connector

The connector design with displaceable terminals and housings addresses deflection issues in sheet-like wiring members, enabling easy and stable electrical connections between substrates while maintaining signal integrity.

WO2026120810A1PCT designated stage Publication Date: 2026-06-11YAMAICHI ELECTRONICS CO LTD

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
YAMAICHI ELECTRONICS CO LTD
Filing Date
2024-12-06
Publication Date
2026-06-11

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing connectors for substrates using sheet-like wiring members, such as FPC and FFC, suffer from deflection issues in the central portion, leading to poor workability during electrical connections.

Method used

A connector design featuring a first and second unit mounted on each substrate, with a flexible sheet-like wiring member held by a third unit that includes a displacement portion, allowing for electrical connection through displaceable terminals and housings, ensuring proper alignment and stability during connection.

🎯Benefits of technology

Facilitates easy and stable electrical connection between substrates, reducing deformation and misalignment, improving workability, and maintaining signal transmission quality.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure JP2024043292_11062026_PF_FP_ABST
    Figure JP2024043292_11062026_PF_FP_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

This connector (10) has: a first receptacle unit (100a) mounted on a first board (11a); a second receptacle unit (100b) mounted on a second board (11b); and a plug unit (200) connecting the receptacle units (100a, 100b). Each receptacle unit (100a, 100b) has: a housing (110) fixed to the board (11a, 11b) on which the receptacle unit (100a, 100b) is mounted; and a displacement part (120) that can be displaced with respect to the housing (110). The plug unit (200) has an FPC (210) and a housing (220) that holds the FPC (210). The connector (10) electrically connects the first board (11a) and the second board (11b) to each other due to the plug unit (200) being connected to each receptacle unit (100a, 100b).
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Description

Connector 【0001】 The present disclosure relates to a connector for connecting between substrates. 【0002】 As a connector for connecting between substrates, for example, there is one using a sheet-like wiring member having flexibility, such as FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit) and FFC (Flexible Flat Cable). For example, Patent Document 1 discloses electrically connecting a plurality of horizontally installed substrates using a connector having a first connection terminal and a second connection terminal. In Patent Document 1, the first connection terminal of the connector is inserted into a hole provided in the first substrate, and the second connection terminal of the connector is inserted into a hole provided in the second substrate among the plurality of substrates, thereby electrically connecting the first substrate and the second substrate. 【0003】 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2024-37157 【0004】 Since the connector disclosed in Patent Document 1 holds only the end portion of the sheet-like wiring member, deflection may occur in the central portion of the wiring member. Therefore, when electrically connecting between substrates using such a connector, improvement in workability has been an issue. 【0005】A connector according to one aspect of the present disclosure is configured to electrically connect a first substrate and a second substrate arranged along the same predetermined plane, comprising: a first unit mounted on the first substrate; a second unit mounted on the second substrate; and a third unit electrically connecting the first unit and the second unit, wherein the first unit comprises: a first housing fixed to the first substrate; and a first displacement portion supported so as to be displaceable relative to the first housing and having one or more terminals on the first substrate side; and the second unit comprises: a second housing fixed to the second substrate; and a third unit that is displaceable relative to the second housing The gist of the invention is that the third unit has a second displacement portion supported by a structure and having one or more second substrate-side terminals, the third unit has a flexible sheet-like wiring member and a third housing that holds the wiring member, the wiring member has a first terminal held at the first end of the third housing and a second terminal held at the second end of the third housing, the first terminal and the first substrate-side terminal are in contact with each other and electrically connected when the first end and the first displacement portion are connected, and the second terminal and the second substrate-side terminal are in contact with each other and electrically connected when the second end and the second displacement portion are connected. 【0006】 According to this disclosure, substrates can be easily connected to each other. 【0007】 Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the connector before connection. Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the connector in a connected state. Figure 3(a) is a top view of the receptacle unit, Figure 3(b) is a right side view of the receptacle unit, and Figure 3(c) is a rear view of the receptacle unit. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional perspective view taken along line 4-4 as shown in Figure 1. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional perspective view taken along line 5-5 as shown in Figure 2. Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view showing the plug unit. Figure 7(a) is a top view of the housing of the plug unit, Figure 7(b) is a front view of the housing of the plug unit, Figure 7(c) is a right side view of the housing of the plug unit, and Figure 7(d) is a top view of the FPC. Figures 8(a) and 8(b) are cross-sectional views taken along line 8-8 as shown in Figure 2. 【0008】The connector relating to this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. <Electronic device and substrate> As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the electronic device EP includes a connector 10 and a plurality of substrates 11 arranged to be aligned along the same predetermined plane. For example, the electronic device EP is mounted on various devices such as vehicles, aircraft, robots, computers, and household electrical appliances. For example, the plurality of substrates 11 include a first substrate 11a and a second substrate 11b. Wiring 13 such as copper foil is formed on the mounting surface 12a of the first substrate 11a and the mounting surface 12b of the second substrate 11b, respectively. For example, the connector 10 electrically connects the wiring 13 of the first substrate 11a and the wiring 13 of the second substrate 11b. The wiring 13 may include one or more signal lines that transmit a predetermined signal. The wiring 13 may also include one or more ground lines and power lines. 【0009】 In the following description, the direction intersecting (preferably perpendicular to) each mounting surface 12a, 12b is referred to as the Z direction. In this embodiment, each substrate 11a, 11b is a horizontal substrate arranged such that the Z direction coincides with the vertical direction. The direction intersecting (preferably perpendicular to) the Z direction is referred to as the X direction, and the direction intersecting (preferably perpendicular to) both the Z direction and the X direction is referred to as the Y direction. In this embodiment, the X direction, which is an example of a second direction, coincides with the width direction of the connector 10. The Y direction, which is an example of a first direction, coincides with the direction in which the end faces of each substrate 11a, 11b face each other across a predetermined space S1. The Y direction can also be said to be the direction in which multiple substrates 11 are lined up. In the following description, one of the X directions is referred to as the +X direction, and the other direction is referred to as the -X direction. One of the Y directions is referred to as the +Y direction, and the other direction is referred to as the -Y direction. One of the Z directions is referred to as the +Z direction, and the other direction is referred to as the -Z direction. Furthermore, a plane aligned with the X and Y directions is referred to as the XY plane, a plane aligned with the Y and Z directions is referred to as the YZ plane, and a plane aligned with the Z and X directions is referred to as the ZX plane. The XY plane corresponds to a predetermined plane. 【0010】<Connector Configuration> The connector 10 comprises a first receptacle unit 100a, which is an example of a first unit; a second receptacle unit 100b, which is an example of a second unit; and a plug unit 200, which is an example of a third unit. For example, each receptacle unit 100a, 100b is a socket mounted on a circuit board. The plug unit 200 is configured to electrically connect the first receptacle unit 100a and the second receptacle unit 100b when inserted into them. 【0011】 <Configuration of Receptacle Units> Next, the configuration of each receptacle unit 100a and 100b will be described. The following description is an example of the configuration of each receptacle unit 100a and 100b, and is not limited to this. 【0012】 As shown in Figures 1 to 5, the first receptacle unit 100a is mounted on the mounting surface 12a of the first substrate 11a at a position facing the second receptacle unit 100b in the Y direction, with a gap S2 in between. The second receptacle unit 100b is mounted on the mounting surface 12b of the second substrate 11b at a position facing the first receptacle unit 100a in the Y direction, with a gap S2 in between. 【0013】 As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the receptacle units 100a and 100b have the same configuration except that they are positioned rotated 180° on the XY plane with the Z direction as the axis of rotation. The second receptacle unit 100b has the same configuration as the first receptacle unit 100a, except that the directions +X, -X, +Y, and -Y are read as -X, +X, -Y, and +Y respectively, and the first substrate 11a and mounting surface 12a are read as the second substrate 11b and mounting surface 12b respectively. The configuration of the first receptacle unit 100a will be described in detail below, and the description of the second receptacle unit 100b will be omitted or simplified by using the same reference numerals for components with the same configuration as the first receptacle unit 100a. 【0014】As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the first receptacle unit 100a has a housing 110 fixed to the first substrate 11a and a displacement part 120 that is displaceable relative to the housing 110. The housing 110 is a rectangular tube opening in the Z direction. The displacement part 120 is a concave shape opening in the +Z direction. In this embodiment, the housing 110 of the first receptacle unit 100a corresponds to the first housing, and the housing 110 of the second receptacle unit 100b corresponds to the second housing. Furthermore, the displacement part 120 of the first receptacle unit 100a corresponds to the first displacement part, and the displacement part 120 of the second receptacle unit 100b corresponds to the second displacement part. 【0015】 As shown in Figures 3(a) to 3(c), the housing 110 of the first receptacle unit 100a has a positioning pin 101. The positioning pin 101 is a projection that protrudes in the -Z direction from the -Z side surface of the housing 110. The positioning pin 101 is inserted into a hole (not shown) opened in the mounting surface 12a of the first substrate 11a. This positions the housing 110 on the first substrate 11a. 【0016】 The housing 110 of the first receptacle unit 100a has a first stepped portion 115a and a second stepped portion 115b at its -Z end, projecting from both ends in the X direction. A groove 102 extending along the Y direction is formed on the +Z direction surface of each stepped portion 115a, 115b. A through hole 102a is opened at the bottom of each groove 102, penetrating each stepped portion 115a, 115b in the Z direction. Multiple (for example, two) through holes 102a are formed in the groove 102 of each stepped portion 115a, 115b at positions spaced apart in the Y direction. 【0017】The housing 110 of the first receptacle unit 100a is fixed to the mounting surface 12a of the first substrate 11a using one or more fasteners F. Each fastener F has a rectangular plate-shaped base Fa and a protruding piece Fb extending from the base Fa in the -Z direction. Each fastener F is preferably a plate-shaped member with an overall T-shape when viewed from the X direction. Each fastener F is fixed to the housing 110 by pressing the base Fa into the groove 102 with the protruding piece Fb inserted through the through hole 102a. The tip of each protruding piece Fb of each fastener F protrudes in the -Z direction from the -Z direction surface of the housing 110. 【0018】 The protruding piece Fb of each fastener F is press-fitted into a hole (not shown) opened in the mounting surface 12a of the first substrate 11a. In this way, the housing 110 is fixed to the first substrate 11a. However, the tips of the protruding pieces Fb of each fastener F may also be fixed to the substrate 11 by soldering. 【0019】 The shape of the fastener F is not limited to the above and may be changed as appropriate. The fastener F may be L-shaped, or it may have a shape in which multiple protruding pieces Fb protrude from a base Fa of 1. The shape of the groove 102 and the through hole 102a may be changed as appropriate to match the shape of the fastener F. There may be one fastener F or two or more. The position in which the fastener F is placed may be changed as appropriate, as long as it does not come into contact with the wiring 13 of the substrate 11. 【0020】 The housing 110 has a first wall 111 and a second wall 112 that extend parallel to each other along the YZ plane. The housing 110 also has a third wall 113 and a fourth wall 114 that extend parallel to each other along the ZX plane. The end of each wall 113, 114 on the +X side is connected to the first wall 111, and the end on the -X side is connected to the second wall 112. 【0021】The displacement section 120 has a first wall 121 and a second wall 122 that extend parallel to each other along the YZ plane. The displacement section 120 also has a third wall 123 and a fourth wall 124 that extend parallel to each other along the ZX plane. The end of each wall 123, 124 on the +X side is connected to the first wall 121, and the end on the -X side is connected to the second wall 122. Each wall 121 to 124 has inclined surfaces 121a to 124a that are inclined so that opposing walls approach each other as they move toward the -Z direction. For example, the inclined surface 121a of the first wall 121 is inclined so as it moves toward the -Z direction it approaches the second wall 122 that is opposite the first wall 121. The displacement section 120 has a bottom wall 125 that extends along the XY plane. The bottom wall 125 is connected to the respective -Z side ends of each wall 121 to 124. 【0022】 The displacement section 120 has a plurality of slits 126 extending along the Z direction across the fourth wall 124 and the bottom wall 125. The plurality of slits 126 are aligned along the X direction. The first wall 121 has a first concave portion 121b that opens toward the inside of the displacement section 120. The second wall 122 has a second concave portion 122b that opens toward the inside of the displacement section 120. In other words, the concave portions 121b and 122b face each other in the X direction. 【0023】 As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the first receptacle unit 100a has a plurality of connection pins 130. For example, each connection pin 130 is made of a metal such as copper. The first end 131 of each connection pin 130 is fixed to a plurality of wires 13 by soldering or the like. The second end 132 of each connection pin 130 is inserted through each of the plurality of slits 126. 【0024】Each connecting pin 130 has a convex portion 133 that protrudes in the +Z direction so as to be housed between the third wall 113 of the housing 110 and the third wall 123 of the displacement portion 120. Each connecting pin 130 has a retaining portion 134 that holds the bottom wall 125 of the displacement portion 120 from the -Z direction. Each retaining portion 134 is connected to each convex portion 133 in the +Y direction and extends along the Y direction. Each of the second ends 132 described above is connected to each retaining portion 134 in the +Y direction and extends toward the +Z direction. 【0025】 Each second end 132 has a bent portion 135 on its tip side that bends to protrude in the -Y direction. The second end 132 of each connecting pin 130 is located on the -Y side of the portion of the slit 126 formed on the fourth wall 124. As a result, when the plug unit 200 is not connected, the bent portion 135 of each connecting pin 130 is located at a first position A1 that protrudes from the slit 126 toward the center of the displacement portion 120 in the Y direction (see Figure 4). Note that in Figure 4, for the sake of explanation, only the connecting pin 130 located furthest toward the +X direction is shown as the first position A1, but in reality, all connecting pins 130 each protrude from the slit 126 toward the inside of the displacement portion 120. 【0026】 When the plug unit 200 is connected, the second end 132 of each connecting pin 130 is displaced outward (in the +Y direction) of the displacement portion 120 due to the bent portion 135 coming into contact with the plug unit 200. As a result, when the plug unit 200 is connected, the bent portion 135 of each connecting pin 130 is located in the second position A2, which is pushed further into the slit 126 than the first position A1 (see Figure 5). 【0027】 Thus, each connecting pin 130 is configured to be deformable such that the bent portion 135 is displaced between a first position A1 and a second position A2. In this embodiment, each connecting pin 130 in the first receptacle unit 100a corresponds to a first substrate-side terminal, and each connecting pin 130 in the second receptacle unit 100b corresponds to a second substrate-side terminal. 【0028】The displacement portion 120 is held by the holding portion 134 of each connecting pin 130, but is not connected to the housing 110. Therefore, the displacement portion 120 can be displaced within the housing 110 relative to the housing 110 by the deformation of each connecting pin 130 due to an external force applied via the plug unit 200. For example, the displacement portion 120 can be displaced relative to the housing 110 along the X direction by the elastic deformation of each connecting pin 130. The displacement portion 120 can be displaced relative to the housing 110 along the Y direction by the elastic deformation of each connecting pin 130. 【0029】 <Configuration of Plug Unit 200> Next, the configuration of the plug unit 200 will be described. The following description is an example of the configuration of the plug unit 200, and is not limited to this. 【0030】 As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the plug unit 200 includes an FPC 210 and a housing 220 that holds the FPC 210. The housing 220 corresponds to a third housing. For example, the FPC 210 has a flexible resin film or the like as a base material, and includes a wiring layer on its surface and a cover sheet on which at least a part of the wiring layer is exposed. Wiring 300 is formed on the wiring layer using copper foil or the like. The FPC 210 is an example of a flexible sheet-like wiring member. The FPC 210 has an intermediate portion 213 arranged along the XY plane, a first end portion 211 connected to the intermediate portion 213 in the -Y direction, and a second end portion 212 connected to the intermediate portion 213 in the +Y direction. The FPC 210 is held in the housing 220 with each end portion 211, 212 bent toward the -Z direction. The FPC 210 is U-shaped, protruding in the +Z direction. Each end 211, 212 has a first projection 214 projecting in the +X direction and a second projection 215 projecting in the -X direction. When not bent, the FPC 210 is roughly rectangular in shape. 【0031】As shown in Figures 5 to 7, the FPC 210 has a plurality of wirings 300 arranged along the 1 or X direction. Each wiring 300 extends along the Z direction at each end 211, 212 and along the Y direction at the intermediate part 213, so as to connect the first end 211 and the second end 212 of the FPC 210. 【0032】 The first end 301 of each wiring 300 is partially or completely exposed at the first end 211, and the second end 302 of each wiring 300 is partially or completely exposed at the second end 212 (see Figures 5 and 6). The exposed portion of the first end 301 corresponds to the first terminal 301a of the wiring member, and the exposed portion of the second end 302 corresponds to the second terminal 302a of the wiring member. In other words, each wiring 300 is a conductive part that connects the first terminal 301a and the second terminal 302a. The inner surface 210a of the FPC 210 corresponds to the first surface having a conductive part. The intermediate portion 303 of each wiring 300 is covered with an insulator 304 at the intermediate portion 213 (see Figures 6 and 7(d)). The wiring 300 may include one or more signal lines 300S corresponding to the wiring 13 on the substrate 11. The signal lines 300S correspond to the signal conductive part of the conductive part. Furthermore, the wiring 300 may include one or more ground lines 300G. When the wiring 300 includes both a signal line 300S and a ground line 300G, the arrangement of each wiring 300 may be G-S-G-S, G-S-S-G-S-S-G, or G-G-S-S-G-G-S-G-G. Furthermore, the wiring 300 may include one or more power lines. 【0033】 As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the housing 220 has a rectangular plate-shaped intermediate retaining portion 223 extending along the XY plane, a first end portion 221 connected to the intermediate retaining portion 223 in the -Y direction, and a second end portion 222 connected to the intermediate retaining portion 223 in the +Y direction. Each end portion 221 and 222 is a rectangular plate shape extending from the intermediate retaining portion 223 in the -Z direction. The intermediate retaining portion 223 has side walls 225 at both ends in the X direction that extend along the Y direction. The two side walls 225 face each other in the X direction. 【0034】As shown in Figures 6, 7(a), and 7(b), each end 221 and 222 has a substantially rectangular slit 224 formed along the ZX plane when viewed from the Y direction. The first end 211 of the FPC 210 is held by the first end 221 of the housing 220 by being inserted into the slit 224 provided in the first end 221 of the housing 220. The second end 212 of the FPC 210 is held by the first end 222 of the housing 220 by being inserted into the slit 224 provided in the second end 222 of the housing 220. A recess 224a opening in the -X direction is formed on the inner wall surface of each slit 224 on the +X direction side. A recess 224b opening in the +X direction is formed on the inner wall surface of the slit 224 on the -X direction side of the first end 221 and the second end 222. The dimension of each slit 224 along the Y direction is slightly wider than the thickness of each end 221, 222 of the FPC 210. Therefore, positional displacement in the thickness direction of the FPC 210 is suppressed. 【0035】 In the FPC 210, the protrusions 214 and 215 formed on the first end 211 engage with the recesses 224a and 224b, respectively, when the first end 211 is inserted into the slit 224 of the first end 221. In the FPC 210, the protrusions 214 and 215 formed on the second end 212 engage with the recesses 224a and 224b, respectively, when the second end 212 is inserted into the slit 224 of the second end 222. In this way, the FPC 210 is held in the housing 220. The method of holding the FPC 210 with the housing 220 can be changed as appropriate. The FPC 210 may also be held in the housing 220 by fixing the first end 211 and the second end 212 to the slit 224 by adhesive or the like. In this case, the FPC 210 may be configured without the protrusions 214 and 215. 【0036】As shown in Figures 6, 7(a), and 7(d), the +Z-direction side surface of the intermediate holding portion 223 becomes the opposing surface 223a that faces the inner surface 210a of the FPC 210 when the FPC 210 is held in the housing 220. The housing 220 has a separation structure SS that separates the intermediate portion 303 of the wiring 300 provided on the inner surface 210a of the FPC 210 from the opposing surface 223a of the housing 220 when the FPC 210 is held in the housing 220. For example, the separation structure SS may be a plurality of ribs 223b that extend along the Y direction and protrude toward the +Z direction on the opposing surface 223a. In this case, the plurality of ribs 223b may be arranged at predetermined intervals along the X direction. The multiple ribs 223b are preferably formed at positions that contact the portion of the inner surface 210a of the FPC 210 where no wiring 300 is formed, and / or at positions that face the ground wire 300G of each wiring 300, when the FPC 210 is held by the housing 220. That is, the separation structure SS is a structure that provides an air layer between the opposing surface 223a of the housing 220 and the signal wire 300S of each wiring 300. The separation structure SS may also be a recess in the -Z direction in the portion of each wiring 300 in the FPC 210 corresponding to the signal wire 300S. 【0037】 As shown in Figures 6 and 7(a), in the housing 220, the side wall 225 on the +X side has a projection 225a on the -X side surface that protrudes toward the -X direction. In the housing 220, the side wall 225 on the -X side has a projection 225a on the +X side surface that protrudes toward the +X direction. Each projection 225a contacts the outer surface 210b of the intermediate portion 213 of the FPC 210, opposite to the inner surface 210a, when the FPC 210 is fitted into the housing 220. The outer surface 210b of the FPC 210 corresponds to the second surface. 【0038】 As shown in Figures 6, 7(b), and 7(c), the housing 220 has two operating parts 230 provided at both ends of the housing 220 in the X direction, which are one or more specific parts configured to be displaceable by external forces. 【0039】The operating section 230 on the +X direction side has first connecting sections 226a and 227a that are connected to the -Z direction ends of each end 221 and 222 and extend toward the +Z direction, and a second connecting section 230a that connects the +Z direction ends of each of the first connecting sections 226a and 227a. Each of the first connecting sections 226a and 227a has a protruding section 228 that projects toward the +X direction. 【0040】 The operating section 230 on the -X direction side has first connecting sections 226b and 227b that are connected to the -Z direction ends of each end 221 and 222 and extend toward the +Z direction, and a second connecting section 230b that connects the +Z direction ends of each of the first connecting sections 226b and 227b. Each of the first connecting sections 226b and 227b has a protruding section 229 that projects toward the -X direction. Each of the second connecting sections 230a and 230b has an anti-slip structure. For example, the anti-slip structure may be a plurality of ribs extending along the Y direction. 【0041】 As shown in Figure 8(a), each projection 228 engages with a first concave portion 121b formed on each displacement portion 120 when the respective ends 221 and 222 of the housing 220 are inserted into the respective displacement portions 120 of the respective receptacle units 100a and 100b. Each projection 229 engages with a second concave portion 122b formed on each displacement portion 120 when the respective ends 221 and 222 of the housing 220 are inserted into the respective displacement portions 120 of the respective receptacle units 100a and 100b. 【0042】 As shown in Figure 8(b), when an external force is applied to the second connecting portion 230a in the -X direction, each first connecting portion 226a, 227a is displaced or deformed so as to tilt in the -X direction with the curved end on the -Z direction side as the pivot point. At this time, each first connecting portion 226a, 227a can be deformed to a position where the engagement between each protruding portion 228 and the first concave portion 121b formed on each displacement portion 120 is released. 【0043】When an external force directed in the +X direction is applied to each of the first connecting portions 226b and 227b with respect to the second connecting portion 230b, they are displaced or deformed so as to incline in the +X direction with the curved end portions on the -Z direction side as the bases. At this time, each of the first connecting portions 226b and 227b can be deformed to a position where the engagement between each protruding portion 229 and the second concave portion 122b formed in each displacement portion 120 is released. 【0044】 Each of the protruding portions 228 and 229 formed at the first end portion 221 of the housing 220 corresponds to a first end side engaging portion on the first end side. Each of the protruding portions 228 and 229 formed at the second end portion 222 of the housing 220 corresponds to a second end side engaging portion on the second end side. Each operating portion 230 is configured to be displaceable between a first position and a second position. The first position is a position where each of the protruding portions 228 and 229 formed at the first end portion 221 of the housing 220 engages with the displacement portion 120 of the first receptacle unit 100a, and each of the protruding portions 228 and 229 formed at the second end portion 222 of the housing 220 engages with the displacement portion 120 of the second receptacle unit 100b. The second position is a position where each of the protruding portions 228 and 229 does not engage with the displacement portion 120 of the first receptacle unit 100a, and each of the protruding portions 228 and 229 does not engage with the displacement portion 120 of the second receptacle unit 100b. 【0045】 As shown in FIGS. 6, 7(b), 7(c), 8(a), and 8(b), the housing 220 has a first convex portion 231a protruding in the +Z direction at each of the +X direction side end portions of the first end portion 221 and the +X direction side end portions of the second end portion 222. Each first convex portion 231a is formed on the -X direction side of the second connecting portion 230a. Each first convex portion 231a protrudes in the +Z direction more than the second connecting portions 230a and 230b. Further, the housing 220 has a second convex portion 231b protruding in the +Z direction at each of the -X direction side end portions of the first end portion 221 and the -X direction side end portions of the second end portion 222. Each second convex portion 231b is formed on the +X direction side of the second connecting portion 230b. Each second convex portion 231b protrudes in the +Z direction more than the second connecting portions 230a and 230b. 【0046】<Function and Effect of the Present Embodiment> (1) As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, in the connector 10 of the present embodiment, when the first end portion 221 of the plug unit 200 is inserted into the displacement portion 120 of the first receptacle unit 100a, the bent portion 135 of each connection pin 130 and the first terminal 301a of each wiring 300 come into contact with each other. Thereby, each connection pin 130 attached to the first substrate 11a and each wiring 300 of the plug unit 200 are electrically connected. 【0047】 Further, in the connector 10 of the present embodiment, when the second end portion 222 of the plug unit 200 is inserted into the displacement portion 120 of the second receptacle unit 100b, the bent portion 135 of each connection pin 130 and the second terminal 302a of each wiring 300 come into contact with each other. Thereby, each connection pin 130 of the second substrate 11b and each wiring 300 of the plug unit 200 are electrically connected. 【0048】 Therefore, in the connector 10 of the present embodiment, by inserting the plug unit 200 into each of the receptacle units 100a and 100b, the first substrate 11a and the second substrate 11b can be electrically connected. 【0049】 (2) The first end portion 211 of the FPC 210 is held by the first end portion 221 of the housing 220, the second end portion 212 of the FPC 210 is held by the second end portion 222 of the housing 220, and the intermediate portion 213 of the FPC 210 is held by the intermediate holding portion 223 of the housing 220. 【0050】 According to this, when connecting the plug unit 200 to each of the receptacle units 100a and 100b, since the FPC 210 is held by the plug unit 200 during connection, it is possible to suppress the FPC 210 from being deformed. For this reason, the handling of the FPC 210 when connecting the plug unit 200 to each of the receptacle units 100a and 100b can be simplified. Therefore, in the connector 10 of the present embodiment, the first substrate 11a and the second substrate 11b can be more easily electrically connected. 【0051】(3) When the FPC 210 is attached to the housing 220, each first projection 214 is engaged with the recess 224a of each slit 224 formed in the housing 220. Similarly, each second projection 215 of the FPC 210 is engaged with the recess 224b of each slit 224 formed in the housing 220. Furthermore, the intermediate portion 213 of the FPC 210 is engaged with each projection 225a of the housing 220. 【0052】 According to this, the connector 10 can prevent the FPC 210 from falling out of the housing 220 of the plug unit 200. Therefore, the connector 10 can easily handle the plug unit 200 when electrically connecting the first substrate 11a and the second substrate 11b. Furthermore, this can suppress misalignment of the intermediate portion 213 of the FPC 210 in the Z direction. In addition, deformation of the intermediate portion 213 of the FPC 210 in the +Z direction can be suppressed. 【0053】 (4) As shown in Figure 1, the direction in which the displacement portion 120 of the first receptacle unit 100a opens and the direction in which the displacement portion 120 of the second receptacle unit 100b opens are the same. Also, the direction in which the first end portion 221 of the plug unit 200 protrudes and the direction in which the second end portion 222 protrudes are the same. Therefore, the insertion direction of the first end portion 221 into the displacement portion 120 of the first receptacle unit 100a and the insertion direction of the second end portion 222 into the displacement portion 120 of the second receptacle unit 100b coincide. 【0054】 According to this, in the connector 10 of this embodiment, the plug unit 200 can be inserted into both the first receptacle unit 100a and the second receptacle unit 100b in a single operation. Therefore, in the connector 10 of this embodiment, the first substrate 11a and the second substrate 11b, which are arranged along the same plane, can be electrically connected more easily. 【0055】(5) As shown in Figures 3(b) and 3(c), the displacement parts 120 of each receptacle unit 100a, 100b are displaceable in the X and Y directions relative to the housing 110, respectively. Therefore, the connector 10 can absorb the relative positional displacement between each receptacle unit 100a, 100b and the respective ends 221, 222 of the plug unit 200. 【0056】 According to this, the connector 10 can reduce the effort required to align the plug unit 200 when connecting it to each receptacle unit 100a, 100b. Therefore, the first substrate 11a and the second substrate 11b can be electrically connected more easily. Furthermore, according to this, even if external forces such as vibration or shock are applied to each receptacle unit 100a, 100b or the plug unit 200, the impact on the contact points between each connection pin 130 and each terminal 301a, 302a can be reduced. 【0057】 (6) Each wall 121 to 124 of each displacement section 120 has an inclined surface 121a to 124a formed thereon. As a result, when each end 221, 222 of the plug unit 200 is inserted into each displacement section 120, it comes into contact with the inclined surface 121a to 124a and is then guided to a position where each connection pin 130 is electrically connected to each first terminal 301a, and each connection pin 130 is electrically connected to each second terminal 302a. 【0058】 According to this, the connector 10 can reduce the effort required to align the plug unit 200 when connecting it to each receptacle unit 100a and 100b. Therefore, the first substrate 11a and the second substrate 11b can be electrically connected more easily. 【0059】 (7) As shown in Figure 8(a), when the plug unit 200 is inserted into the receptacle units 100a and 100b, each protrusion 228 provided on the operating section 230 engages with the first concave portion 121b of each displacement section 120. Similarly, when the plug unit 200 is inserted into the receptacle units 100a and 100b, each protrusion 229 provided on the operating section 230 engages with the second concave portion 122b of each displacement section 120. 【0060】 According to this, the connector 10 can prevent the plug unit 200 from falling off each receptacle unit 100a, 100b, thereby allowing the first substrate 11a and the second substrate 11b to be suitably connected. 【0061】 (8) As shown in Figure 8(b), each second connecting portion 230a, 230b can be displaced or deformed from the first position to the second position by an external force. As a result, each protrusion 228 provided on the second connecting portion 230a detaches from the first concave portion 121b of each displacement portion 120, and each protrusion 229 provided on the second connecting portion 230b detaches from the second concave portion 122b of each displacement portion 120. 【0062】 According to this, the operation of pulling out the first end 221 of the plug unit 200 from the first receptacle unit 100a and the operation of pulling out the second end 222 of the plug unit 200 from the second receptacle unit 100b can be performed simultaneously with a single touch. Therefore, the connector 10 can easily disconnect the connection between the first board 11a and the second board 11b. 【0063】 (9) Each wiring 300 of the FPC 210 is separated from the intermediate holding portion 223 by a rib 223b provided on the opposing surface 223a of the intermediate holding portion 223 of the housing 220, which comes into contact with the portion of the inner surface 210a of the FPC 210 on which the wiring 300 is not formed, and / or the portion of each wiring 300 corresponding to the ground wire 300G. That is, an air layer exists between the portion of each wiring 300 corresponding to the signal wire 300S and the intermediate holding portion 223. 【0064】 According to this, it is possible to suppress changes in impedance caused by the proximity or separation of the intermediate holding portion 223 of the dielectric housing 220 and the signal lines 300S of each wiring 300. Therefore, the stability of the signal transmission characteristics between the first substrate 11a and the second substrate 11b can be improved. In other words, according to this embodiment, it is possible to achieve both simple connection between substrates and good signal transmission performance. 【0065】(10) Since a first convex portion 231a is formed on the -X direction side of the second connecting portion 230a, which protrudes more in the +Z direction than the second connecting portion 230a, it becomes difficult for an external force to be applied to the second connecting portion 230a from the -X direction side. 【0066】 According to this, in the connector 10, applying an external force to the second connecting portion 230a from the -X direction can prevent the first connecting portions 226a and 227a from deforming in an unintended direction. 【0067】 Similarly, a second convex portion 231b is formed on the +X side of the second connecting portion 230b, which protrudes more in the +Z direction than the second connecting portion 230b. This makes it difficult for an external force to be applied to the second connecting portion 230b from the +X side. 【0068】 According to this, in the connector 10 of this embodiment, when an external force is applied to the second connecting portion 230b from the +X direction, it is possible to suppress the deformation of each first connecting portion 226b, 227b in an unintended direction. 【0069】 (11) When an external force is applied to the second connecting portion 230a from the +X direction, the second connecting portion 230a comes into contact with the first convex portion 231a which is formed on the -X side of the second connecting portion 230a. As a result, in the connector 10 of this embodiment, when an external force is applied to the second connecting portion 230a from the +X direction, excessive deformation of the first connecting portions 226a and 227a can be suppressed. Consequently, the mechanical durability of the operating portion can be improved. 【0070】 Similarly, when an external force is applied to the second connecting portion 230b from the -X direction, it comes into contact with the second convex portion 231b, which is formed on the +X side of the second connecting portion 230b. As a result, in the connector 10 of this embodiment, when an external force is applied to the second connecting portion 230b from the -X direction, excessive deformation of the first connecting portions 226b and 227b can be suppressed. 【0071】(12) FPC210 was used as the wiring material. With FPC210, it is easier to form thinner wiring for each wiring 300 compared to when pins are used, so the size of the wiring material can be reduced. With FPC210, multiple wirings 300 can be handled as a single unit, which makes it easier to manufacture the plug unit 200. That is, by using FPC210 as the wiring material, the signal lines 300S of each wiring 300 can be arranged on the FPC210 in advance to match the wiring 13 of the substrate 11. For this reason, a wiring material with an electrode arrangement with good pitch accuracy can be easily placed on the plug unit 200 compared to when one connection pin is placed on each plug unit 200. As a result, the transmission characteristics of high-frequency signals (for example, signals with a frequency of 30 GHz or higher) are particularly stable because there is less deviation between the pitches. In addition, when the FPC210 is inserted into each slit 224 of the housing 220 while being bent, it comes into contact with the inner surface of each slit 224 due to the repulsive force. Therefore, the FPC 210 is easy to position and less likely to fall out of the housing 220. 【0072】 <Examples of Modifications> This embodiment can be implemented with the following modifications. This embodiment and the following examples of modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that they do not contradict each other technically. 【0073】 In each receptacle unit 100a, 100b, each displacement part 120 may be configured to be displaceable in the Z direction relative to the housing 110. This allows for the absorption of positional misalignment between the mounting surface 12a of the first substrate 11a and the mounting surface 12b of the second substrate 11b in the Z direction when connecting the plug unit 200 to each displacement part 120. 【0074】 In each receptacle unit 100a, 100b, each displacement part 120 may be configured to be displaceable in either the X direction or the Y direction relative to the housing 110, but not displaceable in the other direction. In each receptacle unit 100a, 100b, each displacement part 120 may be connected to the housing 110 if it is displaceable relative to the housing 110. 【0075】The first receptacle unit 100a and the second receptacle unit 100b may have different shapes. In this case, one of the first end 221 and the second end 222 of the plug unit 200 may be shaped to be insertable into the first receptacle unit 100a, and the other may be shaped to be insertable into the second receptacle unit. 【0076】 - In the plug unit 200, the position where the FPC 210 is locked to the housing 220 may be changed as appropriate. That is, the positions of the first projection 214 and recess 224a, the second projection 215 and recess 224b, and the protruding portion 225a may be changed as appropriate. In addition, in the plug unit 200, there may be two or more positions where the FPC 210 is locked to the housing 220. 【0077】 The shape of each connecting pin 130 may be changed as appropriate. For example, the curvature and direction of bending of the bent portion 135 of the second end 132 of the connecting pin 130 may be changed as appropriate. That is, in the connector 10, when the plug unit 200 and the receptacle units 100a and 100b are connected, it is sufficient that the bent portion 135 of each connecting pin 130 comes into contact with the first terminal 301a and the second terminal 302a of the wiring 300, respectively. In this case, it is preferable that the bent portion 135 of the second end 132 of the connecting pin 130 is configured to ensure a certain tip angle. 【0078】 - In the plug unit 200, the first connecting portion 226a and the first connecting portion 227a do not have to be connected at their +Z-direction ends. Similarly, in the plug unit 200, the first connecting portion 226b and the first connecting portion 227b do not have to be connected at their +Z-direction ends. That is, the plug unit 200 does not have to have the second connecting portion 230a and the second connecting portion 230b. In this case, when removing the plug unit 200 from each receptacle unit 100a, 100b, it is preferable to deform each first connecting portion 226a, 226b, 227a, and 227b by pressing their respective +Z-direction ends as operating parts. 【0079】- The specific configuration of the separation structure that separates each wiring 300 mounted on the FPC 210 from the opposing surface 223a of the intermediate holding portion 223 of the housing 220 may be changed as appropriate. Also, if the FPC 210 can be fixed to the plug unit 200 so that the distance between the opposing surface 223a and the intermediate portion 213 of the FPC 210 does not change, a contact structure that brings the entire wiring 300 into contact with the opposing surface 223a at the intermediate portion 213 of the FPC 210 may be provided instead of the separation structure. Furthermore, this may be implemented in a connector 10 having a plug unit 200 that does not have a separation structure. 【0080】 - The connector 10 may be embodied in a plug unit 200 that does not have a first convex portion 231a and a second convex portion 231b. - The first unit and the second unit may be plug units, and the third unit may be a receptacle unit. That is, the connector 10 may electrically connect the first substrate 11a and the second substrate 11b by connecting the receptacle unit to the plug unit mounted on the first substrate 11a and the plug unit mounted on the second substrate 11b. 【0081】 - The wiring member may be FFC. - Pin-shaped terminals may be connected to both ends of the wiring 300. - The first substrate 11a and the second substrate 11b may be arranged such that the Z direction coincides with a direction different from the vertical direction (for example, the horizontal direction or a different direction). In this specification, "the first substrate 11a and the second substrate 11b are aligned along the same predetermined plane" means that at least the portions of each substrate 11a, 11b on which each receptacle unit 100a, 100b is mounted are arranged along the same predetermined plane. As an example, a portion of each substrate 11a, 11b may include a portion that does not align with the predetermined plane. 【0082】 The protrusions 214, 215 of the FPC 210 and the recesses 224a, 224b of the housing 220 only need to be configured to engage with each other, and their specific shapes may be changed as appropriate. For example, the FPC 210 may be provided with recesses, and the housing 220 may be provided with protrusions that engage with the recesses of the FPC 210. 【0083】The recessed portions 121b and 122b of each receptacle unit 100a and 100b and the protruding portions 228 and 229 of the plug unit 200 only need to be configured to engage with each other, and their specific shapes may be changed as appropriate. For example, each receptacle unit 100a and 100b may be provided with protruding portions, and the plug unit 200 may be provided with recessed portions that engage with the protruding portions of each receptacle unit 100a and 100b. 【0084】 The technical concepts that can be understood from the above embodiments and modified examples are described below. [1] A connector configured to electrically connect a first substrate and a second substrate arranged along the same predetermined plane, comprising: a first unit mounted on the first substrate; a second unit mounted on the second substrate; and a third unit that electrically connects the first unit and the second unit, wherein the first unit has a first housing fixed to the first substrate and a first displacement part supported so as to be displaceable relative to the first housing and having one or more terminals on the first substrate side, and the second unit has a second housing fixed to the second substrate and a first displacement part supported so as to be displaceable relative to the second housing and having one or more terminals on the first substrate side, A connector comprising: a second displacement portion having the above-described second substrate-side terminals; the third unit comprising: a flexible sheet-like wiring member; and a third housing for holding the wiring member; the wiring member comprising: a first terminal held at the first end of the third housing; and a second terminal held at the second end of the third housing; wherein, when the first end and the first displacement portion are connected, the first terminal and the first substrate-side terminal are in contact with each other and electrically connected; and when the second end and the second displacement portion are connected, the second terminal and the second substrate-side terminal are in contact with each other and electrically connected. 【0085】 [2] The connector according to [1] above, wherein the first displacement portion has a concave shape into which the first end is inserted, and the second displacement portion has a concave shape into which the second end is inserted, and the first insertion direction, which is the direction in which the first end is inserted into the first displacement portion, and the second insertion direction, which is the direction in which the second end is inserted into the second displacement portion, are the same direction. 【0086】 [3] The connector according to [2], wherein the first insertion direction and the second insertion direction are directions that intersect the predetermined plane, and the first displacement portion and the second displacement portion are displaceable in a first direction which is the direction in which the first substrate and the second substrate are aligned in the predetermined plane, and in a second direction which intersects the first direction. 【0087】 [4] The connector according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the third unit comprises one or more specific parts configured to be displaceable by an external force, the specific part having a first end engagement part on the first end side and a second end engagement part on the second end side, and the specific part is configured to be displaceable between a first position in which the first end engagement part engages with the first displacement part and the second end engagement part engages with the second displacement part, and a second position in which the first end engagement part does not engage with the first displacement part and the second end engagement part does not engage with the second displacement part. 【0088】 [5] The connector according to any one of claims [1] to [4], wherein the wiring member has a conductive portion connecting the first terminal and the second terminal on at least the first surface side of the first surface, the third housing has a facing surface facing the first surface, and the facing surface has a separation structure that separates the signal conductive portion of the conductive portion from the facing surface. 【0089】 It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its technical spirit. For example, some of the components described in the embodiments (or one or more of the embodiments thereof) may be omitted, or some components may be combined. The same applies to the procedures. The scope of the present invention should be determined by referring to the appended claims, along with the entire scope of equivalents to which the claims are granted. 【0090】A1...First position A2...Second position EP...Electronic device F...Fixing device Fa...Base Fb...Protruding piece S1...Space S2...Gap SS...Separation structure 10...Connector 11...Substrate 11a...First substrate 11b...Second substrate 12...Mounting surface 12a...Mounting surface 12b...Mounting surface 13...Wiring 100...Receptacle unit 100a...First receptacle unit 100b...Second receptacle unit 101...Positioning pin 102...Groove 102a...Through hole 110...Housing 111...First wall 112...Second wall 113...Third wall 114...Fourth wall 115...Stepped section 115a...First stepped section 115b...Second stepped section 120...Displacement section 121...First wall 121a...Inclined surface 121b...First concave part 122...Second wall 122a...Inclined surface 122b...Second concave part 123...Third wall 123a...Inclined surface 124...Fourth wall 124a...Inclined surface 125...Bottom wall 126...Slit 130...Connecting pin 131...First end 132...Second end 133...Convex part 134...Retaining part 135...Bent part 200...Plug unit 210...FPC 210a...Inner surface 210b...Outer surface 211...First end 212...Second end 213...Intermediate part 214...First projection 215...Second projection 220...Housing 221...First end 222...Second end 223...Intermediate retaining part 223a...Opposite surface 223b...Rib 224...Slit 224a, 224b...Recess 225...Side wall 225a...Protrusion 226a, 226b, 227a, 227b...First connecting part 228, 229...Protrusion 230...Operating part 230a, 230b...Second connecting part 231a...First convex part 231b...Second convex part 300...Wiring 301...First end part 301a...First terminal 302...Second end part 302a...Second terminal 303...Intermediate part 304...Insulator

Claims

1. A connector configured to electrically connect a first substrate and a second substrate arranged along the same predetermined plane, comprising: a first unit mounted on the first substrate; a second unit mounted on the second substrate; and a third unit electrically connecting the first unit and the second unit, wherein the first unit comprises a first housing fixed to the first substrate and a first displacement portion supported so as to be displaceable relative to the first housing and having one or more terminals on the first substrate side; the second unit comprises a second housing fixed to the second substrate and a second displacement portion supported so as to be displaceable relative to the second housing and having one or more terminals on the second substrate side; the third unit comprises a flexible sheet-like wiring member and a third housing holding the wiring member, wherein the wiring member comprises a first terminal held at the first end of the third housing and a second terminal held at the second end of the third housing. A connector characterized in that, when the first end and the first displacement portion are connected, the first terminal and the first substrate-side terminal are in contact with each other and electrically connected, and when the second end and the second displacement portion are connected, the second terminal and the second substrate-side terminal are in contact with each other and electrically connected.

2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the first displacement portion has a concave shape into which the first end is inserted, the second displacement portion has a concave shape into which the second end is inserted, and the first insertion direction, which is the direction in which the first end is inserted into the first displacement portion, and the second insertion direction, which is the direction in which the second end is inserted into the second displacement portion, are the same direction.

3. The connector according to claim 2, wherein the first insertion direction and the second insertion direction are directions that intersect the predetermined plane, and the first displacement portion and the second displacement portion are displaceable in a first direction which is the direction in which the first substrate and the second substrate are aligned in the predetermined plane, and in a second direction which intersects the first direction.

4. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the third unit comprises one or more specific parts configured to be displaceable by an external force, the specific part having a first end-side engaging part on the first end side and a second end-side engaging part on the second end side, and the specific part is configured to be displaceable between a first position in which the first end-side engaging part engages with the first displacement part and the second end-side engaging part engages with the second displacement part, and a second position in which the first end-side engaging part does not engage with the first displacement part and the second end-side engaging part does not engage with the second displacement part.

5. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the wiring member has a conductive portion connecting the first terminal and the second terminal on at least the first surface side of the first surface and the second surface, the third housing has a facing surface facing the first surface, and the facing surface has a separation structure that separates the signal conductive portion of the conductive portion from the facing surface.