Connector adapted to be connected to flexible conductor

A connector includes a first insulator having a through-hole for contact, a contact held by the first insulator and having a projecting portion inserted into the through-hole for contact, and a receiving member disposed on a side of a second surface of the first insulator and surrounding the projecting portion of the contact, the flexible conductor being disposed along the second surface of the first insulator, the contact including an extending portion formed on another end of the projecting portion and disposed on the side of the second surface of the first insulator to extend outside of the through-hole for contact along the second surface, a part of the flexible conductor being held between the extending portion of the contact and the receiving member to contact the extending portion, whereby the contact is electrically connected to the flexible conductor.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a connector, and, more particularly, relates to a connector connected to a flexible conductor.

As a connector connected to a flexible conductor, for example, JP 2018-129244 A discloses a connector as illustrated inFIG. 43. This connector includes a contact2and a second insulator3, the contact2and the second insulator3being disposed on both sides of a flexible substrate1across the flexible substrate1.

A flexible conductor4is exposed on a front surface of the flexible substrate1, which faces the contact2. The contact2has a projection accommodating portion5of recess shape formed so as to face the flexible conductor4, and the second insulator3is provided with a projection6which projects toward a back surface of the flexible substrate1. When the projection6of the second insulator3is inserted into the projection accommodating portion5of the contact2together with the flexible substrate1while the flexible substrate1is held between the projection6and the projection accommodating portion5such that the projection6is covered with the flexible substrate1, the flexible substrate1is pressed against an inner surface of the projection accommodating portion5of the contact2by the projection6, and the inner surface of the projection accommodating portion5contacts the flexible conductor4exposed on the front surface of the flexible substrate1, whereby the contact2is electrically connected to the flexible conductor4.

The contact2passing through a through-hole for contact8of a first insulator7, with which a counter connector (not illustrated) is to be fitted, and which is disposed on the front surface of the flexible substrate1, projects from a surface of the first insulator7and is connected to a corresponding contact of the counter connector upon being fitted with the counter connector.

However, because the flexible conductor4of the flexible substrate1inserted into the projection accommodating portion5of the contact2together with the projection6of the second insulator3contacts the inner surface of the projection accommodating portion5to thereby allow the contact2to be electrically connected to the flexible conductor4, the flexible conductor4is required to be exposed on the front surface of the flexible substrate1, which faces a side (fitting side) on which the counter connector is to be fitted. Therefore, in a case where the flexible conductor4is exposed on the back surface of the flexible substrate1, which faces the second insulator3, i.e., the opposite side from the fitting side, there is a problem that the contact2cannot be electrically connected to the flexible conductor4.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been made to solve such problem in related art, and is to provide a connector in which a contact can be electrically connected to a flexible conductor even when a flexible substrate has the flexible conductor exposed so as to face the opposite side from the fitting side for fitting with the counter connector.

A connector according to the present invention is a connector to be connected to a flexible conductor, the connector comprising:

a first insulator having a first surface and a second surface which face in opposite directions to each other and having a through-hole for contact which penetrates from the first surface to the second surface;

a contact formed of a conductive material and held by the first insulator, the contact having a projecting portion inserted into the through-hole for contact of the first insulator; and

a receiving member disposed on a side of the second surface of the first insulator and surrounding the projecting portion of the contact,

wherein the flexible conductor is disposed along the second surface of the first insulator,

the contact includes a contact portion formed at one end of the projecting portion and disposed on a side of the first surface of the first insulator to contact a counter connector, and an extending portion formed on another end of the projecting portion and disposed on the side of the second surface of the first insulator to extend outside of the through-hole for contact along the second surface, and

a part of the flexible conductor is held between the extending portion of the contact and the receiving member to contact the extending portion, whereby the contact is electrically connected to the flexible conductor.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below on the basis of the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1andFIG. 2illustrate a connector11according to Embodiment 1. The connector11is, for example, used as a garment-side connector portion with which a wearable device is to be fitted, and is mounted on a flexible substrate21.

The connector11includes a first insulator12disposed on a surface of the flexible substrate21, four contacts13, and a second insulator14which faces the first insulator12while the flexible substrate21is held between the second insulator14and the first insulator12. The first insulator12has a first surface F1which faces in a direction opposite to the flexible substrate21and a second surface F2which faces the flexible substrate21, a concave portion12A is formed in the first surface F1, and the four contacts13each project vertically with respect to a planar bottom of the concave portion12A within the concave portion12A of the first insulator12. The concave portion12A of the first insulator12constitutes a counter connector accommodating portion in which part of a counter connector (not illustrated) is to be accommodated.

Here, for convenience sake, the bottom of the concave portion12A of the first insulator12extends along an XY plane, and a direction in which the respective contacts13project are referred to as a +Z direction.

The flexible substrate21has a sheet-like substrate body22formed of an insulating material, and the substrate body22has a front surface22A which faces in the +Z direction and a rear surface22B which faces in a −Z direction. Four flexible conductors23are disposed so as to be exposed on the rear surface22B of the substrate body22. The four flexible conductors23independently correspond to the four contacts13.

The flexible conductor23can be constituted of, for example, a band-like or yarn-like conductor, made of conductive fibers and can be also formed from a conductive paste which is applied on the rear surface22B of the substrate body22through printing, or the like.

FIG. 3illustrates an assembly view of the connector11. The first insulator12is formed of an insulating material such as an insulating resin and includes four through-holes for contact12B penetrating from the first surface F1to the second surface F2and communicating with an inside of the concave portion12A which opens toward the +Z direction. The four through-holes for contact12B independently correspond to the four contacts13. Further, on the second surface F2which faces in the −Z direction of the first insulator12, annular stepped portions12C are separately formed at peripheral portions of the through-holes for contact12B.

The flexible substrate21is disposed on the −Z direction side of the first insulator12. The flexible substrate21has four openings24independently corresponding to the four contacts13. On the rear surface22B, which faces the −Z direction, of the substrate body22of the flexible substrate21, the conductive portions25are independently formed along peripheries of the openings24, and a pair of conductive contact portions26projecting to face each other in the X direction are formed within the opening24. The pair of contact portions26can bend and are electrically connected to each other through the conductive portion25, and the conductive portion25and the pair of contact portions26form part of the corresponding flexible conductor23.

The four contacts13are disposed on the −Z direction side of the flexible substrate21. The four contacts13are each a plug-type contact formed of a conductive material such as a metal, and, when part of the counter connector which is not illustrated is accommodated in the concave portion12A of the first insulator12, the four contacts13are connected to corresponding contacts of the counter connector.

As illustrated inFIG. 4, the contact13has a projecting portion13A extending in the Z direction, and a disc-shaped flange13D formed at a −Z directional end portion of the projecting portion13A. The projecting portion13A includes a penetrating portion13B which is disposed on the +Z direction side of the projecting portion13A and which is to be inserted into the through-hole for contact12B of the first insulator12, and a large diameter portion13C which is formed at the −Z directional end portion of the projecting portion13A and which has an outer diameter larger than an outer diameter of the penetrating portion13B, and a contact portion13E which contacts the counter connector (not illustrated) is formed at an outer peripheral portion of the penetrating portion13B. The large diameter portion13C constitutes an extending portion which extends outside of the through-hole for contact12B along the second surface F2of the first insulator12when the penetrating portion13B is inserted into the corresponding through-hole for contact12B of the first insulator12.

In addition, the second insulator14is disposed on the −Z direction side of the four contacts13. The second insulator14is a planar-shaped member formed of an insulating material such as an insulating resin.

Further, four receiving members15are disposed between the first insulator12and the flexible substrate21. Each of the receiving members15has a ring shape to surround the corresponding contact13and is provided to hold the pair of contact portions26of the flexible substrate21between the receiving member15and the outer peripheral surface of the large diameter portion13C of the contact13.

Further, the receiving member15has a size which allows the receiving member15to be fitted into the annular stepped portion12C formed at the peripheral portion of the through-hole for contact12B on the second surface F2of the first insulator12.

Four waterproof members16are disposed between the flexible substrate21and the four contacts13. Each of the waterproof members16is formed of an elastic member having a ring shape and is fitted into the outer peripheral portion of the projecting portion13A so as to surround the projecting portion13A of the corresponding contact13, whereby a portion between the through-hole for contact12B of the first insulator12and the contact13is made waterproof.

The four through-holes for contact12B of the first insulator12, the four receiving members15, the four openings24of the flexible substrate21, the four waterproof members16, and the four contacts13are positionally aligned with each other in the Z direction.

Each of the through-holes for contact12B of the first insulator12has an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the penetrating portion13B of the contact13and smaller than the outer diameter of the large diameter portion13C, and is configured so that the penetrating portion13B of the contact13can be smoothly inserted.

When the connector11is mounted on the flexible substrate21, first, as illustrated inFIG. 5, the four receiving members15are independently fitted into the four stepped portions12C formed so as to correspond to the four through-holes for contact12B of the first insulator12, and the four waterproof members16are fitted into outer peripheral portions of the penetrating portions13B of the four contacts13.

The flexible substrate21is disposed on the first insulator12such that the front surface22A of the substrate body22contacts the second surface F2of the first insulator12with the receiving members15being fitted into the stepped portions12C in this manner. In this event, as illustrated inFIG. 6, the four openings24of the flexible substrate21are located above the four through-holes for contact12B of the first insulator12.

In this state, the penetrating portions13B of the four contacts13are inserted into the four through-holes for contact12B of the first insulator12through the four openings24of the flexible substrate21. In this event, as illustrated inFIG. 7, on the upper side of the rear surface22B of the substrate body22of the flexible substrate21, the flanges13D of the contacts13are located above the conductive portions25of the flexible conductors23.

Further, the second insulator14is adhered on the rear surface22B of the substrate body22of the flexible substrate21with an adhesive. Note that the first insulator12is also adhered to the flexible substrate21with an adhesive. By this means, the connector11is mounted on the flexible substrate21.

The connector11mounted on the flexible substrate21in this manner is illustrated inFIG. 8.

The flexible conductor23provided on the rear surface22B of the substrate body22of the flexible substrate21is disposed along the second surface F2of the first insulator12, and when the penetrating portion13B of the contact13is inserted into the through-hole for contact12B of the first insulator12, the pair of contact portions26which form part of the flexible conductor23bend in the +Z direction due to the large diameter portion13C of the contact13and are held between the outer peripheral portion of the large diameter portion13C and the inner peripheral surface of the receiving member15. As a result, the pair of contact portions26contact the large diameter portion13C of the contact13, and the contact13is electrically connected to the flexible conductor23.

Further, when the ring-shaped waterproof members16fitted into the outer peripheral portions of the penetrating portions13B of the contacts13are independently disposed between the penetrating portions13B of the contacts13and the through-holes for contact12B of the first insulator12, intrusion of water from the first surface F1side of the first insulator12at which the concave portion12A is formed to the second surface F2side which contacts the flexible substrate21is prevented.

Because the pair of contact portions26are bent in the +Z direction and held between the outer peripheral surface of the large diameter portion13C of the corresponding contact13and the inner peripheral surface of the receiving member15in this manner, even if the flexible conductors23are exposed on the rear surface22B of the substrate body22of the flexible substrate21and face in the −Z direction side opposite to the +Z direction side which is the fitting side for fitting with the counter connector (not illustrated), it is possible to electrically connect the contacts13to the flexible conductors23.

Note that the receiving member15can be formed of a conductive material such as a metal or can be formed of an insulating material such as an insulating resin. If the receiving member15is formed of a metal material, compared to a case where the receiving member15is formed of a resin, a contact pressure of the contact portion26of the flexible conductor23to the large diameter portion13C of the contact13is less likely to fluctuate because a creep phenomenon is less likely to occur and because a linear expansion coefficient of the receiving member15is close to a linear expansion coefficient of the contact13. Accordingly, it is possible to improve reliability of electric connection.

In a case where the receiving member15is formed of an insulating material, the receiving member15can be integrally formed with the first insulator12. In this case, for example, a first insulator17as illustrated inFIG. 9is used. The first insulator17has annular receiving portions17A separately formed at peripheral portions of the through-holes for contact12B in place of the annular stepped portions12C in the above-described first insulator12, and the other configuration is the same as that of the first insulator12.

Since the pair of contact portions26of each of the flexible conductors23are bent in the +Z direction and held between the outer peripheral surface of the large diameter portion13C of the corresponding contact13and the inner peripheral surface of the receiving portion17A of the first insulator17, the contacts13are electrically connected to the flexible conductors23.

In addition, while the flexible conductor23has the pair of contact portions26which contact the contact13in the above-described Embodiment 1, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is also possible to configure such that a single contact portion26is made to contact the large diameter portion13C of the contact13.

WhileFIG. 8andFIG. 9illustrate the contact13having the projecting portion13A being hollow, it is also possible to use a solid contact13having the projecting portion13A filled with a material forming the contact13.

FIG. 10andFIG. 11illustrate a connector31according to Embodiment 2. The connector31is used as, for example, a garment-side connector portion with which a wearable device is to be fitted in a similar manner to the connector11of Embodiment 1, and is mounted on the flexible substrate21.

The connector31includes a first insulator32disposed on a surface of the flexible substrate21, four contacts33and a second insulator34which faces the first insulator32with the flexible substrate21being sandwiched between the second insulator34and the first insulator32. The first insulator32has a first surface F1which faces in a direction opposite to the flexible substrate21and a second surface F2which faces the flexible substrate21, a concave portion32A is formed in the first surface F1, and the four contacts33each project vertically with respect to a planar bottom of the concave portion32A within the concave portion32A of the first insulator32.

Here, for convenience sake, the bottom of the concave portion32A of the first insulator32extends along an XY plane, and a direction in which the respective contacts33project is referred to as a +Z direction.

FIGS. 12 and 13illustrate assembly views of the connector31. The first insulator32is formed of an insulating material such as an insulating resin, and includes four through-holes for contact32B penetrating from the first surface F1to the second surface F2and communicating with an inside of the concave potion32A which opens toward the +Z direction. The four through-holes for contact32B independently correspond to the four contacts33.

The flexible substrate21is disposed on the −Z direction side of the first insulator32. The flexible substrate21is similar to the flexible substrate21in Embodiment 1 illustrated inFIG. 3except a slight difference in a shape of the opening24. That is, the four flexible conductors23are disposed to be exposed on the rear surface22B of the substrate body22of the flexible substrate21, and, further, the flexible substrate21has four openings24. On the rear surface22B, facing in the −Z direction, of the substrate body22, the conductive portions25are formed along peripheries of the respective openings24, and a pair of contact portions26projecting to face each other in the X direction are formed within the opening24. The pair of contact portions26can bend and are electrically connected to each other through the conductive portion25, and the conductive portion25and the pair of contact portions26form part of the corresponding flexible conductor23.

The four contacts33are disposed on the −Z direction side of the flexible substrate21. The four contacts33are each a plug-type contact formed of a conductive material such as a metal, and, in a case where part of the counter connector (not illustrated) is accommodated in the concave portion32A of the first insulator32, the four contacts33are connected to corresponding contacts of the counter connector.

As illustrated inFIG. 14, the contact33has a projecting portion33A extending in the Z direction, and a flange33D formed at the −Z directional end portion of the projection portion33A and extending along an XY plane. The projecting portion33A includes a penetrating portion33B which is disposed in the +Z direction side of the projecting portion33A and which is to be inserted into the through-hole for contact32B of the first insulator32, and a large diameter portion33C which is formed at the −Z directional end portion of the projecting portion33A and which has an outer diameter larger than an outer diameter of the penetrating portion33B, and a contact portion33E which contacts the counter connector (not illustrated) is formed at an outer peripheral portion of the penetrating portion33B. Further, the flange33D includes a peripheral wall portion33F which projects toward the +Z direction at an outer edge portion of the flange33D, and constitutes an extending portion which extends outside of the through-hole for contact32B along the second surface F2of the first insulator32when the penetrating portion33B is inserted into the corresponding through-hole for contact32B of the first insulator32.

Further, the second insulator34is disposed on the side of the −Z direction of the four contacts33. The second insulator34is a planar-shaped member formed of an insulating material such as an insulating resin. On a surface, facing in the +Z direction, of the second insulator34, provided are four concave flange accommodating portions34A in which flanges33D of the four contacts33are to be independently accommodated, and four conductor accommodating grooves34B which are independently communicated with the four flange accommodating portions34A and in which the corresponding flexible conductors23are to be accommodated.

Further, four waterproof members36and four receiving members35are disposed between the first insulator32and the flexible substrate21.

The waterproof members36are each formed of a ring-shaped elastic member and are fitted to the outer peripheral portions of the penetrating portions33B so as to surround the penetrating portions33B of the corresponding contacts33, whereby a portion between the through-holes for contact32B of the first insulator32and the contacts33is made waterproof.

Each of the receiving members35has a ring shape to surround the large diameter portion33C of the corresponding contact33and accommodated inside the peripheral wall portion33F of the flange33D, and is used to hold the pair of contact portions26of the flexible substrate21between the receiving member35and the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion33F of the contact33.

The four through-holes for contact32B of the first insulator32, the four waterproof members36, the four receiving members35, the four openings24of the flexible substrate21, the four contacts33, and the four flange accommodating portions34A of the second insulator34are positionally aligned with each other in the Z direction.

Each of the through-holes for contact32B of the first insulator32has an inner diameter which is larger than the outer diameter of the penetrating portion33B of the contact33and which is smaller than the outer diameter of the large diameter portion33C, and is configured so that the penetrating portion33B of the contact33can be smoothly inserted.

When the connector31is mounted on the flexible substrate21, first, as illustrated inFIG. 15, the flanges33D of the four contacts33are independently accommodated in the four concave flange accommodating portions34A of the second insulator34.

Then, the flexible substrate21is disposed on the second insulator34such that the rear surface22B of the substrate body22contacts a surface, facing in the +Z direction, of the second insulator34. In this event, as illustrated inFIG. 16, the penetrating portions33B of the four contacts33penetrate through the four openings24of the flexible substrate21and project to a side of the front surface22A of the substrate body22.

Further, as illustrated inFIG. 17, the four receiving members35are moved from the +Z direction to the −Z direction and are fitted into the four contacts33through the four openings24of the flexible substrate21. In more detail, the ring-shaped receiving members35are accommodated in insides of peripheral wall portions33F of the flanges33D while surrounding the large diameter portions33C of the contacts33illustrated inFIG. 14.

Then, the four waterproof members36are independently inserted into the four through-holes for contact32B of the first insulator32from the −Z direction side. As illustrated inFIG. 18, the first insulator32with the waterproof members36being inserted into the through-holes for contact32B in this manner is aligned on the +Z direction side of the penetrating portions33B of the contacts33which penetrate through the openings24of the flexible substrate21and which project in the +Z direction.

In this state, the penetrating portions33B of the four contacts33are independently inserted into the four through-holes for contact32B of the first insulator32.

Note that the first insulator32is adhered to the flexible substrate21, and the second insulator34is adhered to the flexible substrate21, with an adhesive. In this manner, the process of mounting the connector31on the flexible substrate21is completed.

The connector31mounted on the flexible substrate21in this manner is illustrated inFIG. 19. The flexible conductor23formed on the rear surface22B of the substrate body22of the flexible substrate21is disposed along the second surface F2of the first insulator32, and, when the ring-shaped receiving member35is fitted into an inside of the peripheral wall portion33F of the flange33D while surrounding the large diameter portion33C of the contact33from the +Z direction, the pair of contact portions26which form part of the flexible conductor23bend in the −Z direction due to the receiving member35and is held between the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion33F of the flange33D and the outer peripheral surface of the receiving member35. As a result, the pair of contact portions26contact the peripheral wall portion33F of the flange33D of the contact13due to the receiving member35, and the contact33is electrically connected to the flexible conductor23.

Further, as illustrated inFIG. 19, in the first insulator32, a large diameter portion accommodating hole32C having an inner diameter larger than an inner diameter of the through-hole for contact32B is formed adjacent to the through-hole for contact32B on the −Z direction side of the through-hole for contact32B. The penetrating portion33B of the contact33is inserted into the through-hole for contact32B, and the large diameter portion33C of the contact33is inserted into the large diameter portion accommodating hole32C. Further, when the ring-shaped waterproof members36fitted into the penetrating portions33B of the contacts33are disposed between the penetrating portions33B of the contacts33and the large diameter portion accommodating hole32C of the first insulator32, intrusion of water from the first surface F1side of the first insulator32at which the concave portion32A is formed to the second surface F2side which contacts the flexible substrate21is prevented.

Because the pair of contact portions26are bent in the −Z direction and held between the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion33F of the flange33D of the corresponding contact33and the outer peripheral surface of the receiving member35in this manner, even if the flexible conductors23face in the −Z direction opposite to the +Z direction side on which the counter connector (not illustrated) is to be fitted and are exposed on the rear surface22B of the substrate body22of the flexible substrate21, it is possible to electrically connect the contacts33to the flexible conductors23.

Note that the receiving member35can be formed of a conductive material such as a metal or can be formed of an insulating material such as an insulating resin. Meanwhile, if the receiving member35is formed of a metal material, compared to a case where the receiving member35is formed of a resin, a contact pressure of the contact portion26of the flexible conductor23with respect to the peripheral wall portion33F of the contact33is less likely to fluctuate because a creep phenomenon is less likely to occur and because a linear expansion coefficient of the receiving member35is close to a linear expansion coefficient of the contact33. Accordingly, it is possible to improve reliability of electric connection.

In a case where the receiving member35is formed of an insulating material, the receiving member35can be integrally formed with the first insulator32. In this case, for example, a first insulator37as illustrated inFIG. 20is used. The first insulator37has annular receiving portions37A which project toward the −Z direction from peripheral portions of the through-holes for contact32B in the above-described first insulator32, and the other configuration is the same as that of the first insulator32.

When the pair of contact portions26of each of the flexible conductors23are bent in the −Z direction and held between the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion33F of the flange33D of the corresponding contact33and the outer peripheral surface of the corresponding receiving portion37A of the first insulator37, the contacts33are electrically connected to the flexible conductors23.

Further, while, in the above-described Embodiment 2, the flexible conductor23has the pair of contact portions26which contact the contact33, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is also possible to configure such that a single contact portion26is made to contact the peripheral wall portion33F of the flange33D of the contact33.

WhileFIG. 19andFIG. 20illustrate a solid contact33filled with a material forming the contact33, it is also possible to use a contact33having the projecting portion33A being hollow.

FIGS. 21 to 23illustrate a connector41according to Embodiment 3. The connector41is used as, for example, a garment-side connector portion with which a wearable device is to be fitted in a similar manner to the connector11of Embodiment 1 and the connector31of Embodiment 2, and is mounted on a flexible substrate51.

The connector41includes a first insulator42disposed on a surface of the flexible substrate51, a contact unit61having a plurality of contacts43, and a second insulator44which faces the first insulator42across the flexible substrate51. The first insulator42has a first surface F1which faces in a direction opposite to the flexible substrate51, a second surface F2which faces the flexible substrate51and one through-hole for contact42A which penetrates from the first surface F1to the second surface F2. The contact unit61is disposed to project from the first surface F1of the first insulator42through the through-hole for contact42A of the first insulator42.

Here, for convenience sake, the first surface F1of the first insulator42extends along an XY plane, and a direction in which the contact unit61projects is referred to as a +Z direction.

The flexible substrate51has a sheet-like substrate body52formed of an insulating material, and the substrate body52has a front surface52A which faces in the +Z direction and a rear surface52B which faces in a −Z direction. A plurality of flexible conductors53are disposed to be exposed on the rear surface52B of the substrate body52. A plurality of flexible conductors53are each, for example, a band-like or yarn-like conductor formed of conductive fibers, extend in the X direction and are arranged in the Y direction in parallel to each other.

Further, the flexible conductors53can be also formed of a conductive paste which is applied on the rear surface52B of the substrate body52through printing or the like.

FIG. 24illustrates an assembly view of the connector41. The first insulator42is formed of an insulating material such as an insulating resin, has a rectangular frame shape and has a stepped portion42B formed along a periphery of the first insulator42on the second surface F2side.

The flexible substrate51is disposed on the −Z direction side of the first insulator42. The flexible substrate51has a rectangular opening54, and, on the rear surface52B of the substrate body52, the plurality of flexible conductors53are disposed in parallel to each other on the +X direction side and the −X direction side of the opening54. One end of each of the flexible conductors53extends to an inside of the opening54and forms a contact portion56which can bend.

The contact unit61is disposed on the −Z direction side of the flexible substrate51. As illustrated inFIG. 25, in the contact unit61, a plurality of contacts43are arranged in two rows and held by an insulator for contact62. The two rows of the plurality of contacts43are arranged adjacent to each other in the X direction, and the contacts43constituting each row are arranged in the Y direction.

Each of the contacts43is a plug-type contact formed of a conductive material such as a metal, is connected to the corresponding contact of the counter connector (not illustrated) and, as illustrated inFIG. 26, has a planar shape which extends in a substantially L shape along an XZ plane, and the contact43forms a projecting portion as a whole. In more detail, the contact43includes a penetrating portion43A which extends in the Z direction and which is to be inserted into the through-hole for contact42A of the first insulator42and an elongated portion43C which extends in the X direction from the −Z directional end portion of the penetrating portion43A. A contact portion43B which contacts the counter connector (not illustrated) is formed at an end face in the X direction on the +Z directional end portion side of the penetrating portion43A. Further, the elongated portion43C has an end surface43D in the X direction.

As illustrated inFIG. 25, the respective contacts43are held by the insulator for contact62such that the contact portions43B and the end surfaces43D in the X direction of the elongated portions43C are exposed.

When the contact unit61is inserted into the through-hole for contact42A of the first insulator42, the penetrating portions43A of the plurality of contacts43penetrate through the through-hole for contact42A, and the elongated portions43C of the plurality of contacts43constitute an extending portion which extends outside of the through-hole for contact42A along the second surface F2of the first insulator42.

The insulator for contact62has at both end portions thereof in the X direction a pair of stepped portions62A which extend along the Y direction on the +Z direction side of the elongated portions43C of the plurality of contacts43.

Further, the contact unit61has a shape symmetric about a YZ plane, and end surfaces43D of the elongated portions43C of the plurality of contacts43constituting one row among two rows of the contacts43face in the +X direction, and end surfaces43D of elongated portions43C of the plurality of contacts43constituting the other row face in the −X direction.

InFIG. 24, the second insulator44is disposed on the −Z direction side of the contact unit61. The second insulator44is a planar-shaped member formed of an insulating material such as an insulating resin.

Further, one receiving member45is disposed between the first insulator42and the flexible substrate51. The receiving member45has a rectangular frame shape surrounding end surfaces43D of the elongated portions43C of the plurality of contacts43of the contact unit61.

Further, the receiving member45has a size such that the receiving member45is fitted into the stepped portion42B formed along the periphery of the first insulator42.

One waterproof member46is disposed between the flexible substrate51and the contact unit61. The waterproof member46is formed of an elastic member having a rectangular frame shape, fitted on a pair of stepped portions62A of the insulator for contact62so as to surround the contact unit61, whereby a portion between the through-hole for contact42A of the first insulator42and the contact unit61is made waterproof.

The through-hole for contact42A of the first insulator42, the receiving member45, the opening54of the flexible substrate51, the waterproof member46and the contact unit61are disposed to be aligned with each other in the Z direction.

When the connector41is mounted on the flexible substrate51, first, as illustrated inFIG. 27, the receiving member45is fitted into the stepped portion42B of the first insulator42, and the waterproof member46is fitted into the contact unit61.

The flexible substrate51is disposed on the first insulator42such that the front surface52A of the substrate body52contacts the second surface F2of the first insulator42with the receiving members45being fitted into the stepped portion42B in this manner. In this event, as illustrated inFIG. 28, the opening54of the flexible substrate51is disposed on the through-hole for contact42A of the first insulator42.

In this state, the contact unit61is inserted into the through-hole for contact42A of the first insulator42through the opening54of the flexible substrate51from the −Z direction. Further, as illustrated inFIG. 29, the second insulator44located on the −Z direction side of the contact unit61is adhered on the rear surface52B of the substrate body52of the flexible substrate51with an adhesive. Note that the first insulator42is also adhered to the flexible substrate51with an adhesive. In this manner, the process of mounting the connector41on the flexible substrate51is completed.

The connector41mounted on the flexible substrate51in this manner is illustrated inFIG. 30. The plurality of flexible conductors53formed on the rear surface52B of the substrate body52of the flexible substrate51are disposed along the second surface F2of the first insulator42, and when the contact unit61is inserted into the through-hole for contact42A of the first insulator42, contact portions56of the plurality of flexible conductors53bend in the +Z direction due to the plurality of contacts43of the contact unit61and are held between the end surfaces43D of the elongated portions43C extending in the X direction along the second surface F2of the first insulator42and the inner peripheral surface of the receiving member45. As a result, the contact portions56of the plurality of flexible conductors53contact the end surfaces43D of the elongated portions43C of the corresponding contacts43, whereby the plurality of contacts43are electrically connected to the plurality of flexible conductors53.

Further, when the waterproof member46fitted into the outer peripheral portion of the contact unit61is disposed between the contact unit61and the through-hole for contact42A of the first insulator42, intrusion of water from the first surface F1side of the first insulator42to the second surface F2side is prevented.

In this manner, because the contact portions56of the respective flexible conductors53are bent in the +Z direction and are held between the end surfaces43D of the elongated portions43C of the corresponding contacts43and the inner peripheral surface of the receiving member45, even if the plurality of flexible conductors53face in the −Z direction opposite to the +Z direction side on which the counter connector (not illustrated) is to be fitted and are exposed on the rear surface52B of the substrate body52of the flexible substrate51, the plurality of contacts43can be electrically connected to the plurality of flexible conductors53.

According to Embodiment 3, by electrically connecting the plurality of contacts43of the contact unit61to the plurality of flexible conductors53of the flexible substrate51using one receiving member45, a multicore connector41can be realized.

Note that, while the plurality of contacts43of the contact unit61are arranged in two rows in the above-described Embodiment 3, the plurality of contacts43may be arranged in one row.

Note that the receiving member45can be formed of a conductive material such as a metal or can be formed of an insulating material such as an insulating resin. If the receiving member45is formed of a metal material, compared to a case where the receiving member45is formed of a resin, a contact pressure of the contact portion56of the flexible conductor53with respect to the end surface43D of the elongated portions43C of the contact43is less likely to fluctuate because a creep phenomenon is less likely to occur and because a linear expansion coefficient of the receiving member45is close to a linear expansion coefficient of the contact43. Accordingly, it is possible to improve reliability of electric connection.

In the meantime, since the plurality of flexible conductors53contact one receiving member45, at least a surface of the receiving member45is required to have an insulating property through, for example, insulating coating.

In a case where the receiving member45is formed of an insulating material, the receiving member45can be integrally formed with the first insulator42. In this case, for example, a first insulator47as illustrated inFIG. 31is used. The first insulator47has a rectangular frame shaped receiving portion47A formed at a peripheral portion of the through-hole for contact42A in place of the stepped portion42B in the above-described first insulator42, and the other configuration is the same as those of the first insulator42.

When the contact portions56of the respective flexible conductors53are bent in the +Z direction and held between the end surfaces43D of the elongated portions43C of the corresponding contacts43and the inner peripheral surface of the receiving portion47A of the first insulator47, the plurality of contacts43are electrically connected to the plurality of flexible conductors53.

FIGS. 32 to 34illustrate a connector71according to Embodiment 4. The connector71is used as, for example, a garment-side connector portion with which a wearable device is to be fitted in a similar manner to the connector41of Embodiment 3, and is mounted on the flexible substrate51.

The connector71includes a first insulator72disposed on a surface of the flexible substrate51, a contact unit81having a plurality of contacts73and a second insulator74which faces the first insulator72across the flexible substrate51. The first insulator72has a first surface F1which faces in a direction opposite to the flexible substrate51, a second surface F2which faces the flexible substrate51and one through-hole for contact72A which penetrates from the first surface F1to the second surface F2. The contact unit81is disposed to project from the first surface F1of the first insulator72through the through-hole for contact72A of the first insulator72.

Here, for convenience sake, the first surface F1of the first insulator72extends along an XY plane, and a direction in which the contact unit81projects is referred to as a +Z direction.

FIGS. 35 and 36illustrate assembly views of the connector71. The first insulator72is formed of an insulating material such as an insulating resin and has a rectangular frame shape.

The flexible substrate51is disposed on the −Z direction side of the first insulator72, and further, the contact unit81is disposed on the −Z direction side of the flexible substrate51. As illustrated inFIG. 37, in the contact unit81, the plurality of contacts73arranged in two rows and held by an insulator for contact82. The two rows of the plurality of contacts73are arranged adjacent to each other in the X direction, and the contacts73constituting each row are arranged in the Y direction.

The contacts73are each a plug-type contact formed of a conductive material such as a metal, are connected to corresponding contacts of the counter connector (not illustrated), and, as illustrated inFIG. 38, have a planar shape which extends in a substantially J shape along an XZ plane. In more detail, the contact73includes a penetrating portion73A which extends in the Z direction and which is inserted into the through-hole for contact72A of the first insulator72, an elongated portion73C which extends in the X direction from the −Z directional end portion of the penetrating portion73A, and a rising portion73D which rises in the Z direction in parallel to the penetrating portion73A from a tip in the X direction of the elongated portion73C. A contact portion73B which contacts the counter connector (not illustrated) is formed at an end face in the X direction on the +Z directional end portion side of the penetrating portion73A. Further, the rising portion73D has an inner surface73E facing the penetrating portion73A. Note that the penetrating portion73A forms a projecting portion.

As illustrated inFIG. 37, the respective contacts73are held by the insulator for contact82such that the contact portions73B and the rising portions73D including the inner surfaces73E are exposed.

The elongated portions73C and the rising portions73D of the plurality of contacts73constitute an extending portion which extends outside of the through-hole for contact72A along the second surface F2of the first insulator72when the contact unit81is inserted into the through-hole for contact72A of the first insulator72.

The insulator for contact82has at both end portions thereof in the X direction stepped portions82A which extend along the Y direction on the +Z direction side of the elongated portions73C of the plurality of contacts73.

Further, the contact unit81has a shape which is symmetric about a YZ plane, and, among the contacts73in two rows, the inner surfaces73E of the rising portions73D of the contacts73constituting one row and the inner surfaces73E of the rising portions73D of the contacts73constituting the other row separately face the stepped portions82A in the X direction.

One waterproof member76is disposed on the stepped portions82A of the insulator for contact82. The waterproof member76is formed of an elastic member having a rectangular frame shape and fitted on the stepped portions82A of the insulator for contact82so as to surround the contact unit81, whereby a portion between the through-hole for contact72A of the first insulator72and the contact unit81is made waterproof.

InFIG. 35andFIG. 36, the second insulator74is disposed on the −Z direction side of the contact unit81. The second insulator74is formed of an insulating material such as an insulating resin and has a box shape opening in the +Z direction.

Further, one receiving member75is disposed between the first insulator72and the flexible substrate51. The receiving member75has a rectangular frame shape surrounding the stepped portions82A of the contact unit81and is provided to hold the contact portions56of the plurality of flexible conductors53between the receiving member75and the inner surfaces73E of the rising portions73D of the plurality of contacts73.

Further, the receiving member75has a size such that the receiving member75is fitted into insides of the inner surfaces73E of the rising portions73D of the plurality of contacts73arranged in two rows in the contact unit81.

The through-hole for contact72A of the first insulator72, the receiving member75, the opening54of the flexible substrate51, the contact unit81and the second insulator74are disposed to be aligned with each other in the Z direction.

When the connector71is mounted on the flexible substrate51, first, the flexible substrate51is disposed on the contact unit81such that the rear surface52B of the substrate body52contacts surfaces, facing in the +Z direction, of the rising portions73D of the plurality of contacts73of the contact unit81. In this event, as illustrated inFIG. 39, the penetrating portions73A of the plurality of contacts73of the contact unit81project in the +Z direction from the opening54of the flexible substrate51.

Then, the receiving member75is moved toward the contact unit81from the +Z direction and is fitted into insides of the inner surfaces73E of the rising portions73D of the plurality of contacts73arranged in two rows of the contact unit81. Thereafter, the first insulator72is disposed on the flexible substrate51from the +Z direction. In this event, as illustrated inFIG. 40, the penetrating portions73A of the plurality of contacts73of the contact unit81project on the +Z direction side through the through-hole for contact72A of the first insulator72.

Further, the second insulator74located on the −Z direction side of the flexible substrate51is adhered on the rear surface52B of the substrate body52of the flexible substrate51with an adhesive. Note that the first insulator72is also adhered to the flexible substrate51with an adhesive. In this manner, the process of mounting the connector71on the flexible substrate51is completed.

The connector71mounted on the flexible substrate51in this manner is illustrated inFIG. 41. The plurality of flexible conductors53formed on the rear surface52B of the substrate body52of the flexible substrate51are disposed along the second surface F2of the first insulator72, and when the receiving member75is fitted into insides of the inner surfaces73E of the rising portions73D of the plurality of contacts73, the contact portions56of the plurality of flexible conductors53bend in the −Z direction due to the receiving member75and are held between the inner surfaces73E of the rising portions73D of the plurality of contacts73and the outer peripheral surface of the receiving member75. As a result, the contact portions56of the plurality of flexible conductors53contact the inner surfaces73E of the rising portions73D of the corresponding contacts73, whereby the plurality of contacts73are electrically connected to the plurality of flexible conductors53.

Further, when the waterproof member76fitted into the outer peripheral portion of the contact unit81is disposed between the contact unit81and the through-hole for contact72A of the first insulator72, intrusion of water from the first surface F1side of the first insulator72to the second surface F2side is prevented.

In this manner, because the contact portions56of the respective flexible conductors53are bent in the −Z direction and held between the inner surfaces73E of the rising portions73D of the corresponding contacts73and the outer peripheral surface of the receiving member75, even if the plurality of flexible conductors53face in the −Z direction opposite to the +Z direction side on which the counter connector (not illustrated) is to be fitted and are exposed on the rear surface52B of the substrate body52of the flexible substrate51, the plurality of contacts73can be electrically connected to the plurality of flexible conductors53.

According to Embodiment 4, by electrically connecting the plurality of contacts73of the contact unit81to the plurality of flexible conductors53of the flexible substrate51using one receiving member75, a multicore connector71can be realized.

Note that, while the plurality of contacts73of the contact unit81are arranged in two rows in the above-described Embodiment 4, the plurality of contacts73may be arranged in one row.

Note that the receiving member75can be formed of a conductive material such as a metal or can be formed of an insulating material such as an insulating resin. If the receiving member75is formed of a metal material, compared to a case where the receiving member75is formed of a resin, a contact pressure of the contact portion56of the flexible conductor53with respect to the inner surface73E of the rising portion73D of the contact73is less likely to fluctuate because a creep phenomenon is less likely to occur and because a linear expansion coefficient of the receiving member75is close to a linear expansion coefficient of the contact73. Accordingly, it is possible to improve reliability of electric connection.

However, since the plurality of flexible conductors53contact one receiving member75, at least a surface of the receiving member75is required to have an insulating property through, for example, insulating coating.

In a case where the receiving member75is formed of an insulating material, the receiving member75can be integrally formed with the first insulator72. In this case, for example, a first insulator77as illustrated inFIG. 42is used. The first insulator77has an annular receiving portion77A which projects toward the −Z direction from a peripheral portion of the through-hole for contact72A in the above-described first insulator72, and the other configuration is the same as that of the first insulator72.

When the contact portions56of the respective flexible conductors53are bent in the −Z direction and held between the inner surfaces73E of the rising portions73D of the corresponding contacts73and the inner peripheral surface of the receiving portion77A of the first insulator77, the plurality of contacts73are electrically connected to the plurality of flexible conductors53.

While, in the above-described Embodiments 1 to 4, the connector11,31,41,71is mounted on the flexible substrate21,51in which the flexible conductors23,53are supported by the insulating substrate body22,52, the present invention is not limited to this. The connector can be configured such that the contacts13,33,43,73are electrically connected to the flexible conductors23,53which are independently disposed along the second surface F2of the first insulator12,17,32,37,42,47,72,77without being supported by the insulating substrate body in a similar manner.

Further, while the plug-type contacts13,33,43,73are used in the above-described Embodiments 1 to 4, the present invention is not limited to this, and the connector can be configured such that receptacle type contacts are electrically connected to the flexible conductors23,53in a similar manner.