Connector set

Abstract

This connector set comprises: a first connector provided with a first substrate, a first electrode portion disposed on the first substrate, and an electrically conductive first external terminal that covers the first substrate while exposing the first electrode portion; and a second connector provided with a second substrate, a second electrode portion disposed on the second substrate, and an electrically conductive second external terminal that is disposed on the second substrate so as to surround the second electrode portion, is configured so as to come into contact with and fit into the first external terminal from the outside, and is electrically connected to a ground potential. When the first external terminal and the second external terminal are fitted together, the first electrode portion is disposed facing the second electrode portion with a gap therebetween, and performs non-contact transmission with the second electrode portion.

Description

Connector set

[0005]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a connector mounted on a flexible printed circuit board or the like. The connector of Patent Document 1 is electrically connected to a mating connector mounted on a printed circuit board or the like by fitting with the mating connector. In Patent Document 1, when the connector and the mating connector are fitted, the contacts of the connector contact the contacts of the mating connector, so that the connector and the mating connector are electrically connected.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-207089

[0004] The connector described in Patent Document 1 has a problem that the loss of high-frequency signals between the contacts of the connector and the contacts of the mating connector becomes large.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a connector set capable of reducing the loss of high-frequency signals.

[0006] One aspect of the present invention provides a connector set including: a first connector including a first substrate, a first electrode portion disposed on the first substrate, and a first external terminal having conductivity and covering the first substrate while exposing the first electrode portion; a second connector including a second substrate, a second electrode portion disposed on the second substrate, and a second external terminal having conductivity and disposed on the second substrate so as to surround the second electrode portion and configured to contact and fit with the first external terminal from the outside and electrically connected to a ground potential; wherein the first electrode portion is disposed to face the second electrode portion with a gap therebetween when the first external terminal and the second external terminal are fitted, and performs non-contact transmission with the second electrode portion.

[0007] According to the present disclosure, a connector set capable of reducing the loss of high-frequency signals can be provided. ​Figure 1 is a perspective view of a connector set according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the first connector shown in Figure 1. Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the second connector shown in Figure 1. Figure 4 is a plan view of the connector set shown in Figure 1. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view along the line V-V in Figure 4. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view along the line VI-VI in Figure 4.

[0009] Hereinafter, a connector set according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following description is essentially illustrative and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, its applications, or its uses. Furthermore, the drawings are schematic, and the proportions of dimensions, etc., may differ from those of actual devices.

[0010] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a connector set 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The connector set 1 is a component for transmitting signals between two substrates. In particular, the connector set 1 is used to transmit high-frequency signals, including signals having radio frequency (RF), between two substrates. Referring to Figure 1, the connector set 1 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape as a whole.

[0011] In the following description, the longitudinal direction along each side of the connector set 1 may be referred to as the X direction, the transverse direction as the Y direction, and the height direction as the Z direction. In particular, in Figure 1, the front left side may be referred to as the +X side, the back right side as the -X side, the front right side as the +Y side, the back left side as the -Y side, the top side as the +Z side, and the bottom side as the -Z side. In this embodiment, the X, Y, and Z directions are orthogonal to each other. Furthermore, in this specification, the side closer to the center of the connector set 1 in each direction may be referred to as the inside, and the side further from the center of the connector set 1 in each direction may be referred to as the outside.

[0012] Referring to Figure 1, the connector set 1 comprises a first connector 2 and a second connector 3 that mates with the first connector 2. The first connector 2 is a male connector, and the second connector 3 is a female connector that receives the first connector 2. In other words, the first connector 2 is a plug, and the second connector 3 is a plug connector.

[0013] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the first connector 2. Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the second connector 3. Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the first connector 2 comprises a first substrate 10, a first electrode portion 20, a first external terminal 30, a reinforcing plate 40, and a dielectric sheet 50. The second connector 3 comprises a second substrate 60, a second electrode portion 70, and a second external terminal 80. The first connector 2 and the second connector 3 are mechanically connected by the interlocking of the first external terminal 30 and the second external terminal 80.

[0014] Referring to Figure 2, the first substrate 10 is a flexible printed circuit board (FPC). Two signal transmission circuits C1 and C2 (shown in Figure 5) are arranged within the first substrate 10. In the following description, when there is no need to distinguish between the two signal transmission circuits C1 and C2, one of the two signal transmission circuits C1 and C2 may simply be referred to as signal transmission circuit C. The first substrate 10 includes a component mounting section 11 and a wiring section 12.

[0015] The component mounting section 11 has a first electrode section 20 mounted on it. The component mounting section 11 is a flat plate with the Z direction as its thickness direction. When viewed along the Z direction, the component mounting section 11 has a rectangular shape. The component mounting section 11 is positioned inside the second external terminal 80 (shown in Figure 1) when the first external terminal 30 and the second external terminal 80 are fitted together. The component mounting section 11 has a reinforcing plate 40 attached to it, making it less prone to deformation compared to the wiring section 12, which does not have a reinforcing plate 40 attached.

[0016] The wiring section 12 extends from the component mounting section 11 toward the -X side. The wiring section 12 is a flat plate with the Z direction as its thickness direction. The wiring section 12 is positioned outside the second external terminal 80 when the first external terminal 30 and the second external terminal 80 are fitted together. In other words, the wiring section 12 is the part that is pulled out from inside the second external terminal 80 when the first external terminal 30 and the second external terminal 80 are fitted together.

[0017] The first substrate 10 includes two placement stands 13A and 13B. In the following description, when there is no need to distinguish between the two placement stands 13A and 13B, one of the two placement stands 13A and 13B may simply be referred to as placement stand 13.

[0018] The mounting base 13 is a flat plate with the Z direction as its thickness direction. The mounting base 13 protrudes toward the -Z direction from the -Z side of the component mounting section 11. The -Z side of the mounting base 13 is located further toward the -Z direction than the -Z side of the component mounting section 11. In other words, the -Z side of the mounting base 13 is located further toward the -Z direction than the rest of the first substrate 10. The two mounting bases 13A and 13B are spaced apart in the X direction.

[0019] The first substrate 10 is equipped with an electromagnetic shield 14. The electromagnetic shield 14 is positioned between two mounting bases 13A and 13B in the X direction. The electromagnetic shield 14 blocks electromagnetic waves between the first electrodes 21A and 21B, which will be described later.

[0020] The first electrode section 20 comprises two first electrodes 21A and 21B. In the following description, when there is no need to distinguish between the two first electrodes 21A and 21B, one of the two first electrodes 21A and 21B may simply be referred to as the first electrode 21.

[0021] The first electrode 21 is electrically connected to a signal transmission circuit C (shown in Figure 5) located within the first substrate 10. The first electrodes 21A and 21B are electrically connected to their respective signal transmission circuits C1 and C2.

[0022] The first electrode 21 is a flat plate with its thickness in the Z direction, and is square in shape when viewed in a plan view along the Z direction. The two first electrodes 21A and 21B are spaced apart in the X direction. The first electrode 21A is positioned on the -Z side of the mounting base 13A, and the first electrode 21B is positioned on the -Z side of the mounting base 13B.

[0023] The first external terminal 30 functions as an electromagnetic shield that blocks external electromagnetic waves, thereby reducing the influence of external electromagnetic waves on the first electrode portion 20 and the signal transmission circuit C (shown in Figure 5) to which the first electrode portion 20 is electrically connected. The first external terminal 30 also functions as a mating portion that fits into the second external terminal 80 when the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 are mechanically and electrically connected.

[0024] The first external terminal 30 is conductive. The first external terminal 30 is made of metal. The first external terminal 30 covers the component mounting portion 11 while exposing the first electrode portion 20. The first external terminal 30 is press-fitted into the first substrate 10 and is formed integrally with the first substrate 10.

[0025] The first external terminal 30 is rectangular in shape, with the X direction as the longitudinal direction and the Y direction as the short direction. The first external terminal 30 comprises a pair of first frame members 31A and 31B, a pair of second frame members 32A and 32B, and a third frame member 33. In the following description, when it is not necessary to distinguish between the pair of first frame members 31A and 31B, one of the pair of first frame members 31A and 31B may simply be referred to as the first frame member 31. In the following description, when it is not necessary to distinguish between the pair of second frame members 32A and 32B, one of the pair of second frame members 32A and 32B may simply be referred to as the second frame member 32.

[0026] The first frame member 31 extends in the X direction. The pair of first frame members 31A and 31B are arranged facing each other with a gap between them in the Y direction.

[0027] The second frame member 32 extends in the Y direction. The pair of second frame members 32A and 32B are arranged facing each other in the X direction with a gap between them. The +Y side end of the second frame member 32A is connected to the +X side end of the first frame member 31A, and the -Y side end of the second frame member 32A is connected to the +X side end of the first frame member 31B. In this way, the second frame member 32A connects the +X side ends of the pair of first frame members 31A and 31B. The +Y side end of the second frame member 32B is connected to the -X side end of the first frame member 31A, and the -Y side end of the second frame member 32B is connected to the -X side end of the first frame member 31B.

[0028] An opening 34 is formed in the center of the second frame member 32B in the Y direction. The second frame member 32B is divided in the Y direction by the opening 34. The wiring portion 12 of the first substrate 10 is located inside the opening 34.

[0029] The third frame member 33 extends in the Y direction. The third frame member 33 connects the central part of the first frame member 31A in the X direction to the central part of the first frame member 31B in the X direction. The third frame member 33 is positioned between the two first electrodes 21A and 21B in the X direction. The third frame member 33 is positioned to separate the two first electrodes 21A and 21B. The third frame member 33 functions as an electromagnetic shield that blocks electromagnetic waves between the two first electrodes 21A and 21B.

[0030] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, a plurality of external protrusions 35A to 35F are arranged on the outer surface of the first external terminal 30. External protrusions 35A and 35B are arranged on the +Y side of the first frame member 31A, spaced apart from each other in the X direction. External protrusions 35A and 35B protrude from the +Y side of the first frame member 31A toward the +Y side and extend in a long, slender shape in the X direction. External protrusions 35C and 35D are arranged on the -Y side of the first frame member 31B, spaced apart from each other in the X direction. External protrusions 35C and 35D protrude from the -Y side of the first frame member 31B toward the -Y side and extend in a long, slender shape in the X direction. External protrusions 35E and 35F are arranged on the +X side of the second frame member 32A, spaced apart from each other in the Y direction. The external protrusions 35E and 35F project from the +X side of the second frame member 32A toward the +X side and extend in the Y direction.

[0031] The reinforcing plate 40 suppresses deformation of the component mounting area 11 of the first substrate 10. The reinforcing plate 40 is plate-shaped with the Z direction as the thickness direction. The reinforcing plate 40 is made of metal. The rigidity of the reinforcing plate 40 is higher than the rigidity of the first substrate 10. The reinforcing plate 40 is attached to the +Z side surface of the first substrate 10 by adhesive. The reinforcing plate 40 covers the +Z side surface of the component mounting area 11. The reinforcing plate 40 covers the component mounting area 11 together with the first external terminal 30.

[0032] The dielectric sheet 50 is positioned between the first electrode portion 20 and the second electrode portion 70 when the first external terminal 30 and the second external terminal 80 are fitted together. The dielectric sheet 50 has a dielectric constant higher than that of air. The dielectric sheet 50 is, for example, a silicone rubber sheet. The dielectric sheet 50 in this embodiment has two sheet pieces 51A and 51B attached to the corresponding first electrodes 21A and 21B, respectively. The sheet pieces 51A and 51B cover the corresponding first electrodes 21A and 21B, respectively.

[0033] Referring to Figure 3, the second substrate 60 comprises a main body 61 and two placement stands 62A and 62B. In the following description, when there is no need to distinguish between the two placement stands 62A and 62B, one of the two placement stands 62A and 62B may simply be referred to as placement stand 62.

[0034] The main body 61 is a flat plate with the Z direction as the thickness direction. A land 61a for mounting the second external terminal 80 is provided on the +Z side of the main body 61. The land 61a is electrically connected to the ground potential.

[0035] The mounting base 62 is a flat plate with the Z direction as its thickness direction. The mounting base 62 protrudes from the +Z side of the main body 61 toward the +Z side. The +Z side of the mounting base 62 is positioned further toward the +Z side than the +Z side of the main body 61. The two mounting bases 62A and 62B are spaced apart in the X direction.

[0036] The second electrode section 70 performs non-contact transmission with the first electrode section 20. The second electrode section 70 comprises two second electrodes 71A and 71B. In the following description, when it is not necessary to distinguish between the two second electrodes 71A and 71B, one of the two second electrodes 71A and 71B may simply be referred to as the second electrode 71. In this specification, "non-contact transmission" means the transmission of an electrical signal between two electrodes that are not in direct physical contact. "Non-contact transmission" includes the transmission of an electrical signal between two electrodes that are spaced apart from each other, via a dielectric material (e.g., an air layer or a dielectric sheet) placed between the two electrodes.

[0037] The second electrode 71 is electrically connected to a signal transmission circuit (not shown). The second electrodes 71A and 71B are electrically connected to different signal transmission circuits. The second electrode 71 is a flat plate with its thickness in the Z direction, and is square in shape when viewed in a plan view along the Z direction. The two second electrodes 71A and 71B are spaced apart in the X direction. The second electrode 71A is positioned on the +Z side of the mounting base 62A, and the second electrode 71B is positioned on the +Z side of the mounting base 62B.

[0038] The second external terminal 80 functions as an electromagnetic shield that blocks external electromagnetic waves and reduces the influence of external electromagnetic waves on the second electrode portion 70. The second external terminal 80 also functions as a mating portion that fits into the first external terminal 30 when the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 are mechanically and electrically connected.

[0039] The second external terminal 80 comprises a pair of first side walls 81A, 81B, a pair of second side walls 82A, 82B, and a bottom wall 83.

[0040] Each of the first side walls 81A and 81B extends in the X direction. The first side walls 81A and 81B are arranged facing each other in the Y direction with a gap between them.

[0041] Each of the second side walls 82A and 82B extends in the Y direction. The pair of second side walls 82A and 82B are positioned facing each other in the X direction with a gap between them. The +Y end of the second side wall 82A is connected to the +X end of the first side wall 81A, and the -Y end of the second side wall 82A is connected to the +X end of the first side wall 81B. In this way, the second side wall 82A connects the +X ends of the pair of first side walls 81A and 81B. The +Y end of the second side wall 82B is connected to the -X end of the first side wall 81A, and the -Y end of the second side wall 82B is connected to the -X end of the first side wall 81B.

[0042] The bottom wall 83 extends in the Y direction. The bottom wall 83 connects the central part of the first side wall 81A in the X direction to the central part of the first side wall 811B in the X direction. The bottom wall 83 is positioned between the two second electrodes 71A and 71B in the X direction. The bottom wall 83 is positioned to separate the two second electrodes 71A and 71B. The bottom wall 83 functions as an electromagnetic shield that blocks electromagnetic waves between the two second electrodes 71A and 71B.

[0043] At the central portions of the first side walls 81A and 81B in the X direction, corresponding cutouts 84A and 84B are respectively formed. The cutouts 84A and 84B are each formed to be recessed from the +Z side surface of the corresponding first side wall 81A or 81B toward the -Z side, and extend so as to penetrate the corresponding first side wall 81A or 81B in the Y direction. The thickness of the portion of each of the first side walls 81A and 81B where the corresponding cutout 84A or 84B is formed, that is, the dimension in the Z direction, is thinner than the thickness of the portion where the cutouts 84A and 84B are not formed.

[0044] At the central portion of the second side wall 82A in the Y direction, a cutout 85 is formed. The cutout 85 is recessed from the +Z side surface of the second side wall 82A toward the -Z side, and extends so as to penetrate the second side wall 82A in the X direction. The thickness of the portion of the second side wall 82A where the cutout 85 is formed, that is, the dimension in the Z direction, is thinner than the thickness of the portion where the cutout 85 is not formed.

[0045] At the central portion of the second side wall 82B in the Y direction, an outlet 86 for pulling out the first substrate 10 from inside the second external terminal 80 to the outside is formed. The outlet 86 divides the second side wall 82 in the Y direction. When the first external terminal 30 and the second external terminal 80 are fitted together, the wiring portion 12 (shown in FIG. 2) of the first electrode 21 is inserted into the outlet 86.

[0046] On the inner side surface of the second external terminal 80, a plurality of grooves 87A to 87F are arranged. The grooves 87A and 87B are arranged at intervals in the X direction on the -Y side surface of the first side wall 81A. The grooves 87A and 87B are recessed from the -Y side surface of the first side wall 81A toward the +Y side. The grooves 87C and 87D are arranged at intervals in the X direction on the +Y side surface of the first side wall 81B. The grooves 87C and 87D are recessed from the +Y side surface of the first side wall 81B toward the -Y side. The grooves 87E and 87F are arranged at intervals in the Y direction on the -X side surface of the second side wall 82A. The grooves 87E and 87F are respectively recessed from the -X side surface of the second side wall 82A toward the +X side.

[0047] FIG. 4 is a plan view of the connector set 1 according to the present embodiment viewed from the +Z side. In FIG. 4, a state where the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 are mechanically and electrically connected is shown.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 4, the inner shape of the second external terminal 80 is generally similar to the outer shape of the first external terminal 30 and is slightly larger than the outer shape of the first external terminal 30. When the first external terminal 30 and the second external terminal 80 are fitted together, the external protrusions 35A to 35F (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) of the first external terminal 30 and the grooves 87A to 87F (shown in FIG. 3) of the corresponding second external terminal 80 are fitted together, whereby the first external terminal 30 and the second external terminal 80 are locked. Also, when the first external terminal 30 and the second external terminal 80 are fitted together, the second external terminal 80 contacts the first external terminal 30 from the outside, whereby the first external terminal 30 and the second external terminal 80 are electrically connected. Thereby, the first external terminal 30 is electrically connected to the ground potential via the second external terminal 80.

[0049] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line V-V of FIG. 4. As shown in FIG. 5, when the first external terminal 30 and the second external terminal 80 are fitted together, the first electrodes 21A and 21B are arranged at intervals in the Z direction with respect to the corresponding second electrodes 71A and 71B. When the first external terminal 30 and the second external terminal 80 are fitted together, the first electrodes 21A and 21B face each other in the Z direction with respect to the corresponding second electrodes 71A and 71B. In other words, when the first external terminal 30 and the second external terminal 80 are fitted together, the first electrodes 21A and 21B are aligned in the X direction and the Y direction with respect to the corresponding second electrodes 71A and 71B. The first electrodes 21A and 21B perform non-contact transmission with the corresponding second electrodes 71A and 71B.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 5, when the first external terminal 30 and the second external terminal 80 are fitted together, a sheet piece 51 is arranged between the first electrode 21 and the corresponding second electrode 71. By arranging the sheet piece 51 between the first electrode 21 and the corresponding second electrode 71, direct contact between the first electrode 21 and the corresponding second electrode 71 is prevented.

[0051] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view along the line VI-VI in Figure 4. As shown in Figure 6, the electromagnetic shield 14 is composed of a plurality of via conductors 14a arranged in the first substrate 10 and extending in the Z direction, and a plurality of conductor layers 14b arranged in the first substrate 10 and extending in the X direction.

[0052] Multiple via conductors 14a are arranged side by side in the Y direction, spaced apart from each other. Each of the multiple via conductors 14a is electrically connected to ground potential. In other words, each via conductor 14a is a ground conductor.

[0053] Multiple conductor layers 14b are arranged with gaps between them in the Y direction. An insulating layer is placed between two adjacent conductor layers 14b in the Y direction. Multiple conductor layers 14b are electrically connected to ground potential. In other words, each conductor layer 14b is a ground layer. Multiple conductor layers 14b extend across multiple via conductors 14a, electrically connecting the multiple via conductors 14a. As a result, a grid-like electromagnetic shield 14 is formed within the first substrate 10.

[0054] The first external terminal 30 is provided with two internal protrusions 36A and 36B. The internal protrusions 36A and 36B are located in the center of the corresponding first frame members 31A and 31B in the X direction. Internal protrusion 36A protrudes from the -Y side of the first frame member 31A toward the -Y side. Internal protrusion 36B protrudes from the +Y side of the first frame member 31B toward the +Y side. Internal protrusion 36A is in contact with the via conductor 14a located furthest toward the +Y side among the multiple via conductors 14a constituting the electromagnetic shield 14. Similarly, internal protrusion 36B is in contact with the via conductor 14a located furthest toward the -Y side among the multiple via conductors 14a constituting the electromagnetic shield 14. The electromagnetic shield 14 is electrically connected to the first external terminal 30 by the contact between the internal protrusions 36A and 36B and the corresponding via conductors 14a. Furthermore, the electromagnetic shield 14 is electrically connected to the ground potential via the first external terminal 30 and the second external terminal 80.

[0055] Referring to Figure 6, the first side walls 81A and 81B have corresponding notches 88A and 88B formed therein. Notch 88A is recessed from the +Y side of the first side wall 81A toward the -Y side and extends along the entire length of the first side wall 81A in the X direction. Notch 88B is recessed from the -Y side of the first side wall 81B toward the +Y side and extends along the entire length of the first side wall 81B in the X direction. In this embodiment, notches 88A and 88B are formed across the outer surface and the -Z side of the corresponding first side walls 81A and 81B, respectively. In other words, in this embodiment, notches 88A and 88B are formed in a stepped manner, recessed from the -Z side of the corresponding first side walls 81A and 81B toward the +Z side. The width of the portion of the first side walls 81A and 81B in which the corresponding notches 88A and 88B are formed, i.e., the dimension in the Y direction, is narrower than the width of the portion in which the notches 88A and 88B are not formed.

[0056] Referring to Figure 5, corresponding notches 89A and 89B are formed in the second side walls 82A and 82B, respectively. Notch 89A is recessed from the +X side of the second side wall 82A toward the -X side and extends along the entire length of the second side wall 82A in the Y direction. Notch 89B is recessed from the -X side of the second side wall 82B toward the +X side and extends along the entire length of the second side wall 82B in the Y direction. In this embodiment, notches 89A and 89B are formed spanning the outer surface and the -Z side surface of the corresponding second side walls 82A and 82B, respectively. In other words, in this embodiment, notches 89A and 89B are formed in a stepped shape recessed from the -Z side of the corresponding second side walls 82A and 82B toward the +Z side. The width of the portions of the second side walls 82A and 82B in which the corresponding notches 89A and 89B are formed, i.e., the dimension in the X direction, is narrower than the width of the portions in which the notches 89A and 89B are not formed.

[0057] Although not shown in the diagram, the notches 88A, 88B and the notches 89A, 89B are formed continuously. The second external terminal 80 has a notch formed around its entire circumference that is recessed from the outer surface inward. As a result, the side surface of the second external terminal 80 on the -Z side has a step formed around its entire circumference that is recessed toward the +Z side.

[0058] The connector set 1 according to this embodiment provides the following effects.

[0059] (1) The connector set 1 comprises: a first connector 2 comprising a first substrate 10, a first electrode portion 20 disposed on the first substrate 10, and a first external terminal 30 which is conductive and covers the first substrate 10 while exposing the first electrode portion 20; and a second connector 3 comprising a second substrate 60, a second electrode portion 70 disposed on the second substrate 60, and a second external terminal 80 which is conductive, disposed on the second substrate 60 so as to surround the second electrode portion 70, configured to contact and fit with the first external terminal 30 from the outside, and electrically connected to the ground potential; the first electrode portion 20 is positioned facing the second electrode portion 70 with a gap between them when the first external terminal 30 and the second external terminal 80 are fitted together, and non-contact transmission is performed between the first electrode portion 20 and the second electrode portion 70.

[0060] With this configuration, non-contact transmission occurs between the first electrode section 20 and the second electrode section 70. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which signals are transmitted between two electrode sections that are electrically connected by contact, the loss of high-frequency signals transmitted between the first electrode section 20 and the second electrode section 70 can be reduced.

[0061] Furthermore, when the first external terminal 30 and the second external terminal 80 are engaged, they come into contact, and the first external terminal 30 is connected to ground potential via the second external terminal 80. As a result, the first electrode section 20 is surrounded by the first external terminal 30, which is connected to ground potential, and the second electrode section 70 is surrounded by the second external terminal 80, which is connected to ground potential. Consequently, it is possible to suppress the intrusion of external noise into the high-frequency signal transmitted between the first electrode section 20 and the second electrode section 70.

[0062] (2) The connector set 1 includes a dielectric sheet 50 having a dielectric constant greater than that of air, which is placed between the first electrode portion 20 and the second electrode portion 70 when the first external terminal 30 and the second external terminal 80 are fitted together.

[0063] When the first external terminal 30 and the second external terminal 80 are fitted together, if the first electrode portion 20 and the second electrode portion 70 make contact or not make contact, the non-contact transmission between the first electrode portion 20 and the second electrode portion 70 may become unstable. In contrast, with this configuration, since the dielectric sheet 50 is placed between the first electrode portion 20 and the second electrode portion 70, direct contact between the first electrode portion 20 and the second electrode portion 70 can be suppressed when the first external terminal 30 and the second external terminal 80 are fitted together. As a result, the first electrode portion 20 and the second electrode portion 70 can be kept in a stable non-contact state, and the stability of non-contact transmission between the first electrode portion 20 and the second electrode portion 70 can be improved.

[0064] (3) The first electrode portion 20 includes a plurality of first electrodes 21, the second electrode portion 70 includes a plurality of second electrodes 71A, 71B corresponding to the plurality of first electrodes 21A, 21B respectively, and the dielectric sheet 50 includes a plurality of sheet pieces 51A, 51B corresponding to the plurality of first electrodes 21A, 21B and the plurality of second electrodes 71A, 71B, respectively, which are arranged facing each other.

[0065] With this configuration, the thickness and position of the corresponding sheet piece 51 can be individually adjusted for each pair of the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 71, which are arranged facing each other. By appropriately adjusting the thickness and position of the sheet piece 51, high-frequency signals can be transmitted efficiently and stably between the first electrode section 20 and the second electrode section 70.

[0066] (4) The dielectric sheet 50 is attached to the first electrode portion 20.

[0067] With this configuration, since the dielectric sheet 50 is attached to the first connector 2, which is a male connector, the position of the dielectric sheet 50 can be easily adjusted compared to a configuration in which the dielectric sheet 50 is attached to the second connector 3, which is a female connector. By appropriately adjusting the position of the dielectric sheet 50, high-frequency signals can be transmitted efficiently and stably between the first electrode section 20 and the second electrode section 70.

[0068] (5) The first electrode section 20 includes a plurality of first electrodes 21, and the first substrate 10 is provided with an electromagnetic shield 14 which is positioned between two adjacent first electrodes 21 and electrically connected to the ground potential.

[0069] In this configuration, since the electromagnetic shield 14, which is electrically connected to the ground potential, is positioned between two adjacent first electrodes 21, electromagnetic interference between the two adjacent first electrodes 21 can be suppressed. As a result, the generation of noise between the two adjacent first electrodes 21 can be suppressed.

[0070] (6) The electromagnetic shield 14 is disposed within the first substrate 10 and comprises a plurality of via conductors 14a extending in the thickness direction of the first substrate 10, and a plurality of conductor layers 14b disposed within the first substrate 10 and extending across the plurality of via conductors 14a in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction, and the first external terminal 30 is electrically connected to the plurality of via conductors 14a and the plurality of conductor layers 14b.

[0071] In this configuration, the electromagnetic shield 14 is made up of a grid of multiple via conductors 14a and multiple conductor layers 14b. Compared to a configuration in which the electromagnetic shield 14 is made up of either multiple via conductors 14a or multiple conductor layers 14b, the electromagnetic shield 14 can more effectively suppress electromagnetic interference between two adjacent first electrodes 21A and 21B.

[0072] (7) The first electrode section 20 includes a plurality of first electrodes 21, and the first external terminal 30 includes a third frame member 33 positioned between two adjacent first electrodes 21.

[0073] With this configuration, the third frame member 33, which is conductive and electrically connected to the ground potential, is positioned between the two adjacent first electrodes 21. This suppresses electromagnetic interference between the two adjacent first electrodes 21. As a result, it is possible to suppress the generation of noise between the two adjacent first electrodes 21.

[0074] (8) The second external terminal 80 is rectangular in shape and comprises a pair of first side walls 81A, 81B extending along the longitudinal direction and a pair of second side walls 82A, 82B extending along the short direction and connecting the ends of the pair of first side walls 81A, 81B, respectively. One of the pair of second side walls 82A, 82B (the second side wall 82B in this embodiment) has an outlet 86 for pulling out a part of the first substrate 10 (the wiring portion 12 in this embodiment) that is placed inside the second external terminal 80 when the first external terminal 30 and the second external terminal 80 are fitted together.

[0075] This configuration makes it possible to suppress a decrease in the mechanical strength of the second external terminal 80 compared to a configuration in which the outlet 86 is located on the first side wall 81 that extends in the longitudinal direction.

[0076] (9) The second substrate 60 comprises a flat body 61 and a mounting base 62 protruding from the body 61, and the second electrode portion 70 is placed on the mounting base 62.

[0077] With this configuration, the distance between the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 71 can be shortened compared to a configuration in which the second electrode portion 70 is arranged on the main body 61 of the second substrate 60. As a result, the loss of high-frequency signals transmitted between the first electrode portion 20 and the second electrode portion 70 can be reduced.

[0078] (10) The second external terminal 80 is rectangular in shape and has a pair of first side walls 81A, 81B and second side walls 82A, 82B that connect the ends of the pair of first side walls 81A, 81B, respectively. The second external terminal 80 has notches 88, 89 that are recessed inward in a direction intersecting the thickness direction of the second substrate 60 from the outer surface of each side wall 81, 82, and the notches 88, 89 are formed around the entire circumference of the second external terminal 80.

[0079] This configuration improves the springiness of the second external terminal 80. As a result, the second external terminal 80 can absorb any misalignment between the first external terminal 30 and the second external terminal 80 when they are mated together. Consequently, the reliability of the connection between the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 can be improved.

[0080] (11) At least one of the pair of first side walls 81A, 81B and the pair of second side walls 82A, 82B (in this embodiment, the first side walls 81A, 81B and the second side wall 82A) has notches 84, 85 that penetrate the side wall in a direction intersecting the direction in which the side wall extends.

[0081] This configuration improves the springiness of the second external terminal 80. As a result, the second external terminal 80 can absorb any misalignment between the first external terminal 30 and the second external terminal 80 when they are mated together. Consequently, the reliability of the connection between the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 can be improved.

[0082] [Modification] The coaxial connector according to this disclosure is not limited to the configuration of the embodiment described above, and various modifications are possible.

[0083] In the above embodiment, the first electrode section 20 had two first electrodes 21A and 21B, but the first electrode section 20 may have one first electrode 21, or three or more first electrodes 21. Also, the second electrode section 70 had two second electrodes 71A and 71B, but the second electrode section 70 may have one second electrode 71, or three or more second electrodes 71.

[0084] In the above embodiment, the dielectric sheet 50 had two sheet pieces 51, but the dielectric sheet 50 may be made of one dielectric sheet, in which case the one dielectric sheet may cover the two first electrodes 21A and 21B.

[0085] In the above embodiment, the dielectric sheet 50 was attached to the first electrode portion 20, but the dielectric sheet 50 may also be attached to the second electrode portion 70.

[0086] 1 Connector set 2 First connector 3 Second connector 10 First circuit board 11 Component mounting section 12 Wiring section 13 Placement base 14 Electromagnetic shield 14a Via conductor 14b Conductor layer 20 First electrode section 21 First electrode 30 First external terminal 31 First frame member 32 Second frame member 33 Third frame member 34 Opening 35 External projection 36 Internal projection 40 Reinforcement plate 50 Dielectric sheet 51 Sheet piece 60 Second circuit board 61 Main body 61a Land 62 Placement base 70 Second electrode section 71 Second electrode 80 Second external terminal 81 First side wall 82 Second side wall 83 Bottom wall 84 Notch 85 Notch 86 Outlet 87 Groove 88 Notch 89 Notch

Claims

1. A connector set comprising: a first connector comprising a first substrate, a first electrode portion disposed on the first substrate, and a first external terminal which is conductive and covers the first substrate while exposing the first electrode portion; and a second connector comprising a second substrate, a second electrode portion disposed on the second substrate, and a second external terminal which is conductive, disposed on the second substrate so as to surround the second electrode portion, configured to contact and engage with the first external terminal from the outside, and electrically connected to the ground potential, wherein the first electrode portion is positioned facing the second electrode portion with a gap between them when the first external terminal and the second external terminal are engaged, and non-contact transmission is performed between them.

2. The connector set according to claim 1, further comprising a dielectric sheet having a dielectric constant greater than that of air, which is positioned between the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion when the first external terminal and the second external terminal are fitted together.

3. The connector set according to claim 2, wherein the first electrode portion includes a plurality of first electrodes, the second electrode portion includes a plurality of second electrodes corresponding to each of the plurality of first electrodes, and the dielectric sheet includes a plurality of sheet pieces corresponding to each of the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes arranged facing each other.

4. The connector set according to claim 2, wherein the dielectric sheet is attached to the first electrode portion.

5. The connector set according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first electrode portion includes a plurality of first electrodes, and the first substrate is provided with an electromagnetic shield that is disposed between two adjacent first electrodes among the plurality of first electrodes and is electrically connected to the ground potential.

6. The connector set according to claim 5, wherein the electromagnetic shield comprises a plurality of via conductors disposed within the first substrate and extending in the thickness direction of the first substrate, and a plurality of conductor layers disposed within the first substrate and extending across the plurality of via conductors in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction, and the first external terminal is electrically connected to the plurality of via conductors and the plurality of conductor layers.

7. The connector set according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first electrode portion includes a plurality of first electrodes, and the first external terminal comprises a frame member disposed between two adjacent first electrodes among the plurality of first electrodes.

8. The connector set according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the second external terminal is rectangular in shape, and comprises a pair of first side walls extending along the longitudinal direction, and a pair of second side walls extending along the short direction and connecting the ends of the pair of first side walls, and one of the pair of side walls has an outlet for pulling out a part of the first substrate, which is placed inside the second external terminal, from inside the second external terminal to the outside when the first external terminal and the second external terminal are fitted together.

9. The connector set according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the second substrate comprises a flat body and a mounting base protruding from the body, and the second electrode portion is arranged on the mounting base.

10. The connector set according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the second external terminal is rectangular in shape, and comprises a pair of first side walls and a pair of second side walls connecting the ends of the pair of first side walls, and the second external terminal has notches arranged on the outer surface of each side wall that are recessed inward in a direction intersecting the thickness direction of the second substrate, and the notches are formed around the entire circumference of the second external terminal.

11. The connector set according to claim 10, wherein at least one of the pair of first side walls and the pair of second side walls has a notch that penetrates the at least one side wall in a direction intersecting the direction in which the at least one side wall extends.

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