Electric connector for flat conductor

A flat conductor electric connector mounted on a circuit board and electrically connected to a front end side portion of a band-shaped flat conductor extending in a front-back direction, comprising: multiple terminals in such a shape that metal plate members are bent in a plate thickness direction thereof; and a housing holding, by insert molding, the multiple terminals arrayed in a terminal array direction which is a band width direction, wherein each of the multiple terminals has, at least at one end portion in the front-back direction, a holding target portion held on the housing and an extending portion extending from the housing and formed with a mounting portion to be mounted on the circuit board by soldering, and the holding target portions adjacent to each other and the extending portions adjacent to each other are arrayed and positioned in the terminal array direction. The mounting portion includes an opening to receive a pin of a molding device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-186072 filed with the Japan Patent Office on Nov. 6, 2020, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates to a flat conductor electric connector mounted on a circuit board and connected to a flat conductor.

2. Related Art

A flat conductor extending in a front-back direction parallel with a surface of a circuit board is connected to a flat conductor electric connector as described above in a state in which the flat conductor electric connector is mounted on the circuit board. This connector is configured such that mounting portions of multiple terminals held on a housing are mounted on the circuit board by soldering in a state in which the mounting portions are arrayed on the circuit board. Normally, many terminals are arrayed, and for this reason, mounting portions thereof are required to be densely positioned for reduction in the size of the connector in a terminal array direction.

For example, a connector of JP-UM-A-61-194263 has been known as the flat conductor electric connector configured such that the mounting portions of the terminals are densely arrayed. In JP-UM-A-61-194263, the connector is manufactured in such a manner that a semi-processed product of terminals (“contacts” in JP-UM-A-61-194263) extending in a comb tooth shape is formed from a carrier (a coupling piece) obtained by punching of a metal plate and the carrier is cut and removed from the terminals after each terminal of the semi-processed product has been held on a housing.

For such a connector, when an attempt is made to densely array the terminals, there are problems such as a problem that with only the single semi-processed product, a sufficient clearance for a punching blade cannot be ensured between the terminals. In Patent Literature 1, two semi-processed products are used, and the terminals are densely arrayed in such a manner that both semi-processed products are, at carriers thereof, fixed to each other with the semi-processed products being shifted from each other by a half pitch of the terminal and the carriers are cut after these semi-processed products have been held on the housing.

SUMMARY

A flat conductor electric connector mounted on a circuit board and electrically connected to a front end side portion of a band-shaped flat conductor extending in a front-back direction, comprising:

multiple terminals in such a shape that metal plate members are bent in a plate thickness direction thereof; and

a housing holding, by insert molding, the multiple terminals arrayed in a terminal array direction which is a band width direction,

wherein each of the multiple terminals has, at least at one end portion in the front-back direction, a holding target portion held on the housing and an extending portion extending from the housing and formed with a mounting portion to be mounted on the circuit board by soldering, and the holding target portions adjacent to each other are arrayed and positioned in the terminal array direction with areas overlapping with each other in the front-back direction and the extending portions adjacent to each other are arrayed and positioned in the terminal array direction with areas overlapping with each other in the front-back direction,

the extending portion includes one extending portion or multiple extending portions separated from each other in the terminal array direction and has, at least at an end portion positioned outside the housing in the front-back direction and positioned on a housing side, a narrow portion of which a terminal width in the terminal array direction is narrower than a terminal width of the holding target portion, and an opening is formed by the narrow portion, and

a clearance between a narrow portion of an optional extending portion and another extending portion adjacent to the narrow portion of the optional extending portion with respect to an opening is greater than a clearance between adjacent ones of the holding target portions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In recent years, in a connector configured such that terminals are densely arrayed, the terminals are held on a housing by insert molding in many cases. Generally, for such a connector, a small clearance between the terminals needs to be reliably ensured with favorable accuracy so that the housing can be molded and the terminals can be densely positioned. A member (a die pin) such as a pin of a molding die is arranged between the terminals. However, when an attempt is made to hold the terminals by insert molding in the connector of Patent Literature 1, the clearance between the terminals is extremely small, and for this reason, the die pin cannot be arranged or the strength thereof cannot be obtained because the die pin is extremely thin. Nevertheless, when the clearance between the terminals is increased, the original purpose that the terminals are densely arrayed cannot be achieved.

The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and an object of the present invention is to provide a flat conductor electric connector capable of ensuring the strength of a die pin of a molding die for holding terminals by insert molding while the terminals are densely arrayed.

The flat conductor electric connector according to the present invention is a flat conductor electric connector mounted on a circuit board and electrically connected to a front end side portion of a band-shaped flat conductor extending in a front-back direction, the flat conductor electric connector including multiple terminals in such a shape that metal plate members are bent in a plate thickness direction thereof and a housing holding, by insert molding, the multiple terminals arrayed in a terminal array direction which is a band width direction.

In such a flat conductor electric connector, in the present invention, each of the multiple terminals has, at least at one end portion in the front-back direction, a holding target portion held on the housing and an extending portion extending from the housing and formed with a mounting portion to be mounted on the circuit board by soldering, and the holding target portions adjacent to each other are arrayed and positioned in the terminal array direction with areas overlapping with each other in the front-back direction and the extending portions adjacent to each other are arrayed and positioned in the terminal array direction with areas overlapping with each other in the front-back direction. The extending portion includes one extending portion or multiple extending portions separated from each other in the terminal array direction and has, at least at an end portion positioned outside the housing in the front-back direction and positioned on a housing side, a narrow portion of which the terminal width in the terminal array direction is narrower than the terminal width of the holding target portion, and an opening is formed by the narrow portion. A clearance between a narrow portion of an optional extending portion and another extending portion adjacent to the narrow portion of the optional extending portion with respect to an opening is greater than a clearance between adjacent ones of the holding target portions.

In the present invention, the opening is formed by the narrow portion of the extending portion of the terminal so that a die pin of a molding die can enter the opening. Thus, even when the terminals are arrayed with a narrow clearance therebetween in the terminal array direction, it is not necessary to thinly form the die pin, and the die pin with a sufficient strength can be arranged upon insert molding of the terminals and the housing.

In the present invention, the opening of each terminal may be formed as a recessed portion at a side edge of the extending portion.

In the present invention, each terminal may have a first terminal member and a second terminal member sandwiching the flat conductor in a thickness direction thereof, a first extending portion of the first terminal member and a second extending portion of the second terminal member may form the extending portion, and the narrow portion may be formed at least at one of the first extending portion or the second extending portion.

In the present invention, in a case where the terminal has the first terminal member and the second terminal member, openings may be, at a side edge of the first extending portion and a side edge of the second extending portion, formed by recessed portions facing each other in the terminal array direction. With this configuration, the opposing recessed portions of the first and second extending portions together form a single large opening space so that a thick die pin can enter such a space.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

According to the present invention, the opening is formed by the narrow portion of the extending portion of the terminal so that the die pin of the molding die can enter such an opening. Thus, the die pin with a sufficient strength can be used without the need for narrowing the entire area of the terminal and increasing a terminal array pitch, and the terminals can be densely arrayed while the terminals are held at proper positions.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described based on the attached drawings.

FIGS.1A and1Bare perspective views showing an electric connector1(hereinafter referred to as a “connector1”) according to the present embodiment together with a flat conductor C as a partner connection body,FIG.1Ashowing a state before insertion of the flat conductor C andFIG.1Bshowing a state after insertion of the flat conductor C.

The connector1is a flat conductor electric connector arranged on a mounting surface of a circuit board (not shown) and connected to the flat conductor C such that the above-described circuit board and the flat conductor C are brought into electric conduction with each other. The flat conductor C is in a band shape extending in a front-back direction (an X-axis direction) as shown inFIGS.1A and1B, and a front end side portion of the flat conductor C is connected to the connector1. In the present embodiment, an X1 direction is the front, and an X2 direction is the back. In the flat conductor C, multiple circuit portions (not shown) extending in the front-back direction in an insulating layer of the flat conductor C are arrayed in a band width direction (a Y-axis direction) of the flat conductor C, and reach a front end (tip end) position of the flat conductor C. Front end side portions of these circuit portions are exposed at one surface, i.e., a lower surface, of the flat conductor C, and are contactable with later-described terminals20of the connector1. Cutout portions C1are formed at both side edges of the above-described front end side portion, and a back end edge of an ear portion C2positioned at the front of the cutout portion C1functions as a locking target portion C2A to be locked at a locking portion54of a movable member50of the connector1as described later (seeFIG.6A). Moreover, a reinforcing plate C3is bonded to the other surface, i.e., an upper surface, of the front end side portion of the flat conductor C.

The connector1includes a housing10extending in a longitudinal direction as a connector width direction (the Y-axis direction) parallel with the mounting surface of the circuit board (not shown) and perpendicular to the front-back direction and made of an electric insulating material, the multiple metal terminals20held on the housing10in a terminal array direction as the connector width direction, the movable member50supported on the housing10to move (turn) between a closed position and an open position as described later and made of an electric insulating material, and metal fittings60held at both end portions of the housing10in the terminal array direction. The front end side portion of the flat conductor C is, from the back side (the X2 side), inserted into and connected to the connector1(see an arrow ofFIG.1A). Moreover, in the present embodiment, the terminal20is used as a power supply terminal. As described later, the terminal20has a first arm member30as a first arm portion and a second arm member40as a second arm portion, the first arm member30and the second arm member40being separate metal plate members.

As shown inFIGS.1A to3, the housing10has side walls11positioned on both end sides in the terminal array direction (the Y-axis direction) and extending in the front-back direction (the X-axis direction), a front wall12(seeFIG.3) extending in the terminal array direction to couple front end portions of the two side walls11, and a back wall13extending in the terminal array direction to couple back end portions of the two side walls11. A space surrounded by the two side walls11and the front wall12and opening backward forms a receiving portion14which can receive the front end side portion of the flat conductor C from the back.

The side wall11has a guide portion11A extending, at a position close to a back end of the side wall11, inward from an upper portion of the side wall11in the terminal array direction. The guide portion11A is provided at a position with a clearance from the back wall13in an upper-lower direction (a Z-axis direction). The dimension of such a clearance in the upper-lower direction is slightly greater than the thickness dimension (the dimension in the upper-lower direction) of the flat conductor C, and entrance of side edge portions (both end side portions in the Y-axis direction) of the flat conductor C into the receiving portion14from the back is allowed by the above-described clearance. An upper guide surface11A-1inclined downward toward the front is formed at a lower surface of a back end portion of the guide portion11A, and guides the side edge portion of the flat conductor C into the receiving portion14.

Moreover, a side guide surface11B is formed at the back end portion of the side wall11. The side guide surface11B forms an inclined surface inclined inward in the connector width direction toward the front, and guides the side edge portion of the flat conductor C into the receiving portion14.

Further, a side groove portion11C penetrating the side wall11in the upper-lower direction at an intermediate position in the terminal array direction and opening backward is formed at a back half portion of the side wall11. The side groove portion11C is, corresponding to a later-described restriction arm portion63of the metal fitting60, positioned below a later-described horizontal arm portion63B of the restriction arm portion63in the terminal array direction (seeFIG.2B). Moreover, back protruding portions11D protruding upward on both sides of the side groove portion11C are formed at the back end portion of the side wall11. A front surface of each back protruding portion11D forms a curved surface recessed in an arc shape, and such a curved surface is formed as a support surface11D-1turnably supporting a later-described turning shaft portion53of the movable member50(seeFIGS.7A to7C).

The front wall12has the function of a front holding portion holding, by insert molding (integral molding), later-described first front holding target portions32of the first arm members30of the terminals20and later-described second holding target portions42of the second arm members40of the terminals20. At the front wall12, support protruding portions12A protruding backward from a back surface of an upper portion of the front wall12are formed at positions corresponding to the terminals20in the terminal array direction. As described later, the support protruding portion12A supports a later-described coupling portion43of the second arm member40in contact with a front surface of the coupling portion43(seeFIGS.5A and6B).

Moreover, as shown inFIGS.5A to5C, a lower protruding portion12B protruding downward from a lower surface of a front end portion of the front wall12and extending forward is, at the front wall12, formed at a position corresponding to a position between a later-described first forward-extending portion33and a later-described second extending portion44of each terminal20. The lower protruding portion12B is formed with the same dimensions as those of the first forward-extending portion33and the second extending portion44in the upper-lower direction. A lower surface of the lower protruding portion12B is positioned at the same height as that of a lower surface of each of the first forward-extending portion33and the second extending portion44, and is surface-contactable with the mounting surface of the circuit board (not shown). The lower protruding portion12B has a front end protruding portion12B-1protruding forward beyond a front surface of the front wall12.

As shown inFIGS.5A to5C, the front end protruding portion12B-1extends to an intermediate position in the front-back direction in a later-described pin insertable space20A formed between a first recessed portion33A-2of a first front mounting portion33A as described later and a second recessed portion44A-2of a second mounting portion44A as described later. Moreover, an upper surface of the front end protruding portion12B-1forms an inclined surface inclined downward toward the front.

The back wall13has the function of a back holding portion holding, by insert molding, later-described first back holding target portions34of the first arm members30. As shown inFIG.5A, a lower guide surface13A inclined upward toward the front is formed at an upper surface of a back end portion of the back wall13, and guides the front end portion of the flat conductor C into the receiving portion14.

The terminal20has the first arm member30as the first arm portion and the second arm member40as the second arm portion, the first arm member30and the second arm member40being the separate members. Since the terminal is formed of two members as described above, it is not necessary to perform bending for folding back a metal plate member upon manufacturing of the terminal, and therefore, the terminal is easily manufactured and a material yield is improved.FIG.4Ais a perspective view showing the terminal20in a state in which the first arm member30and the second arm member40overlap with each other, andFIG.4Bis a perspective view showing the first and second arm members30,40separated from each other. The first arm member30and the second arm member40are formed in such a manner that band-shaped metal plate members extending in the front-back direction are bent in a plate thickness direction.

The first arm member30has a first contact arm portion31linearly extending across an area between the front wall12and the back wall13in the front-back direction, the first front holding target portion32extending in a substantially lying L-shape from a front end of the first contact arm portion31and held on the front wall12, the first forward-extending portion33extending forward from a lower end of the first front holding target portion32, the first back holding target portion34extending in a substantially lying L-shape from a back end of the first contact arm portion31and held on the back wall13, and a first backward-extending portion35extending backward from a back end of the first back holding target portion34. As shown inFIGS.4A and4B, the first arm member30is configured such that a later-described first front vertical portion32B of the first front holding target portion32and the first forward-extending portion33are, with a terminal width (a dimension in the terminal array direction) of the substantially half of the terminal width of other portions of the first arm member30, formed on a Y2 side at the first arm member30.

As shown inFIG.3, the first contact arm portion31extends across an area between a back end surface of the front wall12and a front end surface of the back wall13in the front-back direction in a posture in which the upper-lower direction is the plate thickness direction, and is exposed through the housing10. A window-shaped slit31A penetrating the first contact arm portion31in the upper-lower direction and extending in the front-back direction is formed at the first contact arm portion31, and contact stripe portions31B extending in the front-back direction and formed elastically displaceable in the upper-lower direction are formed at positions on both sides of the slit31A in the terminal array direction.

In the present embodiment, the slit31A is, as shown inFIG.4B, in a substantially diamond shape of which the longitudinal direction is the front-back direction. Thus, the contact stripe portion31B positioned on each side of the slit31A has the minimum terminal width at an intermediate position (a position at which the width dimension of the slit31A in the terminal array direction is maximum) in the front-back direction, and has the maximum terminal width at a front end position and a back end position. A portion of the contact stripe portion31B with the minimum terminal width is formed as a first contact portion31B-1contactable with a lower surface of the front end side portion of the flat conductor C with contact pressure. In the present embodiment, the circuit portions are exposed at the lower surface of the front end side portion of the flat conductor C, and the first contact portions31B-1function as contact portions configured to contact and be electrically connected to the above-described circuit portions.

In the present embodiment, since the slit31A is formed at the first contact arm portion31, the two first contact portions31B-1are provided at the single first contact arm portion31so that the reliability of contact with the flat conductor C can be improved. Moreover, since each contact stripe portion31B is thinner than the entirety of the first contact arm portion31and is easily elastically displaceable, the flat conductor C is easily inserted into a portion among the first contact portions31B-1and a later-described second contact portion41A. Further, as described above, since the contact stripe portion31B has the minimum terminal width at the position of the first contact portion31B-1, the contact stripe portion31B is easily elastically displaceable in the upper-lower direction at the position of the first contact portion31B-1upon contact with the above-described circuit portion. Moreover, since the contact stripe portion31B has the maximum terminal width at the front end position and the back end position, the strength of the contact stripe portion31B can be ensured at these positions.

The first front holding target portion32is formed bent in the plate thickness direction to form the substantially lying L-shape as viewed in the terminal array direction, and is held on the front wall12by insert molding. The first front holding target portion32has a first front horizontal portion32A as a first base portion extending forward from the front end of the first contact arm portion31and the first front vertical portion32B bent at a front end of a Y2-side portion of the first front horizontal portion32A and extending downward.

In the present embodiment, as shown inFIG.4B, the first front horizontal portion32A is formed with the same terminal width as that of the first contact arm portion31, but the first front vertical portion32B is formed with a terminal width of the substantially half of the terminal width of the first contact arm portion31at a position close to the Y2 side in the terminal array direction. The first front horizontal portion32A and the first front vertical portion32B are embedded in the front wall12.

At a position below a lower surface of the front wall12(excluding the lower protruding portions12B), the first forward-extending portion33is bent at a lower end of the first front vertical portion32B, and extends forward. The first forward-extending portion33is positioned within the area of the front wall12in the front-back direction, extends along the lower surface of the front wall12, and further extends forward beyond the front surface of the front wall12. The first forward-extending portion33is positioned in the area of the first front horizontal portion32A as the first base portion in the terminal array direction. Of the first forward-extending portion33, a portion positioned at the front of the front wall12is formed as the first front mounting portion33A mounted on the mounting surface of the circuit board by soldering. When the connector1is arranged on the mounting surface of the circuit board, the first front mounting portion33A surface-contacts the corresponding circuit portion (not shown) of the circuit board at a lower surface of the first front mounting portion33A, and is connectable to the corresponding circuit portion by soldering.

As shown inFIG.5C, the first front mounting portion33A is formed with a first narrow portion33A-1at a back end portion, i.e., an end portion positioned on a front wall12side. A side edge of the first narrow portion33A-1extending in the front-back direction on a Y1 side is positioned recessed to the Y2 side with respect to a Y1-side edge of other portions of the first forward-extending portion33. With this configuration, the first narrow portion33A-1has a smaller terminal width than that of the other portions of the first forward-extending portion33. At the first front mounting portion33A, the first recessed portion33A-2as an opening is formed on the Y1 side of the above-described back end portion by the first narrow portion33A-1. That is, the first recessed portion33A-2is in such a shape that the Y1-side edge of the back end portion of the first front mounting portion33A as described above is cut out in a rectangular shape, and opens to the Y1 side. As shown inFIG.5C, a back end of the first narrow portion33A-1, i.e., a back end of the first recessed portion33A-2, is at the same position as that of the front surface of the front wall12in the front-back direction.

As shown inFIGS.4A and4B, the first back holding target portion34extends with the same terminal width as that of the first contact arm portion31from the back end of the first contact arm portion31. As shown inFIG.5A, the first back holding target portion34is formed bent in the plate thickness direction to form the substantially lying L-shape as viewed in the terminal array direction, and is held on the back wall13by insert molding. The first back holding target portion34has a first back horizontal portion34A extending backward from the back end of the first contact arm portion31and a first back vertical portion34B bent at a back end of the first back horizontal portion34A and extending downward. In the present embodiment, as shown inFIG.5A, the first back horizontal portion34A and the first back vertical portion34B are positioned inside the back wall13, and are embedded in the back wall13.

The first backward-extending portion35is bent at a lower end of the first back vertical portion34B, and extends backward. The first backward-extending portion35is positioned within the area of the back wall13in the front-back direction, extends along a lower surface of the back wall13, and further extends backward beyond a back surface of the back wall13. Of the first backward-extending portion35, a portion positioned at the back of the back wall13is formed as a first back mounting portion35A mounted on the mounting surface of the circuit board by soldering. When the connector1is arranged on the mounting surface of the circuit board, the first back mounting portion35A surface-contacts the corresponding circuit portion (not shown) of the circuit board at a lower surface of the first back mounting portion35A, and is connectable to the corresponding circuit portion by soldering.

The second arm member40has a second contact arm portion41extending in the front-back direction, the second holding target portion42positioned at the front of the second contact arm portion41and held on the front wall12, the coupling portion43extending in the upper-lower direction to couple a front end of the second contact arm portion41and a back end of the second holding target portion42to each other, and the second extending portion44extending forward from a lower end of the second holding target portion42. As shown inFIGS.4A and4B, the second arm member40is configured such that a later-described second vertical portion42B of the second holding target portion42and the second extending portion44are, with a terminal width (a dimension in the terminal array direction) of the substantially half of the terminal width of other portions of the second arm member40, formed on the Y1 side at the second arm member40.

The second contact arm portion41extends, above the first contact arm portion31of the first arm member30, backward from a back end position of the front wall12at a position apart from the first contact arm portion31. The second contact arm portion41has the same terminal width as that of the first contact arm portion31, and is at the same position as that of the first contact arm portion31in the terminal array direction. As shown inFIGS.5A and6B, a back end (a free end) of the second contact arm portion41is positioned among the first contact portions31B-1of the first contact arm portion31and the back end of the first contact arm portion31in the front-back direction. At the second contact arm portion41, the second contact portion41A protruding downward at the same position as that of the first contact portion31B-1in the front-back direction is formed by bending of the second contact arm portion41in the plate thickness direction. The dimension of a clearance formed by the first contact portion31B-1and the second contact portion41A in the upper-lower direction is smaller than the thickness dimension of the flat conductor C. Moreover, a portion of the second contact arm portion41from the second contact portion41A to a back end is formed as a back end inclined portion41B inclined upward toward the back.

As shown inFIG.4B, the second holding target portion42is formed bent in the plate thickness direction to form a substantially lying L-shape as viewed in the terminal array direction, and is held on the front wall12by insert molding. The second holding target portion42has a second horizontal portion42A as a second base portion extending forward from a lower end of the coupling portion43and the second vertical portion42B bent at a front end of a Y1-side portion of the second horizontal portion42A and extending downward.

In the present embodiment, as shown inFIG.4B, the second horizontal portion42A is formed with the same terminal width as that of the second contact arm portion41, but the second vertical portion42B is, with a terminal width of the substantially half of the terminal width of the second contact arm portion41, formed at a position close to the Y1 side in the terminal array direction. The second horizontal portion42A and the second vertical portion42B are embedded in the back wall13.

The second horizontal portion42A has the same terminal width as that of the first front horizontal portion32A of the first arm member30, and is at the same position as that of the first front horizontal portion32A in the terminal array direction. Moreover, a portion from the second horizontal portion42A to the back end of the second contact arm portion41has the same terminal width as that of a portion from the first front horizontal portion32A to the back end of the first contact arm portion31, and is at the same position as that of such a portion in the terminal array direction. With this configuration, the multiple terminals20can be densely arrayed, and as a result, reduction in the size of the connector1in the terminal array direction is achieved. The phrase “densely arrayed” as described herein means that the first arm member30and the second arm member40are arrayed close to each other such that a clearance (indicated by “P2” inFIG.5C) between portions (dashed portions inFIG.5C) of the first forward-extending portion33and the second extending portion44positioned at the back of the front surface of the front wall12of the housing10is as small as possible.

The second vertical portion42B has the same terminal width as that of the first front vertical portion32B of the first arm member30, is at the same position as that of the first front vertical portion32B in the front-back direction and the upper-lower direction, and is positioned differently from the first front vertical portion32B and is adjacent to the first front vertical portion32B in the terminal array direction.

As shown inFIG.5A, the second horizontal portion42A surface-contacts, at a lower surface thereof, an upper surface of the first front horizontal portion32A of the first arm member30, and can be in electric conduction with the first front horizontal portion32A. As described above, in the present embodiment, the first front horizontal portion32A and the second horizontal portion42A are held on the front wall12in a state in which the first front horizontal portion32A and the second horizontal portion42A overlap with and surface-contact each other in the upper-lower direction, and therefore, the dimension of the connector1in the upper-lower direction can be reduced and reduction in the size in the upper-lower direction, i.e., reduction in the height, can be achieved.

Moreover, in the present embodiment, as shown inFIG.5A, the second horizontal portion42A is, at an upper surface thereof, supported on the front wall12. Thus, when the flat conductor C enters the portion among the first contact portions31B-1and the second contact portion41A and the second contact arm portion41is elastically displaced upward, the second horizontal portion42A can resist force acting on the second horizontal portion42A in an elastic displacement direction, i.e., the upward force of separating the second horizontal portion42A from the first front horizontal portion32A, and separation of the first front horizontal portion32A and the second horizontal portion42A can be prevented. Thus, a sufficiently-great contact pressure on the flat conductor C for sandwiching the flat conductor C by the first contact portions31B-1and the second contact portion41A can be more reliably ensured.

As shown inFIGS.5A and6B, the coupling portion43has the same terminal width as those of the second contact arm portion41and the second horizontal portion42A, is bent upward at a back end of the second horizontal portion42A, and is coupled to the front end of the second contact arm portion41. The coupling portion43extends along a back surface of the support protruding portion12A of the front wall12, i.e., a protruding top surface of the support protruding portion12A, at a position at the back of the front wall12. The front surface of the coupling portion43is supported on the back surface of the support protruding portion12A.

The front surface of the coupling portion43is supported on the back surface of the support protruding portion12A as described above. Thus, when the flat conductor C enters the portion among the first contact portions31B-1and the second contact portion41A and the second contact arm portion41is elastically displaced upward, the coupling portion43can resist force acting on the coupling portion43and having a forward component, and as a result, separation of the first front horizontal portion32A and the second horizontal portion42A can be prevented. Thus, a sufficiently-great contact pressure on the flat conductor C for sandwiching the flat conductor C by the first contact portions31B-1and the second contact portion41A can be more reliably ensured.

At a position below the lower surface of the front wall12(excluding the lower protruding portions12B), the second extending portion44is bent at a lower end of the second vertical portion42B, and extends forward. The second extending portion44is positioned within the area of the front wall12in the front-back direction, extends along the lower surface of the front wall12, and further extends forward beyond the front surface of the front wall12. The second extending portion44is positioned in the area of the second horizontal portion42A as the second base portion in the terminal array direction. Moreover, the second extending portion44has the same terminal width as that of the first forward-extending portion33of the first arm member30, is at the same position as that of the first forward-extending portion33in the front-back direction and the upper-lower direction, and is positioned differently from the first forward-extending portion33and is adjacent to the first forward-extending portion33in the terminal array direction.

Of the second extending portion44, a portion positioned at the front of the front wall12is formed as the second mounting portion44A mounted on the mounting surface of the circuit board by soldering. When the connector1is arranged on the mounting surface of the circuit board, the second mounting portion44A surface-contacts, at a lower surface thereof, the same corresponding circuit portion (not shown) as the corresponding circuit portion on which the first front mounting portion33A of the first arm member30is mounted, and is connectable to the corresponding circuit portion by soldering.

As shown inFIG.5C, the second mounting portion44A is formed with a second narrow portion44A-1at a back end portion, i.e., an end portion positioned on the front wall12side. A side edge of the second narrow portion44A-1extending in the front-back direction on the Y2 side is positioned recessed to the Y1 side with respect to a Y2-side edge of other portions of the second extending portion44. With this configuration, the second narrow portion44A-1has a smaller terminal width than that of the other portions of the second extending portion44. At the second mounting portion44A, the second recessed portion44A-2as an opening is formed on the Y2 side of the above-described back end portion by the second narrow portion44A-1. That is, the second recessed portion44A-2is in such a shape that the Y2-side edge of the back end portion of the second mounting portion44A as described above is cut out in a rectangular shape, and opens to the Y2 side.

In the present embodiment, a space between the first narrow portion33A-1and the second narrow portion44A-1in the terminal array direction, i.e., a space formed between the first recessed portion33A-2and the second recessed portion44A-2, is formed as the pin insertable space20A allowing insertion of a die pin (not shown), which is provided at a molding die, in the upper-lower direction when the terminal20is held on the housing10by insert molding.

Of one terminal20, the dimension of a clearance between the first narrow portion33A-1and the second narrow portion44A-1in the terminal array direction, i.e., the dimension (indicated by “P1” inFIG.5C) of the pin insertable space20A, is greater than a clearance between portions of the first front vertical portion32B and the second vertical portion42B positioned immediately at the back of the front wall12and greater than a clearance between the first forward-extending portion33(excluding the first narrow portion33A-1) and the second extending portion44(excluding the second narrow portion44A-1) in the terminal array direction.FIG.5Cshows a state in which the dimension P1of the pin insertable space20A in the terminal array direction is greater than the clearance P2between the portions (the dashed portions inFIG.5C) of the first forward-extending portion33and the second extending portion44positioned at the back of the front surface of the front wall12of the housing10.

The movable member50is provided above the housing10and the terminals20, and is turnable about the axis of the later-described turning shaft portion53between the closed position at which the movable member50is in a posture parallel with the circuit board (not shown) as shown inFIGS.1A and1Band the open position at which the movable member50is in a posture standing in the upper-lower direction as shown inFIGS.2A and2B. When the movable member50is at the closed position, detachment of the flat conductor C is inhibited. When the movable member50is at the open position, detachment of the flat conductor C is allowed.

As shown inFIG.3showing the same posture as that at the open position, the movable member50has a plate-shaped body portion51extending in a longitudinal direction which is the terminal array direction (the Y-axis direction), end plate portions52provided at both end positions of the body portion51in the terminal array direction, the turning shaft portions53provided on a lower end side of the end plate portions52, and the locking portions54(seeFIG.2B) protruding forward (the X1 direction) from the end plate portions52.

The movable member50is positioned across the substantially same area as that of the housing10in the terminal array direction. In the front-back direction, the movable member50is positioned to cover the substantially entire area of the receiving portion14when the movable member50is at the closed position (seeFIGS.1A,1B, and5A), and is positioned on a back end side of the housing10when the movable member50is at the open position (seeFIGS.2A and2B).

As shown inFIG.2B, groove-shaped body groove portions51A extending in the upper-lower direction at positions corresponding to the terminals20in the terminal array direction are formed at a front surface (a surface on the X1 side) of the body portion51when the movable member50is at the open position. Since the body groove portions51A are formed at the body portion51as described above, contact of the body portion51with the second contact arm portions41of the second arm members40of the terminals20when the body portion51is at the closed position can be avoided.

As shown inFIG.2B, at the end plate portion52, a slit-shaped end groove portion52A extending downward from a position close to an upper end and penetrating the end plate portion52in the front-back direction is formed at a position corresponding to the side groove portion11C of the housing10and the later-described restriction arm portion63of the metal fitting60in the terminal array direction. When the movable member50is at the closed position, the end groove portion52A is positioned within the area of the side groove portion11C of the housing10in the front-back direction, and houses a later-described bent arm portion63B-2of the metal fitting60(seeFIG.7C). Moreover, as shown inFIGS.2B and3, at the end plate portion52, a lower end of the end plate portion52is recessed with respect to a lower end of the body portion51at a position corresponding to the guide portion11A of the housing10in the front-back direction and the terminal array direction, thereby forming an end recessed portion52B. As shown inFIGS.1A,1B, and2B, the end recessed portion52B houses the guide portion11A, and accordingly, contact among the movable member50and the guide portions11A is avoided.

As shown inFIG.3, the turning shaft portion53is provided coupled to the lower end of the end plate portion52at a position outside the end recessed portion52B in the terminal array direction, and extends across an area including the end groove portion52A. As shown inFIGS.7A to7C, the turning shaft portion53is configured such that the sectional shape thereof along a plane perpendicular to the terminal array direction is a substantially rectangular shape and a surface thereof in an area from a back surface to a lower surface when the movable member50is at the closed position forms a single continuous raised curved surface. This raised curved surface is curved with the substantially same curvature as that of the support surface11D-1of the housing10, and forms a support target surface53A turnably supported by the support surface11D-1in the course of turning the movable member50.

As shown inFIG.2B, the locking portion54is, in a state in which the end plate portion52is at the open position, positioned above the end recessed portion52B and slightly inward from the end recessed portion52B in the terminal array direction, and protrudes from the front surface (a lower surface at the closed position) of the end plate portion52(also seeFIG.6A). The locking portions54are, in the terminal array direction, positioned corresponding to both outer sides of an area where the terminals20are arrayed, specifically the side edge portions of the flat conductor C. As shown inFIG.6A, a lower surface of the locking portion54when the movable member50is at the closed position is formed as an inclined surface54A inclined downward toward the front, and a front surface of the locking portion54is formed as a locking surface54B forming a flat surface perpendicular to the front-back direction. As shown inFIG.6A, when the movable member50is brought into the closed position after insertion of the flat conductor C, the locking portions54enter the cutout portions C1of the flat conductor C from above. As a result, the locking portions54are positioned such that the locking surfaces54B thereof are lockable to the locking target portions C2A at the back thereof, and detachment of the flat conductor C is inhibited accordingly.

As shown inFIGS.3and4C, the metal fitting60is formed in such a manner that a metal plate member is bent in a plate thickness direction. The two metal fittings60provided at the connector1, i.e., the metal fitting60positioned on the Y1 side and the metal fitting60positioned on the Y2 side, have shapes symmetrical to each other in the terminal array direction. Hereinafter, the metal fitting60on the Y2 side will be described, and description of the metal fitting60on the Y1 side will be omitted. As shown inFIGS.3and4C, the metal fitting60has a fixing portion61extending to face the mounting surface of the circuit board (not shown), a reinforcing portion62held on the housing10by insert molding, and the restriction arm portion63supporting the turning shaft portion53of the movable member50and restricting upward and forward movement of the turning shaft portion53.

The fixing portion61is formed in such a flat plate shape that a plate surface (a surface perpendicular to the plate thickness direction) thereof is parallel with the mounting surface of the circuit board (not shown), and is in a substantially L-shape as viewed from above. The fixing portion61has a back fixing portion61A extending in the terminal array direction and a front fixing portion61B extending forward from the back fixing portion61A at an inner position in the terminal array direction. As shown inFIGS.1A and1B, the back fixing portion61A is positioned at the back of the side wall11of the housing10. The front fixing portion61B extends forward along a lower surface of the side wall11at a position inside the side groove portion11C in the terminal array direction. The fixing portion61surface-contacts, at a lower surface thereof, a corresponding portion of the mounting surface of the circuit board, and is connected and fixed to such a mounting surface by soldering.

The reinforcing portion62has a vertical plate portion62A bent at an inner edge in the terminal array direction at a front end portion of the front fixing portion61B and extending upward and a horizontal plate portion62B bent at an upper edge of the vertical plate portion62A and extending inward in the terminal array direction. The reinforcing portion62is positioned within the area of the guide portion11A of the side wall11in the front-back direction. The vertical plate portion62A is embedded in an inner portion of the side wall11with respect to the side groove portion11C, thereby reinforcing such an inner portion. The horizontal plate portion62B is embedded in the guide portion11A to reinforce the guide portion11A.

The restriction arm portion63has a vertical arm portion63A bent at a front edge of the back fixing portion61A at a position outside the back fixing portion61A in the terminal array direction and extending upward and the horizontal arm portion63B bent at an upper edge of the vertical arm portion63A and extending forward. The restriction arm portion63is positioned corresponding to the side groove portion11C of the housing10and the turning shaft portion53of the movable member50in the terminal array direction. The vertical arm portion63A is positioned at the back of the side groove portion11C. The horizontal arm portion63B extends forward at immediately above the side groove portion11C, and as shown inFIG.2A, is positioned to penetrate the end groove portion52A of the movable member50at the open position.

As shown inFIGS.4A to4CandFIG.7C, the horizontal arm portion63B is bent downward at an intermediate position in the front-back direction, and is further bent diagonally forward-upward. As a result, a substantially back half portion of the horizontal arm portion63B forms a linear arm portion63B-1linearly extending in the front-back direction, and a substantially front half portion of the horizontal arm portion63B forms the substantially V-shaped bent arm portion63B-2as viewed in the terminal array direction. As shown inFIG.7C, the linear arm portion63B-1is configured such that a front end side portion thereof is formed as an upper restriction portion63B-1A configured to contact the turning shaft portion53from above to restrict excessive upward movement of the turning shaft portion53. Moreover, the bent arm portion63B-2is configured such that a portion thereof extending in the upper-lower direction is formed as a front restriction portion63B-2A positioned contactable with the turning shaft portion53from the front to restrict excessive forward movement of the turning shaft portion53. The upper restriction portion63B-1A and the front restriction portion63B-2A can constantly restrict excessive upward and forward movement of the turning shaft portion53even when the movable member50is at any turning position, and therefore, unexpected detachment of the movable member50from the housing10can be favorably prevented.

The connector1according to the present embodiment is manufactured in the following manner. First, the second horizontal portions42A of the second arm members40are arranged in the molding die (not shown) in a state in which each second horizontal portion42A overlaps with a corresponding one of the first front horizontal portions32A of the first arm members30from above, and the metal fittings60are also arranged in the molding die. The molding die can be divided into multiple parts, and the die pins for molding the housing in a state in which the positions of the first arm members30and the second arm members40are set are provided to extend in the upper-lower direction at least at one of an upper die arranged from above and a lower die arranged from below. The die pin is inserted in the upper-lower direction into the pin insertable space20A (seeFIG.5C) formed between the first narrow portion33A-1and the second narrow portion44A-1. At this point, the pin is inserted and positioned at a front half portion in the pin insertable space20A.

In the present embodiment, the die pin of the molding die can enter the above-described pin insertable space20A, and therefore, even if the first arm member30and the second arm member40are arrayed adjacent to each other in the terminal array direction with a narrow clearance therebetween, it is not necessary to thinly form the die pin and the die pin with a sufficient strength can be arranged upon insert molding of the terminals20and the housing10. Thus, the terminals can be densely arrayed at proper positions without the need for narrowing the entire area of the terminal and increasing a terminal array pitch.

Next, molten resin is injected into the molding die, and thereafter, is solidified. In this manner, the housing10is formed. As a result, the first arm members30, the second arm members40, and the metal fittings60are held on the housing10by insert molding (integral molding).

Next, the movable member50is attached to the housing10from the front. The steps of attaching the movable member50will be described based onFIGS.7A to7C. First, as shown inFIG.7A, the movable member50in the posture at the closed position is arranged on the housing10at a position at the front of the metal fittings60. Next, the movable member50is moved backward while the posture thereof at the closed position is maintained. At this point, the turning shaft portions53contact, from the front, front end side portions of the bent arm portions63B-2of the metal fittings60, i.e., portions inclined diagonally forward-upward, and accordingly, the bent arm portions63B-2and therefore the horizontal arm portions63B are elastically displaced upward. As a result, further backward movement of the movable member50is allowed.

Upon attachment of the movable member50, the fixing portions61of the metal fittings60are not fixed to the mounting surface of the circuit board. Thus, the metal fittings60are elastically displaceable, taking, as an arm length, the entire length of a portion along an area from a front end portion of the restriction arm portion63to the front end portion of the front fixing portion61B. That is, in the course of attaching the movable member50, the horizontal arm portions63B, the vertical arm portions63A, and the fixing portions61are elastically displaced as shown inFIG.7B. In the present embodiment, the horizontal arm portions63B are easily displaced upward because a great arm length can be ensured as described above. As a result, the movable member50is easily attached.

When the turning shaft portions53of the movable members50reach a position at the back of the bent arm portions63B-2, the elastic displacement amounts of the horizontal arm portions63B, the vertical arm portions63A, and the fixing portions61decrease. As a result, the horizontal arm portions63B move downward, and as shown inFIG.7C, the upper restriction portions63B-1A of the linear arm portions63B-1contact the turning shaft portions53from above, and the front restriction portions63B-2A of the bent arm portions63B-2are positioned contactable with the turning shaft portions53from the front. In this manner, the movable member50is attached to the housing10, and the connector1is completed.

Next, motion for connecting the connector1and the flat conductor C to each other will be described based onFIGS.1A to2BandFIGS.6A, and6B. First, the first front mounting portions33A and the first back mounting portions35A of the first arm members30of the terminals20and the second mounting portions44A of the second arm members40of the terminals20are each connected to the corresponding circuit portions of the circuit board by soldering, and the fixing portions61of the metal fittings60are connected and fixed to the corresponding portions of the circuit board by soldering.

The metal fittings60are fixed to the circuit board by soldering, and accordingly, elastically-displaceable portions of the metal fittings60are only the restriction arm portions63. Thus, as compared to the time of attachment of the movable member50in manufacturing of the connector1, the arm length of the metal fitting60for elastic displacement is shortened, and the restriction arm portion63is less likely to be elastically displaced. As a result, detachment of the movable member50from the housing10after the connector1has been mounted on the circuit board can be more reliably prevented.

Next, as shown inFIGS.1A and1B, in a state in which the movable member50is at the closed position, the flat conductor C is positioned at the back of the connector1to extend in the front-back direction along the mounting surface of the circuit board (not shown).

Next, the flat conductor C is inserted forward into the receiving portion14of the connector1. At this point, the flat conductor C is guided into the receiving portion14by the upper guide surfaces11A-1, the side guide surfaces11B, and the lower guide surface13A of the housing10. In the course of insertion into the connector1, when the front end of the flat conductor C contacts the inclined surfaces54A of the locking portions54of the movable member50, forward force (component force) and upward force (component force) act on the inclined surfaces54A. As a result, the locking portions54and therefore the movable member50are, by the upward force, lifted by the thickness dimension of the flat conductor C, and further entrance of the flat conductor C is allowed. At this point, the upper restriction portions63B-1A of the metal fittings60receive the upward force from the turning shaft portions53of the movable member50, and the horizontal arm portions63B are elastically displaced upward. Accordingly, upward movement of the movable member50is allowed.

Immediately after the front end of the flat conductor C has started lifting the locking portions54, the front end of the flat conductor C contacts plate surfaces (inclined surfaces) of the back end inclined portions41B of the second contact arm portions41of the second arm members40, and the second contact arm portions41are elastically displaced upward. Then, the flat conductor C enters a portion among the second contact portions41A and the first contact portions31B-1of the first arm members30(seeFIG.6B).

When the front end of the flat conductor C contacts a back surface of the front wall12, the ear portions C2of the flat conductor C pass by the position of the locking portion54of the movable member50, and the cutout portions C1reach the position of the locking portion54. As a result, as shown inFIG.6A, the movable member50returns to the closed position, the locking portions54enter the cutout portions C1from above, and the locking surfaces54B of the locking portions54are positioned lockable to the locking target portions C2A of the flat conductor C from the back. The locking portions54are lockable to the locking target portions C2A as described above, and therefore, unexpected backward detachment of the flat conductor C is prevented.

Moreover, when the front end of the flat conductor C contacts the back surface of the front wall12and insertion of the flat conductor C is completed, the state in which the second contact arm portions41are elastically displaced is maintained and the second contact portions41A press the flat conductor C from above, as shown inFIG.6B. That is, the flat conductor C is sandwiched in the upper-lower direction by the first contact portions31B-1and the second contact portions41A. As a result of the flat conductor C receiving pressing force from above from the second contact portions41A, the circuit portions exposed at the lower surface of the flat conductor C are pressed against the first contact portions31B-1from above, contact the first contact portions31B-1with contact pressure, and are brought into electric conduction with the first contact portions31B-1. At this point, as shown inFIG.6B, the first contact portions31B-1receive force from above from the circuit portions, and the contact stripe portions31B are slightly elastically displaced downward.

In the present embodiment, the flat conductor C enters the portion among the first contact portions31B-1and the second contact portions41A and the second contact arm portions41are elastically displaced upward, and accordingly, the force in the elastic displacement direction, i.e., the upward force of separating the second horizontal portions42A from the first front horizontal portions32A, acts on the second horizontal portions42A of the second arm members40. However, as shown inFIG.6B, the second horizontal portions42A of the second arm members40are, at the upper surfaces thereof, supported on the front wall12, and therefore, the second horizontal portions42A can resist the upward force acting thereon and separation of the first front horizontal portions32A and the second horizontal portions42A can be prevented.

Moreover, in the present embodiment, the second contact arm portions41of the second arm members40are elastically displaced upward, and accordingly, the force having the forward component acts on the coupling portions43. As shown inFIG.6B, the front surfaces of the coupling portions43of the second arm members40are supported on the back surfaces of the support protruding portions12A of the front wall12. Thus, the coupling portions43can resist the above-described force acting thereon. This can also prevent separation of the first front horizontal portions32A and the second horizontal portions42A.

As described above, in the present embodiment, separation of the first front horizontal portions32A and the second horizontal portions42A is favorably prevented, and therefore, a sufficiently-great contact pressure on the flat conductor C for sandwiching the flat conductor C by the first contact portions31B-1and the second contact portions41A can be more reliably ensured.

When the flat conductor C is detached from the connector1, the movable member50is turned and brought into the open position. As a result, the locking portions54of the movable member50are taken out of the cutout portions C1of the flat conductor C, and a locked state among the locking portions54and the locking target portions C2A of the flat conductor C is canceled. Thus, the flat conductor C can be pulled backward and be detached from the connector1with no difficulty.

The embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the already-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made. In the already-described embodiment, the first forward-extending portion33and the first backward-extending portion35of the first arm member30and the second extending portion44of the second arm member40are positioned below the lower surface of the housing10. However, as shown inFIGS.8A and8B, these portions may be provided at the same height position as that of the lower surface of the housing10in the upper-lower direction.

FIGS.8A and8Bindicate portions of a housing, a first arm member, a second arm member, and a movable member corresponding to those in the already-described embodiment by such reference numerals that “100” is added to the reference numerals in the already-described embodiment. In this variation, a first forward-extending portion (not shown) and a first backward-extending portion135of a first arm member130and a second extending portion144of a second arm member140are, at lower surfaces thereof, positioned at the same height as that of a lower surface of a housing110in the upper-lower direction. Moreover, no portion equivalent to the lower protruding portion12B (seeFIGS.5A and5B) in the already-described embodiment is formed at a front wall112of the housing110. As shown inFIGS.8A and8B, a front end protruding portion112B-1equivalent to the front end protruding portion12B-1in the already-described embodiment is formed to protrude from a front surface of a lower portion of the front wall112. The front end protruding portion112B-1is a portion corresponding to the front end protruding portion12B-1in the already-described embodiment, and is formed at a back half portion in a pin insertable space120A formed between a first recessed portion (not shown) of a first front mounting portion and a second recessed portion144A-2of a second mounting portion144A.

Moreover, in the already-described embodiment, the pin insertable space20A is formed by the first recessed portion33A-2and the second recessed portion44A-2as the openings, and the first recessed portion33A-2and the second recessed portion44A-2are formed such that the opposing side edge portions (the edge portions extending in the front-back direction) of the first front mounting portion33A and the second mounting portion44A are cut out in the same shape and are symmetrical to each other in the terminal array direction (seeFIGS.4A and5C). However, the positions, shapes, and sizes of the openings are not limited to above.

For example, as in a variation shown inFIG.9A, an opening may be formed between a first recessed portion233A-2and a second recessed portion244A-2having different shapes.FIG.9Aindicates portions of a housing, a first arm member, and a second arm member corresponding to those in the already-described embodiment by such reference numerals that “200” is added to the reference numerals in the already-described embodiment. Description of portions with the same shapes as those of the already-described embodiment will be omitted. This variation is similar to the already-described embodiment on the point that the first recessed portion233A-2of a first front mounting portion233A and the second recessed portion244A-2of a second mounting portion244A are, at opposing side edge portions thereof, cut out at the same position in the front-back direction, but is different from the already-described embodiment on the point that the second recessed portion244A-2is greatly cut out in the terminal array direction as compared to the first recessed portion233A-2and the first recessed portion233A-2and the second recessed portion244A-2are asymmetric to each other.

Moreover, as in a variation shown inFIG.9B, a pin insertable space320A may be formed in such a manner that a narrow portion is formed only at one of a first front mounting portion333A or a second mounting portion344A.FIG.9Bindicates portions of a housing, a first arm member, and a second arm member corresponding to those in the already-described embodiment by such reference numerals that “300” is added to the reference numerals in the already-described embodiment. Description of portions with the same shapes as those of the already-described embodiment will be omitted. In this variation, a Y1-side edge of the first front mounting portion333A of a first forward-extending portion333is positioned on the Y2 side with respect to a Y1-side edge of a portion other than the first front mounting portion333A, and accordingly, a first front narrow portion333A-1is formed. On the other hand, no narrow portion is formed at the second mounting portion344A.

Moreover, in the variation ofFIG.9B, the first front mounting portion333A has a narrow terminal width across the entire area in the front-back direction, and the entirety of the first front mounting portion333A forms a narrow portion. Thus, the pin insertable space320A formed between the first front mounting portion333A and the second mounting portion344A is formed across the entire areas of the first front mounting portion333A and the second mounting portion344A in the front-back direction.

In the already-described embodiment, only one type of terminal, i.e., only the terminals20as the power supply terminals, is provided at the connector. However, as a variation, other types of terminals different from the above-described terminals in shape may be provided at the connector in addition to the above-described terminals. On this point, as shown inFIG.10, the other types of terminals may be provided as, e.g., signal terminals.FIG.10is a perspective view showing the connector of such a variation without a movable member. In the variation shown inFIG.10, it is configured such that at the connector1in the already-described embodiment, multiple signal terminals are provided on both outer sides of the area where the terminals20are arrayed.FIG.10indicates portions corresponding to those in the already-described embodiment by such reference numerals that “400” is added to the reference numerals in the already-described embodiment. Description of portions with the same shapes as those of the already-described embodiment will be omitted.

A signal terminal470in this variation is formed in such a manner that a flat metal plate member is punched out in a plate thickness direction. The signal terminal470is held on a front wall412of a housing410by insert molding in a posture in which the plate thickness direction of the signal terminal470is coincident with the terminal array direction. The signal terminal470sandwiches the flat conductor by two elastically-displaceable contact arm portions471extending backward from the front wall412, and is electrically connected to the flat conductor. The form for holding the signal terminal470as described herein is not limited to holding by insert molding, and may be holding by press-fitting, for example. In the case of holding by press-fitting, the signal terminal470is press-fitted in a terminal holding groove formed at the front wall412of the housing410.

In the already-described embodiment, all of the terminals20are used as the power supply terminals. Instead, in the case of providing multiple terminals of the same type with the same shape, some of the terminals and the other terminals may be different from each other in intended use. For example, some of the multiple terminals may be used as power supply terminals, and the other terminals may be used as signal terminals.

Moreover, in the already-described embodiment, the circuit portions of the flat conductor are exposed at the lower surface of the front end side portion of the flat conductor, and contact the first contact portions of the first arm members. Instead, the circuit portions may be exposed at an upper surface of the front end side portion of the flat conductor, and the second contact portions of the second arm members may contact and be electrically connected to the circuit portions. Alternatively, circuit portions forming two layers in the upper-lower direction may be formed at the flat conductor and may be exposed at both of the upper and lower surfaces of the front end side portion of the flat conductor, and the first contact portions of the first arm members may contact the circuit portion at the lower surface and the second contact portions of the second arm members may contact the circuit portion at the upper surface.

In the present embodiment, the terminal includes the two members, i.e., the first arm member and the second arm member. Instead, the terminal may include a single member. In this case, the extending portion of the terminal positioned to protrude from the housing in the front-back direction is not divided, but is formed as a single extending portion. On this point, at least at one of adjacent extending portions of adjacent terminals, a narrow portion is, as in the already-described embodiment, formed at least at an end portion positioned on a housing side and positioned outside the housing in the front-back direction, and an opening is formed by such a narrow portion. In this configuration, a clearance between a narrow portion of an optional extending portion and another extending portion adjacent to such a narrow portion with respect to the opening is greater than a clearance between holding target portions of adjacent terminals.