CONNECTOR-EQUIPPED FLEXIBLE PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD

A connector-equipped flexible printed circuit board includes: a flexible printed circuit board; a connector having a terminal to be connected to a line provided for the flexible printed circuit board and joined to the flexible printed circuit board; and a reinforcing plate fixed to a surface of the flexible printed circuit board opposite to a portion joined to the connector, in which the connector has a joint protrusion configured to penetrate the flexible printed circuit board, and a stopper structure that restricts movement of the connector in a direction apart from the flexible printed circuit board is provided in addition to joint between the line and the terminal and the joint protrusion.

This application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-209734 filed with the Japan Patent Office on Dec. 27, 2022, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a connector-equipped flexible printed circuit board.

2. Related Art

For electric connection components included in various devices, one using a wire harness has been replaced with one using a flexible printed circuit board (hereinafter referred to as an “FPC”). Such a component is provided with a connector for electric connection. As compared to joint strength between a line and a connector in the former component, joint strength between an FPC and a connector in the latter component tends to be lower. Particularly, in the case of application for vehicle installation, vibration and impact act on a portion of the FPC joined to the connector not only upon assembly but also upon vehicle use, and for this reason, there has been a demand for a higher joint strength. For example, in the case of a connector of about 30 poles, a joint strength of about 50 N is required.

A connector-equipped flexible printed circuit board (hereinafter referred to as a “connector-equipped FPC500”) according to the prior art will be described with reference toFIGS.17,18A, and18B.FIGS.17,18A, and18Bare schematic views of the configuration of the connector-equipped FPC500according to the prior art. Note thatFIG.17is a plan view showing the vicinity of a connector of the connector-equipped FPC500.FIG.18Ais a side view showing the vicinity of the connector of the connector-equipped FPC500.FIG.18Bis a sectional view along a DD line ofFIG.17.

The connector-equipped FPC500includes an FPC510, a connector520joined to the FPC510, and a reinforcing plate530. The reinforcing plate530is fixed to the surface of the FPC510opposite to the portion joined to the connector520.

The FPC510includes a plurality of lines511formed by etching of metal foil (e.g., copper foil) and resin films512covering both surfaces of the lines511. Note that inFIG.17, the lines511are shown in a see-through state and are indicated by dashed lines. The connector520includes a housing521and a plurality of terminals522each connected to the plurality of lines511. The plurality of lines511and the plurality of terminals522are joined to each other by soldering, and accordingly, the connector520is joined to the FPC510. However, joint force between the FPC510and the connector520is weak only by joint between the plurality of lines511and the plurality of terminals522. For this reason, the reinforcing plate530is provided, and a plurality of joint protrusions523configured to penetrate the FPC510is provided at the connector520. These joint protrusions523are provided integrally with protrusion holding portions521aof the housing521. These joint protrusions523are configured to penetrate the FPC510and fit in a plurality of through-holes531provided in the reinforcing plate530when the connector520is arranged (joined) on the FPC510. Moreover, the joint force is enhanced by flow soldering for the periphery of the through-holes, through which the joint protrusions523penetrate, of the FPC510. The above-described configuration is employed so that the joint force between the FPC510and the connector520can be enhanced.

However, there has been a demand for further reduction in damage of the FPC510when the connector-equipped FPC500receives vibration or impact.

Note that the prior art documents of this field include, for example, JP-A-2006-108387.

SUMMARY

A connector-equipped flexible printed circuit board includes: a flexible printed circuit board; a connector having a terminal to be connected to a line provided for the flexible printed circuit board and joined to the flexible printed circuit board; and a reinforcing plate fixed to a surface of the flexible printed circuit board opposite to a portion joined to the connector, in which the connector has a joint protrusion configured to penetrate the flexible printed circuit board, and a stopper structure that restricts movement of the connector in a direction apart from the flexible printed circuit board is provided in addition to joint between the line and the terminal and the joint protrusion.

One object of the present disclosure is to provide a connector-equipped flexible printed circuit board configured so that damage of the vicinity of a portion of a flexible printed circuit board joined to a connector can be reduced.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A connector-equipped flexible printed circuit board according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes: a flexible printed circuit board; a connector having a terminal to be connected to a line provided for the flexible printed circuit board and joined to the flexible printed circuit board; and a reinforcing plate fixed to a surface of the flexible printed circuit board opposite to a portion joined to the connector, in which the connector has a joint protrusion configured to penetrate the flexible printed circuit board, and a stopper structure that restricts movement of the connector in a direction apart from the flexible printed circuit board is provided in addition to joint between the line and the terminal and the joint protrusion.

According to the above-described aspect of the present disclosure, the stopper structure is provided so that separation of the connector from the flexible printed circuit board can be reduced even when vibration or impact acts.

The stopper structure may include a support member, and the support member may have a support plate portion contacting a surface of the connector opposite to a surface joined to the flexible printed circuit board, a pair of side plate portions extending from both sides of the support plate portion toward the reinforcing plate, and engagement portions each provided at tip ends of the pair of side plate portions to engage with the reinforcing plate.

The support member configured as described above is provided so that separation of the connector from the flexible printed circuit board can be reduced.

The support member may include a cover that covers the terminal and an exposed portion of the line on the flexible printed circuit board.

With this configuration, a probability of, e.g., a hand or a finger accidentally contacting the terminal or the line can be reduced, and a probability of water droplets adhering to the terminal or the line and causing short-circuit can be reduced.

The stopper structure may include a pair of side plate portions extending along side wall surfaces of the connector, and engagement portions each provided at tip ends of the pair of side plate portions to engage with the side wall surfaces of the connector, and the pair of side plate portions and the engagement portions may be included in the reinforcing plate.

Such a reinforcing plate is employed so that separation of the connector from the flexible printed circuit board can also be reduced.

The stopper structure may include a reinforcing support member, and the reinforcing support member may have a support plate portion contacting a surface of the connector opposite to a surface joined to the flexible printed circuit board, a pair of reinforcing side plate portions extending from both sides of the support plate portion along the pair of side plate portions of the reinforcing plate, and reinforcing engagement portions each provided at tip ends of the pair of reinforcing side plate portions to engage with the pair of side plate portions.

With this configuration, separation of the connector from the flexible printed circuit board can be further reduced.

The reinforcing support member may include a cover that covers the terminal and an exposed portion of the line on the flexible printed circuit board.

With this configuration, a probability of, e.g., a hand or a finger accidentally contacting the terminal or the line can be reduced, and a probability of water droplets adhering to the terminal or the line and causing short-circuit can be reduced.

Note that the above-described configurations may be employed in combination to the extent possible.

As described above, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, damage of the vicinity of the portion of the flexible printed circuit board joined to the connector can be reduced.

Hereinafter, an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail based on an example with reference to the drawings. Note that unless otherwise specified, the technical scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, and the like of components described in the embodiment.

First Embodiment

A connector-equipped flexible printed circuit board100(hereinafter referred to as a connector-equipped FPC100) according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference toFIGS.1A to5.FIGS.1A to4are schematic views of the configuration of the connector-equipped FPC100according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Note thatFIG.1Ais a plan view showing the vicinity of a connector of the connector-equipped FPC100.FIG.1Bis a view showing a state of a support member being detached from the connector-equipped FPC100shown inFIG.1A.FIG.2Ais a back view showing the vicinity of the connector of the connector-equipped FPC100.FIG.2Bis a view showing a state of the support member being detached from the connector-equipped FPC100shown inFIG.2A.FIG.3Ais a side view showing the vicinity of the connector of the connector-equipped FPC100.FIG.3Bis a view showing a state of the support member being detached from the connector-equipped FPC100shown inFIG.3A.FIG.4is a sectional view along an AA line ofFIG.1A.FIG.5is a front view of the support member according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

The connector-equipped FPC100includes a flexible printed circuit board110(hereinafter referred to as an FPC110), a connector120joined to the FPC110, and a reinforcing plate130. The reinforcing plate130is fixed to the surface of the FPC110opposite to the portion joined to the connector120. The reinforcing plate130is mainly formed of a thick high-stiffness member such as a polyimide film, a plate of metal such as aluminum or stainless steel, or a glass epoxy plate.

The FPC110includes a plurality of lines111formed by etching of metal foil (e.g., copper foil) and resin films112covering both sides of the lines111. Note that inFIGS.1A,1B,2A, and2B, the lines111are shown in a see-through state and are indicated by dashed lines. The connector120includes a housing121and a plurality of terminals122each connected to the plurality of lines111.

As described in the prior art, joint force between the FPC110and the connector120is weak only by joint between the plurality of lines111and the plurality of terminals122. For this reason, in the present embodiment, the reinforcing plate130is provided, and the connector120is provided with a plurality of metal joint protrusions123configured to penetrate the FPC110. As shown inFIG.4, the plurality of joint protrusions123is provided integrally with protrusion holding portions121aof the housing121. For example, the resin housing121may be molded, by insert molding, with the plurality of terminals122and the plurality of joint protrusions123as insert components, and in this manner, the connector120may be obtained. The plurality of joint protrusions123is configured to penetrate the FPC110when the connector120is arranged (joined) on the FPC110. Moreover, the joint force is enhanced by flow soldering for the periphery of through-holes, through which the joint protrusions123penetrate, of the FPC110. The above-described configuration is employed so that the joint force between the FPC110and the connector120can be enhanced.

In the present embodiment, a stopper structure that restricts movement of the connector120in a direction apart from the FPC110is provided in addition to joint between the lines111and the terminals122and the joint protrusions123.

The stopper structure according to the present embodiment mainly includes a support member140made of a material such as resin or metal. The support member140includes a support plate portion141, a pair of side plate portions142provided on both sides of the support plate portion141, and engagement claws143which are engagement portions each provided at the tip ends of the pair of side plate portions142. The support plate portion141is configured to contact the surface of the connector120(more specifically the housing121of the connector120) opposite to the surface joined to the FPC110. The pair of side plate portions142is configured to extend from both sides of the support plate portion141toward the reinforcing plate130. Moreover, the pair of engagement claws143is configured to engage with the reinforcing plate130.

The connector-equipped FPC100according to the present embodiment employs the configuration including the support member140configured as described above. With this configuration, separation of the connector120from the FPC110can be reduced. Since the connector-equipped FPC100includes the stopper structure as described above, separation of the connector120from the FPC110can be reduced even when vibration or impact acts on the connector-equipped FPC100. Thus, damage of the vicinity of the portion of the FPC110joined to the connector120can be reduced.

Second Embodiment

FIGS.6A to8show a second embodiment of the present disclosure. The present embodiment describes a configuration different from the first embodiment in a stopper structure. Other configurations and features are the same as those of the first embodiment. Thus, the same reference numerals are used to represent the same components, and description thereof will be omitted as necessary.

A connector-equipped flexible printed circuit board (hereinafter referred to as a connector-equipped FPC100A) according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference toFIGS.6A to8.FIGS.6A,6B, and7are schematic views of the configuration of the connector-equipped FPC100A according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. Note thatFIG.6Ais a plan view showing the vicinity of a connector of the connector-equipped FPC100A.FIG.6Bis a back view showing the vicinity of the connector of the connector-equipped FPC100A.FIG.7is a side view showing the vicinity of the connector of the connector-equipped FPC100A.FIG.8is a front view of a reinforcing plate according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

The connector-equipped FPC100A includes a flexible printed circuit board110(hereinafter referred to as an FPC110), a connector120joined to the FPC110, and a reinforcing plate130A. The reinforcing plate130A is fixed to the surface of the FPC110opposite to the portion joined to the connector120. The reinforcing plate130A is mainly made of a material such as resin or metal.

The FPC110and the connector120are as described in the first embodiment, and therefore, description thereof will be omitted. Also in the present embodiment, the connector-equipped FPC100A includes a stopper structure that restricts movement of the connector120in a direction apart from the FPC110in addition to joint between lines111and terminals122and joint protrusions123.

The stopper structure according to the present embodiment will be described. The reinforcing plate130A according to the present embodiment is different from the configuration of the reinforcing plate130in the first embodiment in that the reinforcing plate130A includes a pair of side plate portions132A and engagement claws133A which are engagement portions each provided at the tip ends of the pair of side plate portions132A. The pair of side plate portions132A is configured to extent along the side wall surfaces of the connector120(more specifically a housing121of the connector120). The pair of engagement claws133A is configured to engage with the side wall surfaces of the connector120. Note that in the present embodiment, the pair of engagement claws133A is configured to engage with protrusion holding portions121aof the housing121. A configuration in which the engagement claws133A engage with the protrusion holding portions121ais described herein. On this point, for example, a configuration in which grooves or holes are formed in the housing121and the engagement claws133A engage with these grooves or holes may be employed. As described above, the stopper structure according to the present embodiment is configured such that the engagement claws133A provided at the reinforcing plate130A engage with the side wall surfaces of the connector120.

<Advantages of Connector-Equipped FPC100A according to Present Embodiment>

The connector-equipped FPC100A according to the present embodiment employs the configuration including the reinforcing plate130A configured as described above. With this configuration, separation of the connector120from the FPC110can be reduced. Since the connector-equipped FPC100A includes the stopper structure as described above, separation of the connector120from the FPC110can be reduced even when vibration or impact acts on the connector-equipped FPC100A. Thus, damage of the vicinity of the portion of the FPC110joined to the connector120can be reduced.

Third Embodiment

FIGS.9A to11Cshow a third embodiment of the present disclosure. The present embodiment describes a configuration further including a reinforcing support member in addition to the configuration of the second embodiment. Other configurations and features are the same as those of the second embodiment. Thus, the same reference numerals are used to represent the same components, and description thereof will be omitted as necessary.

A connector-equipped flexible printed circuit board (hereinafter referred to as a connector-equipped FPC100B) according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference toFIGS.9A to11C.FIGS.9A,9B, and10are schematic views of the configuration of the connector-equipped FPC100B according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. Note thatFIG.9Ais a plan view showing the vicinity of a connector of the connector-equipped FPC100B.FIG.9Bis a back view showing the vicinity of the connector of the connector-equipped FPC100B.FIG.10is a side view showing the vicinity of the connector of the connector-equipped FPC100B.FIGS.11A to11Care views for describing a reinforcing plate and the reinforcing support member according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG.11Ais a front view of the reinforcing plate.FIG.11Bis a side view of the reinforcing plate.FIG.11Cis a front view showing a state of the reinforcing support member being attached to the reinforcing plate. Note that components other than the reinforcing plate and the reinforcing support member are not shown inFIGS.11A to11C.

The connector-equipped FPC100B includes a flexible printed circuit board110(hereinafter referred to as an FPC110), a connector120joined to the FPC110, and a reinforcing plate130B. The reinforcing plate130B is fixed to the surface of the FPC110opposite to the portion joined to the connector120. The reinforcing plate130B is mainly made of a material such as resin or metal.

The FPC110and the connector120are as described in the first embodiment, and therefore, description thereof will be omitted. Also in the present embodiment, the connector-equipped FPC100B includes a stopper structure that restricts movement of the connector120in a direction apart from the FPC110in addition to joint between lines111and terminals122and joint protrusions123.

The stopper structure according to the present embodiment will be described. The reinforcing plate130B according to the present embodiment includes, as in the second embodiment, a pair of side plate portions132B and engagement claws133B which are engagement portions each provided at the tip ends of the pair of side plate portions132B. The pair of side plate portions132B is configured to extent along the side wall surfaces of the connector120(more specifically a housing121of the connector120). The pair of engagement claws133B is configured to engage with the side wall surfaces of the connector120. Note that in the present embodiment, the pair of engagement claws133B is configured to engage with protrusion holding portions121aof the housing121. A configuration in which the engagement claws133B engage with the protrusion holding portions121ais described herein. On this point, for example, a configuration in which grooves or holes are formed in the housing121and the engagement claws133B engage with these grooves or holes may be employed.

Moreover, the stopper structure according to the present embodiment is different from the stopper structure of the second embodiment in that the stopper structure includes a reinforcing support member150. The reinforcing support member150includes a support plate portion151, a pair of reinforcing side plate portions152provided on both sides of the support plate portion151, and engagement claws153which are reinforcing engagement portions each provided at the tip ends of the pair of reinforcing side plate portions152. The support plate portion151is configured to contact the surface of the connector120(more specifically the housing121of the connector120) opposite to the surface joined to the FPC110. The pair of reinforcing side plate portions152is configured to extend from both sides of the support plate portion151along the pair of side plate portions132B of the reinforcing plate130B.

The reinforcing plate130B according to the present embodiment is configured such that the side plate portions132B are provided with grooves134B with which the engagement claws153are to be engaged. Thus, the engagement claws153of the reinforcing support member150engage with the grooves134B so that disengagement of the engagement claws133B of the reinforcing plate130B from the protrusion holding portions121acan be reduced.

As described above, the stopper structure according to the present embodiment is configured such that the engagement claws133B provided at the reinforcing plate130B engage with the side wall surfaces of the connector120and the engagement claws153of the reinforcing support member150engage with the side plate portions132B of the reinforcing plate130B.

<Advantages of Connector-Equipped FPC100B according to Present Embodiment>

The connector-equipped FPC100B according to the present embodiment employs the configuration including the reinforcing plate130B and the reinforcing support member150configured as described above. With this configuration, separation of the connector120from the FPC110can be further reduced. Since the connector-equipped FPC100B includes the stopper structure as described above, separation of the connector120from the FPC110can be reduced even when vibration or impact acts on the connector-equipped FPC100B. Thus, damage of the vicinity of the portion of the FPC110joined to the connector120can be reduced.

Fourth Embodiment

FIGS.12A to14show a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. The present embodiment describes a configuration having a different reinforcing support member in the configuration described in the third embodiment. Other configurations and features are the same as those of the third embodiment. Thus, the same reference numerals are used to represent the same components, and description thereof will be omitted as necessary.

A connector-equipped flexible printed circuit board (hereinafter referred to as a connector-equipped FPC100C) according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference toFIGS.12A to14.FIGS.12A,12B, and13are schematic views of the configuration of the connector-equipped FPC100C according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. Note thatFIG.12Ais a plan view showing the vicinity of a connector of the connector-equipped FPC100C.FIG.12Bis a back view showing the vicinity of the connector of the connector-equipped FPC100C.FIG.13is a side view showing the vicinity of the connector of the connector-equipped FPC100C.FIG.14is a schematic sectional view of the reinforcing support member according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. Note thatFIG.14is equivalent to a sectional view of the reinforcing support member along a BB line ofFIG.12A.

The connector-equipped FPC100C includes a flexible printed circuit board110(hereinafter referred to as an FPC110), a connector120joined to the FPC110, and a reinforcing plate130B. The reinforcing plate130B is fixed to the surface of the FPC110opposite to the portion joined to the connector120.

The FPC110, the connector120, and the reinforcing plate130B are as described in the first and third embodiments, and therefore, description thereof will be omitted. Also in the present embodiment, the connector-equipped FPC100C includes a stopper structure that restricts movement of the connector120in a direction apart from the FPC110in addition to joint between lines111and terminals122and joint protrusions123.

The stopper structure according to the present embodiment will be described. In the stopper structure according to the present embodiment, the configuration of a reinforcing support member160is different from the reinforcing support member150of the third embodiment. The reinforcing support member160includes a support plate portion161, a pair of first reinforcing side plate portions162and a pair of second reinforcing side plate portions162aprovided on both sides of the support plate portion161, and engagement claws163which are reinforcing engagement portions each provided at the tip ends of the pair of second reinforcing side plate portions162a. In the present embodiment, a third reinforcing side plate portion164is provided on one end side of the support plate portion161and the pair of first reinforcing side plate portions162with connected to these portions.

The support plate portion161is configured to contact the surface of the connector120(more specifically a housing121of the connector120) opposite to the surface joined to the FPC110. The second reinforcing side plate portions162aare configured to extend from both sides of the support plate portion161along the pair of side plate portions132B of the reinforcing plate130B. Note that the pair of first reinforcing side plate portions162and the pair of second reinforcing side plate portions162aare separated from each other. Thus, the pair of second reinforcing side plate portions162ahas flexibility. With this configuration, the engagement claws163of the reinforcing support member160engage with grooves134B so that disengagement of engagement claws133B of the reinforcing plate130B from protrusion holding portions121acan be reduced, as in the third embodiment. On the above-described point, the stopper structure according to the present embodiment has features and effects similar to those of the third embodiment.

Further, in the present embodiment, a cover function of covering the terminals122and exposed portions of the lines111on the FPC110with the support plate portion161, the pair of first reinforcing side plate portions162, and the third reinforcing side plate portion164is fulfilled.

<Advantages of Connector-Equipped FPC100C according to Present Embodiment>

The connector-equipped FPC100C according to the present embodiment provides effects similar to those of the third embodiment. Moreover, in the present embodiment, the terminals122and the exposed portions of the lines111on the FPC110are covered with the reinforcing support member160. With this configuration, a probability of, e.g., a hand or a finger accidentally contacting the terminals122or the lines111can be reduced. Moreover, a probability of water droplets adhering to the terminals122or the lines111and causing short-circuit can be reduced.

Fifth Embodiment

FIGS.15A,15B,16A, and16Bshow a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. The present embodiment describes a configuration having a different support member in the configuration of the first embodiment. Other configurations and features are the same as those of the first embodiment. Thus, the same reference numerals are used to represent the same components, and description thereof will be omitted as necessary.

A connector-equipped flexible printed circuit board (hereinafter referred to as a connector-equipped FPC100D) according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference toFIGS.15A,15B,16A, and16B.FIGS.15A,15B,16A, and16Bare schematic views of the configuration of the connector-equipped FPC100D according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. Note thatFIG.15Ais a plan view showing the vicinity of a connector of the connector-equipped FPC100D.FIG.15Bis a back view showing the vicinity of the connector of the connector-equipped FPC100D.FIG.16Ais a side view showing the vicinity of the connector of the connector-equipped FPC100D.FIG.16Bis a schematic sectional view of the support member according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. Note thatFIG.16Bis equivalent to a sectional view of the support member along a CC line ofFIG.15A.

The connector-equipped FPC100D includes a flexible printed circuit board110(hereinafter referred to as an FPC110), a connector120joined to the FPC110, and a reinforcing plate130. The reinforcing plate130is fixed to the surface of the FPC110opposite to the portion joined to the connector120.

The FPC110, the connector120, and the reinforcing plate130are as described in the first embodiment, and therefore, description thereof will be omitted. Also in the present embodiment, the connector-equipped FPC100D includes a stopper structure that restricts movement of the connector120in a direction apart from the FPC110in addition to joint between lines111and terminals122and joint protrusions123.

The stopper structure according to the present embodiment will be described. In the stopper structure according to the present embodiment, the configuration of a support member140D is different from the support member140of the first embodiment. The support member140D includes a support plate portion141D, a pair of first side plate portions142D and a pair of second side plate portions142Da provided on both sides of the support plate portion141D, and engagement claws143D which are engagement portions each provided at the tip ends of the pair of second side plate portions142Da. In the present embodiment, a third side plate portion144D is provided on one end side of the support plate portion141D and the pair of first side plate portions142D with connected to these portions.

The support plate portion141D is configured to contact the surface of the connector120(more specifically a housing121of the connector120) opposite to the surface joined to the FPC110. The second side plate portions142Da are configured to extend from both sides of the support plate portion141D toward the reinforcing plate130. Note that the pair of first side plate portions142D and the pair of second side plate portions142Da are separated from each other. Thus, the pair of second side plate portions142Da has flexibility. With this configuration, the engagement claws143D of the support member140D engage with the reinforcing plate130as in the first embodiment. On the above-described point, the stopper structure according to the present embodiment has features and effects similar to those of the first embodiment.

Further, in the present embodiment, a cover function of covering the terminals122and exposed portions of the lines111on the FPC110with the support plate portion141D, the pair of first side plate portions142D, and the third side plate portion144D is fulfilled. Note that inFIG.15A, the connector120inside the support member140is shown in a see-through state and is indicated by a dashed line. InFIGS.16A and16B, the terminals122are shown in a see-through state and are indicated by dashed lines.

<Advantages of Connector-Equipped FPC100D according to Present Embodiment>

The connector-equipped FPC100D according to the present embodiment provides effects similar to those of the first embodiment. Moreover, in the present embodiment, the terminals122and the exposed portions of the lines111on the FPC110are covered with the support member140D. With this configuration, a probability of, e.g., a hand or a finger accidentally contacting the terminals122or the lines111can be reduced. Moreover, a probability of water droplets adhering to the terminals122or the lines111and causing short-circuit can be reduced.