Patent Publication Number: US-8535080-B2

Title: Connector

Description:
The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 of Japanese Patent Application No. 2011-026703 filed on Feb. 10, 2011, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated by reference herein in its entity. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to connectors that are connectable to flexible electric conductors such as conductive fabrics. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     A conventional connector disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2008-135222 includes first and second plates, coupled openably and closably, and a conductive metal plate fixed to the first plate. The conductive metal plate is provided with a plurality of claws to penetrate a locating tape (flexible electric conductor) to be received in a plurality of holes in the second plate. The claws of the conductive metal plate penetrate the locating tape, so that the conductive metal plate is electrically connected to the locating tape. 
     The connector maintains electrical connection with the locking claws on the first plate engaged with the locking holes in the second plate, by having the claws of the conductive metal plate penetrate the locating tape and inserting them into the holes of the second plate. When the locating tape is twisted, its flexibility may cause disengagement between the locking claws and the locking holes, so that the connector may lose electrical connection with the locating tape. 
     SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     The present invention has been conceived in view of the above circumstances. The invention provides a connector that can maintain electrical connection with a flexible electric conductor even when the electric conductor is twisted. 
     A first connector of the present invention includes first and second conductive parts and a biasing device. The first and second conductive parts are opposed to each other so as to hold a flexible electric conductor therebetween. The first conductive part includes a locking hole or locking recess, and the second conductive part includes a locking projection of pointed shape. The locking projection is configured to pass through the electric conductor and be received in the locking hole or locking recess when the first and second conductive parts hold the electric conductor. The biasing device includes a clamp of generally C shape to hold the first and second conductive parts holding the electric conductor. 
     A second connector of the invention includes first and second conductive parts that are opposed to each other so as to hold a flexible electric conductor therebetween; first and second bodies fixed to the first and second conductive parts, respectively; and a biasing device including a clamp of generally C shape to hold the first and second conductive parts holding the electric conductor. At least one of the first body and the first conductive part has a locking hole or locking recess. At least one of the second body and the second conductive part has a locking projection of pointed shape. The locking projection is configured to pass through the electric conductor and be received in the locking hole or locking recess when the first and second conductive parts hold the electric conductor. 
     In the first and second connectors, the locking projection is configured to pass through the electric conductor and be received in the locking hole or recess when the first and second conductive parts hold the electric conductor. The first and second conductive parts, held by the clamp, can keep holding the electric conductor securely therebetween even when the electric conductor is twisted. In addition, the first and second connectors have improved tension strengths with respect to the electric conductor because the locking projection is configured to pass through the electric conductor and be received in the locking hole or the locking recess. Received in the locking hole or recess, the locking projection is less likely to deform if placed under tension by the electric conductor pulled. 
     The first connector may further include first and second bodies fixed to the first and second conductive parts, respectively. The first and second bodies may be provided with first and second accommodating recesses, respectively, to accommodate the biasing device. The second connector may also be configured such that the first and second bodies are provided with first and second accommodating recesses, respectively, to accommodate the biasing device. 
     According to these aspects of the invention, as the biasing device is accommodated in the first and second accommodating recesses of the first and second bodies, it is possible to prevent the interference of the biasing device from outside. It is thus possible to prevent accidental disengagement of the biasing device from the first and second conductive parts due to such interference from outside. 
     The first and second connectors may each further include an engaging mechanism. In this case, the first and second conductive parts may each further include a first face, being abuttable on the electric conductor, and a second face, being an opposite face of the first face. The clamp may include first and second arms being elastically abuttable on the second faces of the first and second conductive parts, respectively. The engaging mechanism may be configured to engage the first and second arms with the first and second conductive parts, respectively, in a state where the first and second arms elastically abut the second faces of the first and second conductive parts. According to this aspect of the invention, as the engaging mechanism can engage the first and second arms of the clamp with the first and second conductive parts in a state where the first and second arms elastically abut the second faces of the first and second conductive parts, the clamp has a further improved holding force with respect to the first and second conductive parts. As a result, the connectors have further improved tension strengths with respect to the electric conductor. 
     The engaging mechanism may include first and second steps, the first and second steps being provided in the first and second conductive parts, respectively, and configured to engage with the first and second arms, respectively. This aspect of the invention makes it possible to detachably attach the biasing device to the first and second conductive parts with ease because the biasing device can be engaged and fixed in position simply by having the first and second arms climb over the first and second steps. 
     The engaging mechanism may include first and second projections provided in the first and second conductive parts, respectively, and first and second holes provided in the first and second arms, respectively; or alternatively, the engaging mechanism may include first and second holes provided in the first and second conductive parts, respectively, and first and second projections provided in the first and second arms, respectively. In either case, the first and second projections may be configured to engage with the first and second holes. This aspect of the invention further improves a holding force of the clamp with respect to the first and second conductive parts because the first and second projections are engaged in the first and second holes. 
     At least one of the first and second conductive parts may further include a connecting portion that is connectable to a cable. This aspect of the invention eases the external connection of the connector through the use of the connecting portion to connect the cable. 
     The first body may include a hinge shaft and the second body may include a hinge hole, or alternatively the first body may include a hinge hole and the second body may include a hinge shaft. The hinge shaft may be configured to fit in the hinge hole and is of a tubular shape. The hinge shaft and the hinge hole may be configured to allow the cable to pass therethrough so as to connect the cable with the connecting portion. 
     This aspect of the invention eases the routing of the cable because the hinge shaft and the hinge hole allow the cable to pass therethrough and to connect to the connecting portion. 
     At least one of the first and second conductive parts may further include a holding portion to hold the cable. According to this aspect of the invention, the first and second connectors have improved tension strengths with respect to the cable because the cable is held in the holding portion. 
     The first faces of the first and second conductive parts may preferably be provided with projections. According to this aspect of the invention, as the projections on the first faces of the first and second conductive parts are brought into contact with the electric conductors, the first and second conductive parts have increased friction resistance with the electric conductor, improving the tension strengths of the first and second connectors with respect to the electric conductor. In addition, the projections on the first faces of the first and second conductive parts elastically contact with the electric conductor, so that the first and second conductive parts are stabilized in contact resistance value with respect to the electric conductor, thereby stabilizing the connection of the first and second connectors. 
     Each of the projections is preferably of square cone shape. According to this aspect of the invention, the increase in surface area of the projections further increases the friction resistance of the first and second conductive parts and thereby the tension strengths of the first and second connectors with respect to the electric conductor. In addition, the increase in surface areas of the projections stabilize the contact resistance value of the first and second conductive parts with respect to the electric conductor, thereby stabilizing the connection of the connectors. 
     A plurality of locking projections may be arranged outside the first face of the second conductive part. The locking hole or locking recess may include a plurality of locking holes or locking recess arranged in opposite outer ends of the first face of the first conductive part. 
     Each locking projection may be provided with a barb. According to this aspect of the invention, the barb makes the locking projection passed through the electric conductor less likely to fall off. Therefore, the first and second connectors have further improved tension strengths with respect to the electric conductor. In addition, when the barb is locked in the locking hole or recess, the first and second conductive parts will be further improved in holding force with respect to the electric conductor. 
     The first and second connectors may each further include a locking mechanism to lock the first body with the second body in the state where the first and second conductive parts hold the electric conductor therebetween. For example, the locking mechanism may include a locking claw provided on one of the first and second bodies, and a locking hole or locking recess formed in the other of the first and second bodies and configured to lock the locking claw in the state where the first and second conductive parts hold the electric conductor therebetween. According to these aspects of the invention, the locking mechanism locks the first body with the second body to maintain the state where the first and second conductive parts hold the electric conductor therebetween. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  is a front top right perspective view of a connector in a closed state according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 1B  is a rear top left perspective view of the connector in the closed state. 
         FIG. 1C  is a plan view of the connector in the closed state. 
         FIG. 1D  is a bottom view of the connector in the closed state. 
         FIG. 1E  is a front top right perspective view of the connector in an open state. 
         FIG. 2A  is a cross-sectional view of the connector taken along line  2 A- 2 A in  FIG. 1A . 
         FIG. 2B  is a cross-sectional view of the connector taken along line  2 B- 2 B in  FIG. 1A . 
         FIG. 3A  is a front bottom left perspective view of a first body and a first conductive part of the connector. 
         FIG. 3B  is a front top right perspective view of a second body and a second conductive part of the connector. 
         FIG. 4  is an exploded, front top right perspective view of the connector. 
         FIG. 5A  is a rear top left perspective view of the first body of the connector. 
         FIG. 5B  is a rear bottom right perspective view of the first body of the connector. 
         FIG. 6A  is a rear top left perspective view of the second body of the connector. 
         FIG. 6B  is a rear bottom right perspective view of the second body of the connector. 
         FIG. 7A  is a rear top left perspective view of the first conductive part of the connector. 
         FIG. 7B  is a rear bottom right perspective view of the first conductive part of the connector. 
         FIG. 8A  is a rear top left perspective view of the second conductive part of the connector. 
         FIG. 8B  is a rear bottom right perspective view of the second conductive part of the connector. 
         FIG. 9A  is a front top right perspective view of a connector in a closed state according to a second embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 9B  is a front top right perspective view of the connector in an open state. 
         FIG. 10A  is an exploded, front top right perspective view of the connector. 
         FIG. 10B  is an exploded, front bottom left perspective view of the connector. 
         FIG. 11A  is a front bottom left perspective view of a first body and a first conductive part of the connector. 
         FIG. 11B  is a front top right perspective view of a second body and a second conductive part of the connector. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
     The following is a detailed description of first and second embodiments of the present invention. This is for illustrative purposes only, and not limitation. 
     First Embodiment 
     The first embodiment of the invention is described in detail below, with reference to  FIGS. 1A to 8B . The connector herein is connectable to a flexible conductive fabric (electric conductor), not shown, and a cable C. As shown in  FIGS. 1A to 2B , the connector includes bodies  100   a  and  100   b  (first and second bodies), conductive parts  200   a  and  200   b  (first and second conductive parts), and a spring clip  300  (biasing device). These elements of the connector will be described in detail below. It should be noted that  FIGS. 1A ,  2 A, and  4  show directions D 1  and D 2  for the convenience of explanation of the first embodiment. D 1  is a fore-and-aft direction of the connector, and D 2  is a lateral direction that is orthogonal to the fore-and-aft direction D 1 . 
     The body  100   a  is an injection mold product made of an insulating resin as shown in  FIGS. 3A ,  4 ,  5 A, and  5 B. The body  100   a  has a generally rectangular block  110   a  and a pair of ring-shaped hinge protrusions  120   a . A rectangular accommodating recess  111   a  is formed in a center of the block  110   a . The accommodating recess  111   a  passes through the block  110   a  in its thickness direction such that a rear side in the fore-and-aft direction D 1  of the block  110   a  is open. A pressing portion  111   a   1  bridges rear ends of walls extending in the fore-and-aft direction D 1  of the accommodating recess  111   a . An upper face of the pressing portion  111   a   1  slopes downward to the rear side in the fore-and-aft direction D 1 . The pressing portion  111   a   1  is to be disposed on the rear side in the fore-and-aft direction D 1  of a step  240   a  (to be described) of the conductive part  200   a.    
     A pair of generally rectangular through holes  112   a  is formed outside the accommodating recess  111   a  at a front end of the block  110   a , passing through the block  110   a  in the thickness direction. Outside the through holes  112   a  of the block  110   a  is formed a pair of generally rectangular locking slits  113   a  passing through the block  110   a  in the thickness direction. As shown in  FIG. 5B , the locking slits  113   a  have protrusions  114   a  on their respective walls on the inner side. A rectangular front slit  115   a  is formed in front of the accommodating recess  111   a  and the through holes  112   a  of the block  110   a . A pair of side recesses  116   a  is formed behind the through holes  112   a  of the block  110   a  and in communication with the accommodating recess  111   a . In rear corners in the rear side in the fore-and-aft direction D 1  of the block  110   a , a pair of indentions  117   a  is formed to avoid the interference of the block  110   a  with hinge protrusions  120   b  (to be described) of the body  100   b.    
     The pair of hinge protrusions  120   a  are located inside the indentions  117   a  in the rear end of the block  110   a . The hinge protrusions  120   a  centrally have hinge holes  121   a  and insertion holes  122   a , with the insertion holes located inside the hinge protrusions  120   a . The hinge holes  121   a  and the insertion holes  122   a  are concentric and communicate with each other. The hinge holes  121   a  and the insertion holes  122   a  serve as through holes in the lateral direction D 2  of the hinge protrusions  120   a . The inside diameter of the insertion holes  122   a  is smaller than the inside diameter of the hinge holes  121   a  and is slightly larger than the outside diameter of the cable C. In other words, the cable C is insertable into the hinge hole  121   a  and the insertion hole  122   a  as shown in  FIG. 1E . 
     The body  100   b  is an injection mold product made of an insulating resin as shown in  FIGS. 3B ,  4 ,  6 A, and  6 B. The body  100   b  has a generally rectangular block  110   b  and the pair of ring-shaped hinge protrusions  120   b . A rectangular accommodating recess  111   b  is formed in the center of the block  110   b . The accommodating recess  111   b  passes through the block  110   b  in its thickness direction such that a rear side in the fore-and-aft direction D 1  of the block  110   b  is open. A pressing portion  111   b   1  bridges rear ends of walls extending in the fore-and-aft direction D 1  of the accommodating recess  111   b . A lower face of the pressing portion  111   b   1  slopes upward to the rear side in the fore-and-aft direction D 1 . The pressing portion  111   b   1  is to be disposed on the rear side in the fore-and-aft direction D 1  of a step  240   b  (to be described) of the conductive part  200   b.    
     A pair of generally rectangular front locking holes  112   b  is formed outside the accommodating recess  111   b  at a front end of the block  110   b , passing through the block  110   b  in the thickness direction. As shown in  FIGS. 4 and 6A , the front locking holes  112   b  have front protrusions  113   b  on their respective walls on the inner side. A rectangular front slit  114   b  is formed in front of the accommodating recess  111   b  and the front locking holes  112   b  of the block  110   b . Outer ends of the front slit  114   b  communicate with the respective front locking holes  112   b . In the middle of the block  110   b , there is formed a pair of side recesses  115   b  outside the accommodating recess  111   b  and in communication with the accommodating recess  111   b . Further, a pair of generally rectangular rear locking holes  116   b  are provided outside the side recesses  115   b  of the block  110   b . The rear locking holes  116   b  have rear protrusions  117   b  on their respective walls on the inner side as shown in  FIG. 3B . Behind the rear locking holes  116   b  of the block  110   b , a pair of hollows  118   b  is formed to avoid the interference of the block  110   b  with the hinge protrusions  120   a  of the body  100   a.    
     The pair of hinge protrusions  120   b  are located outside the hollows  118   b  of the block  110   b . The distance between the inner faces of the hinge protrusions  120   b  is substantially the same as the distance between the outer faces of the hinge protrusions  120   a . Tubular hinge shafts  121   b  project from the inner faces of the hinge protrusions  120   b . When the hinge shafts  121   b  fit into the hinge holes  121   a  of the hinge protrusions  120   a , the bodies  100   a  and  100   b  will be hinged together openably and closably.  FIGS. 1A and 1B  show a closed state of the bodies  100   a  and  100   b  (that is, a closed state of the connector), and  FIG. 1E  shows an open state of the bodies  100   a  and  100   b  (that is, an open state of the connector). The hinge protrusions  120   b  have receiving holes  122   b  passing through the hinge protrusions  120   b  and the hinge shafts  121   b  in the lateral direction D 2 . The inside diameter of the receiving holes  122   b  is slightly larger than the outside diameter of the cable C, so that the cable C is insertable into the insertion holes  122   b  as shown in  FIG. 1E . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 3A ,  4 ,  7 A, and  7 B, the conductive part  200   a  is configured of a metal plate having electrical conductivity. The conductive part  200   a  has a main plate  210   a , side locking pieces  220   a , a front plate  230   a , the step  240   a  (a first step of an engaging mechanism), a pair of connecting portions  250   a , and a pair of holding portions  260   a . The main plate  210   a  is a generally rectangular plate, and it has a first face  211   a  (a first face of the first conductive part) and a second face  212   a  (a second face of the first conductive part) being the opposite face of the first face  211   a . The first face  211   a  is to be brought into contact with the conductive fabric. A plurality of projections  213   a  of square pyramid shape are disposed in a zigzag manner in the middle of the first face  211   a . Two locking holes  214   a , aligned in the fore-and-aft direction D 1 , are formed in each end in the lateral direction D 2  of the main plate  210   a  (each end of the first face  211   a ) As shown in  FIG. 3A , the main plate  210   a  is placed on an inner face (i.e. the face facing the body  100   b ) of the body  100   a  so as to cover the front portion in the fore-and-aft direction D 1  of the accommodating recess  111   a  and the pair of through holes  112   a . The second face  212   a  of the main plate  210   a  is partly exposed, particularly in the middle through the accommodating recess  111   a  and in the opposite ends in the lateral direction D 2  through holes  112   a . The locking holes  214   a  of the main plate  210   a  communicate with the through holes  112   a.    
     The pair of side locking pieces  220   a  are provided at ends in the lateral direction D 2  of the main plate  210   a . The side locking pieces  220   a  are bent substantially at a right angle to the main plate  210   a  and extend upward. Generally rectangular locking holes  221   a  are formed centrally in the side locking pieces  220   a . The side locking pieces  220   a  are to be inserted into the locking slits  113   a  of the body  100   a , while the protrusions  114   a  of the body  100   a  are to be locked in the locking holes  221   a  of the side locking pieces  220   a , such that the conductive part  200   a  is fixed inside the body  100   a.    
     The front plate  230   a  is provided at a distal end of the main plate  210   a . The front plate  230   a  is bent substantially at a right angle to the main plate  210   a  and extends upward, i.e. in the same direction as the side locking pieces  220   a . The front plate  230   a  is to be inserted into the front slit  115   a  of the body  100   a.    
     The step  240   a  is continuous with a rear end of the main plate  210   a . The step  240   a  has an inclined plate  241   a  and an arm plate  242   a . The inclined plate  241   a  extends at an angle to the main plate  210   a  and slopes upward to the rear side of the fore-and-aft direction D 1  (see  FIG. 2A ). The inclined plate  241   a  is accommodated at its end portions in the lateral direction D 2  in the side recesses  116   a  of the body  100   a  and exposed in its middle portion through the accommodating recess  111   a  of the body  100   a . The middle portion of the inclined plate  241   a  is provided with a projected piece  241   a   1  (a first projection). The arm plate  242   a  is a rectangular plate continuous with the rear center of the inclined plate  241   a , and it has a smaller width than the inclined plate  241   a  sloping downward to the rear side in the fore-and-aft direction D 1 . The arm plate  242   a  is also exposed through the accommodating recess  111   a.    
     The pair of connecting portions  250   a  are tubularly curved plates continuous with opposite ends of the rear end of the step  240   a . The outer sides of the connecting portions  250   a  are continuous with the holding portions  260   a , which are tubularly curved plates. The connecting portions  250   a  and the holding portions  260   a  are arranged between the hinge protrusions  120   a  of the body  100   a  such that they are substantially concentric with the hinge holes  121   a  and the insertion holes  122   a  of the hinge protrusions  120   a . In other words, the connecting portions  250   a , the holding portions  260   a , the hinge holes  121   a , and the insertion holes  122   a  are arranged along the lateral direction D 2  and communicate with each other. The inside diameters of each connecting portion  250   a  is slightly larger than the outside diameter of a core wire of the cable C. The inside diameter of each holding portion  260   a  is slightly larger than the outside diameter of the cable C. That is, as shown in  FIG. 1E , the cable C is insertable into the holding portion  260   a , and the core wire of the cable C is insertable into the connecting portion  250   a.    
     As shown in  FIGS. 3B ,  4 ,  8 A, and  8 B, the conductive part  200   b  is configured of a metal plate having electrical conductivity. The conductive part  200   b  has a main plate  210   b , a front plate  220   b , a pair of side plates  230   b , a step  240   b  (a second step of the engaging mechanism), and a pair of side locking pieces  250   b . The main plate  210   b  is a generally rectangular plate, and it has a first face  211   b  (a first face of the second conductive part) and a second face  212   b  (a second face of the second conductive part) being the opposite face of the first face  211   b . The first face  211   b  is to be brought into contact with the conductive fabric. A plurality of projections  213   b  of square pyramid shape are disposed in a zigzag manner on the first face  211   b . As shown in  FIG. 3B , the main plate  210   b  is placed on an inner face (i.e. the face facing the body  100   a ) of the body  100   b  so as to cover the front portion in the fore-and-aft direction D 1  of the accommodating recess  111   b . The first face  211   b  of the main plate  210   b  and the first face  211   a  of the main plate  210   a  are opposed to each other to each other so as to hold the conductive fabric therebetween. In addition, the second face  212   b  of the main plate  210   b  is exposed in its middle through the accommodating recess  111   b.    
     The front plate  220   b  is provided at a distal end of the main plate  210   b . The front plate  220   b  is bent substantially at a right angle to the main plate  210   b  and extends downward. The front plate  220   b  is inserted into the front slit  114   b  of the body  100   b . The pair of side plates  230   b  are continuous with opposite ends of the front plate  220   b . The side plates  230   b  are bent substantially at a right angle to the front plate  220   b  and extend to the rear side of the fore-and-aft direction D 1 . Two locking projections  231   b  of pointed shape, aligned in the fore-and-aft direction D 1 , extend to the conductive part  200   a  side (i.e. upward) from each of the side plates  230   b . The locking projections  231   b  are located outside in the lateral direction D 2  of the first face  211   b  of the main plate  210   b , and they are insertable into the locking holes  214   a  of the conductive part  200   a  and further into the through holes  112   a  of the body  100   a  (see  FIG. 2B ). As shown in  FIG. 3B , the side plates  230   b  are to be inserted into the front locking holes  112   b  of the body  100   b , while the front protrusions  113   b  of the body  100   b  are to be locked in locking portions  232   b , spaces between the locking projections  231   b  of the side plates  230   b.    
     The step  240   b  is continuous with a rear end of the main plate  210   b . The step  240   b  has an inclined plate  241   b  and a horizontal plate  242   b . The inclined plate  241   b  extends at an angle to the main plate  210   b  and slopes downward to the rear side of the fore-and-aft direction D 1  (see  FIG. 2A ). The middle portion of the inclined plate  241   b  is provided with a projected piece  241   b   1  (a second projection). The horizontal plate  242   b  is a rectangular plate continuous with a rear end of the inclined plate  241   b , and it extends to the rear side of the fore-and-aft direction D 1 . The end portions in the lateral direction D 2  of the inclined plate  241   b  and horizontal plate  242   b  are accommodated in the side recesses  115   b  of the body  100   b , while the middle portions thereof are exposed through the accommodating recess  111   b  of the body  100   b.    
     The pair of side locking pieces  250   b  are continuous with opposite ends of the horizontal plate  242   b . The side locking pieces  250   b  are bent substantially at a right angle to the horizontal plate  242   b  and extend downward. The side locking pieces  250   b  have generally rectangular locking holes  251   b  in the center. As shown in  FIG. 3B , the side locking pieces  250   b  are to be inserted into the rear locking holes  116   b  of the body  100   b , while the rear protrusions  117   b  of the body  100   b  are to be locked in the locking holes  251   b  of the side locking pieces  250   b . The side plates  230   b  are to be locked in the front locking holes  112   b . The side locking pieces  250   b  are to be locked in the rear locking holes  116   b , such that the conductive part  200   b  is fixed inside the body  100   b.    
     The spring clip  300  (clamp of the biasing device) is a generally C-shaped metal plate having electrical conductivity as shown in  FIGS. 1A to 1D ,  2 A, and  4 . The spring clip  300  has a first arm  310 , a second arm  320 , and an intermediate portion  330 . The intermediate portion  330  is a generally rectangular plate. The first arm  310  and the second arm  320  are plates each having a base end, an inclined portion, and a distal end. A distance in the fore-and-aft direction D 1  from the distal end of the first arm  310  to a rear end face of the intermediate portion  330  is smaller than a length in the fore-and-aft direction D 1  of the accommodating recess  111   a  of the body  100   a , and a distance in the fore-and-aft direction D 1  from the distal end of the second arm  320  to a rear end face of the intermediate portion  330  is smaller than a length in the fore-and-aft direction D 1  of the accommodating recess  111   b  of the body  100   b . In addition, each length in the lateral direction D 2  of the first arm  310 , the second arm  320 , and the intermediate portion  330  is smaller than each length in the lateral direction D 2  of the accommodating recesses  111   a  and  111   b  of the bodies  100   a  and  100   b . That is, the first arm  310 , the second arm  320 , and the intermediate portion  330  can be accommodated in the accommodating recesses  111   a  and  111   b  in a locked state (to be described). 
     The base end of the first arm  310  is a plate continuous with an upper end of the intermediate portion  330  and provided with a semispherical operation protrusion  312 , while the base end of the second arm  320  is a plate continuous with a lower end of the intermediate portion  330  and provided with a semispherical operation protrusion  322 . The operation protrusions  312  and  322  are operable to elastically deform the spring clip  300  and open the first arm  310  and the second arm  320 . The inclined portions of the first and second arms  310  and  320  are plates continuous with the base ends and are inclined in directions close to each other, and they are provided with rectangular holes  311  and  321  (first and second holes of the engaging mechanism), respectively. 
     The distal ends of the first and second arms  310  and  320  are plates continuous with the inclined portions and are curved in directions away from each other. The distance between the apexes of the distal ends of the first and second arms  310  and  320  is smaller than the sum of a thickness of the main plate  210   a  of the conductive part  200   a , a thickness of the main plate  210   b  of the conductive part  200   b , and a thickness of the conductive fabric. When the first and second arms  310  and  320  are inserted into the accommodating recesses  111   a  and  111   b  in the state where the conductive fabric is held between the main plate  210   a  of the conductive part  200   a  and the main plate  210   b  of the conductive part  200   b , the first arm  310  and the second arm  320  climb over the pressing portions  111   a   1  and  111   b   1  and the steps  240   a  and  240   b  and elastically abut the second faces  212   a  and  212   b  of the main plates  210   a  and  210   b . As a result, the conductive parts  200   a  and  200   b  are elastically held by the spring clip  300 . In this state (hereinafter referred to as a locked state), the inclined portions of the first and second arms  310  and  320  are engaged with the steps  240   a  and  240   b  of the conductive parts  200   a  and  200   b , and the projected pieces  241   a   1  and  241   b   1  of the steps  240   a  and  240   b  are engaged in the holes  311  and  321  of the first and second arms  310  and  320 . 
     The following paragraphs describes in detail the steps of assembling the connector of the above configuration (except for steps of attaching the spring clip  300 ). The first step is to prepare the body  100   a  made by a known injection molding method and the conductive part  200   a  made by a known press molding method. The next step is to insert the side locking pieces  220   a  of the conductive part  200   a  into the associated locking slits  113   a  of the body  100 , and to insert the front plate  230   a  of the conductive part  200   a  into the front slit  115   a  of the body  100   a . Then, the protrusions  114   a  in the locking slits  113   a  are locked into the locking holes  221   a  of the side locking pieces  220   a . At this time, the main plate  210   a  of the conductive part  200   a  is placed on the inner face (the face facing the body  100   b ) of the body  100   a  so as to cover the front portion of the accommodating recess  111   a  and the through holes  112   a , and the ends of the inclined plate  241   a  of the conductive part  200   a  are accommodated in the side recesses  116   a  of the body  100   a . In addition, the connecting portions  250   a  and the holding portions  260   a  of the conductive part  200   a  are placed between the hinge protrusions  120   a  of the body  100   a.    
     Also prepared are the body  100   b  made by a known injection molding method and the conductive part  200   b  made by a known press molding method. Thereafter, the front plate  220   b  of the conductive part  200   b  is inserted into the front slit  114   b  of the body  100   b , the side plates  230   b  of the conductive part  200   b  are inserted into the associated front locking holes  112   b  of the body  100   b , and the side locking pieces  250   b  of the conductive part  200   b  are inserted into the associated rear locking holes  116   b  of the body  100   b . Then, the front protrusions  113   b  inside the front locking holes  112   b  are locked into the locking portions  232   b  of the side plates  230   b , and the rear protrusions  117   b  inside the rear locking holes  116   b  are locked into the locking holes  251   b  of the side locking pieces  250   b . At this time, the main plate  210   b  is placed on the inner face of the body  100   b  so as to cover the front portion of the accommodating recess  111   b , and the ends of the inclined plate  241   b  and the horizontal plate  242   b  (i.e. the ends of the step  240   b ) are accommodated in the side recesses  115   b  of the body  100   b.    
     Thereafter, the hinge shafts  121   b  of the body  100   b  are fitted into the hinge holes  121   a  of the body  100   a . Consequently, the bodies  100   a  and  100   b  are hinged in an openable and closable manner. 
     Thereafter, the bodies  100   a  and  100   b  are brought into the open state. Thereafter, the cable C is inserted into one of the insertion holes  122   b  of the body  100   b , the associated hinge hole  121   a  and the insertion hole  122   a  of the body  100   a , and the associated one of the holding portions  260   a  of the conductive part  200   a , and the core wire of the cable C is inserted into at least one of the connecting portions  250   a  of the conductive part  200   a . Thereafter, the holding portion  260   a  and the connecting portion  250   a  are swaged, so that the cable C is held in the holding portion  260   a , and the core wire is held in and electrically connected to the connecting portion  250   a . Thereafter, the core cable and the connecting portion  250   a  may be soldered together. 
     The following paragraphs describe how to connect the conductive fabric to the connector and how to attach the spring clip  300 . First, the conductive fabric is inserted between the bodies  100   a  and  100   b  in the open state, and then the bodies  100   a  and  100   b  are closed. Then, the conductive fabric is sandwiched between the main plate  210   a  of the conductive part  200   a  and the main plate  210   b  of the conductive part  200   b . At this time, the locking projections  231   b  of the conductive part  200   b  penetrate the conductive fabric and pass through the locking holes  214   a  of the conductive part  200   a  and into the through holes  112   a  of the body  100   a.    
     Thereafter, the first and second arms  310  and  320  of the spring clip  300  are inserted into the accommodating recesses  111   a  and  111   b  of the bodies  100   a  and  100   b , respectively. Then, the first and second arms  310  and  320  are pressed by the pressing portions  111   a   1  and  111   b   1  in the accommodating recesses  111   a  and  111   b , and they elastically deform in the directions away from each other. When the first and second arms  310  and  320  climb over the pressing portions  111   a   1  and  111   b   1  and the steps  240   a  and  240   b  of the conductive parts  200   a  and  200   b , the distal ends of the first and second arms  310  and  320  elastically abut the second faces  212   a  and  212   b  of the main plates  210   a  and  210   b  of the conductive parts  200   a  and  200   b . Simultaneously, the first and second arms  310  and  320  are engaged with the steps  240   a  and  240   b  of the conductive parts  200   a  and  200   b , and the projected pieces  241   a   1  and  241   b   1  of the steps  240   a  and  240   b  are engaged into the holes  311  and  321  of the f first and second arms  310  and  320 . Consequently, the spring clip  300  is attached to the conductive parts  200   a  and  200   b  to elastically hold the conductive parts  200   a  and  200   b  holding the conductive fabric therebetween. 
     To detach the spring clip  300 , the operation protrusions  312  and  322  are pressed to elastically deform and open the first and second arms  310  and  320 . The deformed first and second arms  310  and  320  are disengaged from the steps  240   a  and  240   b , and the projected pieces  241   a   1  and  241   b   1  of the steps  240   a  and  240   b  are disengaged from the holes  311  and  321  of the first arm  310  and the second arm  320 . Thereafter, the spring clip  300  is pulled out of the accommodating recesses  111   a  and  111   b  of the bodies  100   a  and  100   b.    
     Thereafter, the bodies  100   a  and  100   b  are pulled open. Then, the locking projections  231   b  of the conductive part  200   b  come out of the through holes  112   a  of the body  100   a , the locking holes  214   a  of the conductive part  200   a , and the conductive fabric. It is now possible to pull out the conductive fabric from between the main plate  210   a  of the conductive part  200   a  and the main plate  210   b  of the conductive part  200   b.    
     In the connector as described above, when the main plate  210   a  of the conductive part  200   a  and the main plate  210   b  of the conductive part  200   b  hold the conductive fabric therebetween, the locking projections  231   b  of the conductive part  200   b  penetrate the conductive fabric and pass through the locking holes  214   a  of the conductive part  200   a  and into the through holes  112   a  of the body  100   a . The conductive parts  200   a  and  200   b , held by the spring clip  300 , can keep securely holding the conductive fabric therebetween even when the conductive fabric is twisted. 
     Further, the present connector has an improved tension strength with respect to the conductive fabric because the locking projections  231   b  penetrate the conductive fabric and pass through the locking holes  214   a  of the conductive part  200   a . The locking projections  231   b  received the locking holes  214   a  of the conductive part  200   a  are less likely to deform if placed under tension by the conductive fabric pulled. Further advantageously, the square pyramid shaped projections  213   a  and  213   b  of the first faces  211   a  and  211   b  of the conductive parts  200   a  and  200   b  elastically contact the conductive fabric, increasing the contact area of the first faces  211   a  and  211   b  of the conductive parts  200   a  and  200   b  with the conductive fabric. This increases friction resistance of the conductive parts  200   a  and  200   b  with respect to the conductive fabric, further improving the tension strength of the connector with respect to the conductive fabric. Further, the projections  213   a  and  213   b  of the conductive parts  200   a  and  200   b  elastically contact the conductive fabric to provide a stable contact resistance value with respect to the conductive fabric, improving the connection stability of the connector. 
     In addition, as the spring clip  300  is accommodated in the accommodating recesses  111   a  and  111   b  of the bodies  100   a  and  100   b , it is possible to prevent the interference with the spring clip  300  from the outside of the bodies  100   a  and  100   b . It is thus possible to prevent accidental disengagement of the spring clip  300  from the conductive parts  200   a  and  200   b  due to such interference from the outside. 
     Still advantageously, the connector is connected to the conductive fabric simply by the conductive parts  200   a  and  200   b  holding the conductive fabric therebetween, the locking projections  231   b  of the conductive part  200   b  penetrating the conductive fabric and passing through the locking holes  214   a  of the conductive part  200   a  and into the through holes  112   a  of the body  100   a . With such configuration, it is easy to release the connection of the connector with the conductive fabric, simply by detaching the spring clip  300  and pulling open the bodies  100   a  and  100   b . It is therefore easy to change the connection position of the connector with the conductive fabric, improving design flexibility. In addition, the spring clip  300  can be easily attached to and detached from the conductive parts  200   a  and  200   b  because it is possible to fix the spring clip  300  in position simply by having it climb over the steps  240   a  and  240   b  of the conductive parts  200   a  and  200   b  so as to be engaged with the steps  240   a  and  240   b.    
     Second Embodiment 
     Next, a connector according to a second embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to  FIGS. 9A to 11B . The connector herein is connectable to a flexible conductive fabric (electric conductor), not shown, and a cable C. As shown in  FIGS. 9A and 9B , this connector includes bodies  400   a  and  400   b  (first and second bodies), conductive parts  500   a  and  500   b  (first and second conductive parts), and a spring clip  600  (biasing device). These elements of the connector will be described in detail below. It should be noted that  FIGS. 9A ,  10 A, and  10 B show directions D 1  and D 2  for the convenience of explanation of the second embodiment. D 1  is a fore-and-aft direction of the connector, and D 2  is a lateral direction that is orthogonal to the fore-and-aft direction D 1 . 
     The body  400   a  is an injection mold product made of an insulating resin as shown in  FIGS. 9A to 11A . The body  400   a  has a generally rectangular block  410   a , a pair of ring-shaped hinge protrusions  420   a , and a pair of locking portions  430   a . A rectangular accommodating recess  411   a  is formed in a center of the block  410   a . The accommodating recess  411   a  passes through the block  410   a  in its thickness direction such that a rear side in the fore-and-aft direction D 1  of the block  410   a  is open. A pressing portion  411   a   1  bridges rear ends of walls extending in the fore-and-aft direction D 1  of the accommodating recess  411   a . An upper face of the pressing portion  411   a   1  slopes downward to the rear side in the fore-and-aft direction D 1 . The pressing portion  411   a   1  is to be disposed on the rear side in the fore-and-aft direction D 1  of a step  540   a  (to be described) of the conductive part  500   a.    
     As shown in  FIG. 10B , a generally rectangular attachment recess  412   a  is formed in the front end of the lower face of the block  410   a . Toward the distal end in the fore-and-aft direction D 1  of the accommodating recess  411   a  of the block  410   a , there is formed a generally rectangular slit  413   a  extending from the bottom of the attachment recess  412   a  to the top of the block  410   a . In front of the slit  413   a  of the block  410   a , a generally rectangular lateral hole  414   a  extends orthogonally to and communicates with the slit  413   a . On either side of the slit  413   a  of the block  410   a , two cylindrical insertion holes  415   a  are arranged in alignment in the lateral direction D 2 . A pair of locking slits  416   a  is formed behind the opposite ends in the lateral direction D 2  of the attachment recess  412   a  of the block  410   a . The locking slits  416   a  each have a protrusions, not shown, on its front wall faces in the fore-and-aft direction D 1 . The walls in the lateral direction D 2  of the accommodating recess  411   a  of the block  410   a  are formed with a pair of side recesses  417   a , communicating with the accommodating recess  411   a . In corners in the rear side in the fore-and-aft direction D 1  of the block  410   a , a pair of indention  418   a  is formed to avoid the interference of the block  410   a  with hinge protrusions  420   b  (to be described) of the body  400   b.    
     The pair of hinge protrusions  420   a  is located inside the indentions  418   a  in the rear end of the block  410   a . The hinge protrusions  420   a  have substantially the same configuration as the hinge protrusions  120   a  of the first embodiment.  FIGS. 10A to 11A  show hinge holes  421   a  and insertion holes  422   a . Further descriptions will be omitted to avoid redundancies. The locking portions  430   a  (locking mechanism), which are generally rectangular protrusions, are continuous with the front sides in the fore-and-aft direction D 1  of the hinge protrusions  420   a . Locking claws  431   a  are provided on outer faces of the locking protrusions  430   a.    
     The body  400   b  is an injection mold product made of an insulating resin as shown in  FIGS. 9A to 10B  and  11 B. The body  400   b  has a generally rectangular block  410   b , the pair of ring-shaped hinge protrusions  420   b , and a pair of locking portions  430   b . A rectangular accommodating recess  411   b  is formed in the center of the block  410   b . The accommodating recess  411   b  passes through the block  410   b  in its thickness direction such that a rear side in the fore-and-aft direction D 1  of the block  410   b  is open. A pressing portion  411   b   1  bridges rear ends of walls extending in the fore-and-aft direction D 1  of the accommodating recess  411   b . A lower face of the pressing portion  411   b   1  slopes upward to the rear side in the fore-and-aft direction D 1 . The pressing portion  411   b   1  is to be disposed on the rear side in the fore-and-aft direction D 1  of a step  240   b  (to be described) of the conductive part  500   b.    
     A generally rectangular locking slit  412   b  passes through the block  410   b  in the thickness direction, in a front portion in the fore-and-aft direction D 1  of the accommodating recess  411   b  of the block  410   b . A protrusion, not shown, is provided centrally on the rear wall in the fore-and-aft direction D 1  of the locking slit  412   b . The walls in the lateral direction D 2  of the accommodating recess  411   b  of the block  410   b  are formed with a pair of side recesses  413   b , communicating with the accommodating recess  411   b . The side recesses  413   b  each have a step with its riser sloping downward to the rear side in the fore-and-aft direction D 1 . 
     The pair of hinge protrusions  420   b  are located at the rear corners in the fore-and-aft direction D 1  of the block  410   b . Inside the hinge protrusions  420   b  of the block  410   b , a pair of hollows  414   b  is formed to avoid the interference of the block  410   b  with the hinge protrusions  420   a  of the body  400   a.    
     The hinge protrusions  420   b  have substantially the same configuration as the hinge protrusions  120   b  of the first embodiment.  FIGS. 10A ,  10 B, and  11 B show hinge shafts  421   b  and insertion holes  422   b . Further descriptions will be omitted to avoid redundancies. When the hinge shafts  421   b  fit into the hinge holes  421   a  of the hinge protrusions  420   a , the bodies  400   a  and  400   b  will be hinged together openably and closably.  FIG. 9A  shows a closed state of the bodies  400   a  and  400   b  (that is, a closed state of the connector), and  FIG. 9B  shows an open state of the bodies  400   a  and  400   b  (that is, an open state of the connector). The locking portions  430   b  (locking mechanism), which are generally rectangular protrusions, are continuous with the front sides in the fore-and-aft direction D 1  of the hinge protrusions  420   b . The distance between inner faces of the locking protrusions  430   b  is slightly smaller than the distance between outer faces of the locking protrusions  430   a . The locking protrusions  430   b  have locking holes  431   b  passing through the locking protrusions  430   b  in the lateral direction D 2 . In the closed state, the locking holes  431   b  may lockingly receive the locking claws  431   a  of the locking portions  430   a.    
     As shown in  FIGS. 10A to 11B , the conductive part  500   a  is configured of a metal plate having electrical conductivity. The conductive part  500   a  has a main plate  510   a , a pair of side locking pieces  520   a , a front locking piece  530   a , the step  540   a  (a first step of an engaging mechanism), a pair of connecting portions  550   a , and a pair of holding portions  560   a . The main plate  510   a  is a generally rectangular plate, and it has a first face  511   a  (a first face of the first conductive part), and a second face  512   a  (a second face of the first conductive part) being the opposite face of the first face  511   a . The first face  511   a  is to be brought into contact with the conductive fabric. A plurality of projections  513   a  of square pyramid shape are disposed in a zigzag manner in the middle of the first face  511   a . As shown in  FIG. 11A , the main plate  510   a  is accommodated in the attachment recess  412   a  of the body  400   a  so as to cover the front portion in the fore-and-aft direction D 1  of the accommodating recess  411   a  and the insertion holes  415   a . Two locking holes  514   a , aligned in the lateral direction D 2 , are formed in each end in the lateral direction D 2  of the main plate  510   a  (each end of the first face  511   a ). The locking holes  514   a  communicate with the associated insertion holes  415   a . The second face  512   a  of the main plate  510   a  is exposed in the center through the accommodating recess  411   a.    
     The main plate  510   a  is provided in its front center with the front locking piece  530   a  and in its rear center with the step  540   a . The pair of side locking pieces  520   a  are provided at opposite ends of the rear end of the main plate  510   a . The front locking piece  530   a  is a substantially L-shaped member that is bent substantially at a right angle to the main plate  510   a . The front locking piece  530   a  is to be inserted into the slit  413   a  of the body  400   a , and a front end of the front locking piece  530   a  is to be locked in the lateral hole  414   a . The side locking pieces  520   a  are bent substantially at a right angle to the main plate  510   a  and extend upward. The side locking pieces  520   a  are provided with generally rectangular locking holes. The side locking pieces  520   a  are to be inserted into the locking slits  416   a  of the body  400   a , such that the locking holes of the side locking pieces  520   a  lockingly receive the protrusions inside the locking slits  416   a  of the body  400   a . As a result, the front locking piece  530   a  is locked in the lateral hole  414   a , and the side locking pieces  520   a  are locked in the locking slits  416   a  of the body  400   a , such that the conductive part  500   a  is fixed inside the body  400   a.    
     The step  540   a  has substantially the same configuration as the step  240   a  of the first embodiment.  FIGS. 9B to 11A  show an inclined plate  541   a , a projected piece  541   a   1  (a first projection), and an arm plate  542   a . Further descriptions will be omitted to avoid redundancies. The inclined plate  541   a  is accommodated at its end portions in the lateral direction D 2  in the side recesses  417   a  of the body  400   a  and exposed in its middle portion through the accommodating recess  411   a  of the body  400   a . The arm plate  542   a  is also exposed through the accommodating recess  411   a.    
     The connecting portions  550   a  have substantially the same configuration as the connecting portions  250   a  of the first embodiment. The holding portions  560   a  have substantially the same configuration as the holding portions  260   a  of the first embodiment. Accordingly, further descriptions will be omitted to avoid redundancies. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 9B to 10B  and  11 B, the conductive part  500   b  is configured of a metal plate having electrical conductivity. The conductive part  500   b  has a main plate  510   b , a front locking piece  520   b , a pair of side plates  530   b , and a step  540   b  (a second step of the engaging mechanism). The main plate  510   b  is a generally rectangular plate, and it has a first face  511   b  (a first face of the second conductive part), and a second face  512   b  (a second face of the second conductive part) being the opposite face of the first face  511   b . The first face  511   b  is to be brought into contact with the conductive fabric. A plurality of projections  513   b  of square pyramid shape are disposed in a zigzag manner on the first face  511   b . As shown in  FIG. 11B , ends in the lateral direction D 2  of the main plate  510   b  are accommodated in the side recesses  413   b  of the body  400   b  such that the main plate  510   b  covers the front portion in the fore-and-aft direction D 1  of the accommodating recess  411   b . The first face  511   b  of the main plate  510   b  and the first face  511   a  of the main plate  510   a  are opposed to each other so as to hold the conductive fabric therebetween. In addition, the second face  512   b  of the main plate  510   b  is exposed in the middle through the accommodating recess  411   b.    
     The front locking piece  520   b  is provided centrally on a front end of the main plate  510   b . The front locking piece  520   b  is bent substantially at a right angle to the main plate  510   b  and extends downward. The front locking piece  520   b  has a generally rectangular locking hole. The front locking piece  520   b  is to be inserted into the locking slit  412   b  of the body  400   b , the locking hole of the front locking piece  520   b  is to lockingly receive the protrusion inside the locking slit  412   b  of the body  400   b . The pair of side plates  530   b  are continuous with opposite ends of the front end of the main plate  510   b . The side plates  530   b  are bent substantially at a right angle to the main plate  510   b  and extend in the lateral direction D 2 . A pair of press-in pieces are provided on outer ends of the side plates  530   b . The distance between the distal ends of the press-in pieces is slightly larger than the width in the lateral direction D 2  of the locking slit  412   b . That is, the side plates  530   b  and the front locking piece  520   b  are to be inserted into the locking slit  412   b , and the press-in pieces are to be locked against the inner walls in the lateral direction D 2  of the locking slit  412   b . As a result, the front locking piece  520   b  and the side plates  530   b  are locked in the locking slit  412   b , such that the conductive part  500   b  is fixed inside the body  400   b.    
     Two locking projections  531   b , aligned in the lateral direction D 2 , extend to the conductive part  500   a  side (i.e. upward) from each of the side plates  530   b . The locking projections  531   b  located outside in the lateral direction D 2  of the first face  511   b  of the main plate  510   b , and they are insertable into the locking holes  514   a  of the conductive part  500   a  and further into the insertion holes  415   a  of the body  400   a.    
     The step  540   b  has substantially the same configuration as the step  240   b  of the first embodiment.  FIGS. 10A ,  10 B, and  11 B show an inclined plate  541   b , a projected piece  541   b   1  (a second projection), and a horizontal plate  542   b . Further descriptions will be omitted to avoid redundancies. The end portions in the lateral direction D 2  of the inclined plate  541   b  and the horizontal plate  542   b  are accommodated in the side recesses  413   b  of the body  100   b , while the middle portions thereof are exposed through the accommodating recess  411   b  of the body  400   b.    
     The spring clip  600  (clamp of the biasing device) is a generally C-shaped metal plate having electrical conductivity as shown in  FIGS. 10A and 10B . The spring clip  600  has a first arm  610 , a second arm  620 , and an intermediate portion  630 . The intermediate portion  630  is a plate curved generally in an arc shape. The first arm  610  and the second arm  620  have substantially the same configuration as the first arm  310  and the second arm  320 , except that the first arm  610  and the second arm  620  do not have the operation protrusions  312  and  322 .  FIGS. 10A and 10B  show holes  611  and  621  (first and second holes of the engaging mechanism). 
     The following paragraphs describes in detail the steps of assembling the connector of the above configuration (except for steps of attaching the spring clip  600 ). The first step is to prepare the body  400   a  made by a known injection molding method and the conductive part  500   a  made by a known press molding method. The next step is to insert the front locking piece  530   a  of the conductive part  500   a  into the slit  413   a  of the body  400   a , and to lock the front end of the front locking piece  530   a  in the lateral hole  414   a . Simultaneously, the side locking pieces  520   a  of the conductive part  500   a  are inserted into the associated locking slits  416   a  of the body  400   a . Then, the protrusions inside the locking slits  416   a  of the body  400   a  are locked into the locking holes of the side locking pieces  520   a . Also, the main plate  510   a  of the conductive part  500   a  is accommodated in the attachment recess  412   a  of the body  400   a , and the ends of the inclined plate  541   a  of the conductive part  500   a  are accommodated in the side recesses  417   a  of the body  400   a . The connecting portions  550   a  and the holding portions  560   a  of the conductive part  500   a  are placed between the hinge protrusions  420   a  of the body  400   a.    
     Also prepared are the body  400   b  made by a known injection molding method and the conductive part  500   b  made by a known press molding method. Thereafter, the front locking piece  520   b  and the side plates  530   b  of the conductive part  500   b  are pressed into the locking slit  412   b  of the body  400   b . Then, the protrusion inside the locking slit  412   b  of the body  400   b  is locked into the locking hole of the front locking piece  520   b , and the press-in pieces of the side plates  530   b  are locked against the inner walls of the locking slit  412   b . At this time, the ends of the main plate  510   b  and the step  540   b  are accommodated in the side recesses  413   b  of the body  400   b.    
     Thereafter, the hinge shafts  421   b  of the body  400   b  are fitted into the associated hinge holes  421   a  of the body  400   a . Consequently, the bodies  400   a  and  400   b  are hinged openably and closably. Thereafter, the bodies  400   a  and  400   b  are brought into the open state, and as in the first embodiment, a core wire of the cable C is electrically connected to the connection portion  550   a  and the cable C is held in the holding portion  560   a.    
     The following paragraphs describe how to connect the conductive fabric to the connector and how to attach the spring clip  600 . First, the conductive fabric is inserted between the bodies  400   a  and  400   b  in the open state, and the bodies  400   a  and  400   b  are closed. Then, the conductive fabric is sandwiched between the main plate  510   a  of the conductive part  500   a  and the main plate  510   b  of the conductive part  500   b . At this time, the locking projections  531   b  of the conductive part  500   b  penetrate the conductive fabric and pass through the locking holes  514   a  of the conductive part  500   a  and into the insertion holes  415   a  of the body  400   a . Simultaneously, the locking claws  431   a  of the locking portions  430   a  are locked into the locking holes  431   b  of the locking portions  430   b , and the bodies  400   a  and  400   b  are temporarily fixed in the closed state. 
     Thereafter, the first and second arms  610  and  620  of the spring clip  600  are inserted into the accommodating recesses  411   a  and  411   b  of the bodies  400   a  and  400   b , respectively. Then, the first and second arms  610  and  620  are pressed by the pressing portions  411   a   1  and  411   b   1  in the accommodating recesses  411   a  and  411   b , and they elastically deform in the directions away from each other. When the first and second arms  610  and  620  climb over the pressing portions  411   a   1  and  411   b   1  and the steps  540   a  and  540   b  of the conductive parts  500   a  and  500   b , the distal ends of the first and second arms  610  and  620  elastically abut the second faces  512   a  and  512   b  of the main plates  510   a  and  510   b  of the conductive parts  500   a  and  500   b . Simultaneously, the first and second arms  610  and  620  are engaged with the steps  540   a  and  540   b  of the conductive parts  500   a  and  500   b , and the projected pieces  541   a   1  and  541   b   1  of the steps  540   a  and  540   b  are engaged in the holes  611  and  621  of the first and second arms  610  and  620 . Consequently, the spring clip  600  is attached to the conductive parts  500   a  and  500   b  to elastically hold the conductive parts  500   a  and  500   b  holding the conductive fabric therebetween. 
     To detach the spring clip  600 , the first and second arms  610  and  620  are elastically deformed open. The first arm  610  and the second arm  620  are thus disengaged from the steps  540   a  and  540   b , and the projected pieces  541   a   1  and  541   b   1  of the steps  540   a  and  540   b  are also disengaged from the holes  611  and  621  of the first and second arms  610  and  620 . Thereafter, the spring clip  600  is pulled out from the accommodating recesses  411   a  and  411   b  of the bodies  400   a  and  400   b.    
     Thereafter, the bodies  400   a  and  400   b  are pulled open. Then, the locking projections  531   b  of the conductive part  500   b  come out of the locking holes  514   a  of the conductive part  500   a , the insertion holes  415   a  of the body  400   a , and the conductive fabric; while the locking claws  431   a  of the locking portions  430   a  get disengaged from the locking holes  431   b  of the locking portions  430   b . It is now possible to pull out the conductive fabric from between the main plate  510   a  of the conductive part  500   a  and the main plate  510   b  of the conductive part  500   b.    
     The connector of the above embodiment provides the same advantageous effects as the connector of the first embodiment. Further advantageously, the locking portions  430   a  and  430   b  are provided near the hinge portions  420   a  and  420   b , reducing the possibility of inadvertent release of the above-mentioned temporary fixation by the locking portions  430   a  and  430   b.    
     The present invention is not limited to connectors of the first and second embodiments but may be modified in design within the scope of claims. Design modification examples of the connector will be described below in detail. 
     The first and second conductive parts may be configured like the conductive parts  200   a  and  200   b / 500   a  and  500   b  of the first and second embodiments that are metal plates having electrical conductivity. The first and second conductive parts of the invention may be modified in design as long as they are made of materials having electrical conductivity, are opposed to each other, and can hold therebetween a flexible electric conductor such as a conductive fabric. For example, the first and second conductive parts may be conductive metals manufactured by a casting method, or they may be fabricated by evaporating metals having electrical conductivity onto outer faces of resin members. 
     The invention is not limited to the cases of the first and second embodiments where the locking holes  214   a / 514   a  are provided in the main plate  210   a / 510   a  of the conductive part  200   a / 500   a  and where the locking projections  231   b / 531   b  are provided on the side plates  230   b / 530   b  of the conductive part  200   b / 500   b . The invention requires at least one locking hole, which may be provided anywhere in at least one of the first conductive part and the first body, and at least one locking projection of pointed shape, which may be provided in at least one of the second conductive part and the second body, at such a location as to be received in the locking hole. The locking hole may be a locking recess. 
     The locking projection may be provided with a barb. In this case, when the locking projection with a barb penetrates a flexible electric conductor such as a conductive fabric, the barb serves to prevent the locking projection from falling off of the electric conductor. Therefore, the locking projection is less likely to fall off of the electric conductor, further improving a tension strength of the connector with respect to the electric conductor. In addition, the barb may be locked into the locking hole or recess. In this case, with the barb locked in the locking hole or recess, the first and second conductive parts are maintained in a state of holding the electric conductor, further improving the tension strength of the connector with respect to the electric conductor. 
     The invention is not limited to the cases of the first and second embodiments where the projections  214   a  and  214   b / 514   a  and  514   b  of square pyramid shape are provided on the first faces  211   a  and  211   b / 511   a  and  511   b  of the conductive parts  200   a  and  200   b / 500   a  and  500   b . For example, the projections may be omitted if sufficient electrical continuity can be obtained by just bringing the first and second conductive plates into surface contact with the electric conductor. The projections may be of square pyramid shape or any other convex shapes, such as triangular pyramid shapes and cut-and-raised teeth as used in graters. 
     The invention is not limited to the cases of the first and second embodiments where the conductive part  200   a / 500   a  has the connecting portions  250   a / 550   a . The connector of the invention may include a connecting portion of any shape that may be provided in at least one of the first and second conductive parts and may be connectable to the cable. Further, The invention is not limited to the cases of the first and second embodiments where the conductive part  200   a / 500   a  has the holding portions  260   a / 560   a . The connector of the invention may include a holding portion of any shape that may be provided in at least one of the first and second conductive parts and may hold a cable. The connecting portion may be omitted if the connector of the invention is not for connection with a cable. The holding portion may also be omitted if the connector of the invention is not for connection with a cable, or if the cable can be securely fixed to the connecting portion or any other member. 
     The invention is not limited to the cases of the first and second embodiments where the spring clip  300 / 600  (the clamp of the biasing device) is a generally C-shaped conductive plate. The biasing device of the invention may have any configuration as long as it is generally C-shaped and adapted to hold the first and second conductive parts holding the electric conductor therebetween. The spring clip  300 / 600  may or may not be electrically conductive and may or may not include a clamp of generally C made of resin. The biasing device may directly or indirectly hold the conductive parts  200   a  and  200   b / 500   a  and  500   b . For example, the spring clip  300 / 600  may hold the bodies  100   a  and  100   b / 400   a  and  400   b  so that the spring clip  300 / 600  can indirectly holds the conductive parts  200   a  and  200   b / 500   a  and  500   b.    
     The engaging mechanism of the invention is not limited to the ones according to the first and second embodiments, including the steps  240   a  and  240   b / 540   a  and  540   b  of the conductive parts  200   a  and  200   b / 500   a  and  500   b  for engagement with the first and second arms  310  and  320 / 610  and  620 , the projected pieces  241   a   1  and  241   b   1 / 541   a   1  and  541   b   1  of the steps  240   a  and  240   b / 540   a  and  540   b , and the holes  311  and  321 / 611  and  621  of the first and second arms  310  and  320 / 610  and  620  for engagement with the projected pieces  241   a   1  and  241   b   1 / 541   a   1  and  541   b   1 . For example, the engaging mechanism may only include steps configured to engage with the first and second arms. Alternatively, the engaging mechanism may include first and second projections provided in the first and second conductive parts, respectively, and first and second holes provided in the first and second arms, respectively; or the engaging mechanism may include first and second holes provided in the first and second conductive parts, respectively, and first and second holes provided in the first and second arms, respectively. In either of these two cases, the first and second projections may engage in the first and second holes. In addition, the engaging mechanism may be recesses configured to engage the first and second arms. Further, the engaging mechanism to engage the biasing device may be provided in the first and second bodies. 
     The bodies of the invention is not limited to the cases of the first and second embodiments where the bodies  100   a  and  100   b / 400   a  and  400   b  are hinged together openably and closably. For example, the first body with the first conductive part fixed thereto may be separately provided from the second body with the second conductive part fixed thereto, in which case the first and second bodies may be combined when the urging device holds the first and second conductive parts. Further, the first and second bodies can be omitted. In this case, the present invention may be modified such that the first and second conductive parts are hinged together openably and closably, or alternatively, the first and second conductive parts may be provided separately and combined when sandwiched by the biasing device. 
     The invention is not limited to the cases of the first and second embodiments where the accommodating recesses  111   a  and  111   b / 411   a  and  411   b  are formed the bodies  100   a  and  100   b / 400   a  and  400   b , respectively. If the biasing device indirectly holds the first and second conductive parts via the first and second bodies as described above, the accommodating recesses are unnecessary. In addition, as in the first and second embodiments, the spring clip  300 / 600  may be entirely accommodated in the accommodating recesses  111   a  and  111   b / 411   a  and  411   b , but the accommodating recesses may have such a shape as to accommodate a portion of the spring clip or any other biasing device. 
     The invention is not limited to the cases of the first and second embodiments where the hinge holes  121   a / 421   a  and the insertion holes  122   a / 422   a  are formed in the hinge protrusions  120   a / 420   a  of the body  100   a / 400   a . At least one hinge hole will suffice. The hinge holes may be omitted if the cable C is connected to the connecting portion at a different location. In addition, the invention is not limited to the cases of the first and second embodiments where the receiving holes  122   b / 422   b  pass in the lateral direction D 2  through the hinge protrusions  120   b / 420   b  of the body  100   b / 400   b . The receiving holes may be omitted if the cable C is connected to the connecting portion at a different location. In addition, the hinge protrusions  120   a / 420   a  may be provided with hinge shafts and the hinge protrusions  120   b / 420   b  may be provided with hinge holes. If the first and second bodies are not hinged together, the hinge protrusions, the hinge holes, and the hinge shafts may be omitted. In addition, the hinge protrusions, the hinge holes, and the hinge shafts may be provided in the first and second conductive parts, and the first and second conductive parts may be hinged together as described above. 
     The locking mechanism may include the locking portions  430   a  provided in front of the hinge protrusions  420   a , the locking claws  431   a  provided on the outer faces of the locking protrusions  430   a , the locking portions  430   b  provided in front of the hinge protrusions  420   b , and the locking holes  431   b  provided in the locking protrusions  430   b  as in the second embodiment. However, the locking mechanism may be any mechanism for locking the first body with the second body in the state where the first and second conductive parts hold the electric conductor therebetween. For example, the locking mechanism may include locking claws provided on one of the first and second bodies, and locking holes or recesses provided in the other of the first and second bodies to lock the locking claws in the state where the first and second conductive parts hold the electric conductor therebetween. 
     The invention is not to be considered as limited by the first and second embodiments, for which the materials, shapes, dimensions, arrangements, etc. of the respective elements are described by way of example only, and they may be modified in design in any manner as long as they provide similar functions. Also, the electric conductor may be a flexible conductive fabric as in the first and second embodiments above, but the connector of the invention is also applicable to connection with any other electric conductor including conductive sheets and locating tapes. 
     REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 
     
       
         
           
               
               
             
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 100a 
                 Body (first body) 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 110a 
                 Block 
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 111a 
                 Accommodating recess (first accommodating recess) 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 120a  
                 Hinge protrusion 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                   
                 121a 
                 Hinge hole 
               
               
                   
                   
                 122a 
                 Insertion hole 
               
            
           
           
               
               
            
               
                 100b 
                 Body (second body) 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 110b 
                 Block 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                   
                 111b 
                 Accommodating recess (first accommodating recess) 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 120b 
                 Hinge protrusion 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                   
                 121b 
                 Hinge shaft 
               
               
                   
                   
                 122b  
                 Insertion hole 
               
            
           
           
               
               
            
               
                 200a 
                 Conductive part (first conductive part) 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 210a 
                 Main plate 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                   
                 211a 
                 First face (first face of first conductive part) 
               
               
                   
                   
                 212a 
                 Second face (second face of first conductive part) 
               
               
                   
                   
                 213a 
                 Projection 
               
               
                   
                   
                 214a 
                 Locking hole 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 220a 
                 Side locking piece 
               
               
                   
                 230a 
                 Front plate 
               
               
                   
                 240a 
                 Step (first step of engaging mechanism) 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                   
                 241a1 
                 Projected piece (first projection of engaging  
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 mechanism) 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 250a 
                 Connecting portion 
               
               
                   
                 260a 
                 Holding portion 
               
            
           
           
               
               
            
               
                 200b 
                 Conductive part (second conductive part) 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 210b 
                 Main plate 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                   
                 211b 
                 First face (first face of second conductive part) 
               
               
                   
                   
                 212b 
                 Second face (second face of second conductive part) 
               
               
                   
                   
                 213b 
                 Projection 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 220b 
                 Front plate 
               
               
                   
                 230b 
                 Side plate 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                   
                 231b 
                 Locking projection 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 240b 
                 Step (second step of engaging mechanism) 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                   
                 241b1 
                 Projected piece (second projection of engaging  
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 mechanism) 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 250b 
                 Side locking piece 
               
            
           
           
               
               
            
               
                 300 
                 Spring clip (clamp of biasing device) 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 310 
                 First arm 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                   
                 311 
                 Hole (first hole of engaging mechanism) 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 320 
                 Second arm 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                   
                 321 
                 Hole (second hole of engaging mechanism) 
               
            
           
           
               
               
            
               
                 400a 
                 Body (first body) 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 410a 
                 Block 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                   
                 411a 
                 Accommodating recess (first accommodating recess) 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 420a 
                 Hinge protrusion 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                   
                 421a 
                 Hinge hole 
               
               
                   
                   
                 422a 
                 Insertion hole 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 430a 
                 Locking portion (locking mechanism) 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                   
                 431a 
                 Locking claw 
               
            
           
           
               
               
            
               
                 400b 
                 Body (second body) 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 410b 
                 Block 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                   
                 411b 
                 Accommodating recess (first accommodating recess) 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 420b 
                 Hinge protrusion 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                   
                 421b 
                 Hinge shaft 
               
               
                   
                   
                 422b 
                 Insertion hole 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 430b 
                 Locking portion (locking mechanism) 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                   
                 431b 
                 Locking hole 
               
            
           
           
               
               
            
               
                 500a 
                 Conductive part (first conductive part) 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 510a 
                 Main plate 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                   
                 511a 
                 First face (first face of first conductive part) 
               
               
                   
                   
                 512a 
                 Second face (second face of first conductive part) 
               
               
                   
                   
                 513a 
                 Projection 
               
               
                   
                   
                 514a 
                 Locking hole 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 520a 
                 Side locking piece 
               
               
                   
                 530a 
                 Front locking piece 
               
               
                   
                 540a 
                 Step (first step of engaging mechanism) 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                   
                 541a1 
                 Projected piece (first projection of engaging  
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 mechanism) 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 550a 
                 Connecting portion 
               
               
                   
                 560a 
                 Holding portion 
               
            
           
           
               
               
            
               
                 500b 
                 Conductive part (second conductive part) 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 510b 
                 Main plate 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                   
                 511b 
                 First face (first face of second conductive part) 
               
               
                   
                   
                 512b 
                 Second face (second face of second conductive part) 
               
               
                   
                   
                 513b 
                 Projection 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 520b 
                 Side locking piece 
               
               
                   
                 530b 
                 Side plate 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                   
                 531b 
                 Locking projection 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 540b 
                 Step (second step of engaging mechanism) 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                   
                 541b1  
                 Projected piece (second projection of engaging  
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 mechanism) 
               
            
           
           
               
               
            
               
                 600 
                 Spring clip (clamp of biasing device) 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 610 
                 First arm 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                   
                 611 
                 Hole (first hole of engaging mechanism) 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 620 
                 Second arm 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                   
                 621 
                 Hole (second hole of engaging mechanism)