Connector set and connector

Abstract

This connector set (100) comprises a first connector (10) and a second connector (20). The first connector (10) has an FPC (110) and a first mating part (120). The FPC (110) includes a signal transmission part (111), a bent part (112), and an insertion part (113), and has a shape bent at the bent part (112). The signal transmission part (111) extends from the bent part (112) in a first direction (D1), and the insertion part (113) extends from the bent part (112) in a second direction (D2) intersecting the first direction (D1). The FPC (110) includes a first electrode part (12a) provided on a first main surface (11) of the insertion part (113) and a second electrode part (14b) provided on a second main surface (13) of the insertion part (113). The second connector (20) has an internal terminal (210) that pinches the insertion part (113) and a second mating part (220) with which the first mating part (120) mates.

Description

Connector set and connector

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a connector set and a connector.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a structure for connecting a male connector and a female connector. In the connection structure of Patent Document 1, the terminal portion of a flexible printed circuit is used as the terminal portion of the male connector, and the terminal portion of the flexible printed circuit is directly connected to the terminal portion of the female connector. Specifically, in the connection structure of Patent Document 1, the flexible printed circuit has circuit sheets on both the left and right sides connected to a terminal portion bent in an inverted U shape. Then, the terminal portion bent in an inverted U shape is connected to the terminal portion of the female connector. Further, in the connection structure of Patent Document 1, the male connector has a movable protruding portion provided inside the inverted U-shaped terminal portion. The movable protruding portion protrudes and holds the inverted U-shaped terminal portion outward. Therefore, the inverted U-shaped terminal portion protrudes along the movable protruding portion.

[0003] Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 6-13084

[0004] However, in the connection structure of Patent Document 1, when connecting the male connector to the female connector, the terminal portion of the flexible printed circuit collides with the terminal portion of the female connector. As a result, the terminal portion of the flexible printed circuit and the terminal portion of the female connector may be damaged. This is because the terminal portion of the flexible printed circuit is supported by the movable protruding portion from the inside and does not bend during the collision. Therefore, each time the male connector is connected to the female connector, the damage to the terminal portion of the flexible printed circuit and the terminal portion of the female connector may progress. Thus, in the connection structure of Patent Document 1, the durability of the connector may decrease.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a connector set and a connector that are less likely to have reduced durability.

[0006] The connector set according to the present disclosure is a connector set comprising a first connector and a second connector connected to the first connector, wherein the first connector has a flexible printed circuit board having a first main surface, a second main surface opposite to the first main surface, a first conductive pattern formed on the first main surface, and a second conductive pattern formed on the second main surface, and a first mating portion that fits into the second connector, the flexible printed circuit board including a signal transmission portion, a bend portion and an insertion portion, and having a bent shape at the bend portion, and The signal transmission section extends in a first direction from the curved section, the insertion section has a tip portion that constitutes a part of the end of the flexible printed circuit board, extends in a second direction intersecting the first direction from the curved section, the first conductive pattern includes a first electrode portion provided on the first main surface of the insertion section, the second conductive pattern includes a second electrode portion provided on the second main surface of the insertion section, and the second connector has an internal terminal that sandwiches the insertion section and contacts the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion, and a second mating portion into which the first mating portion is mated.

[0007] The connector according to this disclosure is a connector for connecting to a mating connector, and comprises a flexible printed circuit board having a first main surface, a second main surface opposite to the first main surface, a first conductive pattern formed on the first main surface, and a second conductive pattern formed on the second main surface, and a mating portion that fits into a mating portion of the mating connector, wherein the flexible printed circuit board includes a signal transmission portion, a bent portion, and an insertion portion, and has a bent shape at the bent portion, the signal transmission portion extends from the bent portion in a first direction, the insertion portion has a tip portion that constitutes a part of the end of the flexible printed circuit board and extends from the bent portion in a second direction intersecting the first direction, the first conductive pattern includes a first electrode portion provided on the first main surface of the insertion portion, and the second conductive pattern includes a second electrode portion provided on the second main surface of the insertion portion, and the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion are in contact with the internal terminals of the mating connector.

[0008] According to the connector set and connectors described herein, the durability of the connector set is less likely to deteriorate.

[0009] This is a perspective view of a connector set according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. This is another perspective view of a connector set according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. This is an exploded perspective view of a first connector included in a connector set according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. This is a cross-sectional view of a flexible printed circuit board included in a connector set according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. This is a cross-sectional view of a first insulating member included in a connector set according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. This is a cross-sectional perspective view of a first connector included in a connector set according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. This is an exploded perspective view of a second connector included in a connector set according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. This is a cross-sectional view of an external terminal and a second insulating member included in a connector set according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. This is a cross-sectional view of a connector set according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. This is another cross-sectional view of a connector set according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a part of a connector set according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of another part of a connector set according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. This is a cross-sectional view of a modified example 1 of a connector set according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. This is a cross-sectional view of a first connector included in a modified example 2 of a connector set according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0010] Embodiments of the connector set and connectors of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings (Figures 1 to 14). However, this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described below, and can be implemented in various forms without departing from its essence. In addition, explanations may be omitted where necessary to avoid repetition. Furthermore, in the figures, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are not repeated.

[0011] For convenience, this specification defines mutually orthogonal X, Y, and Z axes to describe embodiments of the present disclosure. Specifically, the direction in which the signal transmission section 111 (Figure 4) of the flexible printed circuit board 110 extends is defined as the "X-axis direction," the side of the flexible printed circuit board 110 where the bent section 112 (Figure 4) and the insertion section 113 (Figure 4) are located is defined as the "+X side," and the opposite side is defined as the "-X side." Furthermore, the longitudinal direction of the second connector 20 (Figure 2) is defined as the "Y-axis direction," and the left side of the connector set 100 (Figure 1), viewed from the +X side, is defined as the "+Y side," and the right side is defined as the "-Y side." Furthermore, the direction perpendicular to the X-axis and Y-axis directions is defined as the "Z-axis direction," the side on which the first connector 10 (Figure 1) is positioned relative to the second connector 20 (Figure 1) is defined as the "+Z side," and the side on which the second connector 20 (Figure 1) is positioned relative to the first connector 10 (Figure 1) is defined as the "-Z side." However, the X-axis direction, Y-axis direction, and Z-axis direction here are defined for the sake of explanation and do not specify the orientation of the connector set and connectors during manufacturing or use according to this disclosure.

[0012] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the connector set 100 according to this embodiment. Figure 2 is another perspective view of the connector set 100 according to this embodiment. Specifically, Figure 1 shows the connector set 100 with the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 connected. Figure 2 shows the connector set 100 with the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 not connected.

[0013] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the connector set 100 comprises a first connector 10 and a second connector 20. The first connector 10 is a so-called "male connector." The second connector 20 is a so-called "female connector." The first connector 10 connects to the second connector 20, thereby electrically connecting with the second connector 20. The second connector 20 is the connector to which the first connector 10 is connected. In other words, the second connector 20 is the mating connector of the first connector 10. Although not shown, the second connector 20 is mounted on a circuit board.

[0014] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the first connector 10 included in the connector set 100 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the first connector 10 includes a flexible printed circuit board 110, a shield terminal 120, a first insulating member 130 (Figure 3), and a reinforcing plate 140. The flexible printed circuit board 110 is an FPC (Flexible Printed Circuits). Hereinafter, the flexible printed circuit board 110 may be referred to as "FPC110".

[0015] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the flexible printed circuit board 110 included in the connector set 100 according to this embodiment. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the first insulating member 130 included in the connector set 100 according to this embodiment. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the first connector 10 included in the connector set 100 according to this embodiment. Figures 4 and 5 show cross-sections of the flexible printed circuit board 110 and the first insulating member 130 along the cross-sectional line VI-VI in Figure 2, respectively. Figure 6 shows the first connector 10 as seen from the -Z side. Also, Figure 6 shows a cross-section of the first connector 10 along the cross-sectional line VI-VI in Figure 2. First, the shape of the FPC 10 will be described with reference to Figure 4. As shown in Figure 4, the FPC 10 includes a signal transmission section 111, a bent section 112, and an insertion section 113.

[0016] The FPC 110 is plate-shaped and has a bent shape at the curved portion 112. For example, the FPC 110 may be bent by bending processing. The FPC 110 may maintain the bent position at the curved portion 112. The FPC 110 may be a laminated circuit board or a single-layer circuit board. The thickness TH1 of the FPC 110 is, for example, 200 μm or more and 400 μm or less.

[0017] The signal transmission section 111 and the insertion section 113 are connected via the bent section 112. Specifically, the signal transmission section 111 extends from the bent section 112 in a first direction D1. In this embodiment, the first direction D1 is the -X direction.

[0018] The insertion portion 113 extends from the curved portion 112 in a second direction D2. The second direction D2 intersects the first direction D1. Therefore, the insertion portion 113 protrudes from the curved portion 112 in a direction intersecting the plane direction of the signal transmission portion 111. The insertion portion 113 has a tip portion 113a. The tip portion 113a of the insertion portion 113 constitutes a part of the end of the FPC 110.

[0019] More specifically, the insertion portion 113 extends from the bent portion 112 toward the internal terminal 210 of the second connector 20 (Figure 2). In this embodiment, the second direction D2 is the -Z direction. That is, the FPC 110 is bent at approximately a right angle at the bent portion 112. However, the second direction D2 is not limited to a direction perpendicular to the first direction D1. The second direction D2 may be a direction that intersects the first direction D1 at an angle.

[0020] Next, the configuration of the FPC 110 will be described with reference to Figures 3, 4, and 6. As shown in Figure 4, the FPC 110 has a first main surface 11, a first conductive pattern 12, a second main surface 13, a second conductive pattern 14, and a conductive portion 15. The first main surface 11 of the signal transmission section 111 faces the -Z side, and the first main surface 11 of the insertion section 113 faces the -X side. The second main surface 13 is the surface opposite to the first main surface 11. The second main surface 13 of the signal transmission section 111 faces the +Z side, and the second main surface 13 of the insertion section 113 faces the +X side.

[0021] The first conductive pattern 12 is formed on the first main surface 11. More specifically, the FPC 110 has a plate-shaped substrate body 110a. In this embodiment, the first main surface 11 is formed by the surface of the substrate body 110a. Therefore, the first conductive pattern 12 is formed on the surface of the substrate body 110a.

[0022] The first conductive pattern 12 is conductive. The first conductive pattern 12 may be, for example, a metal foil. The first conductive pattern 12 transmits, for example, a high-frequency signal or a digital signal. In this embodiment, the first conductive pattern 12 transmits a high-frequency signal.

[0023] The first conductive pattern 12 extends from the signal transmission section 111 through the bent section 112 to the insertion section 113. Therefore, a portion of the first conductive pattern 12 is provided on the first main surface 11 of the insertion section 113. The portion of the first conductive pattern 12 provided on the insertion section 113 constitutes the first electrode section 12a. Therefore, the first conductive pattern 12 includes the first electrode section 12a provided on the first main surface 11 of the insertion section 113.

[0024] More specifically, as shown in Figure 6, the FPC 110 has a plurality of first conductive patterns 12. Specifically, the FPC 110 has the same number of first conductive patterns 12 as the internal terminals 210 (Figure 2) of the second connector 20. The first electrode portion 12a of each first conductive pattern 12 is connected to the corresponding internal terminal 210 (Figure 2). As a result, each first conductive pattern 12 is electrically connected to the corresponding internal terminal 210.

[0025] In this embodiment, the entirety of each first conductive pattern 12 is exposed from the substrate body 110a, but each first conductive pattern 12 may be covered with an insulating layer except for the first electrode portion 12a.

[0026] As shown in Figure 4, the second conductive pattern 14 is formed on the second main surface 13. In this embodiment, the second conductive pattern 14 is formed on the front (back) surface of the substrate body 110a. The second conductive pattern 14 is conductive. The second conductive pattern 14 may be, for example, a metal foil.

[0027] As shown in Figure 3, the second conductive pattern 14 has a solid electrode portion 14a and a plurality of second electrode portions 14b. The plurality of second electrode portions 14b are provided on the second main surface 13 of the insertion portion 113. Therefore, a portion of the second conductive pattern 14 is provided on the second main surface 13 of the insertion portion 113.

[0028] More specifically, the second conductive pattern 14 has the same number of second electrode portions 14b as the internal terminals 210 (Figure 2) of the second connector 20. Each second electrode portion 14b is connected to the corresponding internal terminal 210. As a result, each second electrode portion 14b is electrically connected to the corresponding internal terminal 210. Each second electrode portion 14b transmits, for example, a high-frequency signal or a digital signal. In this embodiment, each second electrode portion 14b transmits a high-frequency signal.

[0029] As shown in Figure 4, the solid electrode portion 14a is not connected to the second electrode portion 14b. Therefore, the solid electrode portion 14a is not electrically connected to the second electrode portion 14b. The solid electrode portion 14a is provided on the second main surface 13 of the signal transmission portion 111. Therefore, the other part of the second conductive pattern 14 is provided on the second main surface 13 of the signal transmission portion 111. In this embodiment, the solid electrode portion 14a is connected to the ground potential (GND potential). The solid electrode portion 14a is an example of a "third electrode portion".

[0030] As shown in Figure 4, the conductive portion 15 is formed inside the substrate body 110a and extends in the thickness direction D3 of the FPC 110. Specifically, the conductive portion 15 is provided in the insertion portion 113 and electrically connects the first electrode portion 12a and the second electrode portion 14b. More specifically, the FPC 110 has the same number of conductive portions 15 as the internal terminals 210 (Figure 2) of the second connector 20. Each conductive portion 15 electrically connects the corresponding first electrode portion 12a and the corresponding second electrode portion 14b. For example, each conductive portion 15 may be a via. The conductive portions 15 (vias) may be filled with conductive paste. According to this embodiment, since the first electrode portion 12a and the second electrode portion 14b are electrically connected via the conductive portion 15, the transmission path of the high-frequency signal can be shortened. Therefore, parasitic capacitance is less likely to occur, and impedance matching for the high-frequency signal becomes stable. As a result, insertion loss becomes stable.

[0031] Next, the shield terminal 120 will be described with reference to Figures 3 and 6. As shown in Figure 3, the shield terminal 120 is annular. The shield terminal 120 may also be, for example, a rectangular annular shape. The shield terminal 120 is a conductor and is electrically conductive. The shield terminal 120 may be made of metal. For example, the material of the shield terminal 120 may be phosphor bronze. Phosphor bronze is an electrically conductive and elastically deformable material.

[0032] The shield terminal 120 functions as a mating portion that mates with the second connector 20 (Figure 2). Specifically, the shield terminal 120 mates with the external terminal 220 (Figure 2) of the second connector 20. The shield terminal 120 is an example of a "first mating portion".

[0033] Furthermore, the shield terminal 120 is connected to the GND potential. As shown in Figure 6, the shield terminal 120 surrounds the insertion portion 113 of the FPC 110. As a result, electromagnetic interference (EMI) to the transmission of high-frequency signals can be suppressed.

[0034] More specifically, as shown in Figures 3 and 6, the shield terminal 120 has a peripheral wall portion 121, a flange portion 122, and a notch portion 123 (Figure 3). The peripheral wall portion 121 is annular and extends in the Z-axis direction, surrounding the insertion portion 113 of the FPC 110. In other words, the insertion portion 113 of the FPC 110 is located inside the peripheral wall portion 121. In this embodiment, the peripheral wall portion 121 is a rectangular annular shape and includes four wall portions (a wall portion on the +X side, a wall portion on the +Y side, a wall portion on the -X side, and a wall portion on the -Y side).

[0035] As shown in Figure 3, the notch 123 is provided in the peripheral wall 121. In this embodiment, the notch 123 is provided in the wall on the -X side, one of the four wall portions that make up the peripheral wall 121. The notch 123 has a shape in which the -X side wall portion is cut out from the +Z side. The notch 123 connects the outer space and the inner space of the shield terminal 120. The signal transmission section 111 of the FPC 110 is inserted into the inner space of the shield terminal 120 from the -X side via the notch 123. As a result, as shown in Figure 6, the insertion section 113 of the FPC 110 is positioned in the inner space of the shield terminal 120. According to this embodiment, by having the shield terminal 120 have the notch 123, the first connector 10 can be made lower in height compared to a configuration in which the shield terminal 120 does not have the notch 123.

[0036] As shown in Figure 3, the flange portion 122 is provided at the +Z side end of the peripheral wall portion 121, except for the notch portion 123 (Figure 3). In other words, the flange portion 122 is not provided at the notch portion 123. The flange portion 122 protrudes outward from the peripheral wall portion 121. As shown in Figure 6, the flange portion 122 is fixed to the outer circumference of the reinforcing plate 140. Therefore, the shield terminal 120 is fixed to the reinforcing plate 140 and protrudes from the reinforcing plate 140. For example, the shield terminal 120 may protrude from the reinforcing plate 140 in the direction in which the insertion portion 113 extends. In other words, the shield terminal 120 may protrude in the second direction D2 as described with reference to Figure 4. In this embodiment, the shield terminal 120 protrudes from the reinforcing plate 140 in the -Z direction. The shield terminal 120 may be fixed to the reinforcing plate 140 by solder, for example, or by conductive resin.

[0037] Next, the first insulating member 130 will be described with reference to Figures 3 to 6. As shown in Figures 3, 5, and 6, the shape of the first insulating member 130 is a substantially box shape with the -Z side open. The first insulating member 130 may integrally support the FPC 110, the shield terminal 120, and the reinforcing plate 140. For example, the first insulating member 130 may be insert molded. Specifically, the FPC 110, the shield terminal 120, and the reinforcing plate 140 may be integrated with the first insulating member 130 by pouring resin into the mold with the FPC 110, shield terminal 120, and reinforcing plate 140 positioned in predetermined locations within the mold. The material of the first insulating member 130 may be a resin such as a liquid crystal polymer.

[0038] More specifically, the first insulating member 130 has an insertion portion 131, a peripheral wall portion 132, and a cover portion 133.

[0039] The peripheral wall portion 132 is annular. In this embodiment, the peripheral wall portion 132 is a rectangular annular shape and includes four wall portions (a wall portion on the +X side, a wall portion on the +Y side, a wall portion on the -X side, and a wall portion on the -Y side). As shown in Figure 6, the peripheral wall portion 132 is positioned inside the peripheral wall portion 121 of the shield terminal 120 and extends in the Z-axis direction along the peripheral wall portion 121 of the shield terminal 120. Of the four wall portions of the peripheral wall portion 132, the wall portion on the -X side covers the edge of the notch portion 123 (Figure 6) of the shield terminal 120.

[0040] As shown in Figures 3 and 5, the cover portion 133 constitutes the wall portion on the +Z side of the first insulating member 130. The insertion portion 131 is provided in the cover portion 133. The insertion portion 131 is a notch formed in the cover portion 133. The insertion portion 131 is provided in the -X side portion of the cover portion 133. The insertion portion 131 (notch) has the shape of a notch cut out from the -X side of the cover portion 133. Specifically, the insertion portion 131 is provided in the portion of the cover portion 133 that corresponds to the notch portion 123 (Figure 3) of the shield terminal 120.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 5, the insertion portion 131 communicates the outer space and the inner space 130a of the first insulating member 130. As shown in FIG. 6, the signal transmission portion 111 of the FPC 110 is inserted into the inner space 130a of the first insulating member 130 from the -X side through the insertion portion 131. As a result, the insertion portion 113 of the FPC 110 is disposed in the inner space 130a of the first insulating member 130, and the signal transmission portion 111 of the FPC 110 is exposed from the cover portion 133. According to the present embodiment, since the first insulating member 130 has the insertion portion 131, the height of the first connector 10 can be reduced as compared with a configuration in which the insertion portion 131 is not provided in the first insulating member 130.

[0042] In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the cover portion 133 holds the bent portion 112 of the FPC 110 from the second main surface 13 side. By the cover portion 133 holding the bent portion 112, the bent shape of the FPC 110 can be held more stably. The cover portion 133 is an example of a "holding portion".

[0043] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the cover portion 133 has a contact surface 133a. As shown in FIG. 6, the contact surface 133a contacts the second main surface 13 of the bent portion 112 of the FPC 110. The contact surface 133a may be, for example, an arc surface. Alternatively, the contact surface 133a may be an inclined surface. The arc surface indicates a surface whose cross-sectional shape is an arc shape. In the present embodiment, the contact surface 133a has a shape along the second main surface 13 of the bent portion 112 and contacts all portions of the second main surface 13 of the bent portion 112. According to the present embodiment, since the cover portion 133 has the contact surface 133a, the shape of the bent portion 112 of the FPC 110 can be held more stably. As a result, the bent shape of the FPC 110 can be held more stably.

[0044] Further, in the present embodiment, the thickness TH2 (FIG. 5) of the cover portion 133 is larger than the thickness TH1 of the FPC 110 described with reference to FIG. 4. Since the thickness TH2 of the cover portion 133 is larger than the thickness TH1 of the FPC 110, the bent shape of the FPC 110 can be held more stably.

[0045] Next, the reinforcing plate 140 will be described with reference to Figures 3 and 6. As shown in Figures 3 and 6, the reinforcing plate 140 is a plate-shaped member. The reinforcing plate 140 constitutes the +Z side surface of the first connector 10. The reinforcing plate 140 covers the signal transmission section 111 and the cover section 133 from the +Z side and holds the signal transmission section 111 from the second main surface 13 side. The reinforcing plate 140 is an example of a "reinforcing section". The insertion section 113 of the FPC 110 extends away from the reinforcing plate 140. In other words, the second direction D2 described with reference to Figure 4 indicates the direction away from the reinforcing plate 140.

[0046] According to this embodiment, the reinforcing plate 140 can increase the rigidity of the first connector 10. Therefore, the first connector 10 is less likely to deform when it is removed from the second connector 20. As a result, the first connector 10 is less likely to be damaged, and the durability of the connector set 100 is less likely to decrease. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the reinforcing plate 140 can more stably maintain the shape of the signal transmission section 111.

[0047] In this embodiment, the shape of the reinforcing plate 140 when viewed from the +Z side is consistent with the shape of the first connector 10 excluding the reinforcing plate 140 when viewed from the +Z side. Therefore, the reinforcing plate 140 holds the entire signal transmission section 111 from the second main surface 13 side. For example, as shown in Figures 1 to 3, the shape of the reinforcing plate 140 when viewed from the +Z side may be T-shaped.

[0048] Also, in the present embodiment, the adhesive electrode portion 14a of the FPC 110 is exposed from the cover portion 133, and the reinforcing plate 140 contacts the adhesive electrode portion 14a of the FPC 110 and is electrically connected to the adhesive electrode portion 14a. Further, the reinforcing plate 140 is fixed to the flange portion 122 of the shield terminal 120 and is electrically connected to the shield terminal 120. Therefore, the reinforcing plate 140 electrically connects the adhesive electrode portion 14a and the shield terminal 120. The reinforcing plate 140 may be, for example, a circuit board or a metal plate. As already described, the adhesive electrode portion 14a is connected to the GND potential. Therefore, by electrically connecting the adhesive electrode portion 14a and the shield terminal 120 via the reinforcing plate 140, the potential of the shield terminal 120 can be more stably maintained at the GND potential.

[0049] Next, the second connector 20 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2, 7, and 9. FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the second connector 20 included in the connector set 100 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the connector set 100 according to the present embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 9 shows a cross-section of the connector set 100 along the cross-section line IX-IX of FIG. 1. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 7, the second connector 20 has a plurality of internal terminals 210, an external terminal 220, and a second insulating member 230.

[0050] The plurality of internal terminals 210 are arranged in the Y-axis direction. The internal terminal 210 is a conductor and has conductivity. The internal terminal 210 may be, for example, a long plate-like member that has been bent. The material of the internal terminal 210 may be, for example, phosphor bronze. As shown in FIG. 9, the insertion portion 113 of the FPC 110 described with reference to FIGS. 3, 4, and 6 is inserted into the plurality of internal terminals 210. As a result, the insertion portion 113 of the FPC 110 is sandwiched by the plurality of internal terminals 210, and the insertion portion 113 of the FPC 110 and the plurality of internal terminals 210 are connected.

[0051] As explained in detail with reference to Figures 3, 4, and 6, the insertion portion 113 is provided with a plurality of first electrode portions 12a and a plurality of second electrode portions 14b. Each of the internal terminals 210 contacts the corresponding first electrode portion 12a and the corresponding second electrode portion 14b, with the insertion portion 113 in between. As a result, each of the internal terminals 210 is electrically connected to the corresponding first electrode portion 12a and the corresponding second electrode portion 14b. In this embodiment, a high-frequency signal is transmitted between the FPC 110 and each internal terminal 210.

[0052] Next, the external terminal 220 will be described. As shown in Figure 9, when the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 are connected, the shield terminal 120 of the first connector 10, as described with reference to Figures 3 and 6, is mated with the external terminal 220 of the second connector 20. The external terminal 220 is an example of the "second mating portion". According to this embodiment, even if the insertion portion 113 (end of the FPC 110) of the FPC 110 is connected to the multiple internal terminals 210 of the second connector 20, the mating of the shield terminal 120 of the first connector 10 with the external terminal 220 of the second connector 20 makes it difficult for the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 to come apart.

[0053] The external terminal 220 is a conductor and has electrical conductivity. The external terminal 220 may be made of metal. For example, the material of the external terminal 220 may be phosphor bronze. The external terminal 220 is connected to the GND potential. As shown in Figures 2 and 9, the external terminal 220 surrounds a plurality of internal terminals 210. As a result, electromagnetic interference (EMI) to the transmission of high-frequency signals can be suppressed. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the external terminal 220 and the shield terminal 120 are electrically connected by mating. Therefore, the potentials of the shield terminal 120 and the external terminal 220 can be more stably maintained at the GND potential.

[0054] More specifically, as shown in Figure 7, the external terminal 220 has a peripheral wall portion 221, four notches 222, and four protrusions 223. The peripheral wall portion 221 is shaped to follow the peripheral wall portion 121 of the shield terminal 120, and the peripheral wall portion 121 of the shield terminal 120 fits inside the peripheral wall portion 221 of the external terminal 220 (see Figure 9). In this embodiment, the peripheral wall portion 221 of the external terminal 220 is a rectangular annular shape and includes four wall portions (a wall portion on the +X side, a wall portion on the +Y side, a wall portion on the -X side, and a wall portion on the -Y side).

[0055] Each of the four wall sections constituting the peripheral wall 221 has a projection 223 on its inner wall surface. Each projection 223 protrudes inward from the peripheral wall 221. In this embodiment, each projection 223 is a ridge. For example, the projection 223 provided on the wall section on the -X side of the peripheral wall 221 extends in the Y-axis direction (see Figure 7). The presence of projections 223 on the external terminal 220 allows for a more secure connection between the shield terminal 120 and the external terminal 220. As a result, the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 become less likely to come apart.

[0056] The four notches 222 are formed at the four corners of the peripheral wall portion 221. Each notch 222 is shaped as a cutout from the peripheral wall portion 221 from the -Z side. The four engaging portions 232 of the second insulating member 230, which will be described later, engage with the four notches 222.

[0057] Next, the second insulating member 230 will be described. As shown in Figures 2 and 7, the second insulating member 230 has an outer wall portion 231, four engaging portions 232, and an inner wall portion 233. The second insulating member 230 may integrally support a plurality of internal terminals 210 and external terminals 220. For example, the second insulating member 230 may be insert-molded. Specifically, the plurality of internal terminals 210 and external terminals 220 may be placed in predetermined positions in the mold, and resin may be poured into the mold to integrate the plurality of internal terminals 210 and external terminals 220 with the second insulating member 230. The material of the second insulating member 230 may be a resin such as a liquid crystal polymer.

[0058] As shown in Figures 2 and 7, the outer wall portion 231 is annular. In this embodiment, the outer wall portion 231 is a rectangular annular shape and includes four wall portions (a wall portion on the +X side, a wall portion on the +Y side, a wall portion on the -X side, and a wall portion on the -Y side). Four engaging portions 232 are provided at the four corners of the outer wall portion 231. The four engaging portions 232 bulge outward from the four corners of the outer wall portion 231. As shown in Figures 2 and 7, the four engaging portions 232 engage with the four notches 222 of the external terminal 220.

[0059] As shown in Figures 2 and 7, the inner wall portion 233 is annular. In this embodiment, the inner wall portion 233 is a rectangular annular shape. The inner wall portion 233 is located inside the outer wall portion 231. As shown in Figure 2, the multiple internal terminals 210 are housed inside the inner wall portion 233 and supported by the inner wall portion 233.

[0060] Next, the second connector 20 will be described with reference to Figures 8 and 9. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the external terminal 220 and the second insulating member 230 included in the connector set 100 according to this embodiment. More specifically, Figure 8 shows a cross-section of the external terminal 220 and the second insulating member 230 along the cross-sectional line VIII-VIII in Figure 7.

[0061] As shown in Figure 8, the peripheral wall portion 221 of the external terminal 220 has an internal space 221a. In other words, the inside of the peripheral wall portion 221 of the external terminal 220 is hollow. The peripheral wall portion 221 of the external terminal 220 is open on the -Z side, and the internal space 221a is in communication with the external space of the external terminal 220.

[0062] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the outer wall portion 231 of the second insulating member 230 is inserted into the internal space 221a of the peripheral wall portion 221 of the external terminal 220. In this embodiment, the outer wall portion 231 of the second insulating member 230 fills the internal space 221a of the peripheral wall portion 221 of the external terminal 220.

[0063] Next, the connector set 100 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 9, 10, and 11. Figure 10 is another cross-sectional view of the connector set 100 according to this embodiment. Specifically, Figure 10 shows a cross-section of the connector set 100 when the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 are not connected. Note that, similar to Figure 9, Figure 10 shows a cross-section of the connector set 100 along the cross-sectional line IX-IX in Figure 1. Figure 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a part of the connector set 100 according to this embodiment. Specifically, Figure 11 shows an enlarged view of the internal terminal 210 and its surroundings.

[0064] As shown in Figure 9, when the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 are connected, the insertion portion 113 of the FPC 110 is inserted into the internal terminal 210. As a result, the internal terminal 210 sandwiches the insertion portion 113 of the FPC 110, and the first electrode portion 12a of the FPC 110 and the internal terminal 210 come into contact at the first contact C1, and the second electrode portion 14b of the FPC 110 and the internal terminal 210 come into contact at the second contact C2.

[0065] More specifically, as shown in Figure 11, the internal terminal 210 includes a first terminal piece 21, a second terminal piece 22, and a connecting portion 23. The first terminal piece 21 contacts the first electrode portion 12a of the FPC 110 at a first contact C1. The second terminal piece 22 faces the first terminal piece 21 and, together with the first terminal piece 21, sandwiches the insertion portion 113 of the FPC 110. The second terminal piece 22 contacts the second electrode portion 14b of the FPC 110 at a second contact C2. The connecting portion 23 connects the -Z end of the first terminal piece 21 and the -Z end of the second terminal piece 22.

[0066] More specifically, the first terminal piece 21 has a first contact portion 21a and a first base portion 21b. The second terminal piece 22 has a second contact portion 22a and a second base portion 22b. The connecting portion 23 connects the first base portion 21b and the second base portion 22b.

[0067] As shown in Figures 9 and 11, the first base portion 21b is located further from the bent portion 112 of the FPC 110 than the first contact portion 21a when the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 are connected. Specifically, the first base portion 21b is located on the -Z side of the first contact portion 21a. Hereinafter, the state in which the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 are connected may be referred to as the "connected state".

[0068] The first contact portion 21a extends from the first base portion 21b in the direction of connection between the first connector 10 and the second connector 20. Specifically, the first contact portion 21a extends from the first base portion 21b in the +Z direction. In this embodiment, the first contact portion 21a extends from the first base portion 21b in the direction opposite to the second direction D2 described with reference to Figure 4. That is, the first contact portion 21a extends from the first base portion 21b in the direction opposite to the direction in which the insertion portion 113 extends from the bent portion 112. In this embodiment, the second direction is the -Z direction. The first contact portion 21a contacts the first electrode portion 12a of the FPC 110 at the first contact C1 when the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 are connected. As a result, the first terminal piece 21 and the first electrode portion 12a are electrically connected.

[0069] Similarly, in the connected state, the second base portion 22b is located further from the curved portion 112 of the FPC 110 than the second contact portion 22a. Specifically, the second base portion 22b is located on the -Z side of the second contact portion 22a.

[0070] The second contact portion 22a extends from the second base portion 22b in the direction of connection between the first connector 10 and the second connector 20. Specifically, the second contact portion 22a extends from the second base portion 22b in the +Z direction. In this embodiment, the second contact portion 22a extends from the second base portion 22b in the opposite direction to the second direction D2 (-Z direction) described with reference to Figure 4. The second contact portion 22a comes into contact with the second electrode portion 14b of the FPC 110 at the second contact C2 when the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 are connected. As a result, the second terminal piece 22 and the second electrode portion 14b are electrically connected.

[0071] Next, the conductive portion 15 of the FPC 110 will be described with reference to Figures 9 and 11. As shown in Figures 9 and 11, in this embodiment, when connected, the conductive portion 15 of the FPC 110 is located between the first contact C1 and the second contact C2. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the strength of the contact point between the FPC 110 and the internal terminal 210 can be increased. Thus, the insertion portion 113 of the FPC 110 and the internal terminal 210 can be connected more stably. As a result, the electrical connection between the FPC 110 and the internal terminal 210 can be made more stable.

[0072] Next, with reference to Figures 9 and 11, the state in which the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 are connected (connected state) will be described. As shown in Figures 9 and 11, in the connected state, the tip 113a of the insertion portion 113 is separated from the connecting portion 23. Specifically, in the connected state, the tip 113a of the insertion portion 113 is located on the +Z side of the connecting portion 23. According to this embodiment, since the end of the FPC 110 does not collide with the connecting portion 23 when connecting the first connector 10 and the second connector 20, the stress generated in the FPC 110 when connecting the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 can be reduced. As a result, a decrease in the durability of the connector set 100 can be suppressed.

[0073] Specifically, as shown in Figure 9, the tip of the shield terminal 120 (the -Z end) and the tip of the first insulating member 130 (the -Z end) are located on the -Z side of the tip 113a of the insertion portion 113 of the FPC 110. When the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 are connected, the tip of the shield terminal 120 and the tip of the first insulating member 130 come into contact with the external terminal 220 and the second insulating member 230. As a result, the position of the tip 113a of the insertion portion 113 in the Z-axis direction is determined.

[0074] Next, with reference to Figure 10, the gap G between the first contact portion 21a and the second contact portion 22a will be described. As shown in Figure 10, a gap G is provided between the first contact portion 21a and the second contact portion 22a. The size of the gap G is smaller than the thickness TH1 of the FPC 110 when the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 are not connected. In other words, the thickness TH1 of the FPC 110 is larger than the gap G. Therefore, according to this embodiment, by inserting the insertion portion 113 into the internal terminal 210, the first electrode portion 12a and the second electrode portion 14b of the FPC 110 can be made to make stable contact with the internal terminal 210. Thus, the electrical connection between the first electrode portion 12a and the second electrode portion 14b of the FPC 110 and the internal terminal 210 can be made more stable.

[0075] Next, with reference to Figures 9 to 11, the thickness TH1 of the FPC 110 and the thickness of the internal terminals 210 will be explained. As shown in Figures 9 to 11, the thickness TH1 of the FPC 110 (Figure 10) is greater than the thickness of the first terminal piece 21 and the second terminal piece 22. In other words, the thickness of the first terminal piece 21 and the second terminal piece 22 is smaller than the thickness TH1 of the FPC 110. For example, the thickness of the first terminal piece 21 and the second terminal piece 22 is 60 μm. In contrast, the thickness TH1 of the FPC 110 is between 200 μm and 400 μm, as already explained.

[0076] According to this embodiment, since the thickness of the first terminal piece 21 and the second terminal piece 22 is smaller than the thickness TH1 of the FPC 110, the rigidity of the internal terminal 210 is lower compared to a configuration in which the thickness of the first terminal piece 21 and the second terminal piece 22 is equal to or greater than the thickness TH1 of the FPC 110. Therefore, the internal terminal 210 is more susceptible to elastic deformation. As a result, the stress generated in the internal terminal 210 of the second connector 20 when connecting the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 can be reduced. Thus, a decrease in the durability of the connector set 100 can be suppressed.

[0077] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the internal terminal 210 is more easily elastically deformed compared to a configuration where the thickness of the first terminal piece 21 and the second terminal piece 22 is greater than or equal to the thickness TH1 of the FPC 110, making it easier to insert the insertion portion 113 of the FPC 110 into the internal terminal 210. Moreover, according to this embodiment, since the thickness TH1 of the FPC 110 is greater than the thickness of the first terminal piece 21 and the second terminal piece 22, the rigidity of the insertion portion 113 of the FPC 110 is greater compared to a configuration where the thickness TH1 of the FPC 110 is less than or equal to the thickness of the first terminal piece 21 and the second terminal piece 22. Therefore, it is easier to insert the insertion portion 113 of the FPC 110 into the internal terminal 210.

[0078] Next, the configuration of the second connector 20 will be further described with reference to Figure 9. As shown in Figure 9, the second connector 20 has a support portion 240. In this embodiment, the support portion 240 is formed by a part of the peripheral wall portion 221 of the external terminal 220 and a part of the second insulating member 230. When connected, the support portion 240 protrudes toward the signal transmission portion 111 of the FPC 110. The support portion 240 supports the signal transmission portion 111 of the FPC 110 from the first main surface 11 side. Therefore, the signal transmission portion 111 is sandwiched between the reinforcing plate 140 and the support portion 240. According to this embodiment, the shape of the signal transmission portion 111 can be maintained by the reinforcing plate 140 and the support portion 240. Also, according to this embodiment, the support portion 240 is formed by the external terminal 220 and the second insulating member 230. Therefore, the number of parts of the second connector 20 can be reduced compared to a configuration in which the support portion 240 is provided separately.

[0079] Next, the connector set 100 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 9 and 12. Figure 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing another part of the connector set 100 according to this embodiment. Specifically, Figure 12 shows the contact portion between the shield terminal 120 and the external terminal 220 and its surrounding area.

[0080] As shown in Figure 12, in this embodiment, the shield terminal 120 contacts the projection 223 of the external terminal 220 described with reference to Figure 7. Also, as described with reference to Figure 3, the shield terminal 120 is fixed to the outer circumference of the reinforcing plate 140 and protrudes from the reinforcing plate 140.

[0081] According to this embodiment, as shown in Figures 9 and 12, the distance H from the fixing portion to which the shield terminal 120 and the reinforcing plate 140 are fixed to the contact portion (protrusion 223) to which the shield terminal 120 and the external terminal 220 come into contact is at least as long as the thickness TH1 of the FPC 110, compared to a configuration in which a male connector is mounted on a flexible printed circuit board and the internal terminals of the male connector and the internal terminals of the female connector are connected. As a result, the shield terminal 120 becomes more elastically deformable, and the stress generated in the shield terminal 120 and the external terminal 220 when mating the shield terminal 120 with the external terminal 220 can be reduced. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the shield terminal 120 and the external terminal 220 are less likely to undergo plastic deformation. As a result, the number of times the shield terminal 120 and the external terminal 220 can be mated increases, improving the durability of the connector set 100.

[0082] Embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above with reference to Figures 1 to 12. According to this embodiment, the connector set 100 comprises a first connector 10 and a second connector 20 connected to the first connector 10. The first connector 10 has a flexible printed circuit board 110 having a first main surface 11, a second main surface 13 opposite to the first main surface 11, a first conductive pattern 12 formed on the first main surface 11, and a second conductive pattern 14 formed on the second main surface 13, and a shield terminal 120 (first mating portion) that fits into the second connector 20. The flexible printed circuit board 110 includes a signal transmission portion 111, a bent portion 112, and an insertion portion 113, and the bent portion 112 is bent. The second connector 20 has a curved shape, and the signal transmission section 111 extends from the curved section 112 in a first direction D1, and the insertion section 113 has a tip section 113a that forms part of the end of the flexible printed circuit board 110 and extends from the curved section 112 in a second direction D2 that intersects the first direction D1, the first conductive pattern 12 includes a first electrode section 12a provided on the first main surface 11 of the insertion section 113, and the second conductive pattern 14 includes a second electrode section 14b provided on the second main surface 13 of the insertion section 113. The second connector 20 has an internal terminal 210 that sandwiches the insertion section 113 and contacts the first electrode section 12a and the second electrode section 14b, and an external terminal 220 (second mating section) into which the shield terminal 120 (first mating section) is mated.

[0083] According to this embodiment, the end of the flexible FPC 110 can be inserted into the internal terminal 210 to electrically connect the first connector 10 and the second connector 20. Compared to a configuration in which the inverted U-shaped terminal portion of the flexible printed circuit is held in place by a movable projection from the inside, the stress generated in the internal terminal 210 of the second connector 20 when connecting the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 can be reduced. Therefore, the durability of the connector set 100 is less likely to decrease.

[0084] Specifically, because the FPC 110 is flexible, when connecting the first connector 10 and the second connector 20, the shape of the FPC 110 changes along the internal terminals 210, and the insertion portion 113 slides to a position where it is sandwiched between the internal terminals 210. For example, when connecting the first connector 10 and the second connector 20, the angle of the FPC 110 at the bent portion 112 changes, and the insertion portion 113 slides to a position where it is sandwiched between the internal terminals 210. Therefore, the stress generated on the internal terminals 210 of the second connector 20 when connecting the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 can be reduced.

[0085] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, since the shield terminal 120 (first mating portion) and the external terminal 220 (second mating portion) are mated together, it is possible to prevent the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 from easily coming apart after they have been connected.

[0086] Furthermore, as the frequency of transmitted signals increases, variations in mounting and material quality have a greater impact on transmission quality, making it difficult to guarantee transmission quality. For example, it becomes difficult to guarantee transmission quality when the frequency of the transmitted signal is between 30 GHz and 300 GHz. On the other hand, in a configuration where the male connector has internal terminals, variations in the position of the internal terminals of the male connector (mounting variations) may occur due to assembly variations that occur when assembling the male connector. Also, in a configuration where the male connector has internal terminals, variations in the amount of solder that occurs when soldering the male connector to the flexible printed circuit board may occur, for example, due to variations in the amount of solder that occurs. In addition, variations in the dimensions of the internal terminals of the male connector (material variations) may occur. In contrast, according to this embodiment, it is not necessary to provide internal terminals in the first connector 10. Also, it is not necessary to mount the first connector 10 on the flexible printed circuit board. Therefore, factors that affect high-frequency characteristics, such as mounting variations and material variations, can be reduced. As a result, the transmission quality of high-frequency signals is less likely to deteriorate, and the high-frequency characteristics of the transmitted signals become more stable.

[0087] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, since the first connector 10 is not mounted on a flexible printed circuit board, the first connector 10 and the connector set 100 can be made lower in profile.

[0088] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the internal terminal 210 includes a first terminal piece 21 and a second terminal piece 22 that faces the first terminal piece 21 and, together with the first terminal piece 21, sandwiches the insertion portion 113 of the FPC 110, and the thickness of the first terminal piece 21 and the second terminal piece 22 is smaller than the thickness TH1 of the FPC 110. Therefore, according to this embodiment, since the first terminal piece 21 and the second terminal piece 22 are thinner than the FPC 110, the internal terminal 210 is more easily elastically deformed compared to the case where the thickness of the first terminal piece 21 and the second terminal piece 22 is equal to or greater than the thickness TH1 of the FPC 110. Therefore, the stress generated in the internal terminal 210 of the second connector 20 when connecting the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 can be reduced, and the durability of the connector set 100 is less likely to decrease. Furthermore, the rigidity of the insertion portion 113 is increased compared to the case where the thickness TH1 of the FPC 110 is less than or equal to the thickness of the internal terminal 210, making it easier to insert the insertion portion 113 into the internal terminal 210.

[0089] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the internal terminal 210 includes a connecting portion 23 that connects the first base portion 21b of the first terminal piece 21 and the second base portion 22b of the second terminal piece 22, and the tip portion 113a of the insertion portion 113 of the FPC 110 is separated from the first base portion 21b, the second base portion 22b and the connecting portion 23. Therefore, according to this embodiment, when connecting the first connector 10 and the second connector 20, the end of the FPC 110 does not collide with the first base portion 21b, the second base portion 22b and the connecting portion 23 of the internal terminal 210, thus reducing the stress generated in the FPC 110 when connecting the first connector 10 and the second connector 20. Thus, the durability of the connector set 100 is less likely to decrease.

[0090] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the internal terminal 210 includes a first terminal piece 21 and a second terminal piece 22 that faces the first terminal piece 21 and, together with the first terminal piece 21, sandwiches the insertion portion 113 of the FPC 110. The first terminal piece 21 includes a first contact portion 21a that contacts the first electrode portion 12a of the FPC 110 when connected, and the second terminal piece 22 includes a second contact portion 22a that contacts the second electrode portion 14b of the FPC 110 when connected. A gap G is provided between the first contact portion 21a and the second contact portion 22a, and the size of the gap G is smaller than the thickness TH1 of the FPC 110 when the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 are not connected. According to this embodiment, since the size of the gap G is smaller than the thickness TH1 of the FPC 110, the first electrode portion 12a and the second electrode portion 14b of the FPC 110 can be made to contact the first terminal piece 21 and the second terminal piece 22 more stably. Therefore, the electrical connection between the FPC 110 and the internal terminal 210 can be made more stable.

[0091] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the FPC 110 further has a conductive portion 15 that extends in the thickness direction D3 of the FPC 110 and electrically connects the first electrode portion 12a and the second electrode portion 14b of the FPC 110. Therefore, according to this embodiment, a high-frequency signal can be transmitted from the first conductive pattern 12 to the second electrode portion 14b of the second conductive pattern 14 via the inside of the FPC 110, thus shortening the transmission path of the high-frequency signal.

[0092] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the conductive portion 15 is located between the first contact C1, which is the contact point between the first electrode portion 12a of the FPC 110 and the internal terminal 210, and the second contact C2, which is the contact point between the second electrode portion 14b of the FPC 110 and the internal terminal 210, when connected. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the strength of the connection point between the FPC 110 and the internal terminal 210 can be increased, and the FPC 110 and the internal terminal 210 can be connected more stably. As a result, the electrical connection between the FPC 110 and the internal terminal 210 can be made more stable.

[0093] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the first connector 10 further includes a reinforcing plate 140 (reinforcing part) that holds the signal transmission section 111 of the FPC 110 from the second main surface 13 side. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the shape of the signal transmission section 111 of the FPC 110 can be maintained by the reinforcing plate 140.

[0094] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the shield terminal 120 (first mating portion) protrudes from the reinforcing plate 140 (reinforcing portion). Therefore, compared to a configuration in which a male connector is mounted on a flexible printed circuit board and the internal terminals of the male connector and the internal terminals of the female connector are connected, the length of the shield terminal 120 (first mating portion) can be made longer by the thickness TH1 of the FPC 110. As a result, the external terminal 220 (second mating portion) becomes less susceptible to plastic deformation. Therefore, the number of times the shield terminal 120 (first mating portion) can be mated with the external terminal 220 (second mating portion) increases, thus improving the durability of the connector set 100.

[0095] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the second conductive pattern 14 is provided on the second main surface 13 of the signal transmission section 111 of the FPC 110 and further includes a solid electrode section 14a (third electrode section) connected to the GND potential. The shield terminal 120 is connected to the ground potential, and the reinforcing plate 140 (reinforcing section) electrically connects the solid electrode section 14a (third electrode section) and the shield terminal 120. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the potential of the shield terminal 120 can be more stably brought to the GND potential.

[0096] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the second connector 20 further has a support portion 240 that protrudes toward the signal transmission portion 111 of the FPC 110, and the support portion 240 supports the signal transmission portion 111 of the FPC 110 from the first main surface 11 side. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the shape of the signal transmission portion 111 of the FPC 110 can be maintained by the support portion 240.

[0097] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the support portion 240 includes the external terminal 220 (second mating portion). Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to suppress an increase in the number of parts of the second connector 20.

[0098] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the first connector 10 further includes a cover portion 133 (holding portion) that holds the bent portion 112 of the FPC 110 from the second main surface 13 side. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the shape of the bent portion 112 can be maintained by the cover portion 133 (holding portion). Thus, the bent shape of the FPC 110 can be maintained.

[0099] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, since the thickness TH2 of the cover portion 133 (holding portion) is greater than the thickness TH1 of the FPC 110, the shape of the bent portion 112 can be more reliably held by the cover portion 133 (holding portion). Therefore, the bent shape of the FPC 110 can be more reliably held.

[0100] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the cover portion 133 (holding portion) has a contact surface 133a that contacts the second main surface 13 of the curved portion 112 of the FPC 110, and the contact surface 133a has a shape that conforms to the second main surface 13 of the curved portion 112 of the FPC 110, so the shape of the curved portion 112 can be held more reliably by the contact surface 133a. Therefore, the curved shape of the FPC 110 can be held more reliably.

[0101] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the shield terminal 120 (first mating portion) has an annular shape surrounding the insertion portion 113 of the FPC 110, and the shield terminal 120 (first mating portion) has a notch 123 through which the signal transmission portion 111 of the FPC 110 is inserted. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the first connector 10 can be made lower in height compared to a configuration in which the shield terminal 120 (first mating portion) does not have a notch 123. In addition, by providing the notch 123 in the shield terminal 120 (first mating portion), the signal transmission portion 111 of the FPC 110 can be made to protrude laterally from the shield terminal 120 (first mating portion).

[0102] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the first connector 10 is connected to the second connector 20, which is the mating connector to be connected. The first connector 10 has an FPC 110 having a first main surface 11, a second main surface 13 opposite to the first main surface 11, a first conductive pattern 12 formed on the first main surface 11, and a second conductive pattern 14 formed on the second main surface 13, and a shield terminal 120 (mating portion) that mates with the external terminal 220 (mating portion of the mating connector) of the second connector 20. The FPC 110 includes a signal transmission section 111, a bent section 112, and an insertion section 113, and has a bent shape at the bent section 112. The signal transmission section 111 extends from the bent section 112 in a first direction D1. The insertion portion 113 has a tip portion 113a that forms part of the end of the FPC 110 and extends from the bent portion 112 in a second direction D2 that intersects the first direction D1. The first conductive pattern 12 includes a first electrode portion 12a provided on the first main surface 11 of the insertion portion 113 of the FPC 110, and the second conductive pattern 14 includes a second electrode portion 14b provided on the second main surface 13 of the insertion portion 113 of the FPC 110. The first electrode portion 12a and the second electrode portion 14b of the FPC 110 contact the internal terminal 210 of the second connector 20. According to this embodiment, compared to a configuration in which the inverted U-shaped terminal portion of the flexible printed circuit is held protruding from the inside by a movable projection, the stress generated in the internal terminal 210 of the second connector 20 when the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 are connected can be reduced. Therefore, a decrease in the durability of the connector set 100 can be suppressed.

[0103] Next, with reference to Figure 13, Modification 1 of the connector set 100 of this embodiment will be described. However, matters that differ from those described with reference to Figures 1 to 12 will be described, and the same matters as those described with reference to Figures 1 to 12 will be omitted. Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of Modification 1 of the connector set 100 according to this embodiment. Specifically, Figure 13 shows a cross-section of the connector set 100 in a state where the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 are not connected. Note that, similar to Figure 10, Figure 13 shows a cross-section of the connector set 100 along the cross-sectional line IX-IX in Figure 1.

[0104] As shown in Figure 13, Modification 1 differs from the embodiment described with reference to Figures 1 to 12 in that the internal terminal 210 is composed of two members. Specifically, in Modification 1, the internal terminal 210 includes a first terminal piece 21 and a second terminal piece 22, and does not include the connecting portion 23 described with reference to Figure 11. In Modification 1, instead of the connecting portion 23, the second connector 20 has an intervening portion 234. The intervening portion 234 is interposed between the first base portion 21b of the first terminal piece 21 and the second base portion 22b of the second terminal piece 22. The intervening portion 234 may be made of resin, for example. The intervening portion 234 may also be part of the second insulating member 230.

[0105] Similar to the embodiment described with reference to Figures 1 to 12, the tip 113a of the insertion portion 113 is separated from the intervening portion 234 in the connected state. Specifically, the tip 113a of the insertion portion 113 is located on the +Z side of the intervening portion 234. According to Modification 1, since the end of the FPC 110 does not collide with the intervening portion 234 when connecting the first connector 10 and the second connector 20, the stress generated in the FPC 110 when connecting the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 can be reduced. Therefore, a decrease in the durability of the connector set 100 can be suppressed.

[0106] Modification 1 has been described above with reference to Figure 13. According to Modification 1, the second connector 20 has an intervening portion 234 interposed between the first base portion 21b of the first terminal piece 21 and the second base portion 22b of the second terminal piece 22, and the tip portion 113a of the insertion portion 113 of the FPC 110 is separated from the first base portion 21b, the second base portion 22b and the intervening portion 234. Therefore, when connecting the first connector 10 and the second connector 20, the end of the FPC 110 does not collide with the first base portion 21b, the second base portion 22b and the intervening portion 234, thus preventing a decrease in the durability of the connector set 100.

[0107] In the modified example 1 described with reference to Figure 13, the second connector 20 has an intervening portion 234, but in other embodiments, the intervening portion 234 may be omitted. That is, in other embodiments, the internal terminal 210 includes a first terminal piece 21 and a second terminal piece 22 that faces the first terminal piece 21 and, together with the first terminal piece 21, sandwiches the insertion portion 113 of the FPC 110. The first terminal piece 21 includes a first base portion 21b and a first contact portion 21a extending from the first base portion 21b, and the second terminal piece 22 includes a second base portion 22b and a second contact portion 22a extending from the second base portion 22b. In the connected state, the first contact portion 21a contacts the first electrode portion 12a of the FPC 110, the second contact portion 22a contacts the second electrode portion 14b of the FPC 110, and the tip portion 113a of the insertion portion 113 of the FPC 110 is separated from the first base portion 21b and the second base portion 22b. With this configuration, even if the intervening portion 234 is omitted, when connecting the first connector 10 and the second connector 20, the end of the FPC 110 does not collide with the first base portion 21b, the second base portion 22b, and the circuit board on which the second connector 20 is mounted, thus reducing the stress generated in the FPC 110 when connecting the first connector 10 and the second connector 20. Therefore, a decrease in the durability of the connector set 100 can be suppressed.

[0108] Next, a modified example 2 of the connector set 100 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 14. However, the following matters will be described that differ from those described with reference to Figures 1 to 13, and the same matters as those described with reference to Figures 1 to 13 will be omitted. Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of the first connector 10 included in the modified example 2 of the connector set 100 according to this embodiment.

[0109] As shown in Figure 14, in Modification 2, the first connector 10 has two FPCs 110A and 110B. Although not shown, in Modification 2, the insertion portions 113 of the two FPCs 110A and 110B are inserted into the internal terminals 210 of the second connector 20.

[0110] Specifically, the FPC 110A and FPC 110B are arranged so that the second main surface 13 of the insertion portion 113 of FPC 110A and the second main surface 13 of the insertion portion 113 of FPC 110B face each other. The second electrode portion 14b of FPC 110A and the second electrode portion 14b of FPC 110B may be in contact. The peripheral wall portion 121 of the shield terminal 120 surrounds the respective insertion portions 113 of FPC 110A and FPC 110B, similar to the shield terminal 120 described with reference to Figures 1 to 13. The cover portion 133 also holds the respective curved portions 112 of FPC 110A and FPC 110B from the second main surface 13 side.

[0111] In the example shown in Figure 14, the signal transmission section 111 of FPC 110A extends in the -X direction from the bent section 112 of FPC 110A. The signal transmission section 111 of FPC 110B extends in the +X direction from the bent section 112 of FPC 110B. The first insulating member 130 has an insertion section 131 through which the signal transmission section 111 of FPC 110A is inserted, and an insertion section 131 through which the signal transmission section 111 of FPC 110B is inserted. In addition, the peripheral wall 121 of the shield terminal 120 is provided with a notch 123 on the -X side wall through which the signal transmission section 111 of FPC 110A is inserted, and a notch 123 on the +X side wall through which the signal transmission section 111 of FPC 110B is inserted.

[0112] Modification 2 has been described above with reference to Figure 14. According to Modification 2, the first connector 10 has two FPCs 110A and 110B, and the insertion portions 113 of the two FPCs 110A and 110B are inserted into the internal terminals 210 of the second connector 20. Therefore, the two flexible printed circuit boards 110A and 110B can be electrically connected to the circuit board on which the second connector 20 is mounted.

[0113] Embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above with reference to the drawings (Figures 1 to 14). However, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be implemented in various forms without departing from its essence. Furthermore, the multiple components disclosed in the above embodiments can be modified as appropriate. For example, some components from all the components shown in one embodiment may be added to the components of another embodiment, or some components from all the components shown in one embodiment may be removed from the embodiment.

[0114] The drawings schematically show each component in order to facilitate understanding, and the thickness, length, number, spacing, etc. of each component shown may differ from the actual dimensions due to the constraints of drawing creation. Furthermore, the configuration of each component shown in the above embodiments is merely an example and is not particularly limiting, and it goes without saying that various modifications are possible within the scope that does not substantially deviate from the effects of this disclosure.

[0115] For example, in the embodiment described with reference to Figures 1 to 14, a shield terminal 120 was used as the first mating portion. However, if the signal transmitted by the FPC 110 is a digital signal, the first mating portion does not have to be a shield terminal 120, as long as it can be mated to the second mating portion of the second connector 20.

[0116] Furthermore, in the embodiment described with reference to Figures 1 to 14, the FPC 110 was bent at approximately a right angle, but the bending angle of the FPC 110 may be acute or obtuse.

[0117] Furthermore, in the embodiment described with reference to Figures 1 to 14, the FPC 110 is bent at one location, but the FPC 110 may be bent at two or more locations.

[0118] This disclosure provides connector sets and connectors, which have industrial applicability.

[0119] 10 First connector 11 First main surface 12 First conductive pattern 12a First electrode section 13 Second main surface 14 Second conductive pattern 14a Solid electrode section (third electrode section) 14b Second electrode section 15 Conductive section 20 Second connector 21 First terminal piece 21a First contact section 21b First base section 22 Second terminal piece 22a Second contact section 22b Second base section 23 Connecting section 100 Connector set 110, 110A, 110B Flexible printed circuit board (FPC) 111 Signal transmission section 112 Bent section 113 Insertion section 113a Tip section 120 Shield terminal (first mating section) 123 Notch section 133 Cover section 133a Contact surface 140 Reinforcement plate (reinforcement section) 210 Internal terminal 220 External terminal (second mating part) 234 Intervening part 240 Support part C1 First contact C2 Second contact D1 First direction D2 Second direction D3 Thickness direction G Gap TH1 Thickness of flexible printed circuit board TH2 Thickness of cover part (holding part)

Claims

1. A connector set comprising a first connector and a second connector connected to the first connector, wherein the first connector has a flexible printed circuit board having a first main surface, a second main surface opposite to the first main surface, a first conductive pattern formed on the first main surface, and a second conductive pattern formed on the second main surface, and a first mating portion that fits into the second connector, the flexible printed circuit board includes a signal transmission portion, a bent portion, and an insertion portion, and has a bent shape at the bent portion, the signal transmission portion extends in a first direction from the bent portion, the insertion portion has a tip portion that constitutes a part of the end of the flexible printed circuit board and extends in a second direction intersecting the first direction from the bent portion, the first conductive pattern includes a first electrode portion provided on the first main surface of the insertion portion, the second conductive pattern includes a second electrode portion provided on the second main surface of the insertion portion, and the second connector has internal terminals that sandwich the insertion portion and contact the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion, A connector set having a first mating portion and a second mating portion into which the first mating portion is mated.

2. The connector set according to claim 1, wherein the internal terminal includes a first terminal piece and a second terminal piece that faces the first terminal piece and sandwiches the insertion portion together with the first terminal piece, and the thickness of the first terminal piece and the second terminal piece is smaller than the thickness of the flexible printed circuit board.

3. The connector set according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the internal terminal includes a first terminal piece and a second terminal piece facing the first terminal piece and sandwiching the insertion portion together with the first terminal piece, the first terminal piece includes a first base and a first contact portion extending from the first base, the second terminal piece includes a second base and a second contact portion extending from the second base, and in a connected state in which the first connector and the second connector are connected, the first contact portion is in contact with the first electrode portion, the second contact portion is in contact with the second electrode portion, and the tip portion of the insertion portion is separated from the first base and the second base.

4. The connector set according to claim 3, wherein the internal terminal further includes a connecting portion that connects the first base portion and the second base portion, and the tip portion of the insertion portion is separated from the connecting portion.

5. The connector set according to claim 3, wherein the second connector further has an intervening portion interposed between the first base and the second base, and the tip of the insertion portion is separated from the intervening portion.

6. The connector set according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the internal terminal includes a first terminal piece and a second terminal piece facing the first terminal piece and sandwiching the insertion portion together with the first terminal piece, the first terminal piece includes a first contact portion that contacts the first electrode portion when the first connector and the second connector are connected, the second terminal piece includes a second contact portion that contacts the second electrode portion when the connection is made, and a gap is provided between the first contact portion and the second contact portion, the size of which is smaller than the thickness of the flexible printed circuit board when the first connector and the second connector are not connected.

7. The connector set according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the flexible printed circuit board further has a conductive portion extending in the thickness direction of the flexible printed circuit board that electrically connects the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion.

8. The connector set according to claim 7, wherein the conductive portion is located between the contact point between the first electrode portion and the internal terminal and the contact point between the second electrode portion and the internal terminal when the first connector and the second connector are connected.

9. The connector set according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first connector further has a reinforcing portion that holds the signal transmission portion from the second main surface side.

10. The connector set according to claim 9, wherein the first mating portion protrudes from the reinforcing portion.

11. The connector set according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the second conductive pattern further includes a third electrode portion provided on the second main surface of the signal transmission portion and connected to ground potential, the first mating portion includes a shield terminal connected to ground potential, and the reinforcing portion electrically connects the third electrode portion and the shield terminal.

12. The connector set according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the second connector further has a support portion that protrudes toward the signal transmission portion, and the support portion supports the signal transmission portion from the first main surface side.

13. The connector set according to claim 12, wherein the support portion includes the second mating portion.

14. The connector set according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the first connector further has a holding portion that holds the bent portion from the second main surface side.

15. The connector set according to claim 14, wherein the thickness of the retaining portion is greater than the thickness of the flexible printed circuit board.

16. The connector set according to claim 14 or claim 15, wherein the retaining portion has a contact surface that contacts the second main surface of the curved portion, and the contact surface has a shape that conforms to the second main surface of the curved portion.

17. The connector set according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the first mating portion has an annular shape surrounding the insertion portion, and the first mating portion has a notch through which the signal transmission portion is inserted.

18. The connector set according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the first connector has two flexible printed circuit boards, and the insertion portions of each of the two flexible printed circuit boards are inserted into the internal terminals.

19. A connector for connecting to a mating connector, comprising: a flexible printed circuit board having a first main surface, a second main surface opposite to the first main surface, a first conductive pattern formed on the first main surface, and a second conductive pattern formed on the second main surface; and a mating portion for mating with the mating portion of the mating connector, wherein the flexible printed circuit board includes a signal transmission portion, a bent portion, and an insertion portion, and has a bent shape at the bent portion; the signal transmission portion extends from the bent portion in a first direction; the insertion portion has a tip portion that constitutes a part of the end of the flexible printed circuit board and extends from the bent portion in a second direction intersecting the first direction; the first conductive pattern includes a first electrode portion provided on the first main surface of the insertion portion; the second conductive pattern includes a second electrode portion provided on the second main surface of the insertion portion; and the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion contact the internal terminals of the mating connector.

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