Connector set

Abstract

A connector set (100) comprises: a first board (14); a first connector (10) disposed underneath the first board (14) and electrically connected to the first board (14); a cover member (17) covering the top and sides of the first connector (10); a second connector (20) connected to the first connector (10); and a first securing member (31) and a second securing member that are secured to the second connector (20). The cover member (17) has a first hole (181) provided in a first side wall (171) of the cover member (17) and a second hole provided in a second side wall of the cover member (17) opposite the first side wall (171). The first securing member (31) is inserted into the first hole (181), and the second securing member is inserted into the second hole. The width (A31) of the first securing member (31) in the vertical direction is less than the distance (A100) between a lower surface (141) of the first board (14) and a lower edge of the second connector (20) in the vertical direction.

Description

Connector Set

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to connector sets, and more particularly to connector sets including a first connector and a second connector.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a board-mounted optical / electrical composite connector that is made up of a plug-side connector and a receptacle-side connector.

[0003] The receptacle-side connector includes a receptacle-side housing mounted on the first board, a receptacle-side shell covering the exterior of the receptacle-side housing, and receptacle-side terminals arranged in the receptacle-side housing.

[0004] The plug-side connector includes a plug-side housing that supports the optical fiber, a plug-side shell that covers the exterior of the plug-side housing, and an optical module that is connected to the optical fiber. The optical module has a second substrate, a light-emitting / receiving element mounted on one surface of the second substrate, and plug-side terminals or lands that are mounted on the other surface of the second substrate and transmit signals between the plug-side terminals and the receptacle-side terminals.

[0005] Two notches extending upward from the bottom are made in a portion near the center of the receptacle shell, forming elastic pieces. The tips of these elastic pieces are extended slightly upward and bent outward in an R-shape to form a locking mechanism. When the plug connector and receptacle connector are mated, the locking mechanism is hooked from the inside into locking holes provided in the plug shell of the plug connector, locking the plug connector and receptacle connector together.

[0006] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-328018

[0007] In a connector set such as the optical-electrical combined connector described in Patent Document 1, it is desirable to achieve both a low profile and a resistance to disconnection when the first connector and the second connector are connected.

[0008] A connector set according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a first substrate, a first connector, a cover member, a second connector, a first fixing member, and a second fixing member. The first connector is disposed below the first substrate and is electrically connected to the first substrate. The cover member covers the top and sides of the first connector. The second connector is connected to the first connector. The first fixing member is fixed to the second connector. The second fixing member is fixed to the second connector. The cover member has a first hole and a second hole. The first hole is provided in a first side wall of the cover member and includes a through hole or a recess. The second hole is provided in a second side wall of the cover member and includes a through hole or a recess. The second side wall faces the first side wall. The first fixing member is inserted into the first hole. The second fixing member is inserted into the second hole. The width of the first fixing member in the vertical direction is smaller than the distance in the vertical direction between the lower surface of the first board and the lower end of the second connector.

[0009] According to the present disclosure, there is an advantage in that it is possible to achieve both a low profile and a resistance to disconnection when the first connector and the second connector are connected.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view from above of a connector set according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, showing a connected state in which a first connector and a second connector are connected. FIG. 2 is a perspective view from above of the connector set with the first connector detached from the second connector. FIG. 3 is a side view of the connector set with the first connector detached from the second connector. FIG. 4 is a side view of the connector set with the first connector detached from the second connector, omitting the cover member. FIG. 5 is a perspective view from below of a first connection unit including the first connector. FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a main part of a second connection unit including the second connector. FIG. 7A is an explanatory diagram illustrating a procedure for connecting the first connector and the second connector of the connector set. FIG. 7B is an explanatory diagram illustrating a procedure for connecting the first connector and the second connector of the connector set. FIG. 7C is an explanatory diagram illustrating a procedure for connecting the first connector and the second connector of the connector set. Fig. 8 is a side view of the connector set with a portion of the cover member broken away when the first connector and the second connector are connected. Fig. 9 is a side view of the connector set with the first connector and the second connector connected, omitting the cover member and the second board. Fig. 10 is a bottom view of the connector set with the first connector and the second connector connected, omitting the second board. Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view of essential parts of the connector set with the first connector and the second connector connected, omitting the second board. Fig. 12 is a perspective view from above of essential parts of the connector set with the first connector and the second connector connected, omitting the second board. Fig. 13 is a perspective view from above of the connector set of Modification 1 with the first connector disconnected from the second connector. Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view of essential parts of the connector set of Modification 1 with the first connector and the second connector connected, omitting the second board.

[0011] A connector set according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the embodiment described below is merely one of various embodiments of the present disclosure. The embodiment described below can be modified in various ways depending on the design, etc., as long as the object of the present disclosure can be achieved. Furthermore, each diagram described in the embodiment described below is a schematic diagram, and the ratios of the sizes and thicknesses of the components in the diagram do not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratios.

[0012] (1) Embodiment (1.1) Overview of Connector Set The connector set 100 of this embodiment is used, for example, to connect a circuit board ("second board 29" described below) mounted on an electrical device to another circuit board (another "second board 29") and transmit signals between the two circuit boards (two "second boards 29"). In other words, two connector sets 100 provided on the two circuit boards are connected by a cable 16, thereby enabling signal transmission between the two circuit boards.

[0013] The connector set 100 of this embodiment is a so-called active optical connector (AOC). The connector set 100 has, for example, a function of converting an optical signal from the cable 16 (optical fiber cable) into an electrical signal and outputting the signal to the circuit board (second board 29), and a function of converting an electrical signal from the circuit board (second board 29) into an optical signal and outputting the signal to the cable 16. The active optical connector has advantages such as high-speed, long-distance transmission of large amounts of data, being less susceptible to noise (therefore, shielding of the cable 16 is not required, and noise sources can be located around the cable 16), and enabling electrical isolation by separating the circuit boards (second boards 29).

[0014] Examples of electrical equipment in which the connector set 100 can be used include, but are not limited to, industrial cameras (FA cameras), industrial equipment (robot arms, etc.), measuring equipment, medical equipment, printing equipment, etc. The connector set 100 can be used in any electrical equipment. The connector set 100 is not limited to applications in which multiple circuit boards are connected together, but can also be used in applications in which multiple components are connected together, such as between a circuit board and a display.

[0015] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the connector set 100 includes a first connection unit 1 and a second connection unit 2. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the second connection unit 2 includes a second connector 20 (socket). The second connector 20 has a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape with a width, length, and thickness. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the first connection unit 1 includes a first connector 10 (header). The first connector 10 has a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape with a width, length, and thickness.

[0016] 2 and 3, the first connector 10 is connected to the second connector 20 from one side in one direction. In the connected state where the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 are connected (see FIG. 1), the connector set 100 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape having a width, length, and thickness.

[0017] For convenience, the following description will be given using the connection state shown in FIG. 1 as a reference and defining three axes (X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis) of a right-handed three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system for the connector set 100 as follows. Specifically, the thickness direction of the connector set 100, which is the direction in which the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 face each other when connected, is defined as the Z-axis direction. The length direction of the connector set 100, which is perpendicular to the Z-axis direction, is defined as the X-axis direction. The width direction of the connector set 100, which is perpendicular to both the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction, is defined as the Y-axis direction. For convenience, the Z-axis direction is defined as the up-down direction, and the side on which the first connector 10 is positioned relative to the second connector 20 (the positive direction of the Z-axis) is defined as "up," and the opposite side is defined as "down." The X-axis direction is defined as the front-to-rear direction, and the positive direction of the X-axis is defined as "front," and the opposite side is defined as "rear." Furthermore, the Y-axis direction is the left-right direction, with the positive direction of the Y-axis being "left" and the opposite direction being "right." However, the definitions of axes and directions in this disclosure merely indicate the relative positional relationships between the members of the connector set 100 and do not limit the orientation of the connector set 100 when in use, etc.

[0018] As an example, the vertical dimension (thickness direction) of the connector set 100 in the connected state is about several millimeters. Also, as an example, the front-to-rear dimension (length direction) of the connector set 100 (excluding the cable 16 and bushing 169) in the connected state is about a dozen millimeters. Also, as an example, the left-to-right dimension (width direction) of the connector set 100 in the connected state is about half the length direction dimension.

[0019] (1.2) First Connection Unit As described above, the first connection unit 1 includes the first connector 10. In addition, as shown in Figures 3 to 5, the first connection unit 1 further includes a first board 14, a plurality of circuit components 15, a cable 16, a bushing 169, and a cover member 17.

[0020] (1.2.1) First Connector As shown in FIG. 5 , the first connector 10 includes a first housing 11 , first terminals 12 , and a first mounting metal fitting 13 .

[0021] The first housing 11 is made of resin. The first housing 11 integrally includes a first bottom wall 111 having a rectangular plate-like shape whose thickness direction is aligned with the vertical direction, and a first peripheral wall 111 having a rectangular frame-like shape that protrudes downward from the entire periphery of the first bottom wall 111. The first peripheral wall 111 includes a pair of first side walls 112 that protrude downward from each of the left and right sides (long sides) of the first bottom wall 111, and a pair of first end walls 113 that protrude downward from each of the front and rear sides (short sides) of the first bottom wall 111. A first recess 110 that is recessed upward is formed so as to be surrounded by the first bottom wall 111 and the first peripheral wall 111. As shown in FIG. 4 , an inclined surface 115 (taper) is formed on the outer periphery of the lower surface of the first end wall 113.

[0022] The first terminals 12 are made of a conductive metal. The first connector 10 includes a plurality of (here, 16) first terminals 12. The plurality of first terminals 12 are held by a pair of first side walls 112 of the first housing 11. Here, the 16 first terminals 12 are arranged side by side at equal intervals in the front-to-rear direction, with eight first terminals 12 on each of the pair of first side walls 112.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 5 , each first terminal 12 integrally includes a base 121, a contact portion 122, a linking portion 123, and a connecting portion 124. The base 121 is a rectangular plate that is long in the vertical direction and is located outside the first side wall portion 112. The contact portion 122 is a rectangular plate that is long in the vertical direction and is located inside the first side wall portion 112 and exposed to the space within the first recess 110 of the first housing 11. The contact portion 122 has a recess that fits into a contact portion 221 (described below) of the second terminal 22 of the second connector 20. The linking portion 123 is U-shaped and protrudes downward, connecting the lower end of the base 121 to the lower end of the contact portion 122. The connecting portion 124 is a rectangular plate that is long in the horizontal direction and extends from the upper end of the contact portion 122 to the outside of the first housing 11, passing through the base end portion of the first side wall portion 112. The connection portion 124 protrudes outward beyond the outer surface of the first side wall of the first housing 11 .

[0024] 4 , the lower ends of the linking portions 123 of the multiple first terminals 12 are on the same plane and are at the same position as the lower surface of the first housing 11 in the vertical direction. Furthermore, the upper surfaces of the connecting portions 124 of the multiple first terminals 12 are on the same plane and are higher than the upper end of the first housing 11 in the vertical direction. Note that "on the same plane" in this disclosure includes a range that can be considered to be substantially on the same plane and may include manufacturing errors, tolerances, etc. Furthermore, "at the same position in the vertical direction" in this disclosure includes a range that can be considered to be substantially the same position in the vertical direction and may include manufacturing errors, tolerances, etc.

[0025] The first mounting metal fittings 13 are made of metal. The first connector 10 is equipped with a plurality of first mounting metal fittings 13 (four in this example). The plurality of first mounting metal fittings 13 are held by a pair of first end wall portions 113 of the first housing 11. Here, four first mounting metal fittings 13 are embedded, two in each of the pair of first end wall portions 113. The four first mounting metal fittings 13 are located at the four corners of the first housing 11.

[0026] Each first mounting bracket 13 has a mounting piece 131 that protrudes outward in the left-right direction from the upper end of the first end wall portion 113 of the first housing 11. The upper surfaces of the mounting pieces 131 of the multiple first mounting brackets 13 are on the same plane and are at the same position in the up-down direction as the upper surfaces of the connection portions 124 of the multiple first terminals 12.

[0027] The first connector 10 has a thickness. Here, the thickness of the first connector 10 is the distance between the upper and lower ends of the first connector 10 in the vertical direction. The upper end of the first connector 10 here includes the upper surfaces of the connecting portions 124 of the multiple first terminals 12 and the upper surfaces of the mounting pieces 131 of the multiple first mounting metal fittings 13. The lower end of the first connector 10 here includes the lower surface of the first housing 11 and the lower ends of the linking portions 123 of the multiple first terminals 12.

[0028] (1.2.2) First Substrate As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the first substrate 14 is a rectangular plate that is long in the front-to-rear direction. The first substrate 14 is a rigid substrate. The first substrate 14 has a plurality of connection parts (lands, pads, etc.).

[0029] The first connector 10 is electrically and mechanically connected to the first board 14. More specifically, the first connector 10 is surface-mounted on the first board 14 by soldering the connection portions 124 of the multiple first terminals 12 and the mounting pieces 131 of the multiple first mounting brackets 13 to multiple pads provided on the underside 141 of the first board 14. In this manner, the first connector 10 is disposed below the first board 14 and electrically connected to the first board 14. Note that, for convenience, the solder connecting the first connector 10 to the first board 14 is not shown in Figures 4 and 5.

[0030] (1.2.3) Circuit Components, Cables, and Bushings As shown in FIG. 4, in addition to the first connector 10, a plurality of circuit components 15 are electrically and mechanically connected to the first board 14.

[0031] Here, the plurality of circuit components 15 connected to the first substrate 14 include a photoelectric conversion unit 151 and an IC (Integrated Circuit) chip 152. The photoelectric conversion unit 151 and the IC chip 152 are disposed above the first substrate 14 and are electrically connected to the first substrate 14.

[0032] The photoelectric conversion unit 151 includes, for example, elements such as a photodiode and a laser (for example, a surface-emitting laser), a waveguide optically coupled to these elements, an optical bench, etc. The photoelectric conversion unit 151 is surface-mounted on the first substrate 14 by being soldered to a plurality of pads provided on the upper surface 142 of the first substrate 14.

[0033] The IC chip 152 is, for example, a driver IC, and controls the operation of the photodiode, laser, etc. of the photoelectric conversion unit 151. The IC chip 152 is connected to a plurality of pads provided on the upper surface 142 of the first substrate 14 via wires.

[0034] 4 and 5, the cable 16 is attached to the first substrate 14 via a bushing 169. In this example, the cable 16 is an optical fiber cable in which an optical fiber 161 (see FIG. 10) is coated with resin. The optical fiber 161 has, for example, two cores, one for receiving and one for transmitting an optical signal.

[0035] The cable 16 is fixed in position relative to the first substrate 14 by the bushing 169 and the cover member 17. This fixes the relative positional relationship between the optical fiber 161 of the cable 16 and the waveguide of the photoelectric conversion unit 151. This allows light from the receiving core of the optical fiber 161 to be received by (the photodiode of) the photoelectric conversion unit 151, and allows light from (the laser of) the photoelectric conversion unit 151 to be incident on the transmitting core of the optical fiber 161. In other words, the optical fiber 161 is optically connected to the first substrate 14.

[0036] (1.2.4) Cover Member The cover member 17 is made of metal. As shown in Fig. 5 , the cover member 17 is a hollow rectangular box with an open bottom. The front-to-rear dimension of the cover member 17 is larger than the front-to-rear dimension of the first substrate 14, and the left-to-right dimension of the cover member 17 is larger than the left-to-right dimension of the first substrate 14. The cover member 17 is fixed to the first substrate 14.

[0037] 1, 2, and 5, the cover member 17 integrally includes an upper wall 170, a first side wall 171, a second side wall 172, a third side wall 173, a fourth side wall 174, a canopy portion 175, and a fixing portion 176. The cover member 17 can be formed, for example, by cutting and bending a single metal plate into an appropriate shape.

[0038] The upper wall 170 is a rectangular plate that is long in the front-rear direction.

[0039] As shown in FIGS. 1 , 2 , and 5 , the first side wall 171 is a rectangular plate extending downward from the left side edge (long side) of the top wall 170. A first hole 181 is provided in the first side wall 171. Here, the first hole 181 is a through-hole that penetrates the first side wall 171 in the thickness direction. The first hole 181 is formed at a position rearward of the center of the first side wall 171 in the front-to-rear direction. Furthermore, a third hole 183 is provided in the first side wall 171. Here, the third hole 183 is a through-hole that penetrates the first side wall 171 in the thickness direction. The third hole 183 is formed at a position forward of the center of the first side wall 171 in the front-to-rear direction. The first hole 181 and the third hole 183 are formed at positions lower than the center of the first side wall 171 in the up-down direction.

[0040] A first recess 185 is provided in the first side wall 171 below the first hole 181 (at a position overlapping with the first hole 181 in the up-down direction). The first recess 185 is recessed upward from the lower end of the first side wall 171. Furthermore, a third recess 187 is provided in the first side wall 171 below the third hole 183 (at a position overlapping with the third hole 183 in the up-down direction). The third recess 187 is recessed upward from the lower end of the first side wall 171.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 5 , the second side wall 172 has a rectangular plate shape extending downward from the right side edge (long side) of the top wall 170. The second side wall 172 faces the first side wall 171. A second hole 182 is provided in the second side wall 172. Here, the second hole 182 is a through-hole that penetrates the second side wall 172 in the thickness direction. The second hole 182 is formed in a position rearward of the center of the second side wall 172 in the front-rear direction. The second hole 182 is formed in a position directly opposite the first hole 181. Furthermore, a fourth hole 184 is provided in the second side wall 172. Here, the fourth hole 184 is a through-hole that penetrates the second side wall 172 in the thickness direction. The fourth hole 184 is formed in a position forward of the center of the second side wall 172 in the front-rear direction. The fourth hole 184 is formed in a position directly opposite the third hole 183. The second hole 182 and the fourth hole 184 are formed at positions below the center of the second side wall 172 in the up-down direction.

[0042] A second recess 186 is provided in the second side wall 172 below the second hole 182 (at a position overlapping with the second hole 182 in the up-down direction). The second recess 186 is recessed upward from the lower end of the second side wall 172. Furthermore, a fourth recess 188 is provided in the second side wall 172 below the fourth hole 184 (at a position overlapping with the fourth hole 184 in the up-down direction). The fourth recess 188 is recessed upward from the lower end of the second side wall 172.

[0043] The third side wall 173 is located between the front end of the first side wall 171 and the front end of the second side wall 172. The third side wall 173 includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion of the third side wall 173 extends to the right from a lower portion of the front end of the first side wall 171. The second portion of the third side wall 173 extends to the left from a lower portion of the front end of the second side wall 172. The third side wall 173 is formed into a rectangular plate shape by the first and second portions. In the third side wall 173, an Ω-shaped gap is provided between the right end of the first portion and the left end of the second portion. However, this is not limited to this, and the first and second portions of the third side wall 173 may be connected without a gap in the vertical direction.

[0044] The fourth side wall 174 is located between the rear end of the first side wall 171 and the rear end of the second side wall 172. The fourth side wall 174 includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion of the fourth side wall 174 extends to the right from a lower portion of the rear end of the first side wall 171. The second portion of the fourth side wall 174 extends to the left from a lower portion of the rear end of the second side wall 172. A gap is provided between the right end of the first portion and the left end of the second portion of the fourth side wall 174 to allow the bushing 169 to pass through.

[0045] The eaves portion 175 is a rectangular plate extending downward from the front end of the upper wall 170. The eaves portion 175 covers at least a portion of the opening formed between the front end of the upper wall 170, the front end of the first side wall 171, the front end of the second side wall 172, and the upper end of the third side wall 173.

[0046] The fixing portions 176 are portions for fixing the cover member 17 to the first substrate 14. The cover member 17 has a plurality of fixing portions 176 (four in this example). Here, the four fixing portions 176 curve from the upper ends of the first and second portions of the third side wall 173 and the upper ends of the first and second portions of the fourth side wall 174 toward the inside of the cover member 17. Lands are formed around through holes at the four corners of the first substrate 14 (front, rear, left, and right), and the four fixing portions 176 are fixed to these lands with solder 177 (see FIG. 5 ) or the like, thereby electrically and mechanically connecting the cover member 17 to the first substrate 14.

[0047] The first connector 10, the first board 14, and the circuit components 15 are housed inside the cover member 17. In this state, the cover member 17 is fixed to the first board 14. In this manner, the cover member 17 covers the top and sides of the first connector 10.

[0048] (1.3) Second Connection Unit As described above, the second connection unit 2 includes the second connector 20. In addition, as shown in Figures 2 and 6, the second connection unit 2 further includes a first grounding member 23, a second grounding member 24, a first locking member 25, a second locking member 26, and a second board 29.

[0049] (1.3.1) Second Connector As shown in FIGS. 2 and 6 , the second connector 20 includes a second housing 21 and second terminals 22 .

[0050] The second housing 21 is made of resin. The second housing 21 integrally includes a second bottom wall 211 having a rectangular plate-like shape whose thickness direction is aligned with the vertical direction, a second peripheral wall 211 having a rectangular frame-like shape that protrudes upward from the entire outer periphery of the second bottom wall 211, and a rectangular parallelepiped base 214 that protrudes upward from the center of the second bottom wall 211. The second peripheral wall 211 includes a pair of second side walls 212 that protrude upward from each of the left and right sides (long sides) of the second bottom wall 211, and a pair of second end walls 213 that protrude upward from each of the front and rear sides (short sides) of the second bottom wall 211. A second recess 210 that is recessed downward in the shape of a rectangular frame is formed so as to be surrounded by the second bottom wall 211, the second peripheral wall 211, and the base 214.

[0051] The second terminals 22 are made of a conductive metal. The second connector 20 includes a plurality of (here, 16) second terminals 22. The second terminals 22 are held by a pair of second side walls 212 and a base 214 of the second housing 21. Here, the 16 second terminals 22 are provided on each of the pair of second side walls 212, eight of which are arranged at equal intervals in the front-to-rear direction.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 6 , each second terminal 22 integrally includes a contact portion 221, a base portion 222, a coupling portion 223, and a connecting portion 224. The contact portion 221 has a U-shaped plate shape that protrudes obliquely upward. As shown in FIG. 2 , the contact portion 221 is disposed on the base portion 214 of the second housing 21. As shown in FIG. 6 , the base portion 222 has a U-shaped plate shape that protrudes upward. As shown in FIG. 2 , the base portion 222 is disposed on the second side wall portion 212 of the second housing 21. As shown in FIG. 6 , the coupling portion 223 has a U-shaped plate shape that protrudes downward, and connects the lower end of the contact portion 221 to the lower end of the base portion 222. As shown in Fig. 2, in the second terminal 22, the contact portion 221, an inner portion of the base portion 222, and an upper surface of the coupling portion 223 are exposed in the space between the platform portion 214 and the second side wall portion 212 in the second recess 210 of the second housing 21. As shown in Fig. 6, the connecting portion 224 has a rectangular plate shape that is long in the left-right direction, and extends from the lower end of the outer portion of the base portion 222 toward the outside of the second housing 21. As shown in Fig. 2, the connecting portion 224 protrudes outward beyond the left and right outer surfaces of the second housing 21.

[0053] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the lower surfaces of the connection portions 224 of the second terminals 22 are on the same plane and are at the same position as the lower surface of the second housing 21 in the up-down direction.

[0054] The second connector 20 has a thickness A20 (see FIG. 3 ). The thickness A20 of the second connector 20 is the distance between the upper and lower ends of the second connector 20 in the vertical direction. The upper end of the second connector 20 here includes the upper surface of the second end wall portion 213 of the second housing 21. The lower end of the second connector 20 here includes the lower surface of the second housing 21 and the lower surfaces of the connection portions 224 of the multiple second terminals 22.

[0055] (1.3.2) Grounding Members The first grounding member 23 and the second grounding member 24 are made of metal. As shown in Figures 4 and 6 , the first grounding member 23 is held by the second end wall portion 213 on the rear side of the second housing 21. The second grounding member 24 is held by the second end wall portion 213 on the front side of the second housing 21.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 6, the first ground contact member 23 integrally includes a first portion 231, a second portion 232, a third portion 233, a fourth portion 234, and a fifth portion 235.

[0057] The third portion 233 is disposed on the rear side surface of the rear second end wall portion 213 of the second housing 21. The third portion 233 is embedded in the rear second end wall portion 213 so as to be flush with the rear side surface of the rear second end wall portion 213.

[0058] The second portion 232 extends leftward and forward from the left portion of the lower end of the third portion 233. The second portion 232 is disposed below the rear second end wall portion 213 of the second housing 21. The second portion 232 is embedded in the rear second end wall portion 213 so as to be flush with the lower surface of the rear second end wall portion 213.

[0059] The first portion 231 is connected to the left end of the second portion 232. The first portion 231 is a portion of the grounding member 23 that is connected to the second portion 232 and protrudes leftward beyond the left side surface of the second housing 21. A first fixing groove extending vertically is formed above the first portion 231 on the left side surface of the second side wall portion 212 on the rear side of the second housing 21.

[0060] The fifth portion 235 extends rightward and forward from the right portion of the lower end of the third portion 233. The fifth portion 235 is disposed below the rear second end wall portion 213 of the second housing 21. The fifth portion 235 is embedded in the rear second end wall portion 213 so as to be flush with the lower surface of the rear second end wall portion 213.

[0061] The fourth portion 234 is connected to the right end of the fifth portion 235. The fourth portion 234 is a portion of the grounding member 23 that is connected to the fifth portion 235 and protrudes rightward beyond the right side surface of the second housing 21. A second fixing groove extending vertically is formed above the fourth portion 234 on the right side surface of the second end wall portion 213 on the rear side of the second housing 21.

[0062] The lower surface of the first portion 231, the lower surface of the second portion 232, the lower surface of the fourth portion 234, and the lower surface of the fifth portion 235 are on the same plane. The lower surface of the first grounding member 23 includes the lower surface of the first portion 231, the lower surface of the second portion 232, the lower surface of the fourth portion 234, and the lower surface of the fifth portion 235.

[0063] 6 , the second grounding member 24 integrally includes a first portion 241, a second portion 242, a third portion 243, a fourth portion 244, and a fifth portion 245. The second grounding member 24 has a shape symmetrical to the first grounding member 23 in the front-rear direction. Therefore, a detailed description of the second grounding member 24 will be omitted. Similar to the first and second fixing grooves on the rear second end wall portion 213, third and fourth fixing grooves extending up and down are formed on both left and right side surfaces of the front second end wall portion 213 of the second housing 21.

[0064] The lower surface of the first grounding member 23 and the lower surface of the second grounding member 24 are on the same plane and are at the same position in the vertical direction as the lower surfaces of the connection portions 224 of the multiple second terminals 22 and the lower surface of the second housing 21. Therefore, the lower end of the member including the second connector 20, the first grounding member 23, and the second grounding member 24 includes the lower surface of the second housing 21, the lower surfaces of the connection portions 224 of the multiple second terminals 22, the lower surface of the first grounding member 23, and the lower surface of the second grounding member 24.

[0065] (1.3.3) Locking member The first locking member 25 and the second locking member 26 are members that lock the second connection unit 2 to the first connection unit 1 when the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 are connected, making it difficult for the second connection unit 2 to come off the first connection unit 1.

[0066] The first locking member 25 and the second locking member 26 are made of metal. The material of the first locking member 25 and the second locking member 26 is a material having spring properties. The material of the first locking member 25 and the second locking member 26 is not particularly limited, but may be a copper alloy, such as phosphor bronze, titanium copper, or Corson copper. The material of the first locking member 25 and the second locking member 26 is not limited to a copper alloy and may be SUS or the like. The first locking member 25 and the second locking member 26 may be plated with a conductive metal material such as copper.

[0067] 2 and 6, the first locking member 25 includes a first fixing member 31 and a second fixing member 32. The first fixing member 31 and the second fixing member 32 are integrally formed.

[0068] The first fixing member 31 has a curved plate shape. The first fixing member 31 is located to the side of the second connector 20. The first fixing member 31 is fixed to the second connector 20. As shown in Fig. 6 , the first fixing member 31 integrally includes a first fixing portion 311, a first connecting portion 312, and a first movable portion 313.

[0069] The first fixing portion 311 is a portion of the first fixing member 31 that is fixed to the second housing 21 of the second connector 20. The first fixing portion 311 is a U-shaped plate that protrudes rearward and integrally includes a rear wall portion, a left wall portion, and a right wall portion that respectively cover the rear surface, left side surface, and right side surface of the second end wall portion 213 on the rear side of the second housing 21. The first fixing portion 311 also includes a first fixing claw portion 310 (see FIG. 7A ) formed by cutting and raising a portion of the upper end of the left wall portion to the right, and a second fixing claw portion 320 formed by cutting and raising a portion of the upper end of the right wall portion to the left. The first fixing claw portion 310 and the second fixing claw portion 320 of the first fixing portion 311 are fitted from above into first fixing grooves and second fixing grooves formed in the second end wall portion 213 on the rear side of the second housing 21, respectively, thereby fixing the first fixing member 31 to the second housing 21. When the first fixing member 31 is fixed to the second housing 21 , the rear wall portion of the first fixing portion 311 is in contact with the rear surface of the third portion 233 of the first ground contact member 23 .

[0070] As shown in Fig. 6, an upwardly recessed recess is formed in the left wall of the first fixing part 311 below the first fixing claw 310. The first part 231 of the first ground contact member 23 is disposed in the space within this recess (see Fig. 10). Also, as shown in Fig. 6, an upwardly recessed recess is formed in the right wall of the first fixing part 311 below the second fixing claw 320. The fourth part 234 of the first ground contact member 23 is disposed in the space within this recess (see Fig. 10).

[0071] 2 and 6 , the first movable portion 313 is an L-shaped plate. The first movable portion 313 integrally includes a first wall portion 314 facing the left wall portion of the first fixed portion 311, and a second wall portion 315 extending leftward (away from the first fixed portion 311) from the rear end of the first wall portion 314. The rear end of the first wall portion 314 is located rearward of the rear end of the second housing 21 of the second connector 20.

[0072] The first movable portion 313 further includes a first protrusion 316. The first protrusion 316 has a generally triangular plate shape. The first protrusion 316 protrudes leftward from an upper portion of the left end of the second wall portion 315.

[0073] The first connecting portion 312 connects the first fixed portion 311 and the first movable portion 313. The first connecting portion 312 is a U-shaped curved plate. The first connecting portion 312 connects the first fixed portion 311 and the first movable portion 313 so that the first movable portion 313 can move left and right relative to the first fixed portion 311. The first connecting portion 312 connects the front ends of the first fixed portion 311 and the first movable portion 313 (ends in a direction perpendicular to the up-down direction). The first connecting portion 312 is located on the front side (one side in a direction perpendicular to the up-down direction) of the first fixed portion 311 and the first movable portion 313. This allows the first movable portion 313 to bend around an axis along the up-down direction so that the distance in the left-right direction relative to the first fixed portion 311 changes.

[0074] The thickness direction of the rear wall portion of the first fixed portion 311 is along the front-to-rear direction, and the thickness directions of the left and right wall portions of the first fixed portion 311 are along the left-to-right direction. That is, the thickness direction of the first fixed portion 311 is along a direction perpendicular to the up-down direction, and the lower surface of the first fixed portion 311 is along a direction perpendicular to the up-down direction. Also, the thickness direction of the first connecting portion 312 is along a direction perpendicular to the up-down direction, and the lower surface of the first connecting portion 312 is along a direction perpendicular to the up-down direction. Also, the thickness direction of the first movable portion 313 is along a direction perpendicular to the up-down direction, and the lower surface of the first movable portion 313 is along a direction perpendicular to the up-down direction. That is, the thickness direction of the first fixed member 31 is along a direction perpendicular to the up-down direction, and the lower surface of the first fixed member 31 is along a direction perpendicular to the up-down direction. Here, the lower surface of the first fixed member 31 may be partially recessed. In this disclosure, the phrase "the lower surface (thickness direction) of the plate-like member is aligned with a predetermined direction" means that the thickness direction of the member (the normal direction of the plate surface) is parallel to the predetermined direction or within a predetermined angular range from parallel. The predetermined angular range is, for example, a range of +20 degrees to -20 degrees, or may be a range of +10 degrees to -10 degrees, a range of +5 degrees to -5 degrees, or a range of +1 degree to -1 degree. Since the lower surface (thickness direction) of the first fixing member 31 is aligned with a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction, the first movable portion 313 of the first fixing member 31 can bend in the direction perpendicular to the vertical direction. Furthermore, if the angle between the thickness direction of the first fixing member 31 and the direction perpendicular to the vertical direction is within a range of +1 degree to -1 degree, the vertical size of the first fixing member 31 can be increased, and the strength of the first fixing member is less likely to be impaired.

[0075] From another perspective, the side surface of the first fixing member 31 is perpendicular to the vertical direction. In the present disclosure, "the side surface of the plate-like member is perpendicular to the vertical direction" means that the side surface connecting the upper and lower surfaces of the member is perpendicular to the vertical direction or within a predetermined angle range from perpendicular to the vertical direction. The predetermined angle range is, for example, a range of +20 degrees to -20 degrees, or may be a range of +10 degrees to -10 degrees, a range of +5 degrees to -5 degrees, or a range of +1 degree to -1 degree.

[0076] The second fixing member 32 has a curved plate shape. The second fixing member 32 is located to the side of the second connector 20. The second fixing member 32 is fixed to the second connector 20. The second fixing member 32 has a shape symmetrical to the first fixing member 31 in the left-right direction. As shown in FIG. 6 , the second fixing member 32 integrally includes a second fixing portion 321, a second connecting portion 322, and a second movable portion 323.

[0077] The second fixing portion 321 is a portion of the second fixing member 32 that is fixed to the second housing 21 of the second connector 20. In the present embodiment, the second fixing portion 321 of the second fixing member 32 is the same portion as the first fixing portion 311 of the first fixing member 31. That is, in the first locking member 25, the first fixing portion 311 of the first fixing member 31 also serves as the second fixing portion 321 of the second fixing member 32. The first fixing claws 310 and the second fixing claws 320 of the second fixing portion 321 (i.e., the first fixing claws 310 and the second fixing claws 320 of the first fixing portion 311) are fitted from above into first fixing grooves and second fixing grooves formed in the second end wall portion 213 on the rear side of the second housing 21, respectively, thereby fixing the second fixing member 32 to the second housing 21.

[0078] 2 and 6 , the second movable portion 323 is an L-shaped plate. The second movable portion 323 integrally includes a third wall portion 324 facing the right wall portion of the second fixed portion 321, and a fourth wall portion 325 extending rightward (away from the second fixed portion 321) from the rear end of the third wall portion 324. The rear end of the third wall portion 324 is located rearward of the rear end of the second housing 21 of the second connector 20.

[0079] The second movable portion 323 further includes a second protrusion 326. The second protrusion 326 has a generally triangular plate shape and protrudes rightward from an upper portion of the right end of the fourth wall portion 325.

[0080] The second connecting portion 322 connects the second fixed portion 321 and the second movable portion 323. The second connecting portion 322 is a U-shaped curved plate. The second connecting portion 322 connects the second fixed portion 321 and the second movable portion 323 so that the second movable portion 323 can move left and right relative to the second fixed portion 321. The second connecting portion 322 connects the front ends of the second fixed portion 321 and the second movable portion 323 (ends in a direction perpendicular to the up-down direction). The second connecting portion 322 is located on the front side (one side in a direction perpendicular to the up-down direction) of the second fixed portion 321 and the second movable portion 323. This allows the second movable portion 323 to bend around an axis along the up-down direction so that its distance in the left-right direction relative to the second fixed portion 321 changes.

[0081] Similar to the first fixing member 31, the lower surface (thickness direction) of the second fixing member 32 is aligned along a direction perpendicular to the up-down direction. Also, the side surface of the second fixing member 32 is aligned along a direction perpendicular to the up-down direction. This allows the second movable portion 323 of the second fixing member 32 to bend along a direction perpendicular to the up-down direction.

[0082] The second connector 20 is located between the first movable portion 313 of the first fixed member 31 and the second movable portion 323 of the second fixed member 32 .

[0083] 2 and 6, the second locking member 26 includes a third fixing member 33 and a fourth fixing member 34. The third fixing member 33 and the fourth fixing member 34 are integrally formed.

[0084] The third fixing member 33 has a curved plate shape. The third fixing member 33 is located to the side of the second connector 20. The third fixing member 33 is fixed to the second connector 20.

[0085] 6 , the third fixed member 33 integrally includes a third fixed portion 331, a third connecting portion 332, and a third movable portion 333. The third fixed portion 331, the third connecting portion 332, and the third movable portion 333 of the third fixed member 33 have shapes symmetrical in the front-to-rear direction to the first fixed portion 311, the first connecting portion 312, and the first movable portion 313 of the first fixed member 31. Therefore, detailed description of the third fixed portion 331, the third connecting portion 332, and the third movable portion 333 will be omitted. The third fixed portion 331 integrally includes a front wall portion, a left wall portion, and a right wall portion that respectively cover the front surface, left side surface, and right side surface of the second end wall portion 213 on the front side of the second housing 21. The third fixed portion 331 has a third fixed claw portion 330 and a fourth fixed claw portion 340 that correspond to the first fixed claw portion 310 and the second fixed claw portion 320 of the first fixed portion 311 of the first fixed member 31. The third movable portion 333 has a fifth wall portion 334, a sixth wall portion 335, and a third protrusion portion 336 that correspond to the first wall portion 314, the second wall portion 315, and the first protrusion portion 316 of the first movable portion 313 of the first fixed member 31.

[0086] The fourth fixing member 34 has a curved plate shape. The fourth fixing member 34 is located to the side of the second connector 20. The fourth fixing member 34 is fixed to the second connector 20.

[0087] 6 , the fourth fixed member 34 integrally includes a fourth fixed portion 341, a fourth connecting portion 342, and a fourth movable portion 343. The fourth fixed portion 341, the fourth connecting portion 342, and the fourth movable portion 343 of the fourth fixed member 34 are symmetrical in the front-rear direction to the second fixed portion 321, the second connecting portion 322, and the second movable portion 323 of the second fixed member 32. Therefore, detailed description of the fourth fixed portion 341, the fourth connecting portion 342, and the fourth movable portion 343 will be omitted. The fourth movable portion 343 includes a seventh wall portion 344, an eighth wall portion 345, and a fourth protrusion 346 corresponding to the third wall portion 324, the fourth wall portion 325, and the second protrusion 326 of the second movable portion 323.

[0088] The second connector 20 is located between the third movable portion 333 of the third fixed member 33 and the fourth movable portion 343 of the fourth fixed member 34 .

[0089] As described above, the first locking member 25 and the second locking member 26 are fixed to the second housing 21 of the second connector 20 (see FIGS. 2 and 3).

[0090] 2, with the first locking member 25 and the second locking member 26 attached, the second connector 20 is located between the first fixing member 31 and the fourth fixing member 34. Also, with the first locking member 25 and the second locking member 26 attached, the second connector 20 is located between the second fixing member 32 and the third fixing member 33.

[0091] 3, the width A31 of the first fixing member 31 in the vertical direction is smaller than the thickness A20 of the second connector 20 in the vertical direction. Furthermore, the width of the first movable portion 313 of the first fixing member 31 in the vertical direction is smaller than the thickness A20 of the second connector 20 in the vertical direction. This allows for a lower profile of the second connection unit 2. Note that the width A31 of the first fixing member 31 in the vertical direction is the distance between the upper and lower ends of the first fixing member 31 in the vertical direction.

[0092] Similarly, the width of the second fixing member 32 in the vertical direction is smaller than the thickness A20 of the second connector 20 in the vertical direction, and the width of the second movable portion 323 of the second fixing member 32 in the vertical direction is smaller than the thickness A20 of the second connector 20 in the vertical direction. Furthermore, the width of the third fixing member 33 in the vertical direction is smaller than the thickness A20 of the second connector 20 in the vertical direction, and the width of the third movable portion 333 of the third fixing member 33 in the vertical direction is smaller than the thickness A20 of the second connector 20 in the vertical direction. Furthermore, the width of the fourth fixing member 34 in the vertical direction is smaller than the thickness A20 of the second connector 20 in the vertical direction, and the width of the fourth movable portion 343 of the fourth fixing member 34 in the vertical direction is smaller than the thickness A20 of the second connector 20 in the vertical direction.

[0093] (1.3.4) Second Substrate As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the second substrate 29 is a rectangular plate. The second substrate 29 is a rigid substrate. The second substrate 29 has a plurality of connection portions (lands, pads, etc.). Note that the second substrate 29 is not limited to a rectangular shape and may have any shape.

[0094] The second board 29 is provided with the second connector 20, the first locking member 25, and the second locking member 26. That is, the second board 29 is provided with the second connector 20, the first fixing member 31, the second fixing member 32, the third fixing member 33, and the fourth fixing member 34.

[0095] The second connector 20 is disposed on the second substrate 29 so that the thickness direction of the second connector 20 intersects (here, orthogonal to) the second substrate 29 .

[0096] The first fixing member 31 is disposed on the second substrate 29 so that the lower surface (thickness direction) of the first fixing member 31 is aligned with the second substrate 29. "The lower surface (thickness direction) of the first fixing member 31 is aligned with the second substrate 29" means that the thickness direction of the first fixing member 31 is aligned with the upper surface 291 of the second substrate 29, that is, the thickness direction of the first fixing member 31 is parallel to the upper surface 291 of the second substrate 29 or within a predetermined angle range from parallel to the upper surface 291 of the second substrate 29. Since the thickness direction of the first fixing member 31 is aligned with the second substrate 29, the first movable portion 313 of the first fixing member 31 can bend along the second substrate 29. This allows the first fixing member 31 to bend within the space between the upper surface 291 of the second substrate 29 and the upper end of the first fixing member 31.

[0097] Similarly, the second fixing member 32 is disposed on the second substrate 29 so that the lower surface (thickness direction) of the second fixing member 32 is aligned with the second substrate 29. The third fixing member 33 is disposed on the second substrate 29 so that the lower surface (thickness direction) of the third fixing member 33 is aligned with the second substrate 29. The fourth fixing member 34 is disposed on the second substrate 29 so that the lower surface (thickness direction) of the fourth fixing member 34 is aligned with the second substrate 29.

[0098] 2 , the second connector 20 is electrically and mechanically connected to the second board 29. For example, the second connector 20 is electrically and mechanically connected to the second board 29 with the first grounding member 23 and the second grounding member 24 attached to it and the first locking member 25 and the second locking member 26 attached to it.

[0099] More specifically, connection portions 224 of the second terminals 22 of the second connector 20 are fixed by solder or the like to a plurality of pads provided on the upper surface of the second substrate 29. The second terminals 22 are connected, for example, to a circuit pattern or a power supply pattern of the second substrate 29. For convenience, the solder connecting the second connector 20 and the like to the second substrate 29 is not shown in the figure.

[0100] The first grounding member 23 and the second grounding member 24 are in contact with the second substrate 29. The first portion 231 and the fourth portion 234 of the first grounding member 23 and the first portion 241 and the fourth portion 244 of the second grounding member 24 are fixed by solder or the like to a plurality of pads provided on the upper surface of the second substrate 29. The first grounding member 23 and the second grounding member 24 are connected to a ground pattern provided on the second substrate 29, for example.

[0101] The first fixing member 31 to the fourth fixing member 34 are in contact with the second substrate 29. Both corners of the lower surface of the first fixing portion 311 (second fixing portion 321) and both corners of the lower surface of the third fixing portion 331 (fourth fixing portion 341) are fixed to a plurality of pads on the second substrate 29 by solder or the like. The first fixing member 31 to the fourth fixing member 34 are connected to, for example, a ground pattern provided on the second substrate 29.

[0102] 2 , 6 , and 10 , the first portion 231 of the first grounding member 23 is disposed between (the first fixing portion 311 of) the first fixing member 31 and the second board 29. The second portion 232 of the first grounding member 23 is disposed between (the second end wall portion 213 on the rear side of the second housing 21 of) the second connector 20 and the second board 29. The first grounding member 23 can reinforce the fixation of the second connector 20 to the second board 29.

[0103] Similarly, the fourth portion 234 of the first grounding member 23 is disposed between (the second fixing portion 321 of) the second fixing member 32 and the second board 29, and the fifth portion 235 of the first grounding member 23 is disposed between (the second end wall portion 213 on the rear side of the second housing 21 of) the second connector 20 and the second board 29. Furthermore, the first portion 241 of the second grounding member 24 is disposed between (the third fixing portion 331 of) the third fixing member 33 and the second board 29, and the second portion 242 of the second grounding member 24 is disposed between (the second end wall portion 213 on the front side of the second housing 21 of) the second connector 20 and the second board 29. In addition, the fourth portion 244 of the second grounding member 24 is arranged between the fourth fixing member 34 (the fourth fixing portion 341 of the fourth fixing member 34) and the second board 29, and the fifth portion 245 of the second grounding member 24 is arranged between the second connector 20 (the second end wall portion 213 on the front side of the second housing 21 of the second connector 20) and the second board 29.

[0104] (1.4) Connection Between First Connection Unit and Second Connection Unit The connection between the first connection unit 1 and the second connection unit 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4 and 7A to 12.

[0105] First, a method for connecting the first connection unit 1 and the second connection unit 2 will be described.

[0106] When connecting the first connection unit 1 and the second connection unit 2, the first connection unit 1 is positioned above the second connection unit 2 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) so that the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 face each other vertically (see FIG. 4). From this state, the first connection unit 1 is moved downward toward the second connection unit 2.

[0107] When the first connection unit 1 is moved downward, the first connector 10 approaches the second connector 20, causing the first peripheral wall portion (first side wall portion 112 and first end wall portion 113) of the first connector 10 to fit into the second recess 210 of the second connector 20, and the base portion 214 of the second connector 20 to fit into the first recess 110 of the first connector 10. An inclined surface 115 is formed on the outer periphery of the lower surface of the first end wall portion 113 of the first connector 10 (see FIG. 4 ). This allows the first peripheral wall portion of the first connector 10 to be guided into the second recess 210 of the second connector 20, improving the accuracy of alignment when connecting the first connection unit 1 and the second connection unit 2.

[0108] Furthermore, when the first connection unit 1 is moved downward, the lower edge of the cover member 17 approaches the first fixing member 31 to the fourth fixing member 34 (see FIG. 7A), and the first protrusion 316 to the fourth protrusion 346 enter the first recess 185 to the fourth recess 188 (see FIG. 7B). In other words, the first recess 185 to the fourth recess 188 are provided in the cover member 17, so that the first protrusion 316 to the fourth protrusion 346 can be guided into the first recess 185 to the fourth recess 188. This improves the accuracy of alignment when connecting the first connection unit 1 and the second connection unit 2.

[0109] 8 , the depths of the first to fourth recesses 185 to 188 are set so that when the lower surface of the first connector 10 and the upper surface of the second connector 20 are at the same position in the vertical direction (see horizontal plane P1 in FIG. 8 ), the bottom surfaces of the first to fourth recesses 185 to 188 and the upper ends of the first to fourth protrusions 316 to 346 are at the same position in the vertical direction. That is, at the same time as the first peripheral wall portion of the first connector 10 is guided into the second recess 210 of the second connector 20, the first to fourth protrusions 316 to 346 are guided into the first to fourth recesses 185 to 188. This further improves the accuracy of alignment when connecting the first connection unit 1 and the second connection unit 2.

[0110] 7B , when the first connection unit 1 is moved further downward, in the first fixed member 31, the upper surface (first surface 317) of the first protrusion 316 is pressed by the lower end surface of the cover member 17 (the bottom surface of the first recess 185), causing the first movable portion 313 to bend toward the inside (right side) of the cover member 17, and the first protrusion 316 to move toward the inside of the cover member 17. Similarly, in the second fixed member 32 to the fourth fixed member 34, the upper surfaces of the second protrusion 326 to the fourth protrusion 346 are pressed by the lower end surface of the cover member 17 (the lower end surfaces of the second recess 186 to the fourth recess 188), causing the second movable portion 323 to the fourth movable portion 343 to bend toward the inside of the cover member 17, and the second protrusion 326 to the fourth protrusion 346 to move toward the inside of the cover member 17.

[0111] 7A to 7C, the upper surface (first surface 317) of the first protrusion 316 is an inclined surface inclined with respect to a direction perpendicular to the up-down direction (i.e., inclined with respect to the second substrate 29). The upper surface (first surface 317) of the first protrusion 316 is inclined at an inclination angle θ1 (see FIG. 11) with respect to the upper surface 291 (horizontal plane) of the second substrate 29. Similarly, the upper surfaces of the second protrusion 326 to the fourth protrusion 346 are inclined with respect to a direction perpendicular to the up-down direction (i.e., inclined with respect to the second substrate 29). As a result, the downward force applied from the lower end surface of the cover member 17 to the first protrusion 316 to the fourth protrusion 346 is converted into a lateral force, making the first movable portion 313 to the fourth movable portion 343 more likely to bend inward.

[0112] When the first connection unit 1 is moved further downward, the 16 first terminals 12 (contact portions 122) of the first connector 10 and the 16 second terminals 22 (contact portions 221) of the second connector 20 come into contact with each other. More specifically, the contact portions 221 (see FIG. 6) of the corresponding second terminals 22 fit into the recesses of the contact portions 122 (see FIG. 4) of each first terminal 12. This electrically connects the first connector 10 and the second connector 20.

[0113] Furthermore, when the first connection unit 1 is moved downward to a position where the first hole 181 of the cover member 17 faces the first protrusion 316, the first movable part 313 bends outward (to the left), and the first protrusion 316 enters the first hole 181, as shown in FIG. 7C . Similarly, the second protrusion 326 to the fourth protrusion 346 also enter the second hole 182 to the fourth hole 184 of the cover member 17. This locks the first locking member 25 and the second locking member 26 of the second connection unit 2 to the cover member 17 of the first connection unit 1. In this way, in the connector set 100, the first fixing member 31 (more specifically, the first protrusion 316) is inserted into the first hole 181, and the second fixing member 32 (more specifically, the second protrusion 326) is inserted into the second hole 182. Furthermore, the third fixing member 33 (more specifically, the third protrusion 336) is inserted into the third hole 183, and the fourth fixing member 34 (more specifically, the fourth protrusion 346) is inserted into the fourth hole 184. This makes it difficult for the first connector and the second connector 20 to come apart.

[0114] Furthermore, in the connector set 100, as described above, when the first protrusion 316 is inserted into the first hole 181, the first protrusion 316 moves along (the upper surface 291 of) the second substrate 29. When the second protrusion 326 is inserted into the second hole 182, the second protrusion 326 moves along (the upper surface 291 of) the second substrate 29. When the third protrusion 336 is inserted into the third hole 183, the third protrusion 336 moves along (the upper surface 291 of) the second substrate 29. When the fourth protrusion 346 is inserted into the fourth hole 184, the fourth protrusion 346 moves along (the upper surface 291 of) the second substrate 29. In the present disclosure, "the protrusions (the first protrusion 316 to the fourth protrusion 346) move along the second substrate 29" means that the protrusions move parallel to the upper surface 291 of the second substrate 29 or within a predetermined angle range from parallel to the upper surface 291 of the second substrate 29. The predetermined angle range is, for example, a range of +20 degrees to -20 degrees, or may be a range of +10 degrees to -10 degrees, a range of +5 degrees to -5 degrees, or a range of +1 degree to -1 degree. By moving the protrusions (first protrusion 316 to fourth protrusion 346) along the second substrate 29, the protrusions can be moved within the space between the upper surface 291 of the second substrate 29 and the upper end of the fixing member.

[0115] 9 , in the connector set 100, when the first connection unit 1 and the second connection unit 2 are connected, the vertical width A31 of the first fixing member 31 is smaller than the vertical distance A100 between the lower surface 141 of the first board 14 and the lower end of the second connector 20. Because the lower surface 141 of the first board 14 substantially coincides with the upper end of the first connector 10, this also means that the vertical width A31 of the first fixing member 31 is smaller than the distance between the upper end of the first connector 10 and the lower end of the second connector 20. Furthermore, when the second connector 20 is connected to the second board 29, the lower end of the second connector 20 substantially coincides with the upper surface 291 of the second board 29, this also means that the vertical width A31 of the first fixing member 31 is smaller than the distance between the lower surface 141 of the first board 14 and the upper surface 291 of the second board 29. It should be noted that the "lower surface 141 of the first substrate 14" refers to the portion of the lower surface 141 of the first substrate 14 to which the first connector 10 is connected. The "upper surface 291 of the second substrate 29" refers to the portion of the upper surface 291 of the second substrate 29 to which the second connector 20 is connected. The "distance between the lower surface 141 of the first substrate 14 and the upper surface 291 of the second substrate 29" refers to the distance between the portion of the lower surface 141 of the first substrate 14 to which the first connector 10 is connected and the portion of the upper surface 291 of the second substrate 29 to which the second connector 20 is connected.

[0116] Similarly, in the connector set 100, the width of the second fixing member 32 in the vertical direction is smaller than the distance A100 between the lower surface 141 of the first substrate 14 and the lower end of the second connector 20. The width of the third fixing member 33 in the vertical direction is smaller than the distance A100 between the lower surface 141 of the first substrate 14 and the lower end of the second connector 20. The width of the fourth fixing member 34 in the vertical direction is smaller than the distance A100 between the lower surface 141 of the first substrate 14 and the lower end of the second connector 20.

[0117] In this way, in connector set 100, first fixing member 31 to fourth fixing member 34 are housed in the space between lower surface 141 of first board 14 and the lower end of second connector 20. Furthermore, first fixing member 31 to fourth fixing member 34 move within this space along second board 29. This allows for a locking mechanism to be realized by first fixing member 31 to fourth fixing member 34, while also enabling the connector set 100 to be made low-profile.

[0118] 10 shows a bottom view of the connector set 100, omitting the second board 29, in a connected state in which the first connection unit 1 and the second connection unit 2 are connected. As shown in Fig. 10, the first fixing member 31 to the fourth fixing member 34 (the first protrusion 316 to the fourth protrusion 346) of the second connection unit 2 are inserted into the first hole 181 to the fourth hole 184 (formed above the first recess 185 to the fourth recess 188) of the cover member 17 of the first connection unit 1, respectively, thereby locking the first connection unit 1 and the second connection unit 2 together.

[0119] In a connected state in which the first connection unit 1 and the second connection unit 2 are connected, as shown in FIG. 11 , the left end surface of the second wall portion 315 of the first movable portion 313 of the first fixing member 31 contacts the first side wall 171 of the cover member 17. That is, when the first fixing member 31 is inserted into the first hole 181, the first fixing member 31 and the inner surface of the cover member 17 contact each other. As a result, in the connected state, the cover member 17 is electrically connected to the first fixing member 31. Here, the first fixing member 31 is connected to the ground pattern provided on the second board 29 as described above. Therefore, the cover member 17 is connected to the ground pattern provided on the second board 29. As a result, for example, when the cover member 17 receives external noise, the noise can be more easily released to the ground pattern.

[0120] Similarly, when the second to fourth fixing members 32 to 34 are inserted into the second to fourth holes 182 to 184, the second to fourth fixing members 32 to 34 are in contact with the cover member 17. That is, in the connected state, the cover member 17 is electrically connected to the second to fourth fixing members 32 to 34. This makes it easier for external noise to escape to the ground pattern.

[0121] Next, a method for detaching the first connection unit 1 from the second connection unit 2 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0122] To remove the first connection unit 1 from the second connection unit 2, the first connection unit 1 is moved upward relative to the second connection unit 2.

[0123] When the first connection unit 1 is moved upward, in the first fixed member 31, the peripheral portion of the first hole 181 of the cover member 17 pushes upward the lower surface (second surface 318) of the first protrusion 316. This causes the first movable portion 313 to bend inward (to the right), and the first protrusion 316 moves toward the inside of the cover member 17. Similarly, in the second fixed member 32 to the fourth fixed member 34, the peripheral portions of the second hole 182 to the fourth hole 184 push upward the lower surfaces of the second protrusion 326 to the fourth protrusion 346, causing the second movable portion 323 to the fourth movable portion 343 to bend inward, and the second protrusion 326 to the fourth protrusion 346 to move toward the inside of the cover member 17.

[0124] In other words, when the first protrusion 316 is removed from the first hole 181, the first protrusion 316 moves along (the upper surface 291) of the second substrate 29. Also, when the second protrusion 326 is removed from the second hole 182, the second protrusion 326 moves along (the upper surface 291) of the second substrate 29. When the third protrusion 336 is removed from the third hole 183, the third protrusion 336 moves along (the upper surface 291) of the second substrate 29. When the fourth protrusion 346 is removed from the fourth hole 184, the fourth protrusion 346 moves along (the upper surface 291) of the second substrate 29.

[0125] 11 and 12 , the lower surface (second surface 318) of the first protrusion 316 is located below the upper surface (first surface 317) and is an inclined surface inclined with respect to a direction perpendicular to the up-down direction (i.e., inclined with respect to the second substrate 29). The lower surface (second surface 318) is inclined in the opposite direction to the upper surface (first surface 317). The lower surface (second surface 318) of the first protrusion 316 is inclined at an inclination angle θ2 (see FIG. 11 ) with respect to the upper surface 291 (horizontal plane) of the second substrate 29. Similarly, the lower surfaces of the second protrusion 326 to the fourth protrusion 346 are inclined with respect to a direction perpendicular to the up-down direction (i.e., inclined with respect to the second substrate 29). As a result, the upward force applied to the first to fourth protrusions 316 to 346 from the peripheries of the first to fourth holes 181 to 184 of the cover member 17 is converted into a lateral force, making it easier for the first to fourth fixing members 31 to 34 to bend inward. As a result, even if the first to fourth fixing members 31 to 34 receive an upward force from the cover member 17 when removing the first connection unit 1 from the second connection unit 2, defects such as breakage are less likely to occur in the first to fourth fixing members 31 to 34. In the connector set 100 of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11 , the upper surface (first surface 317) of the first protrusion 316 is inclined more with respect to the second board 29 (a horizontal plane perpendicular to the up-down direction) than the lower surface (second surface 318). In other words, the inclination angle θ1 of the upper surface (first surface 317) of the first protrusion 316 relative to the upper surface 291 (horizontal plane) of the second substrate 29 is larger than the inclination angle θ2 of the lower surface (second surface 318) of the first protrusion 316 relative to the upper surface 291 (horizontal plane) of the second substrate 29. The same is true for the second protrusion 326 to the fourth protrusion 346. Note that the magnitude relationship between the inclination angle θ1 and the inclination angle θ2 is not limited to this, and the magnitude of the inclination angle θ1 may be smaller than or the same as the magnitude of the inclination angle θ2.

[0126] From this state, when the first connection unit 1 is moved further upward, the first fixing member 31 to the fourth fixing member 34 move to below the first recess 185 to the fourth recess 188, and the first fixing member 31 to the fourth fixing member 34 are detached from the cover member 17. The first connector 10 also detaches from the second connector 20. As a result, the first connection unit 1 is detached from the second connection unit 2.

[0127] 11 and 12 , the first protruding portion 316 further has a side surface (third surface 319) that connects the lower end of the upper surface (first surface 317) and the upper end of the lower surface (second surface 318). The side surface (third surface 319) is the protruding tip of the first protruding portion 316. This improves the strength of the first protruding portion 316 compared to when the side surface (third surface 319) is not provided.

[0128] As described above, the connector set 100 of this embodiment includes the first fixing member 31 and the second fixing member 32 that are inserted into the first hole 181 and the second hole 182 of the cover member 17, respectively. The width A31 of the first fixing member 31 in the vertical direction is smaller than the distance A100 between the lower surface 141 of the first board 14 and the lower end of the second connector 20 in the vertical direction. This allows the first fixing member 31 and the second fixing member 32 to provide a locking mechanism, while also allowing the first fixing member 31 and the second fixing member 32 to be housed in the space between the lower surface 141 of the first board 14 and the lower end of the second connector 20, thereby enabling the connector set 100 to be low-profile. In other words, it is possible to achieve both a low profile for the connector set 100 and a low resistance to disconnection when the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 are connected. In this disclosure, "reducing the height of the connector set 100" means reducing / minimizing the distance A100 between the lower surface 141 of the first substrate 14 and the lower end of the second connector 20 in the vertical direction when the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 are connected (and thus reducing / minimizing the vertical thickness of the connector set 100).

[0129] In particular, in the connector set 100 of this embodiment, the protrusions are inserted into holes and locked at three or more locations (four locations in this embodiment), making it even more difficult for the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 to come off.

[0130] (2) Modifications The above embodiment is merely one of various embodiments of the present disclosure. The above embodiment can be modified in various ways depending on the design, etc., as long as the object of the present disclosure can be achieved. Modifications of the embodiment are listed below. The above embodiment and the modifications described below can be applied in appropriate combinations. In the following description of each modification, the description of the same configuration as the above embodiment may be omitted as appropriate.

[0131] (2.1) Modification 1 The connector set 100 of Modification 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 13. In the connector set 100 of this modification, components that are substantially the same as those in the connector set 100 of the embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0132] As shown in FIG. 13, in the connector set 100 of this modified example, the second connection unit 2 includes a second locking member 27 that is different from the second locking member 26 of the connector set 100 of the embodiment.

[0133] The second locking member 27 includes a third fixing member 35 having a different shape from the third fixing member 33 of the embodiment, and does not include a fourth fixing member 34 .

[0134] 13 , the third fixing member 35 has a curved plate shape. The third fixing member 35 is located to the side of the second connector 20. The third fixing member 35 is fixed to the second connector 20. The third fixing member 35 integrally includes a third fixing portion 351, a connecting portion 352, a third linking portion 353, and a third movable portion 354.

[0135] The third fixing portion 351 is a portion of the third fixing member 35 that is fixed to the second housing 21 of the second connector 20. The third fixing portion 351 of the third fixing member 35 has substantially the same shape as the third fixing portion 331 of the third fixing member 33 of the connector set 100 of the embodiment. Therefore, a detailed description of the third fixing portion 351 will be omitted.

[0136] The connecting portion 352 is a J-shaped plate that faces the right wall portion of the third fixing portion 351. The rear end of the connecting portion 352 is connected to the rear end of the right wall portion of the third fixing portion 351. The front end of the connecting portion 352 is located forward of the front end of the second housing 21 of the second connector 20.

[0137] The third movable part 354 is an L-shaped plate and integrally includes a fifth wall part 355 that faces the front wall part of the third fixed part 351, and a sixth wall part 356 that extends forward (away from the third fixed part 351) from the left end of the fifth wall part 355.

[0138] The third movable portion 354 further includes a third protrusion 357. The third protrusion 357 has a generally triangular plate shape and extends forward from an upper portion of the front end of the sixth wall portion 356.

[0139] The third connecting portion 353 connects the connecting portion 352 and the third movable portion 354 so that the third movable portion 354 is movable in the front-rear direction relative to the third fixed portion 351 and the connecting portion 352. The third connecting portion 353 connects the front end of the connecting portion 352 to the right end of the fifth wall portion 355 of the third movable portion 354 (the ends in the direction perpendicular to the up-down direction). This allows the third movable portion 354 to bend (in the front-rear direction) relative to the third fixed portion 351 and the connecting portion 352 around an axis along the up-down direction.

[0140] In addition, in the connector set 100 of this modified example, as shown in FIG. 13, the first connection unit 1 is provided with a cover member 17 that is different from the cover member 17 of the connector set 100 of the embodiment.

[0141] In the cover member 17 of this modified example, the third hole 183 and the third recess 187 are not provided in the first side wall 171, and the fourth hole 184 and the fourth recess 188 are not provided in the second side wall 172. Instead, in the cover member 17 of this modified example, the third side wall 173 is provided with the third hole 191 and the third recess 192.

[0142] As described above, the connector set 100 of this modified example includes a third fixing member 35 that is fixed to the second connector 20. The cover member 17 also has a third hole 191 provided in a third side wall 173 that intersects with the first side wall 171. The third hole 191 is a through-hole that penetrates the third side wall 173. The third hole 191 is formed slightly to the right of the center of the third side wall 173 in the left-right direction. However, this is not limited to this, and the third hole 191 may be formed in the center of the third side wall 173 in the left-right direction, or may be formed to the left. The third hole 191 is also formed in the same position as the first hole 181 and the second hole 182 in the up-down direction.

[0143] Furthermore, a third recess 192 is provided in the third side wall 173 below the third hole 191 (at a position overlapping with the third hole 191 in the up-down direction). The third recess 192 is recessed upward from the lower end of the third side wall 173.

[0144] In the connector set 100 of this modified example, when the first connection unit 1 is moved downward toward the second connection unit 2 to connect the first connection unit 1 to the second connection unit 2, the lower end surface of the cover member 17 (the bottom surface of the third recess 192) presses the upper surface of the third protrusion 357 of the third fixing member 35, causing the third movable portion 354 to bend toward the inside (rear side) of the cover member 17 and the third protrusion 357 to move toward the inside of the cover member 17. When the first connection unit 1 is moved further downward, the third movable portion 354 bends toward the outside (front side), and the third fixing member 33 (more specifically, the third protrusion 357) is inserted into the third hole 191. At the same time, the first fixing member 31 and the second fixing member 32 are also inserted into the first hole 181 and the second hole 182. This locks the first connector and the second connector 20 together.

[0145] This modification also makes it possible to provide a connector set 100 that is low-profile and difficult to disconnect when the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 are connected. In addition, because the protrusions are inserted into the holes and locked in three or more places (three places in this modification), the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 are even more difficult to disconnect.

[0146] (2.2) Other Modifications In one modification, as shown in FIG. 14 , the first hole 181 may be a recess provided in (the inner surface of) the first side wall 171. Similarly, the second hole 182 may be a recess provided in (the inner surface of) the second side wall 172. The third hole 183 may be a recess provided in (the inner surface of) the first side wall 171. The fourth hole 184 may be a recess provided in (the inner surface of) the second side wall 172. The third hole 191 may be a recess provided in (the inner surface of) the third side wall 173. Even when the first hole 181 is a recess, it is preferable that the first fixing member 31 and the inner surface of the cover member 17 contact each other when the first fixing member 31 is inserted into the first hole 181 (recess). When the first hole 181 is a recess, the side surface (third surface 319) of the first protrusion 316 of the first fixing member 31 may be in contact with the bottom surface of the first hole 181 (recess) of the cover member 17. The first to fourth holes 181 to 184 (or the first to third holes 181 to 191) may be a mixture of through holes and recesses.

[0147] In one variation, the connector set 100 may not include the third fixing member 33 and the fourth fixing member 34. In that case, the third hole 183, the fourth hole 184, the third recess 187, and the fourth recess 188 may be omitted.

[0148] In one modified example, the vertical width A31 of the first fixing member 31 may be the same as the vertical thickness A20 of the second connector 20. Furthermore, the vertical width of the first movable portion 313 of the first fixing member 31 may be the same as the vertical thickness A20 of the second connector 20. The same applies to the second fixing member 32 to the fourth fixing member 34.

[0149] In one modified example, the first connection unit 1 is not limited to a configuration including the cable 16 having the optical fiber 161, and may include a cable having an electric wire. Alternatively, the first connection unit 1 may not include a cable, but may include a sensor element or the like mounted on the first substrate 14.

[0150] (3) Aspects As is clear from the above-described embodiments and modifications, the present specification discloses the following aspects.

[0151] The connector set (100) of the first aspect comprises a first substrate (14), a first connector (10), a cover member (17), a second connector (20), a first fixing member (31), and a second fixing member (32). The first connector (10) is disposed below the first substrate (14) and is electrically connected to the first substrate (14). The cover member (17) covers the top and sides of the first connector (10). The second connector (20) is connected to the first connector (10). The first fixing member (31) is fixed to the second connector (20). The second fixing member (32) is fixed to the second connector (20). The cover member (17) has a first hole (181) and a second hole (182). The first hole (181) is provided in the first side wall (171) of the cover member (17) and includes a through hole or a recess. The second hole (182) is provided in the second side wall (172) of the cover member (17) and includes a through hole or a recess. The second side wall (172) faces the first side wall (171). The first fixing member (31) is inserted into the first hole (181). The second fixing member (32) is inserted into the second hole (182). The width (A31) of the first fixing member (31) in the vertical direction is smaller than the distance (A100) between the lower surface (141) of the first board (14) and the lower end of the second connector (20) in the vertical direction.

[0152] According to this aspect, it is possible to achieve both a low profile and a resistance to disconnection when the first connector (10) and the second connector (20) are connected.

[0153] In the connector set (100) of the second aspect, in the first aspect, the width (A31) of the first fixing member (31) in the vertical direction is the same as or smaller than the thickness (A20) of the second connector (20) in the vertical direction.

[0154] According to this aspect, the second connection unit (2) including the second connector (20) and the first fixing member (31) can be made low-profile.

[0155] The connector set (100) of the third aspect is the same as that of the first or second aspect, and further includes a second substrate (29). A second connector (20), a first fixing member (31), and a second fixing member (32) are arranged on the second substrate (29). The first fixing member (31) and the second fixing member (32) are curved plate-shaped. The first fixing member (31) is arranged on the second substrate (29) so that the thickness direction of the first fixing member (31) is aligned with the second substrate (29). The second fixing member (32) is arranged on the second substrate (29) so that the thickness direction of the second fixing member (32) is aligned with the second substrate (29).

[0156] According to this aspect, the first fixing member (31) can be deflected within the space from the upper surface (291) of the second substrate (29) to the upper end of the first fixing member (31), and the second fixing member (32) can be deflected within the space from the upper surface (291) of the second substrate (29) to the upper end of the second fixing member (32).

[0157] In the connector set (100) of the fourth aspect, in the third aspect, the first fixing member (31) has a first protrusion (316) that is inserted into the first hole (181) of the cover member (17). The second fixing member (32) has a second protrusion (326) that is inserted into the second hole (182) of the cover member (17). When the first protrusion (316) is inserted into the first hole (181) or when the first protrusion (316) is removed from the first hole (181), the first protrusion (316) moves along the second substrate (29). When the second protrusion (326) is inserted into the second hole (182) or when the second protrusion (326) is removed from the second hole (182), the second protrusion (326) moves along the second substrate (29).

[0158] According to this aspect, the first protrusion (316) can be moved within the space from the upper surface (291) of the second substrate (29) to the upper end of the first fixing member (31), and the second protrusion (326) can be moved within the space from the upper surface (291) of the second substrate (29) to the upper end of the second fixing member (32).

[0159] In the connector set (100) of the fifth aspect, the first protrusion (316) of the first fixing member (31) in the fourth aspect has a first surface (317) and a second surface (318). The first surface (317) is inclined relative to the second substrate (29). The second surface (318) is located below the first surface (317) and is inclined in the opposite direction to the first surface (317) relative to the second substrate (29).

[0160] According to this aspect, problems such as damage to the first fixing member (31) are prevented when the first protrusion (316) is removed from the first hole (181), while the situation in which the first protrusion (316) unintentionally comes out of the first hole (181) is suppressed.

[0161] In the connector set (100) of the sixth aspect, in any one of the third to fifth aspects, the first fixing member (31) is in contact with the second substrate (29). When the first fixing member (31) is inserted into the first hole (181), the first fixing member (31) is in contact with the inner surface of the cover member (17).

[0162] According to this aspect, in a connected state in which the first connector (10) and the second connector (20) are connected, the cover member (17) is electrically connected to the first fixing member (31). As a result, when the cover member (17) receives noise from the outside, the noise can be easily released from the ground pattern provided on the second board (29).

[0163] The connector set (100) of the seventh aspect is any one of the third to sixth aspects, and further includes a grounding member (first grounding member 23) connected to the ground pattern provided on the second board (29). The grounding member has a first portion (231) arranged between the first fixing member (31) and the second board (29), and a second portion (232) arranged between the second connector (20) and the second board (29).

[0164] According to this aspect, the fixation of the second connector (20) to the second board (29) can be reinforced.

[0165] In the connector set (100) of the eighth aspect, in any one of the first to seventh aspects, a first recess (185) is provided in the first side wall (171) of the cover member (17), and the first recess (185) is provided below the first hole (181). A second recess (186) is provided in the second side wall (172) of the cover member (17), and the second recess (186) is provided below the second hole (182).

[0166] According to this aspect, when connecting the first connector (10) and the second connector (20), the first protrusion (316) and the second protrusion (326) can be guided into the first recess (185) and the second recess (186), improving the alignment accuracy between the first connector (10) and the second connector (20).

[0167] The connector set (100) of a ninth aspect is the connector set (100) of any one of the first to seventh aspects, further comprising a third fixing member (33) fixed to the second connector (20) and a fourth fixing member (34) fixed to the second connector (20). The cover member (17) further has a third hole (183) and a fourth hole (184). The third hole (183) is provided in the first side wall (171) and includes a through-hole or a recess. The fourth hole (184) is provided in the second side wall (172) and includes a through-hole or a recess. The third fixing member (33) is inserted into the third hole (183). The fourth fixing member (34) is inserted into the fourth hole (184).

[0168] According to this aspect, the fixing members (first fixing member 31 to fourth fixing member 34) are inserted and locked into holes (first hole 181 to fourth hole 184) in the cover member (17) at four locations, making it even more difficult for the first connector (10) and the second connector (20) to come off.

[0169] In the connector set (100) of the tenth aspect, in the ninth aspect, the first fixing member (31) has a first protrusion (316) inserted into the first hole (181). The second fixing member (32) has a second protrusion (326) inserted into the second hole (182). The third fixing member (33) has a third protrusion (336) inserted into the third hole (183). The fourth fixing member (34) has a fourth protrusion (346) inserted into the fourth hole (184). A first recess (185) is provided in the first side wall (171) of the cover member (17), and the first recess (185) is located below the first hole (181). A second recess (186) is provided in the second side wall (172) of the cover member (17), and the second recess (186) is located below the second hole (182). A third recess (187) is provided in the first side wall (171) of the cover member (17), and the third recess (187) is located below the third hole (183). A fourth recess (188) is provided in the second side wall (172) of the cover member (17), and the fourth recess (188) is located below the fourth hole (184).

[0170] According to this aspect, when connecting the first connector (10) and the second connector (20), the first protrusion (316) to the fourth protrusion (346) can be guided into the first recess (185) to the fourth recess (188), thereby improving the accuracy of alignment between the first connector (10) and the second connector (20).

[0171] In the connector set (100) of the eleventh aspect, in the ninth or tenth aspect, the second connector (20) is located between the first fixing member (31) and the fourth fixing member (34).

[0172] According to this aspect, the first fixing member (31) and the fourth fixing member (34) protrude outward from the second connector (20), thereby making it possible to reduce the height of the connector set (100).

[0173] The connector set (100) of a twelfth aspect is the connector set (100) of any one of the first to seventh aspects, further comprising a third fixing member (33) fixed to the second connector (20). The cover member (17) further comprises a third side wall (173), and a third hole (191) is provided in the third side wall (173). The third hole (191) includes a through-hole or a recess. The third fixing member (33) is inserted into the third hole (191).

[0174] According to this aspect, the fixing members (first fixing member 31, second fixing member 32, third fixing member 35) are inserted and locked into holes (first hole 181, second hole 182, third hole 191) in the cover member (17) at three locations, making it even more difficult for the first connector (10) and the second connector (20) to come off.

[0175] In the connector set (100) of the thirteenth aspect, in the twelfth aspect, the first fixing member (31) has a first protrusion (316) inserted into the first hole (181). The second fixing member (32) has a second protrusion (326) inserted into the second hole (182). The third fixing member (35) has a third protrusion (357) inserted into the third hole (191). A first recess (185) is provided in the first side wall (171) of the cover member (17), and the first recess (185) is located below the first hole (181). A second recess (186) is provided in the second side wall (172) of the cover member (17), and the second recess (186) is located below the second hole (182). A third recess (192) is provided in the third side wall (173) of the cover member (17), and the third recess (192) is located below the third hole (191).

[0176] According to this aspect, when connecting the first connector (10) and the second connector (20), the first protrusion (316), the second protrusion (326), and the third protrusion (357) can be guided into the first recess (185), the second recess (186), and the third recess (192), improving the accuracy of alignment between the first connector (10) and the second connector (20).

[0177] In the connector set (100) of the fourteenth aspect, in any one of the first to thirteenth aspects, the first fixing member (31) is formed integrally with the second fixing member (32).

[0178] According to this aspect, the number of parts can be reduced.

[0179] The connector set (100) of the fifteenth aspect is the connector set of any one of the first to fourteenth aspects, further comprising an optical fiber (161) optically connected to the first substrate (14).

[0180] According to this aspect, it is possible to provide an optical active connector that is both difficult to disconnect when the first connector (10) and the second connector (20) are connected and has a low profile.

[0181] 100 Connector set 1 First connection unit 10 First connector 14 First substrate 141 Lower surface 161 Optical fiber 17 Cover member 171 First side wall 172 Second side wall 173 Third side wall 181 First hole 182 Second hole 183, 191 Third hole 184 Fourth hole 185 First recess 186 Second recess 187, 192 Third recess 188 Fourth recess 2 Second connection unit 20 Second connector 23 Grounding member (first grounding member) 231 First part 232 Second part 24 Grounding member (second grounding member) 241 First part 242 Second part 243 Third part 29 Second substrate 31 First fixing member 316 First protrusion 317 First surface 318 Second surface 32 Second fixing member 326 Second protrusion 33, 35 Third fixing member 336, 357 Third protrusion 34 Fourth fixing member 346 Fourth protrusion A20 Thickness A31 Width A100 Distance

Claims

1. A connector set, comprising: a first substrate; a first connector disposed below the first substrate and electrically connected to the first substrate; a cover member covering above and laterally the first connector; a second connector connected to the first connector; a first fixing member fixed to the second connector; and a second fixing member fixed to the second connector, wherein the cover member has: a first hole provided in a first sidewall of the cover member and including a through hole or a recess; and a second hole provided in a second sidewall of the cover member opposite to the first sidewall and including a through hole or a recess, the first fixing member is inserted into the first hole, the second fixing member is inserted into the second hole, and a width of the first fixing member in a vertical direction is smaller than a distance between a lower surface of the first substrate and a lower end of the second connector in the vertical direction.

2. The connector set according to claim 1, wherein the width of the first fixing member in the vertical direction is the same as or smaller than a thickness of the second connector in the vertical direction.

3. The connector set according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a second substrate on which the second connector, the first fixing member, and the second fixing member are disposed, wherein the first fixing member and the second fixing member are curved plate-shaped, the first fixing member is disposed on the second substrate such that a lower surface of the first fixing member is along the second substrate, and the second fixing member is disposed on the second substrate such that a lower surface of the second fixing member is along the second substrate.

4. The connector set according to claim 3, wherein the first fixing member has a first protrusion inserted into the first hole of the cover member, the second fixing member has a second protrusion inserted into the second hole of the cover member, when the first protrusion is inserted into the first hole or removed from the first hole, the first protrusion moves along the second substrate, and when the second protrusion is inserted into the second hole or removed from the second hole, the second protrusion moves along the second substrate.

5. The first protruding portion of the first fixing member has a first surface that is inclined with respect to the second substrate, and a second surface that is located below the first surface and is inclined in a direction opposite to the first surface with respect to the second substrate. The connector set according to claim 4.

6. The first fixing member is in contact with the second substrate, and in a state where the first fixing member is inserted into the first hole, the first fixing member and the inner surface of the cover member are in contact with each other. The connector set according to any one of claims 3 to 5.

7. The connector set further includes a grounding member connected to a ground pattern provided on the second substrate. The grounding member has a first portion disposed between the first fixing member and the second substrate, and a second portion disposed between the second connector and the second substrate. The connector set according to any one of claims 3 to 6.

8. A first recess is provided in the first side wall of the cover member, and the first recess is located below the first hole. A second recess is provided in the second side wall of the cover member, and the second recess is located below the second hole. The connector set according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The connector set further includes a third fixing member fixed to the second connector and a fourth fixing member fixed to the second connector. The cover member further has a third hole provided in the first side wall and including a through hole or a recess, and a fourth hole provided in the second side wall and including a through hole or a recess. The third fixing member is inserted into the third hole, and the fourth fixing member is inserted into the fourth hole. The connector set according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

10. The first fixing member has a first protruding portion inserted into the first hole; the second fixing member has a second protruding portion inserted into the second hole; the third fixing member has a third protruding portion inserted into the third hole; the fourth fixing member has a fourth protruding portion inserted into the fourth hole; a first recess is provided in the first side wall of the cover member, and the first recess is located below the first hole; a second recess is provided in the second side wall of the cover member, and the second recess is located below the second hole; a third recess is provided in the first side wall of the cover member, and the third recess is located below the third hole; a fourth recess is provided in the second side wall of the cover member, and the fourth recess is located below the fourth hole. The connector set according to claim 9.

11. The second connector is located between the first fixing member and the fourth fixing member. The connector set according to claim 9 or 10.

12. The connector set further includes a third fixing member fixed to the second connector. The cover member further has a third side wall. A third hole including a through hole or a recess is provided in the third side wall. The third fixing member is inserted into the third hole. The connector set according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

13. The first fixing member has a first protruding portion inserted into the first hole; the second fixing member has a second protruding portion inserted into the second hole; the third fixing member has a third protruding portion inserted into the third hole; a first recess is provided in the first side wall of the cover member, and the first recess is located below the first hole; a second recess is provided in the second side wall of the cover member, and the second recess is located below the second hole; a third recess is provided in the third side wall of the cover member, and the third recess is located below the third hole. The connector set according to claim 12.

14. The first fixing member is integrally formed with the second fixing member. The connector set according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. The connector set further includes an optical fiber optically connected to the first substrate. The connector set according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

Images