TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] This disclosure relates to a connector, and more specifically to a connector assembly in which the board to board connector (BtoB connector) and RF connector are formed integrally as a single unit.

BACKGROUND ART

[0003] Typically, inside wireless communication devices such as smartphones and tablet PCs, there are furnished both RF connectors that transmit RF ^' signals, and board-to-board connectors (hereinafter "BtoB connectors") that process other digital signals such as signals related to cameras, fingerprint and retina recognition, and payment systems.

[0004] These RF connectors and BtoB connectors are mounted on a PCB, and in the prior art, this has led to a problematic increase in PCB mounting area, inasmuch as several different BtoB connectors and RF ^' connectors are mounted along with numerous other parts in a limited PCB space.

[0005] Recently, with the trend toward smartphone miniaturization and modularization, there has been a growing need to optimize the limited PCB mounting area by integrating RF and BtoB connectors in order to be able to adopt diverse designs,

[0006] In addition, the connecting structure between coaxial cable and RF connectors has been complex in the prior art, and due to the number of component parts needed to assemble the coaxial cable to the RF connector, production costs have increased and the production process has grown more complex, posing difficulties for mass production.

[0007] Patent Reference 1 : Republic of Korea Registered Patent Gazette No. 10-0730085 [0008] Patent Reference 2: Republic of Korea Registered Patent Gazette No. 10-1488891

SUMMARY

[0009] The task which this disclosure attempts to solve is the provision of a board-to- board connector and RF connector integral connector assembly that can be used in an FPC and integrates the BtoB connector and RF connector into a single unit.

[0010J To achieve the above technical task, the integral board-to-board connector and RF connector assembly according to a preferred embodiment of this disclosure comprises: a plug connector wherein are formed integrally a first connector plug part for board-to-board (BtoB) signal interfacing and a second connector plug part for RF ^' signal interfacing; and a receptacle connector wherein are formed integrally a first connector receptacle part for BtoB signal interfacing and a second connector receptacle part for RF ^' signal interfacing; and wherein when the plug connector and the receptacle connector are fastened, the first connector plug part is fitted into the first connector receptacle part and the second connector plug is fitted into the second connector receptacle part.

[0011] In addition, in the plug connector, at least one or more of the first connector plug part(s) may be formed on the outside of the second connector plug part, and at least one or more of the second connector receptacle part(s) may be formed on the outside of the first connector receptacle part, so as to correspond to the plug connector.

[0012] In addition, in the plug connector, at least one or more of the first connector plug part(s) may be formed on the outside of the second connector plug part, and at least one or more of the first connector receptacle part(s) may be formed on the outside of the second connector receptacle part, so as to correspond to the plug connector.

[0013] In addition, in the plug connector, at least one or more of the second connector plug part(s) may be formed inside the first connector plug part, and at least one or more of the second connector receptacle part(s) may be formed inside the first connector receptacle part, so as to correspond to the plug connector.

[0014] In addition, one of the plug connector and the receptacle connector may be mounted on a first board consisting of a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) to which an FPC cable is connected, and the other of the plug connector and the receptacle connector may be mounted on a second circuit board consisting of a printed circuit board (PCB). [0015] In addition, the plug connector may comprise: a plug housing consisting of insulative material and having a length direction; a plug terminal arranged as multiple terminals in the length direction on one side of the plug housing and insert-molded to the plug housing; a pair of plug fitting nails that are pressed to either end in the length direction of the plug housing; an RF male terminal insert-molded to the other side of the plug housing; and an RF outer shell installed on the outside of the RF male terminal and insert-molded to the other side of the plug housing.

[0016] In addition, the receptacle connector may comprise: a receptacle housing, consisting of insulative material and having a length direction, wherein an inner space is furnished to accommodate the plug housing; a receptacle terminal arranged as multiple terminals in the length direction on one side of the receptacle housing so as to correspond to the plug terminal, and insert-molded to the receptacle housing, a pair of receptacle fitting nails that are pressed to either end in the length direction of the plug housing; an RF female terminal insert-molded to the other side of the receptacle housing so as to correspond to the RF male terminal; and an RF ^' outer shell installed on the outside of the RF female terminal and insert- molded to the other side of the receptacle housing.

[0017] In addition, the connector assembly may comprise: an RF shielding means that shields the RF connector circuit part vicinity so that an RF signal generated by the RF connector circuit part, consisting of the second connector plug part and the second connector receptacle part, is not interfered with by the digital signal generated by the BtoB connector circuit part, consisting of the first connector plug part and the first connector receptacle part.

[0018] In addition, the RF shielding means may comprise: the RF outer shell, formed as a cylinder so as to surround the outside of the RF male terminal and the RF female terminal; a shielding space formed on the receptacle housing and the plug housing as a circular space along the bottom circumference of the RF ^' outer shell; and an insulating body formed on the receptacle housing and the plug housing, so as to surround the exterior of the RF outer shell, spaced apart from the shielding space.

[0019] In addition, the RF shielding means may comprise: an outer shielding frame, coupled to the receptacle housing so as to surround the outside of the second connector receptacle part, that shields the vicinity of the RF female terminal so that the digital signal of the BtoB connector circuit part does not interfere with the RF signal of the connector circuit part. [0020] In addition, the RF shielding means may comprise: an inner shielding frame, coupled to the receptacle housing so as to surround the inside of the second connector plug part, that shields the vicinity of the RF male terminal so that the digital signal of the BtoB connector circuit part does not interfere with the RF signal of the connector circuit part.

[0021] In addition, on the housing, a shi elding recess may be formed in the vicini ty of the RF female terminal and the RF outer shell, and a shielding projection may he formed, corresponding to the shielding recess, in the vicinity of the RF female terminal and the RF outer shell; and when the plug connector and the receptacle connector are coupled together, the shielding projection is inserted into the shielding recess so as to tightly seal off the RF connector circuit part.

[0022] In addition, the plug connector may have a locking recess formed on either end of the plug housing, and the receptacle connector may have a locking projection formed on the inside of the fitting nails that respectively are coupled to either end of the receptacle housing; and when the plug connector and the receptacle connector are fastened together, the locking projection may be fitted into the locking recess so as to maintain a secure ground between the terminals even after fastening.

[0023] The board to board connector and RF connector integral connector assembly according to this disclosure has the following effects.

[0024] First, this disclosure can reduce the relative defect rate and increase manufacturing process efficiency, because, due to the integration of the BtoB connector and RF connector into a single unit, the limited PCB mounting area can be optimized relative to the area on which BtoB connectors and RF connectors were separately mounted on PCBs in the prior art, and a single manufacturing process can be realized due to the integration of the parts,

[0025] Second, this disclosure enables mass production and cost reduction by configuring the BtoB connector and RF connector as a single unit so that the total number of parts may be reduced by 5.

[0026] Third, this disclosure facilitates product design configuration and enables reduced product thickness, because a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) to which an FPC cable is connected can be used with a connector.

[0027] Fourth, because this disclosure forms an isolation structure to prevent RF signals from interfering with nearby BtoB signals, RF performance may be improved. [0028] Fifth, because the BtoB connector requires a high retention force, and this disclosure couples the BtoB connector with the RF connector, the BtoB connector's retention force may be increased.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating the integral connector assembly with BtoB connector and RF connector according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the plug connector in the connector assembly of this disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the receptacle connector in the connector assembly of this disclosure.

[0032] FIGS. 4A and 4B are drawings illustrating one embodiment of the RF shielding staicture furnished in the connector assembly of this disclosure.

[0033] FIGS. 5A and 5B are drawings depicting a different embodiment of the RF shielding structure furnished in the connector assembly of this disclosure.

[0034] FIGS. 6A and 6B are drawings depicting a further embodiment of the RF shielding structure furnished in the connector assembly of this disclosure.

[0035] FIG. 7 is a drawing depicting the actual mounting of the plug connector on the FPCB and the receptacle connector on the PCB in the connector assembly of this disclosure.

[0036] FIG. 8 is a drawing depicting the actual mounting of the plug connector on the PCB and the receptacle connector on the FPCB in the connector assembly of this disclosure.

[0037] FIGS. 9 through 11 are schematic drawings illustrating diverse types of connector assemblies in which the BtoB connector and RF connector are integrated.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0038] Hereinafter, referring to the attached drawings, exemplary embodiments of this disclosure are described in detail. Please note that in describing this disclosure, the detailed explanation is omitted of functions and components which are common knowledge and would unnecessarily obscure the substance of the disclosure. [0039] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating the integral connector assembly with BtoB connector and RF connector according to an embodiment of this disclosure; FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the plug connector in the connector assembly of this disclosure; FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the receptacle connector in the connector assembly of this disclosure.

[0040] As shown in FIGS. 1 through 3, the board to board connector and RF connector integral connector assembly according to this disclosure may comprise a plug connector 100 and receptacle connector 200.

[0041] The plug connector 100 is formed integrally from the first connector plug part (BtoB connector plug part) 101 for board to board (BtoB) signal interfacing, and a second connector plug part (RF connector plug part) 102 for RF signal interfacing.

[0042] The plug connector 100 may comprise a plug housing 110, plug terminal 120, plug fitting nails 130, RF male terminal 140 and RF outer shell 150,

[0043] The plug housing 110 is formed in a rectangular box shape having a length direction such that insertion into the below-described receptacle housing 210 is possible, and consists of an insulative material . In the plug housing 1 10, a BtoB connector circuit part 101a may be formed over approximately half of one side, and on approximately half of the other side, an RF connector circuit part 102a may be formed.

[0044] In addition, on either end of the length direction of the plug housing 110, fitting nail pressing recesses 113 are formed so that the below-described plug fitting nails 130 may be pressed thereinto and installed. In addition, on the plug housing 110, a locking recess 1 12, (see FIGS. 5 A and 5B) is formed on either end of the exterior, so that when the plug housing 110 is inserted and fastened into the receptacle housing 210, a locking projection 232, (see FIGS, 5A and 5B) may be inserted into and locked into place in the inside of the below-described receptacle fitting nails 230 in the locking recess 112.

[0045] In addition, on the plug housing 110, a shielding recess 111 is formed in the vicinity of the below-described RF male terminal 140 and RF outer shell 150. For example, the shielding recess 111 shields the vicinity so that the RF signal of the RF connector circuit part 102a is not interfered with by the digital signal of the BtoB connector circuit part 101a, because the first shielding recess 11 la is formed in the length direction of the plug housing 110 in the vicinity of the RF male terminal 140 and RF ^' outer shell 150 so that the below-described first shielding projection 211a is inserted thereinto, and the second shielding recess 111b is formed in the circumferential direction in the vicinity of the RF male terminal 140 and RF outer shell 150, so that the below-described second shielding projection 21 1b is inserted thereinto, so as to seal tightly the vicinity of the RF connector circuit part 102a.

[0046] The plug terminal 120 is arranged as multiple terminals in the length direction on the BtoB connector circuit part 101a on one side of the plug housing 110, and insert-molded to the plug housing 1 10. For example, a plurality of plug terminals 120 may be arranged in two rows in the length direction of the plug housing 10. In addition, the plug terminal 120 is formed of a conductive material in a shape that can be fit into the below-described receptacle terminal 220. A plurality of plug terminals 120 are respectively soldered to the first circuit board 10 for digital signal interfacing.

[0047] The plug fitting nails 130 are formed as a pair so as to be pressed into the fitting nail pressing recess 113 formed on either end of the plug housing 110 in the length direction, and serve to affix the plug housing 110 to the first circuit board 10. The plug fitting nails 130 consist of metal material having a plate shape.

[0048] The RF male terminal 140 is insert-molded to the terminal hole formed on the RF connector circuit part 102a on the other side of the plug housing 110. The RF male terminal 140 is soldered to the first circuit board 10 for RF signal interfacing.

[0049] The RF male terminal 140 may comprise a terminal projection 141 and terminal lead part 143. The terminal projection 141 is formed in a circular rod shape such that the outer diameter of the terminal projection 141 matches the inner diameter of the terminal recess 241, so that when the receptacle connector 200 and plug connector 100 are coupled together, they may be inserted into the below-described terminal recess 241 to make contact. The terminal lead part 143 is formed in a rectangular plate shape extending in the horizontal direction on one side of the terminal projection 141, and is insert-molded to the plug housing 110. The end of the terminal lead part 143 is soldered to the first circuit board 10, and is exposed on the exterior of the plug housing 110 via the cut-out formed in the bottom of one side of the plug housing 1 10.

[0050] The RF outer shell 150 is installed on the outside of the RF ^' male terminal 140 and insert-molded to the RF connector circuit part 102a on the other side of the plug housing 110. The RF outer shell 150 consists of a conductor, and the surface of the RF outer shell 50 may be coated with gold or lead as needed.

[0051] The RF outer shell 150 may comprise a base part 151 and a plug cylinder part 153. The base part 151 is insert-molded to the RF mounting recess formed on the RF connector circuit part 102a on the other side of the plug housing 110. The plug cylinder part 153 is formed protruding perpendicularly at the center of the flat surface of the base part 151. The plug cyl inder part 153 i s formed so that the outer diameter of the plug cylinder part 153 matches the inner diameter of the below-described receptacle cylinder part 253 so that it may be tightly fitted into the receptacle cylinder part 253. The plug cylinder part 153 has a hollow part passing through it vertically, so that the terminal projection 141 of the RF male terminal 140 is located in the hollow part. In addition, the plug cylinder part 153 has a coupling recess formed in the outer ci cumference, so that when the plug cylinder part 153 is fitted into the receptacle cylinder part 253, the below-described coupling projection is inserted into the coupling recess. In this embodiment, the coupling recess has been depicted as being formed as a groove with a trapezoidal profile, but it is not limited thereto and may also be configured in diverse shapes such as a semicircular or triangular shape.

[0052J The plug connector 100 in this disclosure is capable of reduced production costs and mass production, because the total number of parts is optimized at 5 by realizing the BtoB connector plug part 101 as 3 parts (plug housing, plug terminal, and plug fitting nail) and the RF connector plug part 102 as two parts (RF male terminal, RF outer shell).

[0053] The receptacle connector 200 is formed integrally from the first connector plug part (BtoB connector plug part) 101 for board to board (BtoB) signal interfacing, and a second connector plug part (RF connector plug part) 102 for RF ^' signal interfacing; when the plug connector 100 and receptacle connector 200 are fastened together, the first connector plug part 101 is fitted into the first connector receptacle part 201 and the second connector plug 102 is fitted into the second connector receptacle part 202.

[0054J The receptacle connector 200 may comprise a receptacle housing 210, receptacle terminal 220, receptacle fitting nails 230, RF female terminal 240 and RF ^' outer shell 250.

[0055] The receptacle housing 210 is formed in a rectangular box shape and consists of an insulative material. In the receptacle housing 210, a BtoB connector circuit part 201a may be formed over approximately half of one side, and on approximately half of the other side, an RF connector circuit part 202a may be formed.

[0056] In addition, in the receptacle housing 210, an inner space 210a is prepared for accommodating the plug housing 110, and terminal assembly recesses 220a are formed so that the below-described receptacle terminal may be fitted and installed therein, and a plurality of terminal assembly recesses 220a are formed at a specific pitch along the length direction of the receptacle housing 210.

[0057] In addition, on either end of the length direction of the receptacle housing 210, fitting nail pressing recesses 213 are formed so that the below-described receptacle fitting nails 230 may be pressed thereinto and installed. In addition, locking projections 231 are formed on the inside of the receptacle fitting nails 230 on either end of the receptacle housing 210, so that when the plug connector 100 and receptacle connector 200 are fastened together, the locking projection 232 is fitted into the locking recess 112 so as to maintain a secure ground between the terminals even after fastening,

[0058J In addition, on the receptacle housing 210, a shielding projection 211 is formed in the vicinity of the below-described RF female terminal 240 and RF outer shell 250, corresponding to the shielding recess 111. For example, the shielding projection 211 shields the vicinity so that the RF ^' signal of the RF connector circuit part 202a is not interfered with by the digital signal of the BtoB connector circuit part 201a, because the first shielding projection 211a is formed in the length direction of the receptacle housing 210 in the vicinity of the RF male terminal 240 and RF outer shell 250 so that it is inserted into the first shielding recess 111a, and the second shielding projection 21 lb is formed in the circumferential direction in the vicinity of the RF female terminal 240 and RF outer shell 250, so that it may be inserted into the second shielding recess 1 11b of the plug housing 1 10, so as to seal tightly the vicinity of the RF connector circuit part 202a.

[0059] The receptacle terminal 220 is arranged as multiple terminals in the length direction on the BtoB connector circuit part 201 a on one side of the receptacle housing 210, so as to correspond to the plug terminal 120, and is insert-molded to the receptacle housing 210. For example, a plurality of receptacle terminals 220 may be arranged in two rows in the length direction of the receptacle housing 210, fitting into the plurality of terminal assembly recesses 220a formed on the receptacle housing 210. The receptacle terminal 220 is formed of an elastic conductive material bent into a shape that can be fit into the plug terminal 120. A plurality of receptacle terminals 220 are respectively soldered to the second circuit board 20 for digital signal interfacing.

[0060] The receptacle fitting nails 230 are formed as a pair so as to be pressed into the fitting nail pressing recess 213 formed on either end of the receptacle housing 210 in the length direction, and serve to affix the receptacle housing 210 to the second circuit board 20. The receptacle fitting nails 230 consist of a metal material in a plate shape.

[0061] The RF female terminal 240 is insert-molded to the terminal hole formed on the RF connector circuit part 202a on the other side of the receptacle housing 210 so as to correspond to the RF male terminal 140. The RF female terminal 240 is soldered to the second circuit board 20 for RF signal interfacing.

[0062] The RF female terminal 240 may comprise a terminal recess 241, terminal lead part 243, and terminal support part 245. The terminal recess 241 is formed in a hollow cylindrical shape so that the terminal protrusion 141 of the RF male terminal 140 may be inserted thereinto, and the inner diameter of the terminal recess 241 matches the outer diameter of the terminal projection 141 , so that when the plug connector 100 and receptacle connector 200 are coupled together, the terminal projection 141 may be inserted into the terminal recess 241 so as to make contact. The terminal lead part 243 is formed in a rectangular plate shape extending in the horizontal direction on one side of the terminal projection 241, and is insert- molded to the receptacle housing 210. The end of the terminal lead part 243 is soldered to the second circuit board 20, and is exposed on the exterior of the receptacle housing 210 via the cut-out formed in the bottom of one side of the receptacle housing 210. At least one or more terminal support part(s) 245, and preferably 2, are formed on the other side of the terminal recess 241, and are insert-molded to the receptacle housing 210 so as to provide firm support to the terminal recess 241.

[0063] The RF outer shell 250 is installed on the outside of the RF female terminal 240 and insert-molded to the RF connector circuit part 202a on the other side of the receptacle housing 210. The RF outer shell 250 consists of a conductor, and the surface of the RF outer shell 250 may be coated with gold or lead as needed.

[0064] The RF outer shell 250 may comprise a base part 251 and a receptacle cylinder part 253. The base part 251 is insert-molded to the RF mounting recess formed on the RF connector circuit part 202a on the other side of the receptacle housing 210. The receptacle cylinder part 253 is formed protruding perpendicularly at the center of the flat surface of the base part 251. The receptacle cylinder part 253 is formed so that the inner diameter of the receptacle cylinder part 253 matches the outer diameter of the plug cylinder part 153 so that the plug cylinder part 153 may be tightly fitted thereinto. The receptacle cylinder part 253 has a hollow part formed passing through it vertically, so that the terminal recess 241 of the RF female terminal 240 is located in the hollow part. In addition, the receptacle cylinder part 253 has a coupling projection formed in the inner circumference, so that when the plug cylinder part 153 is fitted into the receptacle cylinder part 253, the coupling projection is inserted into the coupling recess. In this embodiment, the coupling projection has been depicted as being formed projecting with a trapezoidal profile, so as to correspond to the shape of the coupling recess, but it is not limited thereto and may also be configured in diverse shapes such as a semicircular or triangular shape.

[0065] The receptacle connector 200 in this disclosure is capable of reduced production costs and mass production, because the total number of parts is optimized at 5 by realizing the BtoB connector receptacle part 201 as 3 parts (receptacle housing, receptacle terminal, and receptacle fitting nails) and the RF connector receptacle part 202 as two parts (RF ^' female terminal, RF outer shell).

[0066] The connector assembly according to this disclosure comprises an RF shielding means that shields the vicinity of the RF connector circuit part 102a, 202a to that the RF signal generated by the RF connector circuit part 102a, 202a consisting of the second connector plug part 102 and second connector receptacle part 202 is not interfered with by digital signals generated by the BtoB connector circuit part 101a, 201a, consisting of a first connector plug part 101 and first connector receptacle part 201. In other words, the connector assembly has a structure that isolates RF signals from BtoB digital audio and control signals.

[0067] Diverse embodiments of the RF shielding means will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 4 A to 6B.

[0068] FIGS. 4A and 4B are drawings illustrating one embodiment of the RF shielding structure furnished in the connector assembly of this disclosure.

[0069] Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, the RF shielding means may comprise an RF outer shell 150, 250, shielding space 301 and insulating body 303.

[0070] The RF outer shell 150, 250 consists of the RF outer shell 150 of the plug connector 100 and the RF outer shell 250 of the receptacle connector 200; it is formed as a cylinder surrounding the exterior of the RF male terminal 140 and RF female terminal 240. Accordingly, an isolation structure is formed by means of the RF outer shell 150, 250 so as to initially prevent RF signals from interfering with nearby BtoB signals, RF performance may be improved.

[0071] The shielding space 301 is formed on the plug housing 1 10 and receptacle housing 210 as a round space along the outer lower circumference of the RF outer shell 150, 250. Consequently, the RF performance may be further improved by a second isolation to prevent the RF signal from interfering with nearby BtoB signals, by means of heat transfer through the air, because the shielding space 301 forms a gap.

[0072] The insulating body 303 is formed on the plug housing 110 and receptacle housing 210 so as to surround the exterior of the RF outer shell 150, 250, set apart from the shielding space 301 . Consequently, the RF performance may be further improved by a third isolation to prevent the RF signal from interfering with nearby BtoB signals, by means of the insulating body 303.

[0073] FIGS. 5A and 5B are drawings depicting a different embodiment of the RF shielding structure furnished in the connector assembly of this disclosure,

[0074] As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the RF shielding means may comprise an outer shielding frame 310, coupled to the receptacle housing 210 so as to surround the outside of the second connector receptacle part 202, that shields the vicinity of the RF female terminal 240 so that the digital signal of the BtoB connector circuit part 201a does not interfere with the RF signal of the connector circuit part 202a.

[0075] In other words, it has the form of an EMI shielding isolation structure, wherein the RF vicinity is first isolated by a rectangular shielding space 301 and second by an outer shielding frame 310 structure with a rectangular shape on the exterior, so as to prevent digital signals from BtoB from interfering with RF.

[0076] FIGS. 6A and 6B are drawings depicting a further embodiment of the RF shielding structure furnished in the connector assembly of this disclosure.

[0077] As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the RF ^' shielding means may comprise an inner shielding frame 320, coupled to the plug housing 210 so as to surround the interior of the second connector plug part 202, that shields the vicinity of the RF male terminal 240 so as to prevent digital signals from the BtoB connector circuit part 201a from interfering with the RF signals from the RF connector circuit part 202a.

[0078] In other words, it has the form of an EMI shielding separation structure, wherein the RF vicinity is first isolated by a rectangular shielding space 301 and second by an inner shielding frame 320 structure with a rectangular shape on the exterior, so as to prevent digital signals from BtoB from interfering with RF.

[0079] FIG. 7 is a drawing depicting the actual mounting of the plug connector on the FPCB and the receptacle connector on the PCB in the connector assembly of this disclosure.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 7, the plug connector 100 may be mounted on the bottom surface of a first circuit board 10 consisting of a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) to which a FPC cable 11 is connected, and the receptacle connector 200 may be mounted on the upper surface of a second circuit board 20 consisting of a printed circuit board (PCB).

[0081] FIG. 8 is a drawing depicting the actual mounting of the plug connector on the PCB and the receptacle connector on the FPCB in the connector assembly of this disclosure.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 8, the plug connector 100 may be mounted on the upper surface of a second circuit board 20 consisting of a PCB, and the receptacle connector 200 may be mounted on the bottom surface of a first circuit board 10 consisting of a FPCB.

[0083] Accordingly, this disclosure facilitates product design configuration and enables reduced product thickness, because a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) to which an FPC cable 11 is connected may be used with a connector. In addition, it makes possible reduced origin costs and mass production, because the parts that were necessary in the prior art for assembly with coaxial cable may be omitted.

[0084] FIGS. 9 through 11 are schematic drawings illustrating diverse types of connector assemblies in which the BtoB connector and RF connector are integrated.

[0085] The connector assembly may be formed as an integrated whole consisting of one BtoB connector and one RF connector. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the BtoB connector and RF connector may be formed as an integrated unit, and in the plug connector 100, the RF connector plug part 102 may be formed as an integrated unit on the right side of the BtoB connector plug part 101 , and the RF connector receptacle part 202 may be formed as an integrated unit on the right side of the BtoB connector receptacle part 201 so as to correspond to the plug connector 100.

[0086] In addition, the connector assembly may be formed as an integrated whole consisting of one BtoB connector and two RF connectors. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the RF connectors may be formed as an integrated unit on the exterior of the BtoB connector, and in the plug connector 100, the RF connector plug parts 102 may be respectively formed as an integrated unit on the left and right sides of the BtoB connector plug part 101, while on the receptacle connector 200, the RF connector receptacle parts 202 may be respectively formed as an integrated unit on the left and right sides of the BtoB connector receptacle part 201 so as to correspond to the plug connector 100. [0087] In addition, the connector assembly may be formed as an integrated whole consisting of two BtoB connectors and one RF connectors. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the BtoB connectors may be formed as an integrated unit on the exterior of the RF connector, and in the plug connector 100, the BtoB connector plug parts 101 may be respectively formed as an integrated unit on the left and right sides of the RF connector plug part 102, while on the receptacle connector 200, the BtoB connector receptacle parts 201 may be respectively formed as an integrated unit on the left and right sides of the RF connector receptacle part 202 so as to correspond to the plug connector 100.

[0088] In addition, although not shown in the drawings, in the plug connector, at least one or more of the RF ^' connector plug part(s) may be formed on the inside of the BtoB connector plug part, and at least one or more of the RF connector receptacle part(s) may be formed on the inside of the BtoB connector receptacle part, so as to correspond to the plug connector.

[0089] Accordingly, this disclosure can reduce the relative defect rate and increase manufacturing process efficiency, because, due to the integration of the BtoB connector and RF connector into a single unit, the limited PCB mounting area can be optimized relative to the area on which BtoB connectors and RF connectors were separately mounted on PCBs in the prior art, and a single manufacturing process can be realized due to the integration of the parts.

[0090] Hereinabove, embodiments of this disclosure were described with reference to the attached drawings, but a person of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains will be able to understand that this disclosure may be implemented in different specific forms without altering the necessary characteristics or technical idea thereof. Therefore, the embodiments described hereinabove must be understood as exemplary, rather than limiting, in all respects. The scope of this disclosure is set forth in the claims below rather than in the detailed description; all alterations or altered forms derived from the meaning, scope and equivalents of the claims must be considered to be included within the scope of this disclosure.