CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY

Abstract

A connector assembly of the present invention includes a first connector having a first electrical-connection member disposed on a flexible base member, and a second connector having a second electrical-connection member disposed on a flexible base member at a position opposite that of the first electrical-connection member. The second connector further includes a flexible cover section, a flexible coupling section, and a plurality of resin fasteners. The coupling section couples the base member of the second connector with the cover section. The resin fasteners are disposed at opposite positions respectively for the base member of the second connector and the cover section. The connector assembly has a structure in which the fasteners are engaged and the first electrical on member and the second electrical-connection member are connected, with the first connector being sandwiched by the base member of the second connector and the cover section.

Claims

1. A connector assembly comprising: a first connector comprising a first electrical-connection member disposed on a flexible base member; and a second connector comprising a second electrical-connection member disposed on a flexible base member at a position opposite that of the first electrical-connection member; the second connector further comprising: a flexible cover section; a flexible coupling section that couples the base member of the second connector with the cover section; and a plurality of resin fasteners provided at opposite positions respectively for the base member of the second connector and the cover section; the connector assembly having a structure in which the fasteners are engaged and the first electrical-connection member and the second electrical-connection member are connected, with the first connector being sandwiched by the base member of the second connector and the cover section; the coupling section and the plurality of fasteners being disposed at positions that allow the connection of the first electrical-connection member and the second electrical-connection member to be maintained when the fasteners are engaged.

2. A connector assembly comprising: a first connector comprising a first electrical-connection member disposed on a flexible base member; and a second connector comprising a second electrical-connection member disposed on a flexible base member at a position opposite that of the first electrical-connection member; the second connector further comprising: a flexible cover section; a flexible coupling section that couples the base member of the second connector with the cover section; and a plurality of resin fasteners provided at opposite positions respectively for the base member of the second connector and the cover section; the plurality of fasteners on the base member of the second connector and the coupling section being disposed at positions that surround the second electrical-connection member in a U-shape; the fasteners being engaged and the first electrical-connection member and the second electrical-connection member being connected, with the first connector being sandwiched by the base member of the second connector and the cover section.

3. A connector assembly comprising: a first connector comprising a first electrical-connection member disposed on a flexible base member; and a second connector comprising a second electrical-connection member disposed on a flexible base member at a position opposite that of the first electrical-connection member; the second connector further comprising: a flexible cover section; a flexible coupling section that couples the base member of the second connector with the cover section; and two resin fasteners provided at opposite positions respectively for the base member of the second connector and the cover section; the two fasteners on the base member of the second connector being disposed in parallel so as to sandwich the second electrical-connection member; the coupling section coupling the base member of the second connector with the cover section in a direction perpendicular to the fasteners; the fasteners being engaged and the first electrical-connection member and the second electrical-connection member being connected, with the first connector being sandwiched by the base member of the second connector and the cover section.

4. A connector assembly according to claim 3, further comprising one or more first electrical-connection members identical to the first electrical-connection member, and one or more second electrical-connection members identical to the second electrical-connection members, wherein the longitudinal directions of the two fasteners on the base member of the second connector are parallel to a direction in which the second electrical-connection members are disposed.

5. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein a first elastic member is formed so as to surround the first electrical-connection member on the base member of the first connector; a second elastic member is formed so as to surround the second electrical-connection member on the base member of the second connector; the first elastic member and the second elastic member prevent water from reaching a connected portion of the first electrical-connection member and the second electrical-connection member, when the fasteners are engaged and the first electrical-connection member and the second electrical-connection member are connected.

6. The connector assembly according to claim 5, wherein water-repellent treatment is applied to facing portions of the first elastic member and the second elastic member.

7. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein at least either one of the first electrical-connection member and the second electrical-connection member is elastic.

8. The connector assembly according to claim 2, wherein a first elastic member is formed so as to surround the first electrical-connection member on the base member of the first connector; a second elastic member is formed so as to surround the second electrical-connection member on the base member of the second connector; the first elastic member and the second elastic member prevent water from reaching a connected portion of the first electrical-connection member and the second electrical-connection member, when the fasteners are engaged and the first electrical-connection member and the second electrical-connection member are connected.

9. The connector assembly according to claim 8, wherein water-repellent treatment is applied to facing portions of the first elastic member and the second elastic member.

10. The connector assembly according to claim 3, wherein a first elastic member is formed so as to surround the first electrical-connection member on the base member of the first connector; a second elastic member is formed so as to surround the second electrical-connection member on the base member of the second connector; the first elastic member and the second elastic member prevent water from reaching a connected portion of the first electrical-connection member and the second electrical-connection member, when the fasteners are engaged and the first electrical-connection member and the second electrical-connection member are connected.

11. The connector assembly according to claim 10, wherein water-repellent treatment is applied to facing portions of the first elastic member and the second elastic member.

12. The connector assembly according to claim 4, wherein a first elastic member is formed so as to surround the first electrical-connection member on the base member of the first connector; a second elastic member is formed so as to surround the second electrical-connection member on the base member of the second connector; the first elastic member and the second elastic member prevent water from reaching a connected portion of the first electrical-connection member and the second electrical-connection member, when the fasteners are engaged and the first electrical-connection member and the second electrical-connection member are connected.

13. The connector assembly according to claim 12, wherein water-repellent treatment is applied to facing portions of the first elastic member and the second elastic member.

14. The connector assembly according to claim 2, wherein at least either one of the first electrical-connection member and the second electrical-connection member is elastic.

15. The connector assembly according to claim 3, wherein at least either one of the first electrical-connection member and the second electrical-connection member is elastic.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] FIG. 1 shows FIG. 2 illustrated in Patent Literature 1;

[0011] FIG. 2 is a plan of a first connector used in a first embodiment;

[0012] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view along III-III in FIG. 2;

[0013] FIG. 4 is a plan of a second connector used in the first embodiment;

[0014] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view along V-V in FIG. 4;

[0015] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view at the position indicated by III-III in FIG. 2 and V-V in FIG. 4 when the first connector and the second connector are engaged;

[0016] FIG. 7 is a sectional view at the position indicated by VII-VII in FIG. 2 and VII-VII in FIG. 4 when the first connector and the second connector are engaged;

[0017] FIG. 8 is a plan of a first connector used in a first modification of the first embodiment;

[0018] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view along IX-IX in FIG. 8;

[0019] FIG. 10 is a plan of a second connector used in the first modification of the first embodiment;

[0020] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view along XI-XI in FIG. 10;

[0021] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view at the position indicated by IX-IX in FIG. 8 and XI-XI in FIG. 10 when the first connector and the second connector are engaged;

[0022] FIG. 13 is a sectional view at the position indicated by XIII-XIII in FIG. 8 and XIII-XIII in FIG. 10 when the first connector and the second connector are engaged;

[0023] FIG. 14 is a plan of a first connector used in a second embodiment;

[0024] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view along XV-XV in FIG. 14;

[0025] FIG. 16 is a plan of a second connector used in the second embodiment;

[0026] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view along XVII-XVII in FIG. 16;

[0027] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view at the position indicated by XV-XV in FIG. 14 and XVII-XVII in FIG. 16 when the first connector and the second connector are engaged;

[0028] FIG. 19 is a plan of a first connector used in a third embodiment;

[0029] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view along XX-XX in FIG. 19;

[0030] FIG. 21 is a plan of a second connector used in the third embodiment; and

[0031] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view along XXII-XXII in FIG. 21.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0032] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail. Identical numbers are assigned to components having identical functions, and a duplicate description thereof will be omitted.

First Embodiment

[0033] FIG. 2 is a plan of a first connector used in a first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view along III-III in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a plan of a second connector used in the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view along V-V in FIG. 4. A connector assembly according to the first embodiment includes a first connector 100 having first electrical-connection members 120.sub.1 to 120.sub.N disposed on a flexible base member 110, and a second connector 200 having second electrical-connection members 220.sub.1 to 220.sub.N disposed on a flexible base member 210 at the positions opposite those of the first electrical-connection members 120.sub.1 to 120.sub.N. N is an integer equal to or larger than 1; N=4 in FIGS. 2 to 5. Although N equals 4 in FIGS. 2 to 5, it is not limited to that value and should be set to a required value. The first connector 100 should also have lead wiring lines 123.sub.1 to 123.sub.N, such as those shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, in order to electrically connect the first electrical-connection members 120.sub.1 to 120.sub.N to an outside device. In FIGS. 2 to 5, the first electrical-connection members 120.sub.1 to 120.sub.N are indirectly disposed on the base member 110 with the lead wiring lines 123.sub.1 to 123.sub.N, and the second electrical-connection members 220.sub.1 to 220.sub.N are directly disposed on the base member 210. Here, being disposed on the base member means not only being directly disposed on the base member, as described above, but also being indirectly disposed on the base member with another member placed between the base member and the electrical-connection members (this also applies to the other embodiments). Materials used for the flexible base members include a film, such as a film of polyimide, polyester, polypyrene, polystyrene, polyethylene, or vinyl chloride, but the materials are not limited to these examples.

[0034] In the example shown in FIG. 3, the first electrical-connection member 120.sub.n (n is an integer equal to or larger than one and equal to or smaller than N) includes an elastic protrusion 122.sub.n and a first electrode 121.sub.n disposed at least at a tip of the protrusion 122.sub.b. In FIG. 3, the first electrode 121.sub.n is formed at the circumference of the protrusion 122.sub.n over the perimeter thereof, and is connected to the lead wiring line 123.sub.n. The first electrode 121.sub.n needs to be exposed at the tip of the protrusion 122.sub.n, but a portion thereof used to connect to the lead wiring line 123.sub.n, may be electrically connected to the lead wiring line inside the protrusion 122.sub.n, not at the circumference of the protrusion 122.sub.n. In the example shown in FIG. 3, a space 125.sub.n is formed to make the protrusion 122.sub.n hollow. Since the protrusion 122.sub.n is made hollow, it is deformed more easily. Rubber materials can be used for the protrusion 122.sub.n, such as elastomer, polyurethane, polyester, polyamide, polystyrene, polyolefin, vinyl chloride, styrene-butadiene rubber, chloroprene rubber, ethylene propylene rubber silicone, and fluororubber.

[0035] In the example shown in FIG. 5, the second electrical-connection member 220.sub.n is disposed on the base member 210 and is connected to a terminal 223.sub.n provided on the rear surface of the base member 210 via a conductor 224.sub.n formed in a through-hole of the base member 210. The terminal 223.sub.n is connected to an outside device. When at least either one of the first electrical-connection member 120.sub.n and the second electrical-connection member 220.sub.n is elastic, it becomes easier to maintain the electrical connection between the first electrical-connection member 120.sub.n and the second electrical-connection member 220.sub.n.

[0036] The second connector 200 further includes a flexible cover section 240, a flexible coupling section 250, and a plurality of resin fasteners 230.sub.1 to 230.sub.M and 235.sub.1 to 235.sub.M. The coupling section 250 couples the base member 210 of the second connector with the cover section 240. Materials used for the cover section 240 and the coupling section 250 should be those used for the base members, described above. The base member 210, the cover section 240, and the coupling section 250 may be made of different materials, but it is easier to make them as a single unit with an identical material. M is an integer equal to or larger than 2, and equals 2 in FIGS. 4 and 5.

[0037] The base member 210 of the second connector 200 and the cover section 240 have the fasteners 230.sub.1 to 230.sub.M and the fasteners 235.sub.1 to 235.sub.M respectively at opposite positions. In FIG. 4, the fasteners 230.sub.1 to 230.sub.M are disposed on the base member 210, and the fasteners 235.sub.1 to 235.sub.M are disposed on the cover section 240. A thermoplastic resin should be used, such as low-density polyethylene, ethylene--olefin copolymer, ethylene-vinyl-acetate copolymer, ethylene-acrylic-acid copolymer, and ethylene-acrylic-acid-ester copolymer. The fasteners should be fixed to the base member 210 and the cover section 240 by adhesive or thermal fusion. Patent Literature 2 and 3, and other documents describe resin fasteners in detail.

[0038] The connector assembly has a structure in which the fasteners 230.sub.1 and 230.sub.2 and the fasteners 235.sub.1 to 235.sub.2 are engaged, and the first electrical-connection members 120.sub.1 to 120.sub.N and the second electrical-connection members 220.sub.1 to 220.sub.N are connected, with the first connector 100 being sandwiched by the base member 210 of the second connector 200 and the cover section 240. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view at the position indicated by III-III in FIG. 2 and V-V in FIG. 4, and FIG. 7 is a sectional view at the position indicated by VII-VII in FIG. 2 and VII-VII in FIG. 4, when the first connector 100 and the second connector 200 are engaged. In these figures, the first connector 100 shown in FIG. 3 is illustrated up-side down. By bending the coupling section 250 in half, the base member 210 of the second connector 200 and the cover section 240 sandwich the first connector 100, the fasteners 230.sub.1 and 230.sub.2 and the fasteners 235.sub.1 to 235.sub.2 are engaged, and the first electrical-connection members 120.sub.1 to 120.sub.N and the second electrical-connection members 220.sub.1 to 220.sub.N are connected. In FIG. 6, the cross section of the first connector 100 is viewed from the direction opposite that indicated by the arrows attached to the line III-III in FIG. 2. There are two VII-VII lines in FIG. 4, but they match on a plan when the coupling section 250 is bent in half.

[0039] The coupling section 250 and the plurality of fasteners 230.sub.1 to 230.sub.M and 235.sub.1 to 235.sub.M are disposed such that the first electrical-connection members 120.sub.1 to 120.sub.N and the second electrical-connection members 220.sub.1 to 220.sub.N are maintained in the connected state when the fasteners 230.sub.1 to 230.sub.M and the fasteners 235.sub.1 to 235.sub.M are engaged. For example, the plurality of fasteners 230.sub.1 to 230.sub.M provided on the base member 210 of the second connector 200 and the coupling section 250 should be disposed so as to surround the second electrical-connection members 220.sub.1 to 220.sub.N in a U-shape. Here, a U-shape includes a rectangular shape without one side, and a V-shape, which includes straight lines. It is not necessary to make a U-shape completely and continuously, but a noncontinuous portion is allowed so long as the connections between the first electrical-connection members 120.sub.1 to 120.sub.N and the second electrical-connection members 220.sub.1 to 220.sub.N are maintained. In addition, the portion where the line is not closed in a U-shape is used to place the lead wiring lines 123.sub.1 to 123.sub.N of the first connector. A U-shape also includes a polygon, such as a hexagon, with one side thereof being opened.

[0040] In FIG. 4, M equals two, but M is not necessarily limited to two. As shown in FIG. 4, however, when two sets of fasteners 230.sub.1, 230.sub.2, 235.sub.1, and 235.sub.2 are disposed in parallel, and the coupling section 250 couples the base member 210 with the cover section 240 in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal directions of the fasteners 230.sub.1, 230.sub.2, 235.sub.1, and 235.sub.2, it is easy to attach and detach the connectors, and it is also easy to maintain the connections between the first electrical-connection members 120.sub.1 to 120.sub.N and the second electrical-connection members 220.sub.1 to 220.sub.N when the fasteners 230.sub.1 and 235.sub.1 are engaged and the fasteners 230.sub.2 and 235.sub.2 are engaged. This arrangement also corresponds to the U-shape, described above. In addition, when there are a plurality of sets of first electrical-connection members 120.sub.1 to 120.sub.N and second electrical-connection members 220.sub.1 to 220.sub.N, if the longitudinal directions of the two fasteners 230.sub.1 and 230.sub.2 on the base member 210 of the second connector 200 are made parallel to the direction in which the second electrical-connection members 220.sub.1 to 220.sub.N are disposed, it is easy to engage the fasteners 230.sub.1 and 230.sub.2 and the fasteners 235.sub.1 to 235.sub.2 and to connect the first electrical-connection members 120.sub.1 to 120.sub.N and the second electrical-connection members 220.sub.1 to 220.sub.N, and it is also easy to maintain the connected state.

[0041] According to the connector assembly of the first embodiment, since the fasteners to be engaged, 230.sub.1 and 230.sub.2, and 235.sub.1 and 235.sub.2, are tied via the coupling section 250, it is easy to position the mating fasteners and, even if the base members 110 and 210 are flexible, it is also easy to engage the fasteners. In addition, the coupling section 250, the fasteners 230.sub.1 to 230.sub.M, and the fasteners 235.sub.1 to 235.sub.M are disposed such that the first electrical-connection members 120.sub.1 to 120.sub.N and the second electrical-connection members 220.sub.1 to 220.sub.N are maintained in the connected state when the fasteners 230.sub.1 to 230.sub.M and the fasteners 235.sub.1 to 235.sub.M are engaged. Especially in the example shown in FIG. 4, since the fasteners 230.sub.1 and 230.sub.2 are disposed in parallel so as to sandwich the second electrical-connection members 220.sub.1 to 220.sub.N, and the coupling section 250 couples the base member 210 with the cover section 240 in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal directions of the fasteners 230.sub.1 and 230.sub.2, it is even easier to engage the fasteners. In addition, since the longitudinal directions of the fasteners 230.sub.1 and 230.sub.2 are parallel to the direction in which the second electrical-connection members 220.sub.1 to 220.sub.N are disposed, it is easy to connect the first electrical-connection members 120.sub.1 to 120.sub.N and the second electrical-connection members 220.sub.1 to 220.sub.N, and it is also easy to maintain the connected state.

First Modification

[0042] The first embodiment shows a structure in which it is easy to attach and detach the first connector and the second connector even if the base members of the first and second connectors are flexible, which is the main object of the present invention. This structure is effective when water-tightness is provided outside the connector assembly or when the connector assembly is used for a purpose where water-tightness is not required. In the present modification, a structure in which a connector assembly itself is water-tight (waterproof at least in living environments) is shown. Here, water-tightness means a characteristic whereby water is prevented from reaching the contact portions of first electrical-connection members 120.sub.1 to 120.sub.N and second electrical-connection members 220.sub.1 to 220.sub.N.

[0043] FIG. 8 is a plan of a first connector used in the present modification. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view along IX-IX in FIG. 8. FIG. 10 is a plan of a second connector used in the present modification. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view along XI-XI in FIG. 10. Base members 110 and 210, the first electrical-connection members 120.sub.1 to 120.sub.N, lead wiring lines 123, to 123.sub.N, the second electrical-connection members 220.sub.1 to 220.sub.N, a conductor 224.sub.n, a terminal 223.sub.n, a cover section 240, a coupling section 250, fasteners 230.sub.1 to 230.sub.M, and fasteners 235.sub.1 to 235.sub.M are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0044] In the present modification, a first elastic member 160 is formed so as to surround the first electrical-connection members 120.sub.1 to 120.sub.N, on the base member 110 of a first connector 105. In addition, a second elastic member 260 is formed so as to surround the second electrical-connection members 220.sub.1 to 220.sub.N, on the base member 210 of a second connector 205. Rubber materials can be used for the first elastic member 160 and the second elastic member 260, such as elastomer, polyurethane, polyester, polyamide, polystyrene, polyolefin, vinyl chloride, styrene-butadiene rubber, chloroprene rubber, ethylene propylene rubber silicone, and fluororubber.

[0045] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view at the position indicated by IX-IX in FIG. 8 and XI-XI in FIG. 10, and FIG. 13 is a sectional view at the position indicated by VIII-VIII in FIG. 8 and XIII-XIII in FIG. 10, when the first connector 105 and the second connector 205 are engaged. The cross section of the first connector 105 shown in FIG. 12 is viewed from the direction opposite that indicated by arrows attached to the IX-IX line in FIG. 8. FIG. 10 shows two XIII-XIII lines, but they match in a plan when the coupling section 250 is bent in half.

[0046] When the fasteners 230.sub.1 and 230.sub.2 and the fasteners 235.sub.1 to 235.sub.2 are engaged, and the first electrical-connection members 120.sub.1 to 120.sub.N and the second electrical-connection members 220.sub.1 to 220.sub.N are connected, the first elastic member 160 and the second elastic member 260 provide water-tightness for the connected portions of the first electrical-connection members 120.sub.1 to 120.sub.N and the second electrical-connection members 220.sub.1 to 220.sub.N. When water-repellent treatment is applied to facing portions of the first elastic member 160 and the second elastic member 260, even if a gap exists between the first elastic member 160 and the second elastic member 260 due to a manufacturing error or other reasons, waterproofness in living environments is obtained.

[0047] Therefore, the connector assembly of the present modification provides water-tightness (a characteristic whereby water is prevented from reaching the contact portions of the first electrical-connection members 120.sub.1 to 120.sub.N and the second electrical-connection members 220.sub.1 to 220.sub.N) while acquiring the same advantages as the connector assembly of the first embodiment.

Second Embodiment

[0048] FIG. 14 is a plan of a first connector used in a second embodiment. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view along XV-XV in FIG. 14. FIG. 16 is a plan of a second connector used in the second embodiment. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view along XVII-XVII in FIG. 16. A connector assembly according to the second embodiment includes a first connector 300 having first electrical-connection members 320.sub.1 to 320.sub.N disposed on a flexible base member 310, and a second connector 400 having second electrical-connection members 420.sub.1 to 420.sub.N disposed on a flexible base member 410 at the positions opposite those of the first electrical-connection members 320.sub.1 to 320.sub.N. N is an integer equal to or larger than 1; N=4 in FIGS. 14 to 17. Although N equals 4 in FIGS. 14 to 17, it is not necessarily limited to that value and should be set to a required value. The first connector 300 should also have lead wiring lines 323.sub.1 to 323.sub.N such as those shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 in order to electrically connect the first electrical-connection members 320.sub.1 to 320.sub.N to an outside device. In FIGS. 14 to 17, the first electrical-connection members 320.sub.1 to 320.sub.N are indirectly disposed on the base member 310 with the lead wiring lines 323.sub.1 to 323.sub.N, and the second electrical-connection members 420.sub.1 to 420.sub.N are directly disposed on the base member 410. Here, being disposed on the base member means not only being directly disposed on the base member, as described above, but also being indirectly disposed on the base member with another member placed between the base member and the electrical-connection members.

[0049] In the example shown in FIG. 15, the first electrical-connection member 320.sub.n (n is an integer equal to or larger than 1 and equal to or smaller than N) includes an elastic protrusion 322.sub.n and a first electrode 321.sub.n disposed at least at a tip of the protrusion 322.sub.n. In FIG. 15, the first electrode 321.sub.n is formed at the circumference of the protrusion 322.sub.n over the perimeter thereof, and is connected to the lead wiring line 323.sub.n. The first electrode 321.sub.n needs to be exposed at the tip of the protrusion 322.sub.n, but a portion thereof used to connect to the lead wiring line 323.sub.n may be electrically connected to the lead wiring line inside the protrusion 322.sub.n. In the example shown in FIG. 15, a space 325.sub.n is formed to make the protrusion 322.sub.n hollow. Since the protrusion 322.sub.n is made hollow, it is deformed more easily. Example materials that can be used for the protrusion 322.sub.n are the same as those described in the first embodiment.

[0050] In the example shown in FIG. 17, the second electrical-connection member 420.sub.n is disposed on the base member 410, and is connected to a terminal 423.sub.n provided on the rear surface of the base member 410 via a conductor 424.sub.n formed in a through-hole of the base member 410. The terminal 423.sub.n is connected to an outside device. When at least either one of the first electrical-connection member 320.sub.n and the second electrical-connection member 420.sub.n is elastic, it becomes easier to maintain the electrical connection between the first electrical-connection member 320.sub.n and the second electrical-connection member 420.sub.n.

[0051] The second connector 400 further includes a flexible cover section 440, flexible coupling sections 450.sub.1 and 450.sub.2, and a plurality of resin fasteners 430.sub.1 to 430.sub.M and 435.sub.1 to 435.sub.M. The coupling sections 450.sub.1 and 450.sub.2 couple the base member 410 of the second connector with the cover section 440. Materials used for the cover section 440 and the coupling sections 450.sub.1 and 450.sub.2 should be those used for the base members, described in the first embodiment. The base member 410, the cover section 440, and the coupling sections 450.sub.1 and 450.sub.2 may be made of different materials, but it is easier to make them as a single unit with an identical material. M is an integer equal to or larger than 2, and equals 3 in FIGS. 16 and 17.

[0052] The base member 410 of the second connector 400 and the cover section 440 have the plurality of resin fasteners 430.sub.1 to 430.sub.M and the fasteners 435.sub.1 to 435.sub.M respectively at opposite positions. In FIG. 16, the fasteners 430.sub.1 to 430.sub.M are disposed on the base member 410, and the fasteners 435.sub.1 to 435.sub.M are disposed on the cover section 440. Example resin materials that can be used for the fasteners are the same as those described in the first embodiment. The fasteners should be fixed to the base member 410 and the cover section 440 by adhesive or thermal fusion.

[0053] First elastic members 360.sub.1 and 360.sub.2 are formed so as to surround the first electrical-connection members 320.sub.1 to 320.sub.N, on the base member 310 of the first connector 300. Second elastic members 460.sub.1 and 460.sub.2 are formed so as to surround the second electrical-connection members 420.sub.1 to 420.sub.N, on the base member 410 of the second connector 400. Materials that can be used for these elastic members are the same as in the first modification of the first embodiment.

[0054] The connector assembly has a structure in which the fasteners 430.sub.1 to 430.sub.3 and the fasteners 435.sub.1 to 435.sub.3 are engaged, and the first electrical-connection members 320.sub.1 to 320.sub.N and the second electrical-connection members 420.sub.1 to 420.sub.N are connected, with the first connector 300 being sandwiched by the base member 410 of the second connector 400 and the cover section 440. FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view at the position indicated by XV-XV in FIG. 14 and XVII-XVII in FIG. 16, when the first connector 300 and the second connector 400 are engaged. In FIG. 18, the first connector 300 shown in FIG. 15 is illustrated up-side down and left-side right. By bending the coupling sections 450.sub.1 and 450.sub.2 in half, the base member 410 of the second connector 400 and the cover section 440 sandwich the first connector 300, the fasteners 430.sub.1 to 430.sub.3 and the fasteners 435.sub.1 to 435.sub.3 are engaged, and the first electrical-connection members 320.sub.1 to 320.sub.N and the second electrical-connection members 420.sub.1 to 420.sub.N are connected. Since FIG. 18 shows a cross section of the state in which the coupling sections 450.sub.1 and 450.sub.2 are bent in half, not only the cross section at the position indicated by XVII-XVII in FIG. 16 but also the cross section at the position indicated by XVIII-XVIII in FIG. 16 are shown.

[0055] The coupling sections 450.sub.1 and 450.sub.2, the fasteners 430.sub.1 to 430.sub.M, and the fasteners 435.sub.1 to 435.sub.M are disposed such that the first electrical-connection members 320.sub.1 to 320.sub.N and the second electrical-connection members 420.sub.1 to 420.sub.N are maintained in the connected state when the fasteners 430.sub.1 to 430.sub.M and the fasteners 435.sub.1 to 435.sub.M are engaged. For example, the fasteners 430.sub.1 to 430.sub.M provided on the base member 410 of the second connector 400 and the coupling sections 450.sub.1 and 450.sub.2 should be disposed so as to surround the second electrical-connection members 420, to 420.sub.N in a U-shape. Here, a U-shape means the same as in the first embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 16, the fasteners 430.sub.1 and 430.sub.2 and the coupling section 450.sub.1 form one U shape, and the fasteners 435.sub.1 and 435.sub.2 and the coupling section 450.sub.2 form another U shape. This type of arrangement also corresponds to the U-shape. Lead wiring lines 323.sub.1 to 323.sub.N of the first connector 300 are drawn out from a portion where the U shape is open.

[0056] When the fasteners 430.sub.1 and 430.sub.M and the fasteners 435.sub.1 to 435.sub.M are engaged, the coupling sections 450.sub.1 and 450.sub.2, the fasteners 430.sub.1 to 430.sub.M, and the fasteners 435.sub.1 to 435.sub.M make the first elastic members 360.sub.1 and 360.sub.2 and the second elastic members 460.sub.1 and 460.sub.2 provide water-tightness for the connected portions of the first electrical-connection members 320.sub.1 to 320.sub.N and the second electrical-connection members 420.sub.1 to 420.sub.N. When water-repellent treatment is applied to facing portions of the first elastic members 360.sub.1 and 360.sub.2 and the second elastic members 460.sub.1 and 460.sub.2, even if a gap exists between the first elastic members 360.sub.1 and 360.sub.2 and the second elastic members 460.sub.1 and 460.sub.2 due to a manufacturing error or other reasons, waterproofness in living environments is obtained.

[0057] According to the connector assembly of the second embodiment, since the fasteners to be engaged, 430.sub.1 to 430.sub.3, and 435.sub.1 to 435.sub.3, are tied via the coupling sections 450.sub.1 and 450.sub.2, it is easy to engaged the fasteners even if the base members 310 and 410 are flexible. In addition, the coupling sections 450.sub.1 and 450.sub.2, the fasteners 430.sub.1 to 430.sub.M, and the fasteners 435.sub.1 to 435.sub.M are disposed such that the first electrical-connection members 320.sub.1 to 320.sub.N and the second electrical-connection members 420.sub.1 to 420.sub.N are maintained in the connected state when the fasteners 430.sub.1 to 430.sub.M, and the fasteners 435.sub.1 to 435.sub.M are engaged. In particular, since the fasteners 430.sub.1 and 430.sub.2 are disposed in parallel so as to sandwich the second electrical-connection members 420.sub.1 and 420.sub.2, the fasteners 430.sub.2 and 430.sub.3 are disposed in parallel so as to sandwich the second electrical-connection members 420.sub.3 and 420.sub.4, and the coupling sections 450.sub.1 and 450.sub.2 couple the base member 410 with the cover section 440 in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal directions of the fasteners 430.sub.1 to 430.sub.3, it is easy to engage the fasteners. In addition, the connector assembly of the present embodiment provides water-tightness (a characteristic whereby water is prevented from reaching the contact portions of the first electrical-connection members 320.sub.1 to 320.sub.N and the second electrical-connection members 420.sub.1 to 420.sub.N).

Third Embodiment

[0058] FIG. 19 is a plan of a first connector used in a third embodiment. FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view along XX-XX in FIG. 19. FIG. 21 is a plan of a second connector used in the third embodiment. FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view along XXII-XXII in FIG. 21. A connector assembly according to the third embodiment includes a first connector 500 having first electrical-connection members 520.sub.1 to 520.sub.N disposed on a flexible base member 510, and a second connector 600 having second electrical-connection members 620.sub.1 to 620.sub.N disposed on a flexible base member 610 at the positions opposite those of the first electrical-connection members 520.sub.1 to 520.sub.N. N is an integer equal to or larger than 1; N=4 in FIGS. 19 to 22. N equals 4 in FIGS. 19 to 22, but it is not necessarily limited to that value and should be set to a required value. The first connector 500 should also have lead wiring lines 523.sub.1 to 523.sub.N such as those shown in FIGS. 19 and 20 in order to electrically connect the first electrical-connection members 520.sub.1 to 520.sub.N to an outside device. In FIGS. 19 to 22, the first electrical-connection members 520.sub.1 to 520.sub.N are disposed on the base member 510 with the lead wiring lines 523.sub.1 to 523.sub.N, and the second electrical-connection members 620.sub.1 to 620.sub.N are disposed on electrodes 624.sub.1 to 624.sub.N on the base member 410. Here, being disposed on the base member also includes being indirectly disposed on the base member with another member placed between the base member and the electrical-connection members.

[0059] In the example shown in FIG. 20, the first electrical-connection member 520.sub.n (n is an integer equal to or larger than 1 and equal to or smaller than N) includes an elastic protrusion 522.sub.n and a first electrode 521.sub.n disposed at least at a tip of the protrusion 522.sub.n. In FIG. 20, the first electrode 521.sub.n is formed at the circumference of the protrusion 522.sub.n over the perimeter thereof, and is connected to the lead wiring line 523.sub.n. The first electrode 521, needs to be exposed at the tip of the protrusion 522.sub.n, but a portion thereof used to connect to the lead wiring line 523.sub.n may be electrically connected to the lead wiring line inside the protrusion 522.sub.n. In the third embodiment, the protrusion 522.sub.n is not provided with a space inside thereof. Example materials that can be used for the protrusion 522.sub.n are the same as those described in the first embodiment.

[0060] In the example shown in FIG. 22, the second electrical-connection member 620.sub.n includes an elastic protrusion 622.sub.n and a second electrode 621.sub.n disposed at least at a tip of the protrusion 622.sub.n. In FIG. 22, the second electrode 621.sub.n is formed at the circumference of the protrusion 622.sub.n over the perimeter thereof, and is connected to an electrode 626.sub.n on the base member 610. The second electrode 621.sub.n needs to be exposed at the tip of the protrusion 622.sub.n, but a portion thereof used to connect to the electrode 626.sub.n may be electrically connected to the electrode inside the protrusion 622.sub.n. The electrode 626.sub.n is connected to a terminal 623.sub.n provided on the rear surface of the base member 610 via a conductor 624.sub.n formed in a through-hole of the base member 610. The terminal 623.sub.n is connected to an outside device. Example materials used for the protrusion 622.sub.n are the same as the materials for the protrusion 522.sub.n. The third embodiment shows an example in which both the first electrical-connection member 520.sub.n and the second electrical-connection member 620.sub.n are elastic. With this example, it becomes easier to maintain the electrical connection between the first electrical-connection member 520.sub.n and the second electrical-connection member 620.sub.n.

[0061] The second connector 600 further includes a flexible cover section 640, a flexible coupling section 650, and resin fasteners 630.sub.1 to 630.sub.M and fasteners 635.sub.1 to 635.sub.M. The coupling section 650 couples the base member 610 of the second connector with the cover section 640. Materials used for the cover section 640 and the coupling section 650 should be those used for the base members, described in the first embodiment. The base member 610, the cover section 640, and the coupling section 650 may be made of different materials, but it is easier to make them as a single unit with an identical material. M is an integer equal to or larger than 2, and equals 2 in FIG. 20.

[0062] The base member 610 of the second connector 600 and the cover section 640 have the fasteners 630.sub.1 to 630.sub.M and the fasteners 635.sub.1 to 635.sub.M respectively at opposite positions. In FIG. 21, the fasteners 630.sub.1 to 630.sub.M are disposed on the base member 610, and the fasteners 635.sub.1 to 635.sub.M are disposed on the cover section 640. Example resin materials that can be used for the fasteners are the same as those described in the first embodiment. The fasteners should be fixed to the base member 610 and the cover section 640 by adhesive or thermal fusion.

[0063] A first elastic member 560 is formed so as to surround the first electrical-connection members 520.sub.1 to 520.sub.N, on the base member 510 of the first connector 500. A second elastic member 660 is formed so as to surround the second electrical-connection members 620.sub.1 to 620.sub.N, on the base member 610 of the second connector 600. Materials that can be used for these elastic members are the same as in the first modification of the first embodiment. The third embodiment differs from the first modification of the first embodiment in that the first elastic member 560 is formed so as to surround the entire group of the first electrical-connection members 520.sub.1 to 520.sub.N in the third embodiment, whereas the first elastic member 160 surrounds the first electrical-connection members 520.sub.1 to 520.sub.N individually in the first modification of the first embodiment. The same difference applies to the second electrical-connection members 620.sub.1 to 620.sub.N.

[0064] The connector assembly has a structure in which the fasteners 630.sub.1 to 630.sub.M and the fasteners 635.sub.1 to 635.sub.M are engaged, and the first electrical-connection members 520.sub.1 to 520.sub.N and the second electrical-connection members 620.sub.1 to 620.sub.N are connected, with the first connector 500 being sandwiched by the base member 610 of the second connector 600 and the cover section 640. In the example shown in FIGS. 19 to 22, the fasteners 630.sub.1 and 630.sub.2 and the fasteners 635.sub.1 and 635.sub.2 are engaged, and the first electrical-connection members 520.sub.1 to 520.sub.4 and the second electrical-connection members 620.sub.1 to 620.sub.4 are connected.

[0065] The coupling section 650, the fasteners 630.sub.1 and 630.sub.2, and the fasteners 635.sub.1 and 635.sub.2 are disposed such that the first electrical-connection members 520.sub.1 to 520.sub.4 and the second electrical-connection members 620.sub.1 to 620.sub.4 are maintained in the connected state when the fasteners 630.sub.1 and 630.sub.2 and the fasteners 635.sub.1 and 635.sub.2 are engaged. In the example shown in FIGS. 19 to 22, the fasteners 630.sub.1 and 630.sub.2 provided on the base member 610 of the second connector 600, and the coupling section 650 are disposed so as to surround the second electrical-connection members 620.sub.1 to 620.sub.4 in a U-shape. Here, a U-shape means the same as in the first embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 21, the fastener 630.sub.2 and the coupling section 450, are disposed in parallel to sandwich the second electrical-connection members 620.sub.1 to 620.sub.4. In addition, the fastener 630, is disposed perpendicular to the direction in which the fastener 630.sub.2 and the coupling section 450.sub.1 are disposed, thereby forming a U shape to surround the second electrical-connection members 620.sub.1 to 620.sub.4. This type of arrangement also corresponds to the U-shape. Lead wiring lines 523.sub.1 to 523.sub.N of the first connector 500 are drawn out from a portion where the U shape is open.

[0066] When the fasteners 630.sub.1 and 630.sub.2 and the fasteners 635.sub.1 and 635.sub.2 are engaged, the coupling section 650, the fasteners 630.sub.1 and 630.sub.2, and the fasteners 635.sub.1 and 635.sub.2 make the first elastic member 560 and the second elastic member 660 provide water-tightness for the connected portions of the first electrical-connection members 520.sub.1 to 520.sub.4 and the second electrical-connection members 620.sub.1 to 620.sub.4. When water-repellent treatment is applied to facing portions of the first elastic member 560 and the second elastic member 660, even if a gap exists between the first elastic member 560 and the second elastic member 660 due to a manufacturing error or other reasons, waterproofness in living environments is obtained.

[0067] According to the connector assembly of the third embodiment, since the fasteners to be engaged, 630.sub.1 and 630.sub.2, and 635.sub.1 and 635.sub.2, are tied via the coupling section 650, it is easy to engage the fasteners even if the base members 510 and 610 are flexible. In addition, the coupling section 650, the fasteners 630.sub.1 and 630.sub.2, and the fasteners 635.sub.1 and 635.sub.2 are disposed such that the first electrical-connection members 520.sub.1 to 520.sub.4 and the second electrical-connection members 620.sub.1 to 620.sub.4 are maintained in the connected state when the fasteners 630.sub.1 and 630.sub.2 and the fasteners 635.sub.1 and 635.sub.2 are engaged. In addition, the connector assembly of the present embodiment provides water-tightness (a characteristic whereby water is prevented from reaching the contact portions of the first electrical-connection members 520.sub.1 to 520.sub.4 and the second electrical-connection members 620.sub.1 to 620.sub.4).

DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0068] 100, 105, 300, 500: First connector [0069] 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610: Base member [0070] 120, 320, 520: First electrical-connection member [0071] 121, 321, 521: First electrode [0072] 122, 322, 522, 622: Protrusion [0073] 123, 323, 523: Lead wiring line [0074] 125, 325: Space [0075] 160, 360, 560: First elastic member [0076] 200, 205, 400, 600: Second connector [0077] 220, 420, 620: Second electrical-connection member [0078] 223, 423, 623: Terminal [0079] 224, 424, 624: Conductor [0080] 230, 235, 430, 435, 630, 635: Fastener [0081] 240, 440, 640: Cover section [0082] 250, 450, 650: Coupling section [0083] 260, 460, 660: Second elastic member [0084] 621: Second electrode [0085] 626: Electrode