact parts 61a is in contact with two surfaces of the contact part 11a, respectively. The positions of the two contact parts 61a are displaced in the front-back direction. Unlike the example of the second connector 2, the two contact parts 61a may face each other.

[0051] As illustrated in FIG. 6, the second terminal 61 has a plate-shaped connecting part 61b at the lower portion thereof. The connecting part 61b is attached to the conductor part of the base B by, for example, soldering. The second terminal 61 has a held part 61c extending upward from the connecting part 61b. In the example of the second connector 2, the second terminal 61 has two held parts 61c that are separated in the front-rear direction. The second housing 70 holds the held part 61c. The second housing 70 is formed by insert molding, for example. That is, the material of the second housing 70 is supplied to the die in which the held part 61c of the second terminal 61 is arranged, and the second housing 70 and the held part 61c of the second terminal 61 are integrated.

[0052] A shape of the second terminal 61 is not limited to the example of the second connector 2, and may be changed as appropriate. For example, the contact part 61a of the second terminal 61 may be formed in a plate shape like the contact part 11a of the first terminal 11. In this case, the first terminal 11 may have the two contact parts 11a facing each other. The plate-shaped contact part 61a may be inserted between the two contact parts 11a.

[0053] The second housing 70 is configured to be fitted into the fitting part 21 included in the first housing 20. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the second housing 70 has a base part 71 (more specifically, a base portion 61e of the contact portion 61a and a base portion 6 If of the held part 61c, see FIG. 6) that holds the base portion of the second terminal 61. In addition, the second housing 70 has a protective part 72 extending upward from the base part 71. The protective part 72 surrounds the two contact parts 61a and protects the two contact parts 61a. The protective part 72 has an opening 72a opened upward, and the contact part 11a of the first terminal 11 can be inserted between the two contact parts 61a through the opening 72a. The held part 61c of the second terminal 61 is held by the protective part 72. That is, the held part 61c is buried in the protective part 72.

[0054] As illustrated in FIG. 5, an annular seal part 71a is formed on an outer surface of the second housing 70. The seal part 71a is formed on, for example, the outer surface of the base part 71, and surrounds the base portion of the second terminal 61. The position of the seal part 71a is lower than that of the contact part 61a of the second terminal 61. As illustrated in FIG. 7, when the second housing 70 is fitted into the fitting part 21 of the first housing 20, the seal part 71 a is located near an edge (entrance of a recess) of the opening of the fitting part 21 and is pressed against an inner surface 21a of the fitting part 21. As a result, it is possible to prevent water from penetrating into the inside (the space where the contact parts 11a and 61a are arranged) of the fitting part 21 from the lower end of the fitting part 21. An inner width W1 (see FIG. 7) at a lower portion of the fitting part 21 is larger than an inner width W2 (see FIG. 7) at an upper portion of the inner surface 21a. The seal part 71a is located at a lower portion of the inner surface 21a.

[0055] The second housing 70 is made of the elastic material, and the first housing 20 is made of a resin having higher rigidity than that of the elastic material of the flexible part 30. Therefore, as compared with the case where both are made of the elastic material, for example, the fitting certainty of the first housing 20 and the second housing 70 can be improved, and the waterproof property of the seal part 71a can be improved.

[0056] In the example of the second connector 2, the seal part 71 a is integrally formed with the second housing 70. That is, when the second housing 70 is molded, the seal part 71a is molded together with other parts of the second housing 70. As a result, the number of components of the second connector 2 can be reduced. Unlike this, the seal part 71a may be an annular member formed separately from the second housing 70. The annular member may be fitted into the outside of the base part 71 of the second housing 70. As still another example, the seal part may be formed or arranged on an inner surface 21a (see FIG. 7) of the fitting part 21 of the first housing 20 instead of the second housing 70. [0057] As illustrated in FIG. 7, the width of the protective part 72 of the second housing 70 in the horizontal direction corresponds to the inner width W2 of the fitting part 21 of the first housing 20 in the horizontal direction. Even when the outer surface of the protective part 72 of the second housing 70 hits the inner surface 21a of the fitting part 21 of the first housing 20 due to the bending of the base B and the first connector 1, the second housing 70 is made of the elastic material, so it is possible to prevent an excessive force from acting on the first housing 20. The width of the protective part 72 of the second housing 70 in the front-rear direction may also correspond to the width of the inside of the fitting part 21 of the first housing 20 in the front-rear direction.

[0058] As illustrated in FIG. 5, an opening 72b is formed on a side surface of the protective part 72. The opening 72b is located in a deformation direction (horizontal direction) of the contact part 61a with respect to the contact part 61a. As a result, a movable range of the contact part 61a can be sufficiently secured while preventing the contact between the contact part 61a and the protective part 72.

[0059] The first connector 1 has the engaged member 41 (see FIG. 2) on both end portions thereof. The engaged member 41 has, for example, a protrusion 41a protruding downward. A diameter of a tip of the protrusion 41a is larger than that of the base portion. On the other hand, the second connector 2 has an engaging member 81 (see FIG. 1) on both end portions thereof. The engaging member 81 has, for example, a recess 81a opening upward. When the protrusion 41a of the engaged member 41 is fitted into the recess 81a, an end portion of the protrusion 41a is held by the recess 81a. As a result, the connection stability of the connectors 1 and 2 can be improved.

[0060] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the tip of the protrusion 41a has a ball shape. Therefore, when the connectors 1 and 2 are deformed following the deformation (bending) of the base B, the protrusion 41a of the engaged member 41 can be inclined with respect to the engaging member 81. As a result, it is possible to prevent an excessive stress from acting between the connectors 1 and 2.

[0061] The engaged member 41 and the engaging member 81 are formed, for example, by performing press working on a metal plate. The engaged member 41 is held by the flexible part 30 made of the elastic material. The engaging member 81 has an attached part 81b (see FIG. 1) attached to the surface of the base B by, for example, soldering. The structures of the engaged member 41 and the engaging member 81 are not limited to the example illustrated in the figure. For example, a recess opened downward may be formed in the engaged member 41, and a protrusion may be formed in the engaging member 81.

[0062] As a second example of the first connector proposed in the present disclosure, the first connector 100 illustrated in FIGS. 8 to 11 will be described. In the following description, differences from the first connector 100 described with reference to FIG. 1 and the like will be mainly described. Matters not described for the first connector 100 may be the same as the example of the first connector 1. Note that the second connector 2 that is fitted into the first connector 100 illustrated in FIG. 8 and the like may be the same as the second connector 2 described with reference to FIG. 1 and the like.

[0063] As illustrated in FIG. 9, the first connector 100 has a flexible part 130. The flexible part 130 has a connection part 131 extending in the horizontal direction. The connection part 131 is made of the elastic material like the flexible part 30 of the first connector 1 described with reference to FIG. 1 and the like. As illustrated in FIG. 11, the base portions lib of the plurality of first terminals 11 are held by the connection part 131. In the example of the first connector 100, the flexible part 130 is formed by insert molding together with the first terminal 11. Therefore, the base portion lib (more specifically, the held part lid, see FIG. 5) of the first terminal 11 is buried in the connection part 131.

[0064] As illustrated in FIG. 9, the flexible part 130 has a plurality of cable holding parts 132 that hold each of the end portions of the plurality of cables 3 in the rear portion thereof. The cable holding part 132 is integrated with the end portion of the cable 3. In the example of the first connector 100, the cable holding part 132 covers the connecting part lie of the first terminal 11, the exposed part 3 a of the core wire of the cable 3, and the end portion of the outer sheath 3b. That is, the connecting part 1 lc, the exposed part 3 a, and the end portion of the outer sheath 3b are buried in the cable holding part 132. [0065] Therefore, the conductor part (that is, the base portion 1 lb of the first terminal 11 and the exposed part 3a of the core wire) except the contact part 11a of the first terminal 11 is completely covered with the flexible part 130 and does not have a portion exposed to the outside. Thereby, the high waterproof property can be secured for the cable 3 , and the durability of the cable 3 can be improved. In the example of the first connector 100, the plurality of cable holding parts 132 are separated in the horizontal direction. Unlike this, the flexible part 130 may have, for example, one cable holding part 132 extending in the horizontal direction. Then, the end portions of the plurality of cables 3 may be covered with the one cable holding part 132. Note that the connection part 131 may be provided with a plurality of holes 131a (see FIG. 9). A part of the first terminal 11 may be exposed from the hole 13 la. In this case, the hole 13 la is buried by the first housing 120.

[0066] As illustrated in FIG. 8, the first connector 100 has the plurality of first housings 120 arranged in the horizontal direction. The first housing 120 is fixed to the outside of the flexible part 130. According to this structure, when the two connectors 100 and 2 are fitted together, a force of an operator's finger is easily transmitted to the first connector 100, and the fitting operation can be facilitated. In addition, the exposed area of the flexible part 130 can be reduced, and the durability of the connector can be improved.

[0067] When manufacturing the first connector 100, the flexible part 130 is formed by insert molding, the plurality of first terminals 11 are connected by the connection part 131, and then the first housing 120 is formed outside the flexible part 130. Agap G1 is secured between the two adjacent first housings 120. The connection part 131 has a part located between the two first housings 120 in a plan view.

[0068] The first housing 120 has, for example, an upper portion 120a located above the connection part 131 and a fitting part 121 arranged below the connection part 131. The fitting part 121 is a recess opened downward, and the inside thereof is provided with the contact part 11 a of the first terminal 11. The second housing 70 of the second connector 2 is fitted into the fitting part 121 (see FIG. 11). A front portion 121b (see FIG. 10) and a rear portion 121c (see FIG. 10) of the fitting part 121 are connected to the upper portion 120a (see FIG. 8). The cable holding part 132 of the flexible part 130 is held by the rear portion 121c of the first housing 120. [0069] The first housing 120 and the first terminal 11 form a first fitting body 110. The plurality of first fitting bodies 110 arranged in the horizontal direction are connected by the connection part 131. The change (for example, the change in the relative position in the vertical direction) in the relative position of the plurality of first fitting bodies 110 is permitted by the deformation of the connection part 131. As a result, the first connector 100 can also be deformed following the deformation (bending) of the base B to which the second connector 2 is attached, while maintaining the connection of the first terminal 11 and the second terminal 61.

[0070] As illustrated in FIG. 11, the connection part 131 is located only above the first fitting body 110. Therefore, a space SI in which the connection part 131 does not exist is secured between lower portions of the two adjacent first housings 120. Accordingly, the lower portion of the first housing 120 can easily move in the horizontal direction. As a result, when the second fitting body 60 of the second connector 2 is fitted into the first fitting body 110, it is possible to reduce a force required to increase or decrease a distance between the lower portions of the two adjacent first housings 120. As a result, the flexibility of the position and movement of the first connector 100 can be improved, and the first connector 100 can easily follow the deformation of the base B.

[0071] An example of a method for manufacturing a first connector 100 will be described. First, the plurality of first terminals 11 are formed by press working. Then, the end portions (specifically, the exposed parts 3 a of the core wire) of the plurality of cables 3 are connected to the plurality of first terminals 11, respectively. The connection is made by soldering, for example. Next, the flexible part 30 integrated with the base portion 1 lb of the first terminal 11 is formed by insert molding. Thereby, the connection part 131 that holds the base portions lib of the plurality of first terminals 11 and the cable holding part 132 that covers the connecting part lie, the exposed part 3a, and the end portion of the outer sheath 3b are obtained. At this time, the engaging member 41 may also be fixed to the flexible part 130 by insert molding. Next, the plurality of first housings 120 fixed on the outside of the flexible part 30 is formed by insert molding. As a result, the first connector 100 is obtained.

[0072] An example of a method for fitting first connectors 1 and 100 and a second connector 2 will be described. In the fitting process of the first connectors 1 and 100 and the second connector 2, for example, first, the protrusion 41a (see FIGS. 2 and 9) of the engaged member 41 is fitted into the recess 81a of the engaging member 81. Thereafter, the plurality of first fitting bodies 10 and 110 included in the first connectors 1 and 100 are fitted into each of the plurality of second fitting bodies 60 that constitute the second connector 2.

[0073] As described above, the tip of the protrusion 41a has a ball shape. Therefore, when the first connectors 1 and 100 and the second connector 2 are used, if the first connectors 1 and 100 and the second connector 2 are deformed following the deformation (bending) of the base B, the protrusion 41a of the engaged member 41 can be inclined with respect to the engaging member 81 without generating the excessive stress therebetween.

SUMMARY

[0074] As described above, the first connectors 1 and 100 includes the plurality of terminals 11 that are each connected to the end portions of the plurality of cables 3 arranged in the horizontal direction, the plurality of first fitting bodies 10 and 110 each of which has the plurality of first terminals 11 arranged in the horizontal direction and is fitted into the second connector 2, and the flexible parts 30 and 130 that are made of the elastic material. The flexible parts 30 and 130 include the connection parts 31 and 131 that connect the plurality of fitting bodies 10 and 110, and the cable holding parts 32 and 132 that hold the end portions of the plurality of cables 3. According to the structure, the connection parts 31 and 131 is deformed, and as a result, the shape of the first connectors 1 and 100 can follow the deformation of the base B. In addition, the cable holding parts 32 and 132 can improve the durability of the cable 3 without increasing the number of components.

[0075] Structures of a cable assembly M and a connector assembly proposed in the present disclosure are not limited to the examples described so far.

[0076] For example, the second connector 2 may have the flexible part that is made of an elastic material and connects the plurality of second housings 70.

[0077] Further, in the example of the first connectors 1 and 100, the connection parts 31 and 131 extend in the horizontal direction, and all the first housings 20 and 120 are attached to one connection part 31 and 131. However, the first connectors 1 and 100 may have the plurality of connection parts 31 and 131. Each connection part 31 and 131 may connect only the two adjacent first housings 20 and 120.

[0078] As still another example, the first housings 20 and 120 may be made of the elastic material, like the second housing 70. In this case, the first housings 20 and 120 may be integrally formed with the flexible parts 30 and 130. In this case, the second housing 70 may be made of a resin having higher rigidity than that of the elastic material.

[0079] In the example of the first connectors 1 and 100, the plurality of cables 3 extend in the same direction (rearward). However, the first connectors 1 and 100 may extend in two directions opposite to each other. For example, the cables 3 extending forward from the first terminal 11 and the cables 3 extending rearward from the first terminal 11 may be alternately arranged in the horizontal direction.

[0080] Further, the flexible parts 30 and 130 do not have to cover the whole of the plurality of first fitting bodies 10 and 110. In other words, the flexible parts 30 and 130 do not need to have the first fitting bodies 10 and 110 continuous from the first fitting bodies 10 and 110 at one end to the opposite first fitting bodies 10 and 110. For example, the flexible parts 30 and 130 may be arranged between the two adjacent first fitting bodies 10 and 110.

[0081] Further, the positions of the two adjacent first fitting bodies 10 and 110 may be displaced in the front-rear direction. For example, the first fitting bodies 10 and 110 that are offset to the front side and the first fitting bodies 10 and 110 that are offset to the rear side may be arranged alternately.

[0082] In addition, the direction in which the first fitting bodies 10 and 110 are arranged may not be a straight line. For example, the first terminal 11 and the first fitting bodies 10 and 110 may be arranged along an arc. In this case, the second fitting body 60 of the second connector 2 may also be arranged along the arc.

Claims

1. A cable assembly, comprising: a plurality of cables that have a plurality of terminals, which are arranged in a first direction, at end portions thereof; and a connector, wherein the connector includes a plurality of fitting bodies that are arranged in the first direction, each have the plurality of terminal and are fitted into a mating connector, and a flexible part that is made of an elastic material, and the flexible part includes a connection part that connects the plurality of fitting bodies and a cable holding part that holds the end portions of the plurality of cables.

2. The cable assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of fitting bodies each have a plurality of housings that are made of a material having higher rigidity than that of the elastic material, and the plurality of housings each have a fitting part that houses the terminal and is fitted into the mating connector.

3. The cable assembly according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of fitting bodies each have a plurality of housings that house the terminal and are fitted into the mating connector, the plurality of terminals each have a contact part that contacts the terminal of the mating connector, and a base portion that is a part other than the contact part of the terminal, the plurality of cables each have an outer sheath and a core wire that has an exposed part exposed from the outer sheath and is connected to the terminal, and the base portion of the terminal and the exposed part of the core wire are buried in at least one of the housing and the flexible part.

4. The cable assembly according to claim 3, wherein the exposed part of the core wire and the end portion of the outer sheath are buried in the cable holding part.

5. The cable assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of fitting bodies each have a plurality of housings that are made of a material having higher rigidity than that of the elastic material, and the plurality of housings have a gap between two adjacent housings.

6. The cable assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of fitting bodies each have a plurality of housings that are made of a material having higher rigidity than that of the elastic material, and the base portions of the plurality of terminals are held by the plurality of housings, respectively, and the connection part connects the plurality of housings.

7. The cable assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of fitting bodies each have the plurality of housings that are made of a material having higher rigidity than that of the elastic material and house the terminal, the base portions of the plurality of terminals are held by the connection part, and the plurality of housings are fixed to an outside of the connection part.

8. A connector assembly including the cable assembly described in claim 1, the connector assembly, comprising: a first connector that is the connector of the cable assembly and a second connector that can be fitted into the first connector, wherein the second connector includes a plurality of second terminals that are arranged in the first direction, and a plurality of second fitting bodies each of which has the plurality of second terminals and is configured to be fitted into each of the plurality of first fitting bodies.