Connector, connector unit, and method for connecting a connector to a connection board.

Abstract

To realize a connector that contributes to improving signal transmission characteristics. [Solution] The connector (2) of the present disclosure comprises a contact assembly (12) having an insulating member (23) that holds a first contact group (21) and a second contact group (22). The insulating member (23) has a main body portion (23a) that holds the first contact group (21) and the second contact group (22), a protruding portion (23b) that protrudes from the main body portion (23a), an engaged portion (23f) into which the engaging portion (3d) of the connecting substrate (3) engages, and a contact portion that contacts the side surface of the connecting substrate (3). The engaged portion (23f) sandwiches the side of the connecting substrate (3). The ends of the first contact group (21) and the second contact group (22) that connect to the connecting substrate (3) are positioned between the protruding portions (23b) in a state that protrudes from the insulating member (23).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a connector, a connector unit, and a method for connecting a connection substrate to the connector.

Background Art

[0002] For example, as shown in FIG. 26, the connector 101 of Patent Document 1 is configured such that the contact of the connector 101 can be connected to the connection terminal portion of the substrate 103 in a state where the stepped portion 103a disposed on the side portion of the substrate 103 is inserted into and engaged with the groove portion 102b formed in the locking portion 102a of the housing 102.

[0003] At this time, the connector 101 is configured to guide the substrate 103 into the housing 102 by the guide portion 102c formed in the housing 102. And the contacts are disposed inside the groove portion 102d formed in the guide portion 102c, and each contact is surrounded by the groove portion 102d.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Since the connector 101 of Patent Document 1 is configured such that each contact is surrounded by the groove portion 102d, it has a problem of causing a decrease in impedance and deteriorating the signal transmission characteristics.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to realize a connector, a connector unit, and a method for connecting a connection substrate to the connector that contribute to improving the signal transmission characteristics.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] A connector according to one aspect of this disclosure is a connector that connects a connection board and a connection connector, The contact assembly comprises a first contact group and a second contact group that can be connected to the connecting substrate while the connecting substrate is sandwiched between them, and an insulating member that holds the first contact group and the second contact group. The insulating member is A main body that holds the first contact group and the second contact group, A protruding portion extends from the main body to the connector, on the side in the insertion direction of the connector, and is spaced apart in the width direction of the connector, The protruding portion is arranged on the side of the connecting substrate, and the engaging portion is engaged with the engaging portion, The protruding portion is arranged and has a contact portion that contacts the side surface of the connecting substrate, It has, The surfaces of the connector facing each other in the thickness direction in the engaged portion sandwich the side of the connecting substrate, Viewed from the thickness direction of the connector, the ends of the first contact group and the second contact group that connect to the connection substrate are positioned between the protruding portions, protruding from the insulating member to the connector in the direction in which the connector is inserted.

[0008] In the connector described above, it is preferable that the insulating member includes a release portion for releasing the engagement between the engaging portion of the connecting substrate and the engaged portion.

[0009] In the connector described above, the engaged portion includes a retaining portion that is positioned on the side of the connecting connector that is inserted into the connector relative to the engaged portion of the connecting board, when the engaged portion of the connecting board is engaged with the engaged portion. The release unit is In the width direction of the connector, the point of force applied to push the retaining portion toward the outside of the connector, A pivot point is positioned between the retaining portion and the force point portion in the insertion direction of the connecting connector into the connector, and contacts the connecting substrate when force is applied to the force point portion, The retaining portion, the force point portion, and the fulcrum portion are arranged in the lever portion, It is preferable that it has

[0010] In the connector described above, the engaged portion includes an inclined portion that slopes outward in the width direction of the connector as it moves toward the side in which the connecting connector is inserted into the connector, When engaging the engaging portion of the connecting substrate with the engaged portion, it is preferable that the engaging portion of the connecting substrate contacts the inclined portion so that a force can be applied to the engaged portion toward the outward side in the width direction of the connector.

[0011] In the connector described above, it is preferable that the insulating member is positioned on the side of the protruding portion that is in the direction of removing the connecting connector from the connector, and comprises an elastically deformable portion that elastically deforms the protruding portion toward the outer side in the width direction of the connector.

[0012] In the connector described above, it is preferable that the first contact group and the second contact group and the connecting board are connected by a solderless method.

[0013] A connector unit relating to one aspect of this disclosure is The connector mentioned above, A connecting board connected to the aforementioned connector, Equipped with, The connecting board is positioned on the side of the connecting board and has an engaging portion that engages with the engaged portion of the connector.

[0014] In the connector unit described above, the connector is provided with a first inclined portion on the engaged portion which is inclined toward the outward side in the width direction of the connector as it moves toward the side in which the connecting connector is inserted into the connector, The connection substrate includes a second inclined portion that inclines toward the inner side in the width direction of the connection substrate as it goes toward the connection side of the connection substrate to the connector in the engaging portion. When the engaging portion of the connection substrate is engaged with the engaged portion of the connector, it is preferable that the second inclined portion of the connection substrate contacts the first inclined portion of the connector and can apply a force to the outer side in the width direction of the connector to the engaged portion of the connector.

[0015] In the above connector unit, the connection substrate includes a notch portion on a side portion of the connection substrate. It is preferable that the engaging portion is disposed in the notch portion.

[0016] In the above connector unit, the connection substrate includes a rigid flexible substrate portion and a flexible substrate portion. The rigid flexible substrate portion is preferably connected to the connector.

[0017] A method for connecting a connection substrate in a connector according to an aspect of the present disclosure is a method for connecting the connection substrate in a connector that connects a connection substrate and a connection connector, and includes: Engaging an engaging portion disposed on a side portion of the connection substrate with an engaged portion disposed on a protruding portion that protrudes toward the insertion direction side of the connection connector to the connector from a main body portion that holds a first contact group and a second contact group in an insulating member and is spaced apart in the width direction of the connector, while sandwiching the side portion of the connection substrate with the engaged portion in the thickness direction of the connector; Contacting a side surface of the connection substrate with a contact portion disposed on a protruding portion of an insulating member of the connector, and sandwiching the connection substrate with the contact portion in the width direction of the connector; Connecting a portion that protrudes from the insulating member toward the insertion direction side of the connection connector to the connector between the protruding portions in the first contact group and the second contact group as viewed in the thickness direction of the connector to the connection substrate. And includes.

[0018] In the method of connecting to the connection board in the above connector, a first inclined portion is disposed on the engaged portion of the connector and inclines toward the outer side in the width direction of the connector as it goes toward the side in the insertion direction of the connection connector into the connector. A second inclined portion is disposed on the engaging portion of the connection board and inclines toward the inner side in the width direction of the connection board as it goes toward the connection side of the connection board to the connector. It is preferable to bring the second inclined portion into contact with the first inclined portion and push the engaged portion of the connector toward the outer side in the width direction of the connector.

Effect of the Invention

[0019] According to the present disclosure, a connector, a connector unit, and a method of connecting to a connection board in the connector that contribute to improving the signal transmission characteristics can be realized.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view of the connector unit of Embodiment 1 seen from the +Z axis side. [Figure 2] It is a perspective view of the connector unit of Embodiment 1 seen from the -Z axis side. [Figure 3] It is a perspective view of the connector of the connector unit of Embodiment 1 seen from the +Z axis side. [Figure 4] It is a perspective view of the connector of the connector unit of Embodiment 1 seen from the -Z axis side. [Figure 5] It is a view of the connector of the connector unit of Embodiment 1 seen from the +Z axis side. [Figure 6] It is an exploded perspective view of the connector unit of Embodiment 1 seen from the +Z axis side. [Figure 7] It is an exploded perspective view of the connector unit of Embodiment 1 seen from the -Z axis side. [Figure 8] It is a perspective view of the first contact group and the second contact group in the contact assembly of the connector of Embodiment 1 seen from the +Z axis side. [Figure 9]This is a perspective view of the insulating member in the contact assembly of the connector of Embodiment 1, as seen from the Z-axis+ side. [Figure 10] This is a perspective view of the insulating member in the contact assembly of the connector of Embodiment 1, as seen from the Z-axis side. [Figure 11] This is a perspective view of the connection board of the connector unit of Embodiment 1, viewed from the Z-axis+ side. [Figure 12] This is a perspective view of the connection board of the connector unit of Embodiment 1, viewed from the Z-axis side. [Figure 13] This is an enlarged perspective view from the Z-axis side of the connector unit of Embodiment 1, showing the state in which the engaged portion of the connector and the engaged portion of the connecting substrate are engaged. [Figure 14] This is a partial cross-sectional view from the Z-axis+ side of the connector unit of Embodiment 1, showing the state in which the engaged portion of the connector and the engaged portion of the connecting substrate are engaged. [Figure 15] This is a perspective view of the connector unit of Embodiment 2, seen from the Z-axis+ side. [Figure 16] This is a view of the connector unit of Embodiment 2 from the Z-axis+ side. [Figure 17] This is a partial cross-sectional view from the Z-axis+ side of the connector unit of Embodiment 2, showing the state in which the engaged portion of the connector and the engaged portion of the connecting substrate are engaged. [Figure 18] This is an exploded perspective view of the connector of the connector unit of Embodiment 2, viewed from the Z-axis+ side. [Figure 19] This is a perspective view of the connector contact assembly in the connector unit of Embodiment 2, viewed from the Z-axis+ side. [Figure 20] This is a perspective view of the connector contact assembly in the connector unit of Embodiment 2, viewed from the Z-axis side. [Figure 21] This is a perspective view of the connection board of the connector unit of Embodiment 2, viewed from the Z-axis+ side. [Figure 22] This is a view from the Z-axis+ side of the connector unit of Embodiment 2, showing the connector release portion pressed in. [Figure 23]Figure 22 shows a partial cross-sectional view from the Z-axis+ side of the engagement state between the engaged portion of the connector and the engaged portion of the connecting board in the state described in Figure 22. [Figure 24] This is a view from the Z-axis+ side of the connector unit of Embodiment 2, showing the connector release portion further pressed in. [Figure 25] Figure 24 shows a partial cross-sectional view from the Z-axis+ side of the engagement state between the engaged portion of the connector and the engaged portion of the connecting board in the state described in Figure 24. [Figure 26] This is a diagram showing Figure 1 of Patent Document 1. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0021] Specific embodiments applying this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, this disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments. Also, for clarity, the following description and drawings have been simplified as appropriate. Herein, for clarity, the following description will use a three-dimensional (XYZ) coordinate system.

[0022] <Embodiment 1> First, the configuration of the connector unit of this embodiment will be described. Figure 1 is a perspective view of the connector unit of this embodiment as seen from the Z-axis+ side. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the connector unit of this embodiment as seen from the Z-axis- side. The connector unit 1 includes, for example, a connector 2 and a connecting board 3, as shown in Figures 1 and 2.

[0023] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the connector of the connector unit of this embodiment, viewed from the Z-axis+ side. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the connector of the connector unit of this embodiment, viewed from the Z-axis- side. Figure 5 is a view of the connector of the connector unit of this embodiment, viewed from the Z-axis+ side. Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of the connector unit of this embodiment, viewed from the Z-axis+ side. Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of the connector unit of this embodiment, viewed from the Z-axis- side.

[0024] Connector 2 connects, for example, a connecting connector (not shown) to a connecting board 3. In each figure, the X-axis direction is the width direction of the connector unit 1, the Y-axis direction is the insertion / removal direction of the connecting connector, and the Z-axis direction is the thickness (height) direction of the connector unit 1.

[0025] As shown in Figures 3 to 7, connector 2 comprises a shell 11 and a contact assembly 12. The shell 11 is made of a conductive material. The shell 11 is, for example, substantially cylindrical and extends in the Y-axis direction. The shell 11 is, for example, substantially rectangular and elongated in the X-axis direction when viewed from the Y-axis direction.

[0026] As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the contact assembly 12 is inserted inside the shell 11. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the contact assembly 12 comprises a first contact group 21, a second contact group 22, and an insulating member 23.

[0027] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the first contact group and the second contact group in the connector contact assembly of this embodiment, viewed from the Z-axis+ side. The first contact group 21 comprises a plurality of contacts 24, as shown in Figure 8.

[0028] The contacts 24 are spaced apart in the X-axis direction, as shown in Figure 8. The contacts 24 are, for example, compression contacts that are roughly Z-shaped when viewed from the X-axis direction and comprise a first portion 24a, a second portion 24b, and a third portion 24c.

[0029] The first portion 24a extends in the Y-axis direction, for example, as shown in Figure 8. The Y-axis-side portion of the first portion 24a constitutes a first electrical contact 24d that is connected to the contacts of the connector.

[0030] The second portion 24b is inclined toward the Z-axis side as it moves toward the Y-axis+ side, as shown in Figure 8, for example. The Y-axis+ side portion of the second portion 24b constitutes a second electrical contact 24e that connects to a pad 32a (see Figure 1) formed on the Z-axis+ side surface of the connecting substrate 3, as shown in Figure 1.

[0031] The second electrical contact 24e is curved in a roughly Z-shape when viewed from the X-axis direction, as shown in Figure 8, for example, with its Y-axis+ end positioned on the Z-axis+ side relative to its Y-axis- end. The third portion 24c extends in the Z-axis direction, for example, and connects the Y-axis+ end of the first portion 24a to the Y-axis- end of the second portion 24b.

[0032] As shown in Figure 8, the second contact group 22 comprises a plurality of contacts 25. The contacts 25 are, for example, plane-symmetric with respect to the contacts 24 of the first contact group 21, with respect to the XY plane, and are arranged at intervals in the X-axis direction.

[0033] As shown in Figure 8, the contact 25 comprises a first portion 25a having a first electrical contact 25d that connects to the contacts of the connection connector, a second portion 25b having a second electrical contact 25e that connects to a pad 32e (see Figure 2) formed on the Z-axis side of the connection board 3, and a third portion 25c that connects the first portion 25a and the second portion 25b.

[0034] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the insulating member 23 is an insulator (housing) that holds the first contact group 21 and the second contact group 22. Figure 9 is a perspective view of the insulating member in the contact assembly of the connector of this embodiment, viewed from the Z-axis+ side. Figure 10 is a perspective view of the insulating member in the contact assembly of the connector of this embodiment, viewed from the Z-axis- side.

[0035] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the insulating member 23 comprises a main body portion 23a and a protruding portion 23b. The main body portion 23a comprises a first portion 23c and a second portion 23d. The first portion 23c is, for example, a flat plate shape substantially parallel to the XY plane and is substantially rectangular in shape, elongated in the X-axis direction when viewed from the Y-axis direction.

[0036] The first portion 23c extends in the Y-axis direction, as shown in Figures 9 and 10. The first portion 23c is shaped to correspond to the shape of the insulating member of the connector so that the insulating member that holds the contacts in the connector can be fitted into the first portion 23c.

[0037] As shown in Figure 6, the first portion 24a of contact 24 of the first contact group 21 is exposed from the Z-axis+ side surface of the first portion 23c. Also, as shown in Figure 7, the first portion 25a of contact 25 of the second contact group 22 is exposed from the Z-axis- side surface of the first portion 24a.

[0038] The second portion 23d is positioned on the Y-axis+ side relative to the first portion 23c, as shown in Figures 9 and 10, and is continuous with the first portion 23c. The second portion 23d is, for example, a roughly rectangular shape that is elongated in the X-axis direction when viewed from the Y-axis direction, and has an outer shape that is roughly equal to the inner shape of the shell 11.

[0039] The second portion 23d has thickness in the Y-axis direction, as shown in Figures 9 and 10. The second portion 23d protrudes outward from the first portion 23c when viewed from the Y-axis direction. The second portion 23d has a plurality of through-holes 23e.

[0040] The through portion 23e extends in the Y-axis direction, and as shown in Figure 7, the first portion 24a of the contact 24 of the first contact group 21 and the first portion 25a of the contact 25 of the second contact group 22 pass through it. In other words, the second portion 23d arranges the contact 24 of the first contact group 21 and the contact 25 of the second contact group 22.

[0041] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the portion of the contact 24 in the first contact group 21 that includes the third portion 24c on the Y-axis+ side and the portion of the contact 25 in the second contact group 22 that includes the third portion 25c on the Y-axis+ side protrude from the second portion 23d.

[0042] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the protruding portion 23b protrudes toward the Y-axis + side from the X-axis + side end and the X-axis - side end of the second portion 23d of the main body portion 23a. The protruding portion 23b includes an engaged portion 23f and an elastically deformable portion 23g.

[0043] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the engaging portion 3d of the connecting substrate 3 engages with the engaged portion 23f. The engaged portion 23f includes, for example, an insertion portion 23h and a retaining portion 23i, as shown in Figures 9 and 10. The insertion portion 23h is, for example, a groove formed by two plate portions 23j arranged with a gap in the Z-axis direction.

[0044] The plate portion 23j is, for example, a roughly rectangular shape, elongated in the Y-axis direction when viewed from the Z-axis direction, as shown in Figures 9 and 10, and is arranged approximately parallel to the XY plane. The spacing of the plate portions 23j in the Z-axis direction, i.e., the height of the insertion portion 23h in the Z-axis direction, is approximately equal to the thickness of the rigid-flexible substrate portion 3a of the connecting substrate 3 in the Z-axis direction.

[0045] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the retaining portion 23i is positioned to block a part of the Y-axis+ end of the insertion portion 23h. The retaining portion 23i protrudes from the outer end of the insulating member 23 in the X-axis direction of the plate portion 23j toward the Y-axis+. The retaining portion 23i is, for example, substantially rectangular when viewed from the Z-axis direction and has thickness in the Z-axis direction.

[0046] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the retaining portion 23i connects the plate portion 23j on the Z-axis+ side and the plate portion 23j on the Z-axis- side. The retaining portion 23i has an inclined portion 23k at the Y-axis+ side of the retaining portion 23i and at the inner corner of the insulating member 23 in the X-axis direction. The inclined portion 23k is inclined towards the outer side of the insulating member 23 in the X-axis direction as it approaches the Y-axis+ side.

[0047] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the elastically deformable portion 23g connects the engaged portion 23f and the main body portion 23a, and is elastically deformable in the X-axis direction relative to the main body portion 23a. The elastically deformable portion 23g is, for example, substantially rectangular when viewed from the Z-axis direction, and has thickness in the Z-axis direction. The elastically deformable portion 23g has an inclined portion 23l at the Y-axis positive side of the elastically deformable portion 23g and at the inner corner of the insulating member 23 in the X-axis direction.

[0048] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the inclined portion 23l is inclined in the X-axis direction toward the outer side of the insulating member 23 as it moves toward the Y-axis+ side when viewed from the Z-axis direction. Furthermore, when viewed from the Z-axis direction, the inclined portion 23l is substantially continuous with the inner side of the insulating member 23 in the X-axis direction of the plate portion 23j.

[0049] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the engaged portion 23f and the elastically deformable portion 23g have a notch 23m formed on the Y-axis side with respect to the engaged portion 23f and on the outer side of the insulating member 23 with respect to the elastically deformable portion 23g in the X-axis direction. The notch 23m is, for example, substantially rectangular when viewed from the Z-axis direction.

[0050] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, within the space formed by the main body portion 23a and the protruding portion 23b, the Y-axis+ portion of the contact 24 in the first contact group 21, including the third portion 24c, and the Y-axis+ portion of the contact 25 in the second contact group 22, including the third portion 25c, are arranged to protrude from the main body portion 23a toward the Y-axis+ when viewed from the Z-axis direction.

[0051] In other words, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, the Y-axis+ portion including the third portion 24c of contact 24 in the first contact group 21 and the Y-axis+ portion including the third portion 25c of contact 25 in the second contact group 22 are arranged between the protruding portions 23b.

[0052] In this case, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, the Y-axis+ side portion of each contact 24 in the first contact group 21, including the third portion 24c, and the Y-axis+ side portion of each contact 25 in the second contact group 22, including the third portion 25c, are not surrounded by the insulating member 23.

[0053] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, the insulating member 23 is preferably divided into a first insulating member 23n that holds the first contact group 21, a second insulating member 23o that holds the second contact group 22, and a third insulating member 23p that holds the first insulating member 23n and the second insulating member 23o.

[0054] Such a contact assembly 12 is inserted into the shell 11 from the Y-axis+ side to the Y-axis- side, and is held in the shell 11 as shown in Figures 3 to 5. At this time, the shell 11 is inserted into the notch 23m of the insulating member 23 of the contact assembly 12, and the shell 11 is in contact with the engaged portion 23f of the insulating member 23 of the contact assembly 12.

[0055] As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the second portion 24b of contact 24 of the first contact group 21, the second portion 25b of contact 25 of the second contact group 22, and the engaged portion 23f of the insulating member 23 protrude from the shell 11 towards the Y-axis + side.

[0056] The connection board 3 is connected to, for example, a main board on which a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or the like is mounted in an electronic device. Figure 11 is a perspective view of the connection board of the connector unit of this embodiment, viewed from the Z-axis+ side. Figure 12 is a perspective view of the connection board of the connector unit of this embodiment, viewed from the Z-axis- side.

[0057] As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the connecting substrate 3 comprises a flexible substrate 31 and a rigid substrate 32. The flexible substrate 31 is made of a thin film such as polyimide with wiring formed on it. The flexible substrate 31 comprises a first portion 31a and a second portion 31b.

[0058] The first portion 31a is roughly rectangular when viewed from the Z-axis direction, as shown in Figures 11 and 12. The second portion 31b is positioned on the Y-axis+ side relative to the first portion 31a, and is, for example, a smaller roughly rectangular shape relative to the first portion 31a when viewed from the Z-axis direction.

[0059] As shown in Figure 12, the second portion 31b is provided with a pad (not shown) on the Z-axis side of the second portion 31b. A connector 33 is connected to the pad for connecting to a connector fixed to, for example, the main board of an electrical device.

[0060] As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the rigid substrate 32 has higher rigidity than the flexible substrate 31 and is made of a base material such as FR4 (Flame Retardant Type 4). The rigid substrate 32 is positioned in the Z-axis direction to sandwich the first portion 31a of the flexible substrate 31 and is fixed to the first portion 31a of the flexible substrate 31 via an insulating adhesive member 34.

[0061] The Z-axis+ side rigid substrate 32 includes, for example, a pad 32a, an equalizer 32b, and a via 32c, as shown in Figure 11. The pad 32a is located on the Z-axis+ side surface of the Z-axis+ side rigid substrate 32 and is connected to the contact 24 of the first contact group 21 of the connector 2.

[0062] As shown in Figure 11, the equalizer 32b is mounted on the Z-axis+ side of the rigid substrate 32 on the Z-axis+ side and amplifies the signal input to pad 32a. Via 32c connects pad 32a to the wiring of the flexible substrate 31 via wiring 32d.

[0063] As shown in Figure 12, the rigid substrate 32 on the Z-axis side has a configuration that is almost identical to that of the rigid substrate 32 on the Z-axis + side, so a detailed explanation will be omitted, but it includes a pad 32e, an equalizer 32f, a via 32g, and wiring 32h.

[0064] In such a connecting substrate 3, as shown in Figures 11 and 12, the portion of the first part 31a of the flexible substrate 31 sandwiched between the rigid substrate 32 constitutes the rigid-flexible substrate portion 3a, and the second part 31b of the flexible substrate 31 protruding from the rigid-flexible substrate portion 3a toward the Y-axis+ constitutes the flexible substrate portion 3b.

[0065] As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the connecting substrate 3 has a rigid-flexible substrate portion 3a with a notch portion 3c and an engaging portion 3d. The notch portion 3c is formed by cutting out both corners on the Y-axis side of the rigid-flexible substrate portion 3a.

[0066] The notch 3c is a roughly right-angled trapezoidal shape, as shown in Figures 11 and 12, for example, and has a slanted edge at the inner end of the rigid-flexible substrate portion 3a in the notch 3c that slopes inward toward the inner side of the rigid-flexible substrate portion 3a in the X-axis direction as it moves toward the Y-axis direction when viewed from the Z-axis direction.

[0067] As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the engaging portion 3d protrudes from the inner end of the rigid-flexible substrate portion 3a to the outer side of the rigid-flexible substrate portion 3a in the X-axis direction of the notch portion 3c.

[0068] As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the engaging portion 3d is a roughly right-angled triangle with a hypotenuse at the outer end of the rigid-flexible substrate portion 3a in the X-axis direction, which slopes inward towards the Y-axis direction when viewed from the Z-axis direction. In other words, the engaging portion 3d has a slanted portion 3e at the outer end of the rigid-flexible substrate portion 3a in the X-axis direction.

[0069] Next, the process for manufacturing the connector 2 of the connector unit 1 of this embodiment will be explained. First, the contacts 24 of the first contact group 21 and the contacts 25 of the second contact group 22 are insert-molded into the insulating member 23 to form the contact assembly 12.

[0070] In this process, first, the contacts 24 of the first contact group 21 are insert-molded into the first insulating member 23n and held by the first insulating member 23n, and the contacts 25 of the second contact group 22 are insert-molded into the second insulating member 23o and held by the second insulating member 23o.

[0071] Then, the first insulating member 23n and the second insulating member 23o are insert-molded into the third insulating member 23p. This allows the contacts 24 of the first contact group 21 and the contacts 25 of the second contact group 22 to be insert-molded into the third insulating member 23p with high precision.

[0072] Next, the contact assembly 12 is inserted into the shell 11 from the Y-axis+ side to the Y-axis- side, and the contact assembly 12 is held in place by the shell, thereby manufacturing the connector 2.

[0073] Next, the process for manufacturing the connection board 3 in the connector unit 1 of this embodiment will be explained. Here, the connector 33 is fixed to the flexible board 31 in advance, and the equalizers 32b and 32f are fixed to the rigid board 32.

[0074] Then, the rigid substrate 32 is positioned so as to sandwich the first portion 31a of the flexible substrate 31, and fixed to the first portion 31a of the flexible substrate 31 via the adhesive member 34.

[0075] Next, by connecting the pad 32a of the rigid substrate 32 on the Z-axis+ side to the wiring of the flexible substrate 31 via via 32c, and connecting the pad 32e of the rigid substrate 32 on the Z-axis- side to the wiring of the flexible substrate 31 via via 32g, a connecting substrate 3 having a rigid-flexible substrate portion 3a and a flexible substrate portion 3b can be manufactured.

[0076] Next, the process of connecting the connector 2 to the connecting board 3 in the connector unit 1 of this embodiment will be explained. Figure 13 is an enlarged perspective view from the Z-axis- side showing the state in which the engaged portion of the connector and the engaged portion of the connecting board are engaged in the connector unit of this embodiment. Figure 14 is a partial cross-sectional view from the Z-axis- side showing the state in which the engaged portion of the connector and the engaged portion of the connecting board are engaged in the connector unit of this embodiment.

[0077] First, the connecting board 3 is brought closer to the connector 2 from the Y-axis + side towards the Y-axis - side, and the Y-axis - end of the connecting board 3 is inserted between the protruding portions 23b of the insulating member 23 in the connector 2. Then, the inclined portion 3e of the engaging portion 3d of the connecting board 3 is brought into contact with the inclined portion 23k of the protruding portion 23b of the insulating member 23 in the connector 2, causing the elastically deformable portion 23g of the insulating member 23 in the connector 2 to elastically deform and push the engaged portion 23f outward in the X-axis direction towards the connector 2.

[0078] At this time, the inclined portion 3e of the engaging portion 3d of the connecting substrate 3 and the inclined portion 23k of the protruding portion 23b of the insulating member 23 in the connector 2 are inclined toward the inward side of the connector unit 1 in the X-axis direction as they move toward the Y-axis side, so that the engaged portion 23f of the insulating member 23 in the connector 2 can be easily pushed toward the outward side of the connector unit 1 in the X-axis direction.

[0079] In other words, the inclined portion 3e of the engaging portion 3d of the connecting board 3 and the inclined portion 23k of the protruding portion 23b of the insulating member 23 in the connector 2 come into contact, allowing a force to be applied to the engaged portion 23f of the insulating member 23 in the connector 2 toward the outside of the connector unit 1.

[0080] The connecting board 3 is pushed toward the Y-axis side, and the Y-axis side end of the connecting board 3 is inserted between the second portion 24b of contact 24 of the first contact group 21 and the second portion 25b of contact 25 of the second contact group 22 in the connector 2.

[0081] In this case, if the elastically deformable portion 23g of the insulating member 23 in the connector 2 has an inclined portion 23l, interference between the Y-axis-side end of the connecting substrate 3 and the protruding portion 23b of the insulating member 23 in the connector 2 can be suppressed.

[0082] As a result, as shown in Figures 13 and 14, the engaging portion 3d of the connecting substrate 3 is inserted into the insertion portion 23h by overcoming the retaining portion 23i of the insulating member 23 in the connector 2 on the Y-axis side, and the engaging portion 3d of the connecting substrate 3 is engaged with the space formed by the elastically deformable portion 23g of the insulating member 23 in the connector 2, the two plate portions 23j, and the retaining portion 23i.

[0083] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 13 and 14, the retaining portion 23i of the insulating member 23 in the connector 2 engages with the recessed portion 3f on the Y-axis+ side of the engaging portion 3d in the notch 3c of the connecting substrate 3.

[0084] At this time, as shown in Figure 14, the Y-axis positive end of the notch 3c on the connecting substrate 3 and the Y-axis positive end of the engaging portion 3d sandwich the retaining portion 23i of the insulating member 23 on the connector 2 in the Y-axis direction. This fixes the Y-axis position of the connecting substrate 3 relative to the connector 2.

[0085] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 13, the height in the Z-axis direction of the insertion portion 23h of the insulating member 23 in the connector 2 is approximately equal to the thickness in the Z-axis direction of the rigid-flexible substrate portion 3a of the connecting substrate 3, and the two plate portions 23j of the insulating member 23 of the connector 2 sandwich the connecting substrate 3. This fixes the position of the connecting substrate 3 in the Z-axis direction relative to the connector 2.

[0086] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 14, the retaining portion 23i of the insulating member 23 in the connector 2 substantially contacts the recessed portion 3f on the Y-axis + side with respect to the engaging portion 3d in the notch portion 3c of the connecting substrate 3, so that the retaining portion 23i of the insulating member 23 in the connector 2 clamps the connecting substrate 3 in the X-axis direction.

[0087] In other words, the retaining portion 23i of the insulating member 23 in the connector 2 functions as a contact portion that contacts the connecting board 3. This fixes the position of the connecting board 3 in the X-axis direction relative to the connector 2.

[0088] In addition, as shown in Figure 1, the second electrical contact 24e of the contact 24 of the first contact group 21 in the connector 2 is connected to the pad 32a of the rigid substrate 32 on the Z-axis+ side of the connecting substrate 3.

[0089] Furthermore, the second electrical contact 25e of the contact 25 of the second contact group 22 in the connector 2 is connected to the pad 32e of the Z-axis-side rigid substrate 32 in the connecting substrate 3. This allows the connector 2 to be connected to the connecting substrate 3 while engaging the engaged portion 23f of the connector 2 with the engaging portion 3d of the connecting substrate 3. In other words, the connector 2 and the connecting substrate 3 are connected without soldering.

[0090] Such a connector unit 1 can be connected to a connector, for example, when the connector 33 of the connection board 3 is connected to a connector fixed to the main board of an electrical device. For example, the connection connector is inserted into the shell 11 of the connector 2 from the Y-axis minus side towards the Y-axis plus side.

[0091] Then, the contacts of the connecting connector are connected to the first electrical contact 24d of contact 24 of the first contact group 21 and the first electrical contact 25d of contact 25 of the second contact group 22 in connector 2. This allows the connecting connector to be connected to connector 2 of connector unit 1.

[0092] Next, the procedure for replacing the connector 2 or the connecting board 3 in the connector unit 1 of this embodiment will be explained. In the connector unit 1 of this embodiment, the connector 2 and the connecting board 3 are connected by engaging the engaged portion 23f of the connector 2 with the engaged portion 3d of the connecting board 3.

[0093] Therefore, by releasing the engagement between the engaged portion 23f of the connector 2 and the engaged portion 3d of the connecting board 3, either the connector 2 or the connecting board 3 can be replaced. In particular, if the connector 2 and the connecting board 3 are connected by a solderless connection, either the connector 2 or the connecting board 3 can be easily replaced.

[0094] As described above, in this embodiment, the connector 2, connector unit 1, and connection method of the connector 2 to the connection board 3 are arranged such that, when viewed from the Z-axis direction, the Y-axis+ side portion including the third portion 24c of contact 24 in the first contact group 21 and the Y-axis+ side portion including the third portion 25c of contact 25 in the second contact group 22 are positioned between the protruding portions 23b of the insulating member 23, with the Y-axis+ side portion protruding from the main body portion 23a of the insulating member 23.

[0095] In other words, the Y-axis positive portion of each contact 24 in the first contact group 21, including the third portion 24c, and the Y-axis positive portion of each contact 25 in the second contact group 22, including the third portion 25c, are not surrounded by the insulating member 23. Therefore, a decrease in impedance can be suppressed, contributing to an improvement in signal transmission characteristics.

[0096] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the connector 2, the connector unit 1, and the method of connecting the connector 2 to the connection board 3 are such that the connector 2 and the connection board 3 can be connected by engaging the engaging portion 3d of the connection board 3 with the engaged portion 23f of the insulating member 23 in the connector 2.

[0097] At this time, the Y-axis positive end of the notch 3c on the connecting board 3 and the Y-axis positive end of the engaging portion 3d on the connecting board 3 sandwich the retaining portion 23i of the insulating member 23 on the connector 2 in the Y-axis direction. This fixes the Y-axis position of the connecting board 3 relative to the connector 2. In addition, the connecting board 3 is sandwiched between the two plate portions 23j of the insulating member 23 on the connector 2. This fixes the Z-axis position of the connecting board 3 relative to the connector 2.

[0098] Furthermore, the retaining portion 23i of the insulating member 23 in the connector 2 contacts the recessed portion 3f on the Y-axis+ side with respect to the engaging portion 3d in the notch portion 3c of the connecting substrate 3, causing the retaining portion 23i of the insulating member 23 in the connector 2 to clamp the connecting substrate 3 in the X-axis direction. This fixes the position of the connecting substrate 3 in the X-axis direction relative to the connector 2.

[0099] In this embodiment, the connector 2, the connector unit 1, and the method of connecting the connector 2 to the connection board 3 are connected by engaging the engaged portion 23f of the connector 2 with the engaged portion 3d of the connection board 3. Therefore, by releasing the engagement between the engaged portion 23f of the connector 2 and the engaged portion 3d of the connection board 3, the connector 2 or the connection board 3 can be easily replaced.

[0100] In the connector 2, connector unit 1, and connection method of the connector 2 to the connection board 3 of this embodiment, if the protruding portion 23b of the insulating member 23 of the connector 2 has an elastically deformable portion 23g, the engaging portion 3d of the connection board 3 can push the engaged portion 23f of the connector 2 toward the outside of the connector unit 1 in the X-axis direction, thereby effectively widening the gap of the engaged portions 23f of the connector 2. This allows the engaging portion 3d of the connection board 3 to smoothly engage with the engaged portion 23f of the connector 2.

[0101] In this embodiment, in the connector 2, connector unit 1, and method of connecting the connector 2 to the connection board 3, if the connection board 3 has an inclined portion 3e on its engaging portion 3d, and the insulating member 23 in the connector 2 has an inclined portion 23k on its engaged portion 23f, the engaged portion 23f of the insulating member 23 in the connector 2 can be easily pushed outward in the X-axis direction to the connector unit 1. This allows the engaging portion 3d of the connection board 3 to smoothly engage with the engaged portion 23f of the insulating member 23 in the connector 2.

[0102] In this embodiment, when the connector 2 and the connection board 3 are connected without soldering, the decrease in impedance can be suppressed compared to when they are connected with solder, which contributes to improving the signal transmission characteristics.

[0103] In the connector unit 1 of this embodiment, if the portion of the connection board 3 that connects to a connector such as the main board of an electrical device is formed of a flexible substrate portion 3b, the flexibility of the flexible substrate portion 3b allows the connector 33 to be easily connected to the connector such as the main board.

[0104] <Embodiment 2> First, the configuration of the connector unit in this embodiment will be described. Figure 15 is a perspective view of the connector unit in this embodiment as seen from the Z-axis+ side. Figure 16 is a view of the connector unit in this embodiment as seen from the Z-axis+ side.

[0105] Figure 17 is a partial cross-sectional view of the connector unit of this embodiment, showing the state in which the engaged portion of the connector and the engaged portion of the connecting substrate are engaged, as seen from the Z-axis+ side. Figure 18 is an exploded perspective view of the connector of the connector unit of this embodiment, as seen from the Z-axis+ side.

[0106] Figure 19 is a perspective view of the connector contact assembly in the connector unit of this embodiment, viewed from the Z-axis+ side. Figure 20 is a perspective view of the connector contact assembly in the connector unit of this embodiment, viewed from the Z-axis- side. Figure 21 is a perspective view of the connection board of the connector unit of this embodiment, viewed from the Z-axis+ side.

[0107] As shown in Figures 15 to 21, the connector unit 5 of this embodiment has substantially the same configuration as the connector unit 1 of Embodiment 1, except that the configuration of the protruding portion 41a of the insulating member 41 in the connector 6 and the shape of the notch portion 7c of the connecting substrate 7 are different from those of the connector unit 1 of Embodiment 1. Therefore, redundant explanations will be omitted, and the same reference numerals will be used to describe the same elements.

[0108] As shown in Figures 15 to 20, the protruding portion 41a of the insulating member 41 in the connector 6 includes an engaged portion 41b, a release portion 41c, and an elastically deformable portion 41d. The engaged portion 41b includes an inserted portion 41e, a retaining portion 41f, and a contact portion 41g. The inserted portion 41e is, for example, a groove formed by two plate portions 41h arranged with a gap in the Z-axis direction.

[0109] The plate portion 41h is substantially Z-shaped when viewed from the Z-axis direction, as shown in Figures 18 to 20, for example, and is arranged substantially parallel to the XY plane. The plate portion 41h comprises a first portion 41i, a second portion 41j, and a third portion 41k. The first portion 41i extends in the Y-axis direction. The second portion 41j extends in the X-axis direction toward the inside of the insulating member 41 from the Y-axis-side end of the first portion 41i.

[0110] The third portion 41k extends from the Y-axis positive end of the first portion 41i to the outer side of the insulating member 41 in the X-axis direction, as shown in Figures 18 to 20. The spacing of the plate portions 41h in the Z-axis direction, i.e., the height of the inserted portion 41e in the Z-axis direction, is approximately equal to the thickness of the rigid-flexible substrate portion 7a of the connecting substrate 7 in the Z-axis direction, as shown in Figure 15.

[0111] The retaining portion 41f protrudes inward from the insulating member 41 in the X-axis direction from the release portion 41c of the insulating member 41, near the corner between the first portion 41i and the second portion 41j of the plate portion 41h, as shown in Figures 17 and 20. The retaining portion 41f is positioned between the plate portion 41h on the Z-axis+ side and the plate portion 41h on the Z-axis- side when viewed from the X-axis direction.

[0112] The retaining portion 41f is, for example, substantially rectangular when viewed from the Z-axis direction, as shown in Figure 17, and has thickness in the Z-axis direction. In this case, the retaining portion 41f may have an inclined portion 41l at the Y-axis+ end of the retaining portion 41f that slopes toward the inward side of the insulating member 41 in the X-axis direction as it moves toward the Y-axis- side.

[0113] As shown in Figures 15 to 20, the contact portion 41g is positioned on the Y-axis+ side relative to the retaining portion 41f. The contact portion 41g protrudes inward from the plate portion 41h of the insulating member 41 in the X-axis direction. The contact portion 41g connects the first portion 41i of the plate portion 41h on the Z-axis+ side and the first portion 41i of the plate portion 41h on the Z-axis- side.

[0114] The contact portion 41g is, for example, substantially rectangular when viewed from the Z-axis direction, as shown in Figures 15 to 20, and has thickness in the Z-axis direction. In this case, the contact portion 41g may have an inclined portion 41m at the Y-axis+ end of the contact portion 41g that slopes toward the inward side of the insulating member 41 in the X-axis direction as it moves toward the Y-axis- side.

[0115] The distance between the X-axis-side end of the X-axis-positive contact portion 41g and the X-axis-side end of the X-axis-negative contact portion 41g is approximately equal to the distance between the Y-axis-positive recess 7d relative to the engaging portion 3d in the X-axis-positive notch 7c of the connecting substrate 7 and the Y-axis-positive recess 7d relative to the engaging portion 3d in the X-axis-positive notch 7c, as shown in Figure 16.

[0116] The release section 41c comprises, for example, an arm section 41n and a lever section 41o, as shown in Figures 15 to 20. The arm section 41n is substantially L-shaped when viewed from the Z-axis direction and has thickness in the Z-axis direction. The Z-axis thickness of the Y-axis-side portion of the arm section 41n is thinner than the Z-axis thickness of the Y-axis-side portion of the arm section 41n so that it can be inserted into the insertion section 41e.

[0117] As shown in Figures 15 to 20, the arm portion 41n comprises a first portion 41p and a second portion 41q. The first portion 41p extends in the Y-axis direction. The Y-axis positive end of the first portion 41p is connected to the outer end of the insulating member 41 in the X-axis direction of the third portion 41k of the plate portion 41h in the engaged portion 41b.

[0118] As shown in Figures 15 to 20, the first portion 41p connects the Y-axis positive end of the Z-axis positive plate portion 41h to the Y-axis positive end of the Z-axis negative plate portion 41h. The Y-axis negative end of the first portion 41p is positioned, for example, in the Y-axis direction, approximately equal to the Y-axis negative end of the engaged portion 41b.

[0119] The second portion 41q extends inward from the Y-axis-side end of the first portion 41p in the X-axis direction towards the insulating member 41, as shown in Figures 15 to 20. The second portion 41q is positioned between the Z-axis-side plate portion 41h and the Z-axis-side plate portion 41h when viewed from the X-axis direction.

[0120] Here, the arm portion 41n is preferably equipped with a push-in portion 41r for a worker to push the arm portion 41n in the X-axis direction toward the inside of the insulating member 41 when releasing the engagement between the engaged portion 41b of the connector 6 and the engaged portion 3d of the connecting board 7, as will be described later.

[0121] As shown in Figures 15 to 20, the indentation portion 41r protrudes from the first portion 41p of the arm portion 41n toward the outside of the insulating member 41 in the X-axis direction. The indentation portion 41r is, for example, substantially rectangular when viewed from the Z-axis direction and has thickness in the Z-axis direction.

[0122] As shown in Figures 18 and 19, the lever portion 41o extends from the inner end of the insulating member 41 in the X-axis direction of the second portion 41q of the arm portion 41n toward the Y-axis+ direction. The lever portion 41o is, for example, substantially rectangular in shape, elongated in the Y-axis direction when viewed from the X-axis direction, and has thickness in the X-axis direction.

[0123] As shown in Figures 18 and 19, the lever portion 41o is positioned between the second portion 41j of the plate portion 41h on the Z-axis+ side and the second portion 41j of the plate portion 41h on the Z-axis- side. As shown in Figure 20, a retaining portion 41f protrudes from the Y-axis+ end of the lever portion 41o toward the inside of the insulating member 41 in the X-axis direction.

[0124] The elastically deformable portion 41d is similar to the elastically deformable portion 23g of the protruding portion 23b of the insulating member 23 of the connector 2 in Embodiment 1, and connects the main body portion 23a and the engaged portion 41b, as shown in Figures 18 and 19.

[0125] As shown in Figure 21, the connecting board 7 has a configuration substantially identical to that of the connecting board 3 of Embodiment 1, and includes a rigid-flexible board portion 7a and a flexible board portion 7b. However, the recessed portion 7d on the Y-axis + side of the engaging portion 3d in the notched portion 3c of the connecting board 3 of Embodiment 1 is longer in the Y-axis direction than the recessed portion 3f on the Y-axis + side of the engaging portion 3d in the notched portion 3c of the connecting board 3.

[0126] Next, the process of connecting the connector 6 to the connecting board 7 in the connector unit 5 of this embodiment will be explained. First, the X-axis+ end and the X-axis- end of the connecting board 7 are inserted into the Y-axis+ portion of the insertion part 41e of the insulating member 41 in the connector 6, bringing the connecting board 7 closer to the connector 6 from the Y-axis+ side to the Y-axis- side.

[0127] Then, while bringing the inclined portion 3e of the engaging portion 3d of the connecting board 7 into contact with the inclined portion 41m of the contact portion 41g of the insulating member 41 in the connector 6, the Y-axis side end of the connecting board 7 is inserted between the contact portions 41g of the insulating member 41 in the connector 6.

[0128] As a result, the elastically deformable portion 41d of the insulating member 41 of the connector 6 is elastically deformed, and the engaged portion 41b is pushed outward from the connector 6. When the connecting board 7 is pushed toward the Y-axis, the engaged portion 3d of the connecting board 7 moves over the contact portion 41g toward the Y-axis.

[0129] At this time, the inclined portion 3e of the engaging portion 3d of the connecting substrate 7 and the inclined portion 41m of the contact portion 41g of the insulating member 41 in the connector 6 are inclined toward the inward side of the connector unit 5 in the X-axis direction as they move toward the Y-axis side, so that the engaged portion 41b of the insulating member 41 in the connector 6 can be easily pushed toward the outward side of the connector unit 5.

[0130] The connecting board 7 is pushed toward the Y-axis, bringing the inclined portion 3e of the engaging portion 3d of the connecting board 7 into contact with the inclined portion 41l of the retaining portion 41f of the insulating member 41 in the connector 6, and the arm portion 41n and lever portion 41o of the release portion 41c of the insulating member 41 in the connector 6 are elastically deformed, pushing the retaining portion 41f toward the outside of the connector 6 in the X-axis direction.

[0131] At this time, the inclined portion 3e of the engaging portion 3d of the connecting substrate 7 and the inclined portion 41l of the retaining portion 41f of the insulating member 41 in the connector 6 are inclined toward the inward side of the connector unit 5 in the X-axis direction as they move toward the Y-axis side, so that the retaining portion 41f of the insulating member 41 in the connector 6 can be easily pushed toward the outward side of the connector 6.

[0132] Then, the connecting board 7 is pushed toward the Y-axis side, and the Y-axis side end of the connecting board 7 is inserted into the Y-axis side portion of the insertion part 41e of the insulating member 41 in the connector 6, and is also inserted between the second portion 24b of the contact 24 of the first contact group 21 and the second portion 25b of the contact 25 of the second contact group 22 in the connector 6.

[0133] As a result, the engaging portion 3d of the connecting board 7 overcomes the retaining portion 41f of the insulating member 41 in the connector 6 on the Y-axis side, and the engaging portion 3d of the connecting board 7 engages with the space formed by the two plate portions 41h, the retaining portion 41f, and the lever portion 41o in the insertion portion 41e of the insulating member 41 in the connector 6. At this time, as shown in Figure 17, the Y-axis+ end of the engaging portion 3d of the connecting board 7 contacts the Y-axis- end of the retaining portion 41f of the insulating member 41 in the connector 6.

[0134] Furthermore, the contact portion 41g and retaining portion 41f of the insulating member 41 in the connector 6 engage with the Y-axis positive recess 7d of the notch 7c of the connecting board 7. At this time, the Y-axis positive end of the notch 7c in the connecting board 7 contacts the Y-axis positive end of the contact portion 41g of the insulating member 41 in the connector 6. This fixes the Y-axis position of the connecting board 7 relative to the connector 6.

[0135] Furthermore, the distance in the Z-axis direction between the two plate portions 41h of the insulating member 41 in the connector 6 is approximately equal to the Z-axis thickness of the rigid-flexible substrate portion 7a of the connecting substrate 7, so that the two plate portions 41h of the insulating member 41 of the connector 6 sandwich the connecting substrate 7. This fixes the Z-axis position of the connecting substrate 7 relative to the connector 6.

[0136] Furthermore, the contact portion 41g of the insulating member 41 in the connector 6 contacts the recessed portion 7d on the Y-axis+ side with respect to the engaging portion 3d of the notch 7c of the connecting substrate 7, causing the contact portion 41g of the insulating member 41 in the connector 6 to clamp the connecting substrate 7 in the X-axis direction. This fixes the position of the connecting substrate 7 in the X-axis direction relative to the connector 6.

[0137] In addition, as shown in Figures 15 and 16, the second electrical contact 24e of the contact 24 of the first contact group 21 in the connector 6 is connected to the pad 32a of the rigid substrate 32 on the Z-axis+ side of the connecting substrate 7.

[0138] Furthermore, the second electrical contact 25e of the contact 25 of the second contact group 22 in the connector 6 is connected to the pad 32e of the Z-axis-side rigid substrate 32 in the connecting substrate 7. This allows the connector 6 to be connected to the connecting substrate 7 while engaging the engaged portion 41b of the connector 6 with the engaging portion 3d of the connecting substrate 7.

[0139] Next, the process for releasing the engagement between the engaged portion 41b of the connector 6 and the engaged portion 3d of the connecting substrate 7 in the connector unit 5 of this embodiment will be explained. Figure 22 is a view from the Z-axis+ side of the connector unit of this embodiment with the release portion of the connector pressed in. Figure 23 is a partial cross-sectional view from the Z-axis+ side of the engagement state between the engaged portion of the connector and the engaged portion of the connecting substrate in the state shown in Figure 22.

[0140] Figure 24 is a view from the Z-axis+ side of the connector unit of this embodiment, showing the connector release portion further pressed in. Figure 25 is a partial cross-sectional view from the Z-axis+ side showing the engagement state between the engaged portion of the connector and the engaged portion of the connecting board in the state shown in Figure 24.

[0141] First, as shown in Figure 22, the release portion 41c of the connector 6 is pushed inward towards the connector 6 in the X-axis direction. As a result, as shown in Figure 23, the Y-axis+ end of the first portion 41p of the arm portion 41n of the release portion 41c elastically deforms, while the second portion 41q of the arm portion 41n pushes the Y-axis- end of the lever portion 41o inward towards the connector 6 in the X-axis direction.

[0142] Then, as shown in Figure 23, the lever portion 41o of the connector 6 contacts the engaging portion 3d of the connecting substrate 7, and the contact point between the lever portion 41o of the connector 6 and the engaging portion 3d of the connecting substrate 7 acts as a fulcrum, while the Y-axis-side end of the lever portion 41o of the connector 6 acts as the point of force application, causing the lever portion 41o to rotate so that the retaining portion 41f of the connector 6 moves away from the engaging portion 3d of the connecting substrate 7.

[0143] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 24, when the release portion 41c of the connector 6 is pushed inward in the X-axis direction, the lever portion 41o rotates so that the retaining portion 41f of the connector 6 moves away from the engaging portion 3d of the connecting substrate 7, as shown in Figure 25, and the engagement between the engaged portion 41b of the connector 6 and the engaging portion 3d of the connecting substrate 7 is released.

[0144] Subsequently, by moving the connector 6 and the connecting board 7 in the Y-axis direction so that they are relatively separated, the connection between the connector 6 and the connecting board 7 can be released. Then, for example, by replacing the connector 6 or the connecting board 7 and performing the procedure described above to connect the connector 6 to the connecting board 7, the connector 6 or the connecting board 7 can be easily replaced.

[0145] In this connector 6, connector unit 5, and connection method to the connection board 7 in connector 6, the Y-axis+ side portion including the third portion 24c of each contact 24 in the first contact group 21 and the Y-axis+ side portion including the third portion 25c of each contact 25 in the second contact group 22 are not surrounded by the insulating member 41 when viewed from the Z-axis direction. Therefore, a decrease in impedance can be suppressed, which can contribute to improving the signal transmission characteristics.

[0146] Furthermore, compared to the connector unit 1 of Embodiment 1, the engagement between the engaging portion 3d of the connecting board 7 and the engaged portion 41b of the connector 6 can be easily released. Therefore, compared to the connector unit 1 of Embodiment 1, the connector 6 or the connecting board 7 can be easily replaced.

[0147] The connector configuration in the above embodiment is illustrative, and any configuration is acceptable in which the insulating member has a protruding portion and a contact portion, and the Y-axis+ ends of the first contact group 21 and the second contact group 22 are positioned between the protruding portions of the insulating member, with the Y-axis+ ends of the insulating member protruding from the insulating member toward the Y-axis+ direction when viewed from the Z-axis direction.

[0148] Furthermore, the configuration of the connection board in the above embodiment is also illustrative, and it is sufficient to have an engaging portion that can engage with the engaged portion of the connector.

[0149] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and may be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0150] 1 Connector Unit 2 connectors 3 Connecting substrate, 3a Rigid-flexible substrate portion, 3b Flexible substrate portion, 3c Notch portion, 3d Engaging portion, 3e Inclined portion, 3f Recessed portion on the Y-axis+ side relative to the engaging portion in the notch portion of the connecting substrate 5 Connector Unit 6 connectors 7 Connecting board, 7a Rigid-flexible board portion, 7b Flexible board portion, 7c Notch portion, 7d Recessed portion on the Y-axis+ side relative to the engaging portion in the notch portion of the connecting board 11 Shells 12 Contact Assembly 21. First Contact Group 22 Second Contact Group 23 insulating member, 23a main body, 23b protruding part, 23c first part, 23d second part, 23e through part, 23f engaged part, 23g elastically deformable part, 23h inserted part, 23i retaining part, 23j plate part, 23k inclined part, 23l inclined part, 23m notch, 23n first insulating member, 23o second insulating member, 23p third insulating member 24 Contacts, 24a First part, 24b Second part, 24c Third part, 24d First electrical contact, 24e Second electrical contact 25 Contacts, 25a First part, 25b Second part, 25c Third part, 25d First electrical contact, 25e Second electrical contact 31 Flexible substrate, 31a First part, 31b Second part 32 Rigid board, 32a Pad, 32b Equalizer, 32c via, 32d Routing, 32e Pad, 32f Equalizer, 32g via, 32h Routing 33 Connectors 34 Adhesive members 41 Insulating member, 41a Protruding part, 41b Engaged part, 41c Release part, 41d Elastically deformable part, 41e Inserted part, 41f Retaining part, 41g Contact part, 41h Plate part, 41i First part, 41j Second part, 41k Third part, 41l Inclined part, 41m Inclined part, 41n Arm part, 41o Lever part, 41p First part, 41q Second part, 41r Push-in part 101 Connector 102 Housing, 102a Locking part, 102b Groove, 102c Guide part, 102d Groove 103 substrate, 103a stepped section

Claims

1. A connector that connects a connection board and a connection connector, The contact assembly comprises a first contact group and a second contact group that can be connected to the connecting substrate while the connecting substrate is sandwiched between them, and an insulating member that holds the first contact group and the second contact group. The insulating member is A main body that holds the first contact group and the second contact group, A protruding portion extends from the main body to the connector, on the side in the insertion direction of the connector, and is spaced apart in the width direction of the connector, The protruding portion is arranged on the side of the connecting substrate, and the engaging portion is engaged with the engaging portion, The protruding portion is arranged and has a contact portion that contacts the side surface of the connecting substrate, It has, The surfaces of the connector facing each other in the thickness direction of the engagement portion sandwich the side of the connecting substrate, A connector in which, when viewed from the thickness direction of the connector, the ends of the first contact group and the second contact group on the connection side to the connection substrate are positioned between the protruding portions, protruding from the insulating member to the connector in the direction of insertion of the connector.

2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the insulating member includes a release portion for releasing the engagement between the engaging portion and the engaged portion of the connecting substrate.

3. The engaged portion includes a retaining portion positioned on the side of the engaging portion of the connecting board that is in the direction of insertion of the connecting connector into the connector, when the engaging portion of the connecting board is engaged with the engaged portion. The release unit is In the width direction of the connector, there is a point where force is applied to push the retaining portion toward the outside of the connector, A pivot point is positioned between the retaining portion of the engaged portion and the force point portion in the insertion direction of the connecting connector into the connector, and contacts the connecting substrate when force is applied to the force point portion. The retaining portion, the force application portion, and the fulcrum portion are arranged in the lever portion, The connector according to claim 2, having the following features.

4. The engaged portion includes an inclined portion that slopes outward in the width direction of the connector as it moves toward the side in which the connecting connector is inserted into the connector, The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein when the engaging portion of the connecting substrate is engaged with the engaged portion, the engaging portion of the connecting substrate contacts the inclined portion, allowing a force to be applied to the engaged portion toward the outward side in the width direction of the connector.

5. The connector according to claim 4, wherein the insulating member is disposed on the portion of the protruding portion on the side of the connector that is removed from the connector, and comprises an elastic deformation portion that elastically deforms the protruding portion toward the outer side in the width direction of the connector.

6. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first contact group and the second contact group and the connecting substrate are connected by a solderless method.

7. A connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, A connecting board connected to the aforementioned connector, Equipped with, The connector unit comprises a connecting board having an engaging portion that is positioned on the side of the connecting board and engages with the engaged portion of the connector.

8. The connector is provided with a first inclined portion on the engaged portion which is inclined toward the outward side in the width direction of the connector as it moves toward the side in which the connecting connector is inserted into the connector, The connecting board is provided with a second inclined portion on the engaging portion which is inclined toward the inward side in the width direction of the connecting board as it approaches the connection side of the connecting board to the connector, The connector unit according to claim 7, wherein when the engaging portion of the connecting board is engaged with the engaged portion of the connector, the second inclined portion of the connecting board contacts the first inclined portion of the connector, thereby enabling a force to be applied to the engaged portion of the connector toward the outward side in the width direction of the connector.

9. The connecting board has a notch on its side, The connector unit according to claim 7, wherein the engaging portion is located in the notch.

10. The aforementioned connecting board comprises a rigid-flexible board portion and a flexible board portion, The connector unit according to claim 7, wherein the rigid-flexible substrate portion is connected to the connector.

11. A method for connecting a connection board to a connection connector in a connector that connects a connection board to a connection connector, The process involves a main body portion that holds the first contact group and the second contact group in the insulating member, projecting from the side of the connector in the direction of insertion of the connector, engaging with an engaging portion located on the side of the connecting substrate with an engaging portion located on the main body portion that holds the first contact group and the second contact group in the insulating member, and sandwiching the side of the connecting substrate with the engaging portion in the thickness direction of the connector, The process involves bringing the side surface of the connecting substrate into contact with a contact portion located on a protruding portion of the insulating member of the connector, and sandwiching the connecting substrate between the contact portions in the width direction of the connector. A step of connecting the portion of the connector that protrudes from the insulating member to the connector in the insertion direction of the connector, between the protruding portions of the first contact group and the second contact group, when viewed from the thickness direction of the connector, to the connection substrate, A method for connecting a connector to a connecting board, comprising the above.

12. A method for connecting a connector to a connecting board according to claim 11, wherein a first inclined portion of the connector is positioned on the engaged portion of the connector and is inclined toward the outward side in the width direction of the connector as it moves toward the side in which the connecting connector is inserted into the connector, and a second inclined portion of the connecting board is positioned on the engaged portion of the connecting board and is inclined toward the inward side in the width direction of the connecting board as it moves toward the side toward which the connecting board is connected to the connector is brought into contact with the first inclined portion of the connecting board and is inclined toward the inward side in the width direction of the connecting board as it moves toward the side toward which the connecting board is connected to the connector, thereby pushing the engaged portion of the connector toward the outward side in the width direction of the connector.

Images