JP2000260507A - Board-to-board type connector system, substrate assembly using the same and method for engaging/disengaging board assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a board-to-board type connector system in which a board can be detached from a board assembly in which a plurality of substrates are connected. SOLUTION: In this board-to-board type connector system, in which first and second connector pieces 100, 200 are mounted on two boards 110, 210 in a stacking state, respectively, to allow both of the connector pieces engage each other so as to achieve electrical connection between substrates, the first and second connection pieces 100, 200 have first and second housings 130, 230 and a plurality of first and second contacts 120, 220 held in the first and second housings in two rows, respectively. Each of the first contacts 120 is formed at the tip thereof into a substantially U-shaped bellows, and has a groove 125 at a contact point. Each of the second contacts 220 has a projection 225 at the tip thereof. The projection is engaged with the groove at engagement of the connector pieces, to be in locked state. The bellows shape can generate a force acting in a disengaging direction at the disengagement of the connector pieces.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a board-to-board type (board-to-board type) connector system for connecting stacked boards, and a board assembly constructed using the same. A pair of connector pieces are disposed on a pair of boards in a stacking state so as to face each other, and these are fitted together to connect the boards, thereby reducing the height of the board-to-board connector system. And a substrate assembly configured using the same. More specifically, the present invention, even when the height of the connector piece has been reduced, easily release the fitted state between the connector pieces without applying an excessive stress load to the substrate, The present invention relates to a board-to-board connector system having a structure capable of removing a board from a board assembly, and a board assembly using the same.

[0002] The present invention also relates to electrical equipment including a board assembly constructed using the board-to-board connector system as described above.

[0003] The present invention further relates to a method for releasing a mated state of a board assembly formed using a board-to-board connector system.

[0004]

2. Description of the Related Art Various types of electrical and electronic equipment (hereinafter simply referred to as "electrical equipment")
With the improvement and diversification of functions, the configuration of electronic circuits incorporated and used in these devices is becoming more complicated. For this reason, the circuit elements arranged on a plurality of substrates are electrically connected to each other to increase the number of cases where the circuit elements are configured to exhibit their intended functions. In this case, in order to prevent an occupied area and / or occupied space inside the electric device from increasing, a plurality of substrates are arranged so as to be stacked on each other. And, the connection between the boards is generally made by a connector system including a pair of connector pieces (hereinafter, referred to as a connector system).
(Referred to simply as “connector”).
In the specification of the present application, such an arrangement state of the substrates is referred to as a “stacking state”, and the substrates arranged as such are referred to as a “stacked substrate”.

[0005] In particular, in order to respond to the demand for miniaturization of various types of electric equipment typified by mobile phones, a pair of connector pieces constituting a connector system are opposed to a pair of boards in a stacking state. In recent years, the demand for a configuration that realizes connection between substrates by arranging them in such a manner and fitting them together has increased in recent years. Generally, a connector system having such a configuration is referred to as a “board-to-board connector” or a “board-to-board connector”.

[0006] A board-to-board connector system as described above typically has the purpose of electrically connecting circuit patterns provided on both boards (ie, providing electrical connection between the boards). However, it is also possible to use them merely for the purpose of physically connecting the two substrates (that is, providing a mechanical connection).

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a board-to-board connector disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open Publication No. 7-16381 as an example of a conventional board-to-board connector.

In the configuration shown in FIG. 1, the female connector 30 and the male connector 50 are arranged so as to face the pair of substrates 10 and 20 in a stacking state.

Contact 40 of female connector piece 30
Is press-fitted and held in a housing (insulating block) 35 and has a bifurcated shape having elasticity in the thickness direction. One of the contact branches 44 is configured to be particularly largely elastically deformable, and an electric contact portion 45 is provided near a tip portion thereof. Further, the other contact branch 46 of the contact 40 has a recess 4 near the tip.
8 are provided.

On the other hand, the contact 60 of the male connector piece 50 also has a bifurcated shape, and the contact branches 62 and 66 are provided inside the contact branches 44 and 46 of the contact 40 of the female connector piece 30. Fit. However, the contact 60 has a configuration in which each of the contact branches 62 and 66 is pressed into and held by the housing (insulating block) 55.
0 is regarded as a rigid configuration that does not cause elastic deformation.

As described above, in the board-to-board connector shown in FIG.
Are configured to be elastically deformable, and the contacts 60 of the other connector piece 50 are rigidly configured.
When the connector pieces 30 and 50 are fitted together, the electrical contact portions 45 of the contacts 40 electrically contact the contact branches 62 of the contacts 60, and the connector pieces 30 and 50 are connected.
Electrical contact between the substrates on which are mounted, respectively. At this time, the necessary contact force is secured by the contact of the contact 40 while being elastically deformed.

Further, when the contacts 40 and 60 are fitted together, the projection 68 provided near the tip of the contact branch 66 of the contact 60 falls into a depression 48 provided in the contact branch 46 of the contact 40. by this,
A click sound is generated to inform the user of the completion of the fitting, and a locking state between the contacts 40 and 60 is realized during the fitting period to ensure a secure fitting state.

[0013]

With the recent demand for miniaturization of various types of electric equipment, there is a demand for further reduction in the height of the board-to-board type connector included therein. As a result, there is a strong demand for a reduction in connector height of a board-to-board connector. Specifically, while the connector height of the board-to-board type connector generally used in the market is about 4 mm to about 6 mm, the present application aims at achieving the connector height of 1.5 mm, for example.

In a board assembly in which one board is connected to another board by a board-to-board connector, when one board is to be removed, a finger or other board is typically placed between the boards. The object is inserted and the mating state of the connector is released. However, as described above, when the height of the connector piece is reduced due to the reduction in height of the board-to-board connector, the gap between the boards connected by the connector becomes very narrow. For this reason, it becomes extremely difficult to release the fitted state of the connector by inserting a finger or the like between the substrates as described above. At this time, if an attempt is made to forcibly release the mating state, excessive stress is applied to the attachment portion of the connector piece to the board (generally, the soldered portion of the lead terminal), causing problems such as stress solder cracking. Might be.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and has the following objects. (1) When a plurality of substrates are connected to each other to form a substrate assembly, even if the height is reduced, the present invention is easy. To provide a board-to-board connector system capable of releasing a mating state and removing a board from a board assembly. (2) The board-to-board connector system as described above is used. (3) Providing electrical equipment including such a board assembly, and (4) fitting a board assembly configured using a board-to-board connector system. Providing a way to easily release the condition.

[0016]

The connector system of the present invention includes first and second connector pieces mounted at opposing positions on each of two boards in a stacking state. A board-to-board connector system for providing electrical connection between the boards by mating a second connector piece, wherein the first connector piece is provided at a predetermined pitch with a first housing. A plurality of first contacts arranged in two rows and each being held by the first housing, the second connector piece being in two rows with the second housing at a predetermined pitch. And a plurality of second contacts each being held by the second housing, each of the plurality of first contacts having a corresponding point of contact with the corresponding second contact When Has a bellows shape that is elastically deformable and bent into a substantially U-shape, a groove portion is provided at a portion of the contact point, and each of the plurality of second contacts is The first and second connector pieces each have a protrusion at a tip portion functioning as a contact point with the corresponding first contact. When the first and second connector pieces are fitted, the protrusion and the groove engage with each other. The bellows shape generates a force acting in a direction to release the fitting when the first and second connector pieces are released from each other. Is achieved.

In one embodiment, the bellows shape in each of the plurality of first contacts is a press-fitting piece portion press-fitted into the housing, and a portion following the press-fitting piece portion, which is folded back. A movable piece that is separated from the housing, and the movable piece functions as a contact point with the corresponding second contact.

For example, the first housing has a box-like shape having a recess at the center, and the press-fitting pieces of each of the plurality of first contacts have a box-like shape. Is pressed into one of the opposite side wall portions.

In one embodiment, the second housing has a shape having a protrusion at a center portion and a recess formed on both sides of the protrusion, and the second housing has a plurality of second contacts. Have a branch disposed along the side wall of the protrusion from the bottom surface of the recess, and the protrusion is provided at the tip of the branch.

For example, the branch portion in each of the plurality of second contacts is configured to be elastically deformable.

In one embodiment, one of the two substrates to be connected is a flat flexible cable, and a connector piece mounted on the flat flexible cable among the first and second connector pieces. Is further provided with a reinforcing plate, and the flat flexible cable is held so as to be sandwiched between the connector piece and the reinforcing plate.

According to another aspect of the invention, at least one
An electrical device is provided that includes a motherboard and at least one daughter board connected to one of the motherboards by a connector system inside an outer case. The daughter board is arranged at a position exposed when a part of the outer case is removed. Further, the connector system is a connector system of the present invention having the features described above.

Further, according to the present invention, the first and second connector pieces are mounted at opposing positions on each of the two substrates in a stacking state. A mating state between the first and second boards is provided for a board assembly configured using a board-to-board connector system that provides an electrical connection between the boards by mating. A method for releasing is provided. In the board assembly, the first connector piece includes a first housing and a plurality of first contacts arranged in two rows at a predetermined pitch and each of which is held by the first housing. The second connector piece has a second housing and a second connector piece at a predetermined pitch.
A plurality of second contacts arranged in rows and each being held by the second housing, each of the plurality of first contacts being in contact with a corresponding one of the second contacts. The tip side functioning as a point has an elastically deformable bellows shape bent into a substantially U-shape, a groove portion is provided at a portion of the contact point, and each of the plurality of second contacts is The first and second connector pieces each have a projection at a tip portion functioning as a contact point with the corresponding first contact, and the projection and the groove are engaged when the first and second connector pieces are fitted. Then, the bellows shape generates a force acting in a direction to release the fitting when the first and second connector pieces are released from the fitting. The method includes, at a first position near an end of the connector system and off the connector system in a width direction thereof, pushing one of the substrates constituting the substrate assembly into contact with both of the two rows of contacts. A first step of releasing said locked state with respect to the rows of the connector system, and a second step of disengaging the connector system in the width direction from the connector system near an end opposite to the first position. And pressing the one substrate of the substrate assembly in the second position, thereby achieving the aforementioned object.

The first and second steps may be alternately repeated until the fitting of the first and second connector pieces is released.

[0025]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The structure of a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIGS. 2A to 2D are diagrams schematically showing a configuration of a connector system (board-to-board type connector) 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The connector system 1000 includes a first connector piece 100 and a second connector piece 200 mounted on a pair of boards 110 and 210 in a stacking state. FIG. 2 (a)
FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a state in which the two connector pieces 100 and 200 are arranged at a slight distance from each other. FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows typically the state which the connection between 110 and 210 was achieved. FIG. 2C is a plan view illustrating the fitting surface side of the connector piece 100. Specifically, FIG.
This corresponds to a view of the connector piece 100 viewed from the direction C. On the other hand, FIG. 2D is a plan view illustrating the fitting surface side of the connector piece 200, and specifically corresponds to a view of the connector piece 200 viewed from the direction of the arrow 2D in FIG. 2A. I do.

The board system 2000 includes the connector system 1000 and the boards 110 and 210 connected by the connector system 1000.

The first connector piece 100 has a plurality of contacts 120 arranged at a predetermined pitch. Each of the contacts 120 is pressed and held in the housing 130. Similarly, the second connector piece 200 also has a plurality of contacts 220 arranged at a corresponding predetermined pitch, each of which is pressed and held in the housing 230. Connector piece 1
When the contacts 00 and 200 are fitted, each of the contacts 120 makes electrical contact with the corresponding contact 220 so that a predetermined electrical conduction state is established between the substrates 110 and 210 on which the connector pieces 100 and 200 are mounted. Is achieved.

However, the connector system 1000 can be used for the purpose of merely mechanically connecting the two substrates 2000.

As shown in FIG. 2C, the plurality of contacts 120 in the connector piece 100 are arranged in two rows along two opposing sides of the frame-shaped housing 130. Also, in the facing connector piece 200, as shown in FIG.
The contacts 220 are arranged in a total of two rows along two opposing sides of 30.

The housing 230 of the connector piece 200
In the figure, a projecting portion 235 is provided near the center of the frame shape, and concave portions 237 are formed on both sides thereof. When the connector pieces 100 and 200 are mated, the housing 130 of the connector piece 100
Of the connector piece 200, while the protrusion 235 of the housing 230 of the connector piece 200 is
The housing 130 is located at an opening 135 provided at the center of the frame shape.

Both rows of the contacts 120 in the connector piece 100 correspond to the housing 1 of the connector piece 100.
30 are symmetrically arranged with respect to the center line. Similarly, both rows of the contacts 220 in the connector piece 200 are arranged at symmetrical positions with respect to the protrusion 235 of the housing 230 of the connector piece 200.

However, the shape of each of the connector pieces 100 and 200 and the contacts 120 and 22 shown in FIG.
The method of arranging 0 and the like are merely a design example, and various modifications are possible.

For example, in the example shown in FIGS. 2C and 2D, in the contacts 120 or 220 of the connector piece 100 or 200, the contacts in one row and the contacts in the other row face each other. It is arranged in such a position as to do. Alternatively, in the contacts 120 or 220 in the connector piece 100 or 200, the contacts in one row and the contacts in the other row may be arranged in a staggered manner.

FIG. 3A is an enlarged view of the contact 120 provided on the connector piece 100, and FIG. 3B is a view showing the contact 120 from the direction of the arrow 3B in FIG. 3A. FIG.

As can be seen from FIGS. 2A and 3A, the vicinity of one end of the contact 120 is close to the substrate 110.
It functions as a lead part 120a for soldering to the substrate. The portion following the lead portion 120a is bent into a shape along the housing 130, and the portion indicated by reference numeral 120b is the housing 130.
It functions as a press-fitting piece 120b that is press-fitted into the hole.

The contact 120 following the press-in piece 120b
The other end forms a movable piece 120c. At the time of fitting, the movable piece 120c comes into electrical contact with the contact 220 of the opposing second connector piece 200. The movable piece 120c is extended and bent by bending to form a so-called bellows shape which is bent into a substantially U-shape. By extending the movable piece 120c to have a bellows shape, the movable piece 120c becomes longer. by this,
As a displacement amount near a contact point due to elastic deformation at the time of fitting (the groove 125 becomes a contact point as described later),
Larger values are reserved.

In order to press-fit the contact 120 more firmly and surely into the housing 130, the press-fitting piece 120
It is preferable to provide an appropriate number and shape of projections 128 as shown in FIG. By providing such a projection 128, the contact 120 is more firmly held by the housing 130 at the time of press-fitting. The projection 1 to be provided for the above purpose
The number and the individual shapes of the 28
It may be set appropriately depending on the overall shape of the device, the positional relationship with the housing 130, and the like.

On the other hand, FIG. 4 is a diagram in which the contact 220 provided on the connector piece 200 is particularly enlarged.

As can be seen from FIGS. 2A and 4, the vicinity of one end of the contact 220 functions as a lead 220 a for soldering to the substrate 210. The portion following the lead portion 220a is branched into two, and one of the branches 220b functions as a press-fitting piece 220b that is press-fitted into the housing 230. The other branch 220c extends upward in the horizontal direction from the branch point and then bends upward to form a so-called fork-shaped movable piece 220c. Electrically contacts with the contacts 120 of the connector piece 100. As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the movable piece 220c has a shape extending from the bottom surface of the concave portion 237 formed in the housing 230 to the side surface of the protruding portion 235.

In the illustrated example, the branch 220c of the contact 220 is not in contact with the housing 230, and has a shape that functions as a movable piece 220c having elasticity. Alternatively, even when the branch 220c has no elasticity, the effects of the present invention described later are similarly exhibited.

A groove 125 is provided near the tip of the movable piece 120c of the contact 120. On the other hand, the tip of the movable piece 220c of the contact 220 has a protrusion 2
25 are provided. When mated, contact 220
Of the contact 120 facing the contact 120
By dropping (engaging) into 25, an electrical connection between them is ensured. The engagement structure using the groove 125 and the protrusion 225 functions as a lock mechanism for fitting, and the reliability of fitting is improved. In addition, since the protrusion 225 falls (engages) into the groove 125, a click sound (click feeling) is generated at the time of fitting, and the end point of the fitting can be recognized reliably and easily.

In the example shown in FIG.
In this case, a shape having a substantially trapezoidal cross section and inclined surfaces at both ends is provided. However, the shape of the groove 125 is not limited to this, and various modifications are possible.

For example, in the example shown in FIG.
Both ends of 25 (parts indicated by circles 125a and 125b) are nearly right-angled surfaces. If the end (circle 125a) of the groove 125 on the side close to the tip of the contact 120 is a surface close to a right angle, a stopper function can be exerted when the protrusion of the opposing contact is inserted into the groove 125. It is effective for preventing excessive insertion. Also, the groove 125
If the other end (circle 125b) is a surface close to a right angle, the inserted protruding portion is unlikely to be detached from the groove portion 125, thereby enabling reliable fitting (contact). In contrast, FIG.
As shown in (b), while the end (circle 125a) of the groove 125 on the side close to the tip of the contact 120 is a surface close to a right angle, a stopper function at the time of insertion of the projection is exhibited.
If the other end (circle 125c) of the groove 125 is formed as a tapered slope, an effect of facilitating insertion of the protrusion into the groove 125 can be obtained. The shape of the circle 125b (FIG. 5A) or the circle 125c (FIG. 5B)
What is necessary is just to set suitably according to the use of a connector system, etc.

Inserting a finger or the like between substrates 110 and 210 in substrate assembly 2000 configured by connecting two substrates using connector system 1000 of the present invention having the above configuration. In addition, the connection state of the board assembly 2000 can be easily released by easily releasing the fitted state of the connector pieces 100 and 200. This will be described below with reference to FIGS. 6A to 6F.

FIG. 6A shows the state shown in FIG. 2B, in which the connector pieces 100 and 200 constituting the connector system 1000 of the present invention are in a fitted state. As a result, the boards 110 and 210 on which the connector pieces 100 and 200 are mounted are connected to each other to form the board assembly 2000. In the following, for the sake of clarity, the upper substrate 110 and the connector piece 100 mounted thereon will be collectively referred to as “superstructure 150 (of the substrate assembly 2000)”,
On the other hand, the lower substrate 210 and the connector piece 200 mounted thereon are collectively referred to as “(substrate assembly 2000).
)).

In order to release the fitted state of the connector system 1000 (substrate assembly 2000), first, a position slightly apart from the connector system 1000 in the width direction (short side direction), for example, around the point A shown in FIG. At
The upper substrate 110 is pushed downward (see the arrow in FIG. 6A). This pushing action causes the upper structure 150 of the board assembly 2000 to move to the upper connector piece 10.
B point which is a contact point between the housing 130 of the No. 0 and the housing 230 of the lower connector piece 200 (see FIG. 6B).
Rotational motion is performed around the center of rotation. Thereby, as shown by the arrow in FIG. 6B, the substrate 110 is lowered on the side where the substrate 110 is pushed, and moves upward on the opposite side. As a result, first, at the contact point located on the right side in the drawing, the protrusion 225 of the contact 220 is disengaged from the groove 125 of the contact 120, and the lock is released. On the other hand, even at the contact point located on the left side in the figure, since the contact point is located on the right side from the rotation center (point B), relative movement occurs in the direction in which the protrusion 225 deviates from the groove 125.

When the point A is further pressed in this state, finally, as shown in FIG. 6C, the protrusion 22 of the contact 220 is also formed at the contact point located on the left side in the figure.
5 comes off the groove 125 of the contact 120, and the lock is released. On the other hand, regarding the right contact point, during the transition from the state of FIG. 6B to the state of FIG. 6C, the protrusion 225 moves toward the R portion (curved portion) of the bellows shape of the mating contact 120 (downward in the drawing). T), gradually move.

When both locks are released, the operation of pressing the point A is stopped, and this time, the upper substrate is located at a position opposite to the conventional position with respect to the connector system 1000, for example, near the point C in FIG. 6D. Push 110 down. As a result, a rotational movement occurs around the point D this time.

When point C is pressed, point C of upper substrate 110 necessarily moves downward (arrow in FIG. 6D).
However, since the right contact point is located on the left side of the rotation center (point D), the protrusion 225 of the contact 220 is actually moved toward the bellows-shaped R portion of the contact 120 and further. It will move so as to go around the lower side of the R portion along the curved shape. On the other hand, the upper substrate 11
The point A side of 0 moves upward (arrow in FIG. 6D), and accordingly, at the left contact point, the protrusion 225 moves toward the R portion of the bellows shape of the mating contact 120 (in the drawing, (Downward). As a result, as shown in FIG. 6E, the protrusion 2
25 reaches a state located in the middle of the R portion of the bellows shape of the opposed contact 120.

By the way, as described above, in the connector system 1000 of the present invention, at the time of mating (both contacts 1).
20 and 220), the two contacts 120 and 220 are elastically deformed to generate a fitting force (contact force). The tension is applied to both contacts 120 and 220 by the repulsive force against the elastic deformation, and the size thereof is determined by the groove 125 and the protrusion 225.
Immediately after the lock using is released (immediately after the protrusion 225 comes out of the groove 125), it is considered to be the maximum. As the projection 225 moves along the opposing contact 120, the moment of the force resulting from the above-described elastic repulsion gradually changes its direction. In particular, the protrusion 225
Goes under the R portion of the contact 120,
The component of the upward force in the figure gradually increases.

A frictional force acts between the contacts 120 and 220, and acts so as to cancel the above-mentioned force caused by the elastic repulsion. However, as the relative movement between the protrusion 225 and the counterpart contact 120 progresses, the upward force resulting from the elastic repulsion eventually becomes greater than the frictional force. At this point, the upper structure 150 of the board assembly 2000 is strongly moved upward and disengaged from the lower structure 250 (ie, the connector piece 1).
00 comes off the connector piece 200).

As a result, as shown in FIG. 6F, the fitted state of the connector system 1000 (substrate assembly 2000) is finally released, and the substrate 110 is removed from the substrate 210.

If the connection operation of the connector pieces 100 and 200 is insufficient by only the series of operations described above, the operation of pushing the point A side is performed again. Until the substrate 110 is released from the substrate 210 and the substrate 110 is detached from the substrate 210, the operation of alternately pressing the vicinity of the point A and the vicinity of the point C may be repeated.

In the above description with reference to FIGS. 6A to 6F, the connector piece 200 and the board 210 constitute the upper structure of the board assembly 2000, and the connector piece 1
Even if 00 and substrate 110 are arranged to form the lower structure of substrate assembly 2000, the same disengagement mechanism operates as described above.

FIG. 7A shows a board assembly 2000 constructed using the connector system 1000 of the present invention.
Is schematically drawn again. As described above, according to the connector system 1000 of the present invention, when the board assembly 2000 is configured by using this, it is easy to release the fitted state between the connector pieces (remove the connected board). It can be carried out. The above feature is that one of the substrates 510 constituting the substrate assembly 2000 is
Motherboard 5 with various functional components and circuit elements
10, which is very effective when the board 520 to be removed is a daughter board (child board) 520 on which circuit components that are often replaced are mounted. Examples of circuit components that are frequently replaced include various semiconductor chips such as a data ROM and a CPU, and various circuit components that have a high probability of requiring repair at the time of failure. If the board assembly 2000 is configured using the connector system 1000 of the present invention, the daughter board 520 can be connected to the motherboard 5.
10 can be easily removed, for example, CP
The function improvement (version upgrade) of the board assembly by replacing the U or the ROM, the re-bearing work at the time of failure, and the like are easily performed.

On the other hand, FIG. 7B is a diagram schematically illustrating another board assembly 2500 constituted by using the connector system 1000 of the present invention.

Specifically, in the board assembly 2500 of FIG. 7B, the board 510 and the flat flexible cable 525 are connected by the connector system 1000 of the present invention. Here, the flat flexible cable 525 may be a flexible printed circuit (FPC) or a flexible flat cable (FF) in the technical field.
Components known as C) and the like can be used. When a flexible flat cable (FFC) is used, a wiring board is attached to the end of the FFC, and the connector piece of the connector system according to the present invention is mounted thereon for use.

Preferably, in order to provide sufficient mechanical strength, the connector piece on the side attached to the flat flexible cable 525 is further provided with a reinforcing plate 530 made of a suitable material (eg, mica). Is attached, and the flat flexible cable 525 is sandwiched and held between the connector piece and the reinforcing plate 530. Further, as for the size of the reinforcing plate 530, in addition to the connector piece to be attached, two pressing points (points A and C) on both sides of the connector system 1000 mentioned when the fitting release mechanism was described earlier. (Ie, a size that covers the entire “seesaw operation site” of the disengagement mechanism).

In general, in the configuration of a conventional connector for connecting a flat flexible cable 525 such as an FFC or an FPC, in particular, a miniaturized, low-profile and thinned connector is disclosed, for example, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-142130. Gazette and Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication
As described in JP-A-31526 and the like,
It is necessary to provide a member (slider or the like) that functions as a lock mechanism for C or FPC on the connector piece. At the time of connection, a member such as the slider is opened, a flat flexible cable such as FFC or FPC is inserted, and then the slider or the like is closed to realize a locked state. However, in such a conventional configuration, it is necessary to perform a very fine mounting operation, which requires a relatively large number of man-hours.

On the other hand, in the board assembly 2500 as shown in FIG. 7B using the connector system 1000 of the present invention, even if the flat flexible cable 525 such as FFC or FPC is used. It is mounted on the connector system 1000 only by a simple fitting operation and is easily connected to the board 510.

As described above, the flat flexible cable 52
5 is used as one of the connection mates, even in the case of the board assembly 2000 which realizes a general board-to-board connection, as described above with respect to the board assembly 2000, the realization of easy disengagement, etc. It goes without saying that the effect of the present invention is similarly achieved.

Further, if the board assembly 2000 or 2500 using the connector system 1000 of the present invention having the above-described features is incorporated in an electric device, the function can be improved by replacing the CPU or ROM as described above (version upgrade). ) And the ability to easily carry out a rebearing operation in the event of a failure greatly improves the convenience of electric equipment.

In particular, as schematically shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, an electric device (in the illustrated example, the portable telephone terminal 60) is used.
If the board assembly 2000 is arranged at a position where the daughter board 520 is exposed when the part 610 of the outer case is removed in the case 0), the replacement operation from the outside (removal of the daughter board 520 from the motherboard 510) Can be easily implemented. According to this, in a mobile phone and various portable terminal devices in which the tendency of further miniaturization is strong, the substrate assembly 200 is reduced with the reduction in the overall size.
0 is small, the C mounted on the daughter board 520
Various semiconductor chips such as PUs can be easily replaced, and the effect obtained thereby is very large.

In the above description with reference to FIGS. 8A and 8B, the board assembly 2000 mounted in the electric equipment (portable telephone terminal 600) is replaced with the board assembly 25.
Needless to say, 00 may be used.

The board assembly can be modified in various ways, for example, by using a plurality of connector systems to connect a plurality of daughter boards to one motherboard or to connect a plurality of boards. Needless to say, there is. Also, even when a plurality of boards (printed wiring boards) on which various circuit components are mounted, for example, are present in an electric device, one or more of the boards may be used. It is possible to separately connect one or more daughter boards to each as a motherboard, respectively.

In the two connector pieces of the connector system of the present invention having the configuration described above, for example, the contacts are made of gold-plated phosphor bronze, and the housing is made of a liquid crystal polymer. However, the constituent materials of the contacts and the housing are not limited to these, and materials generally used for connectors can be appropriately selected and used.

[0069]

As described above, when the board assembly is formed by connecting the boards using the board-to-board connector system according to the present invention, the height of the connector pieces constituting the connector system is reduced. Even in the case where the board is advanced, it is possible to easily release the fitted state between the connector pieces without applying an excessive stress load to the board, and to easily remove the board constituting the board assembly. it can.

Thus, for example, the CPU or RO
When a daughter board on which a semiconductor chip such as M is mounted is connected to the motherboard by the connector system of the present invention, and a board assembly is configured, the daughter board is removed from the motherboard and replaced to be mounted thereon. CPUs and the like can be easily replaced. Therefore, if a board assembly using the connector system of the present invention is incorporated into an electric device, the function improvement (version upgrade) by replacing the CPU and ROM as described above and the re-bearing operation in the event of a failure can be easily carried out. Greatly improves the convenience.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a configuration of a conventional board-to-board connector.

FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of a connector system (a board-to-board type connector) according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2A illustrates a case where two connector pieces included in the connector system are slightly apart from each other. FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a state in which the connector pieces are arranged, and FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a state in which the connector pieces are fitted and the electrical connection between the substrates is achieved. , (C) is a plan view depicting the fitting surface side of one connector piece (specifically, a view as seen from the direction of arrow 2C in (a)).
(D) is a plan view depicting the fitting surface side of the other connector piece (specifically, a view as seen from the direction of arrow 2D in (a)).

FIG. 3A is an enlarged view of a contact 120 provided on the connector piece 100, and FIG.
FIG. 3A is a view of the contact 120 viewed from the direction of the arrow 3B in FIG.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a contact 220 provided in the connector piece 200.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are diagrams schematically showing modified examples of the shape of a groove provided in a contact. FIGS.

FIG. 6A illustrates fitting (connection) of a board assembly according to the present invention.
Is a diagram for explaining a certain step in a method for canceling a call.

FIG. 6B illustrates fitting (connection) of a board assembly according to the present invention.
Is a diagram for explaining a certain step in a method for canceling a call.

FIG. 6C illustrates fitting (connection) of a board assembly according to the present invention.
Is a diagram for explaining a certain step in a method for canceling a call.

FIG. 6D illustrates fitting (connection) of a board assembly according to the present invention.
Is a diagram for explaining a certain step in a method for canceling a call.

FIG. 6E illustrates fitting (connection) of a substrate assembly according to the present invention.
Is a diagram for explaining a certain step in a method for canceling a call.

FIG. 6F illustrates fitting (connection) of a board assembly according to the present invention.
Is a diagram for explaining a certain step in a method for canceling a call.

FIG. 7A is a perspective view schematically illustrating a board assembly configured by using the connector system of the present invention, and FIG. 7B is a perspective view of the board assembly configured by using the connector system of the present invention;
In particular, it is a perspective view schematically showing a board assembly configured to be connected with a flat flexible cable (for example, FPC).

FIG. 8A is a schematic perspective view of a mobile phone terminal as an example of an electric device to which the present invention can be applied;
(B) is a figure which shows typically the board | substrate assembly by this invention integrated in the mobile telephone terminal of (a).

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 100 connector piece 110 substrate 120 contact 120a contact lead 120b contact press-fitting piece 120c contact movable piece 125 groove 128 press-fitting projection 130 housing 135 housing frame opening 200 connector piece 210 board 220 contact 220a contact lead 220b Press-fitting piece of contact 220c Movable piece of contact 225 Projection 230 Housing 235 Projection of housing 237 Recess 510 Motherboard 520 Daughter board 525 Flat flexible cable 530 Reinforcement plate 600 Electrical equipment (mobile phone terminal) 1000 Connector system 2000 Board assembly 2500 board assembly

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A method comprising: mounting first and second connector pieces at opposing positions on each of two boards in a stacking state and fitting the first and second connector pieces; A board-to-board connector system for providing an electrical connection between the boards, wherein the first connector pieces are arranged in a first housing and in two rows at a predetermined pitch and each of the first connector pieces are arranged in the first row. A plurality of first contacts carried by the housing of
A second connector piece having a second housing, a plurality of second contacts arranged in two rows at a predetermined pitch and each being held by the second housing;
Each of the plurality of first contacts has an elastically deformable bellows shape whose distal end side functioning as a contact point with the corresponding second contact is bent in a substantially U-shape. A groove portion is provided at a portion of the contact point, and each of the plurality of second contacts has a protrusion at a tip portion functioning as a contact point with the corresponding first contact; When the first and second connector pieces are fitted, the projection and the groove engage to be in a locked state, and the bellows shape removes the fitting between the first and second connector pieces. A board-to-board connector system that sometimes generates a force acting in the direction to release the mating. 2. The bellows shape of each of the plurality of first contacts is a press-fit piece that is press-fitted into the housing, and a portion that follows the press-fit piece and is folded back from the housing. The board-to-board connector system according to claim 1, further comprising a movable piece that is separated, wherein the movable piece functions as a contact point with the corresponding second contact. 3. The first housing has a box-like shape having a recess at the center thereof, and the press-fitting pieces of each of the plurality of first contacts have a box-like shape. 3. A press-fit into one of the side wall portions facing each other.
A board-to-board connector system according to claim 1. 4. The second housing has a shape having a protrusion at a center portion and a recess formed on both sides of the protrusion, and each of the plurality of second contacts is 4. The device according to claim 1, further comprising a branch disposed along a side wall of the protrusion from a bottom surface of the recess, wherein the protrusion is provided at a tip of the branch. 4. A board-to-board connector system according to any one of the preceding claims. 5. The board-to-board connector system according to claim 4, wherein said branch portion in each of said plurality of second contacts is configured to be elastically deformable. 6. One of the two substrates to be connected is a flat flexible cable, and a connector piece mounted on the flat flexible cable among the first and second connector pieces is further provided. The board-to-board connector according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a reinforcing plate is attached, and the flat flexible cable is held so as to be sandwiched between the connector piece and the reinforcing plate. system. 7. An electrical device comprising at least one motherboard and at least one daughter board connected to one of said motherboards by a connector system inside an outer case, said daughter board comprising: An electric device which is arranged at a position where it is exposed when a part of the outer case is removed, and wherein the connector system is the connector system according to any one of claims 1 to 6. 8. Mounting the first and second connector pieces at opposing positions on each of the two boards in a stacking state, and fitting the first and second connector pieces together. A method for releasing a mating state between said first and second boards for a board assembly configured using a board-to-board connector system for providing electrical connection between said boards. The substrate assembly, wherein the first connector piece comprises: a first housing; a plurality of first contacts arranged in two rows at a predetermined pitch, each being held by the first housing;
A second connector piece having a second housing, a plurality of second contacts arranged in two rows at a predetermined pitch and each being held by the second housing;
Each of the plurality of first contacts has an elastically deformable bellows shape whose distal end side functioning as a contact point with the corresponding second contact is bent in a substantially U-shape. A groove portion is provided at a portion of the contact point, and each of the plurality of second contacts has a protrusion at a tip portion functioning as a contact point with the corresponding first contact; When the first and second connector pieces are fitted, the projection and the groove engage to be in a locked state, and the bellows shape removes the fitting between the first and second connector pieces. Sometimes generating a force acting in a direction to release the mating, the method comprising: in a first position near an end of the connector system and off the connector system in a width direction thereof; The substrate assembly Push the one plate, the 2
A first step of releasing said lock for both rows of the contacts of the row; and with respect to the connector system, near the end opposite the first position and in the width direction from the connector system. Depressing the one substrate of the substrate assembly at a second position deviated from the second position.
A method for releasing the mating of the board assembly. 9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the first and second steps are alternately repeated until the first and second connector pieces are unmated.