Abstract:
A connector includes: a first connector body having a plurality of first lead terminals soldered onto a first wiring board; a second connector body having a plurality of second lead terminals soldered onto a second wiring board; a screw member; and a fastening member engageable to the screw member. The first connector body and the second connector body are engaged with each other to bring the first lead terminals and the second lead terminals into contact such that the first lead terminals and the second terminals electrically connect the first wiring board to the second wiring board. The first and second wiring boards and the first and second connector bodies are integrally fastened together by engaging the screw member to the fastening member.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0002]     The present invention relates to a connector which is interposed between two opposing wiring boards and which electrically connects the wiring boards to each other, as well as to a method for holding the connector unit between wiring boards. Furthermore, the invention relates to an electronic apparatus, such as a portable computer, having the connector.  
         [0003]     2. Background Art  
         [0004]     In an electronic apparatus, such as a portable computer or a cellular phone, two printed wiring boards disposed so as to face each other are electrically connected together by way of a connector known as a stacking connector.  
         [0005]     The connector has a first connector body mounted on one printed wiring board and a second connector body mounted on the other printed wiring board. The first and second connector bodies are removably fitted together, and interposed between the two printed wiring boards, as well.  
         [0006]     The first and second connector bodies respectively support a plurality of lead terminals. Each of the lead terminals has a first section soldered onto a pad on the printed wiring board, and a second section exposed to a fit portion between the first and second connector bodies. When the first connector body and the second connector body are fitted together, the second sections of the lead terminals of the first and second connector bodies are brought into contact. By means of this contact, the two printed wiring boards are electrically connected.  
         [0007]     Meanwhile, in a conventional connector, mounting strength of the first connector body with respect to the printing wiring board and that of the second connector body are likely to depend on strength of the respective soldered portions of the lead terminals. Therefore, when an absolute amount of solder is reduced with an increase in density of pads or with miniaturization of lead terminals, cracks often arise in a soldered portion of the lead terminal as a result of a large external force being exerted on the soldered portion between the lead terminal and the corresponding pad. This crack becomes greatly responsible for faulty continuity of the connector unit.  
         [0008]     A conventionally-practiced countermeasure against the above is to individually fix the first and second connector bodies to the printed wiring boards by means of screws. Hence, since the external force exerted on the soldered portion between the lead terminal and the pad is received by the screw, damage, which may otherwise be inflicted on the soldered portion, can be prevented.  
         [0009]     In another known example of a connector unit, a positioning pin is fixed on a first connector body, and a through hole, which allows insertion of the pin, is formed in a second connector body and in a printed wiring board—on which the second connector body is to be mounted. In the connector, the positioning pin continually passes through the two printed wiring boards, and the first and second connector bodies. Therefore, external force exerted on a soldered portion between a lead terminal and a pad and on a contact portion between the lead terminals can be received by the pin (see, e.g., JP-A-2002-319441).  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0010]     When the first and second connector bodies are individually fixed to the printed wiring boards by means of screws, mounting strength of the first and second connector bodies with respect to the printed wiring boards is increased. However, the positions of the first and second connector bodies remain constrained by means of merely fitting.  
         [0011]     Therefore, when, for instance, a strong impact, or stress resulting from a difference in thermal expansion is exerted on a fit portion between the first connector body and the second connector body, inevitably unbearable force is applied on a contact portion between the lead terminals. As a result, the contact state between the lead terminals is changed, whereby plating layers covering the surface of the lead terminals are sometimes exfoliated.  
         [0012]     In particular, when a contact pressure between the lead terminals is low, an impact applied on the first and second connector bodies causes the lead terminals to vibrate, and sometimes to rub against each other. As a result, the plating layers on the surfaces of the lead terminals are shaved off, and metal powder produced by the shaving stays between the lead terminals as sludge. Consequently, contact resistance between the lead terminals is increased, thereby inducing a problem of heating of the connector or occurrence of faulty continuity.  
         [0013]     Meanwhile, according to JP-A-2002-319441, a clearance is present between an outer face of a pin and an inner face of an insertion hole for allowing insertion of the pin. Accordingly, although the pin passes through the printed wiring boards, and the first and second connector bodies, the printed wiring boards, the first connector body, and the second connector body cannot be constrained firmly so as not to move each other.  
         [0014]     Therefore, the configuration disclosed in JP-A-2002-319441 includes a problem that, when, for instance, large force is exerted on the connector, the soldered portion between the lead terminal and the pad is cracked and that a contact state between the lead terminals becomes unreliable.  
         [0015]     The present invention aims at providing a connector which can ensure sufficient mounting strength of the first and second connector bodies with respect to the first and second printed wiring boards, and can reduce stress applied on the contact portion between the lead terminals, to thus enhance reliability of electric connection; as well as a method for holding the connector.  
         [0016]     Another object of the invention is to provide an electronic apparatus having the connector.  
         [0017]     The invention provides a connector including: a first connector body having a plurality of first lead terminals soldered onto a first wiring board; a second connector body having a plurality of second lead terminals soldered onto a second wiring board; a screw member; and a fastening member engageable to the screw member; wherein the first connector body and the second connector body are engaged with each other to bring the first lead terminals and the second lead terminals into contact such that the first lead terminals and the second terminals electrically connect the first wiring board to the second wiring board; and the first and second wiring boards and the first and second connector bodies are integrally fastened together by engaging the screw member to the fastening member.  
         [0018]     The invention may a connector including: a first connector body having a plurality of first lead terminals soldered onto a first wiring board; a second connector body having a plurality of second lead terminals soldered onto a second wiring board; a first screw member; and a second screw member; wherein the first connector body and the second connector body are engaged with each other to bring the first lead terminals and the second lead terminals into contact such that the first lead terminals and the second terminals electrically connect the first wiring board to the second wiring board; and the first and second wiring boards and the first and second connector bodies are integrally fastened together by the first screw member and the second screw member.  
         [0019]     The invention provides an electronic apparatus including: an enclosure; a first wiring board contained in the enclosure; a second wiring board contained in the enclosure so as to oppose the first wiring board; and a connector unit interposed between the first wiring board and the second wiring board; wherein the connector unit includes: a first connector body having a plurality of first lead terminals soldered onto a first wiring board, a second connector body having a plurality of second lead terminals soldered onto a second wiring board, a screw member, and a fastening member engageable to the screw member; the first connector body and the second connector body are engaged with each other to bring the first lead terminals and the second lead terminals into contact such that the first lead terminals and the second terminals electrically connect the first wiring board to the second wiring board; and the first and second wiring boards and the first and second connector bodies are integrally fastened together by engaging the screw member to the fastening member.  
         [0020]     According to the invention, a load for preventing relative movement between the first printed wiring board, the second printed wiring board, the first connector body, and the second connector body can be applied, thereby providing firm restraint. Therefore, damage which may be otherwise be inflicted on the soldered portions between the first and second printed wiring boards and the lead terminals can be prevented, and stress applied on a contact portion between lead terminals can be reduced, thereby enhancing reliability of electric connection. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0021]     The present invention may be more readily described with reference to the accompanying drawings:  
         [0022]      FIG. 1  is a cross-sectional view of a portable computer according to a first embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0023]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a connector of the first embodiment of the invention, showing a positional relationship among a first connector body, a second connector body, screw members, and a nut plate;  
         [0024]      FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of the connector of the first embodiment of the invention, showing that the first connector body and the second connector body are fitted together, whereby the first and second printed wiring boards are electrically connected together by way of first and second lead terminals;  
         [0025]      FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of the connector of the first embodiment of the invention, showing that the first connector body and the second connector body are separated from each other;  
         [0026]      FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of the connector of the first embodiment of the invention, showing that the first and second connector bodies are integrally fastened between the first printed wiring board and the second printed wiring board:  
         [0027]      FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of a connector of a second embodiment of the invention, showing that a first and second connector bodies are integrally fastened between a first printed wiring board and a second printed wiring board;  
         [0028]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a nut for use in the second embodiment of the invention;  
         [0029]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a connector of a third embodiment of the invention, showing a positional relationship among a first connector body, a second connector body, a first screw member, and a second screw member;  
         [0030]      FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view of the connector of the third embodiment of the invention, showing that the first and second connector bodies are integrally fastened between a first printed wiring board and a second printed wiring board;  
         [0031]      FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view of a connector of a fourth embodiment of the invention, showing that the first and second connector bodies are integrally fastened between a first printed wiring board and a second printed wiring board;  
         [0032]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a connector of the fourth embodiment of the invention, showing a positional relationship among a first connector body, a second connector body, screw members, and a nut;  
         [0033]      FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view of a connector of a fifth embodiment of the invention, showing that first and second connector bodies are integrally fastened between a first printed wiring board and a second printed wiring board:  
         [0034]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the connector of the fifth embodiment of the invention, showing a positional relationship among the first connector body, the second connector body, screw members, and a nut;  
         [0035]      FIG. 14  is a cross-sectional view of a connector of a sixth embodiment of the invention, showing that first and second connector bodies are integrally fastened between a first printed wiring board and a second printed wiring board;  
         [0036]      FIG. 15  is a cross-sectional view of the connector of the sixth embodiment of the invention, showing a positional relationship among the first connector body, the second connector body, screw members, and a nut; and  
         [0037]      FIG. 16  is a cross-sectional view of a connector of a seventh embodiment of the invention, showing that first and second connector bodies are integrally fastened between a first printed wiring board and a second printed wiring board.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS  
       [0038]     Hereinbelow, a first embodiment of the invention will be described by reference to FIGS.  1  to  5 .  
         [0039]      FIG. 1  shows a portable computer  1 , which is an example of an electronic apparatus. The portable computer  1  comprises a computer main body  2 , and a display unit  3  supported by the computer main body  2 . The computer main body  2  has an enclosure  4 . The enclosure  4  has the geometry of a flat box having a bottom wall  4   a , left and right side walls  4   b  and  4   c , and an upper wall  4   d . A keyboard support section  5  is formed on the upper wall  4   d . The keyboard support section  5  supports a keyboard  6 .  
         [0040]     The display unit  3  comprises a display housing  8 , and a liquid crystal display device  9  contained in the display housing  8 . The display unit  3 , which is connected to a rear end of the enclosure  4  by way of an unillustrated hinge, is pivotable between a closed position and an open position. At the closed position, the display unit  3  is laid on the enclosure  4  in such a manner as to cover the keyboard  6  from above. At the open position, the display unit  3  stands from the rear end of the enclosure  4  in such a manner as to expose the keyboard  6 .  
         [0041]     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the enclosure  4  contains a first printed wiring board  11  and a second printed wiring board  12 . The first and second printed wiring boards  11  and  12  respectively support a plurality of circuit components  13 , such as a semiconductor package. The first and second printed wiring boards  11  and  12  are supported on the bottom wall  4   a  of the enclosure  4 , as well as arranged in parallel with the bottom wall  4   a . Furthermore, a portion of the first printed wiring board  11  and a portion of the second printed wiring board  12  face each other with a gap therebetween in the thickness direction of the enclosure  4 .  
         [0042]     A stacking connector  15  serving as a connector unit is interposed between the first printed wiring board  11  and the second printed wiring board  12 . The stacking connector  15 , which electrically connects the first printed wiring board  11  and the second printed wiring board  12 , has a first connector body  16  serving as a plug portion and a second connector body  17  serving as a socket portion as shown in FIGS.  2  to  4 .  
         [0043]     The first connector body  16 , formed from a synthetic resin, is mounted on a lower face  11   a  of the first printed wiring board  11 . The first connector body  16  has a base  18  and terminal support section  19 . The base has the geometry of a strip extending along the lower face  11   a  of the first printed wiring board  11 . The terminal support section  19  projects downward from the base  18 , and extends along the longitudinal direction of the base  18 .  
         [0044]     The terminal support section  19  has a pair of side faces  19   a  and  19   b . The side faces  19   a  and  19   b  are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the terminal support section  19  in parallel with each other. The terminal support section  19  supports a plurality of first lead terminals  20 . The first lead terminals  20  are aligned in a row along the side surfaces  19   a  and  19   b  of the terminal support section  19  with an interval therebetween.  
         [0045]     Each of the first lead terminals  20  is formed from a metal material, for instance, a metal material predominantly composed of copper. The surface of the first lead terminal  20  is covered with a gold plating layer. The first lead terminal  20  has first sections  21  and second sections  22 . The first sections  21  have the geometry of a pin of a size conforming to pads  23  located on the lower face  11   a  of the first printed wiring board  11 . The first sections  21  are arranged so as to extend from opposite side sections of the base  18  along the lower face  11   a  of the first printed wiring board  11 . The second sections  22  are exposed on the side faces  19   a  and  19   b  of the terminal support section  19 , and have such elasticity as to be capable of elastic deformation in the direction approaching and departing to and from the side face  19   a  and  19   b.    
         [0046]     The first sections  21  of the first lead terminal  20  are soldered onto the pads  23  on the first printed wiring board  11 , whereby fillets  24  is formed between the pads  23  and the first sections  21 . By means of soldering, the pads  23  and the first lead terminal  20  are electrically connected together, and the first connector body  16  is mechanically retained on the first printed wiring board  11 .  
         [0047]     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the first connector body  16  has a pair of screw-receiving sections  26   a  and  26   b . The screw-receiving sections  26   a  and  26   b  are located on opposite longitudinal ends of the terminal support section  19 , and are spaced from each other with the terminal support section  19  therebetween. The screw-receiving section  26   a  and  26   b  respectively overlap the lower face  11   a  of the first printed wiring board  11 , and have through holes  27  at the center thereof. Each of the through holes  27  is continuous with an insertion hole  28  formed in the first printed wiring board  11 .  
         [0048]     The second connector body  17 , formed from a synthetic resin, is mounted on an upper face  12   a  of the second printed wiring board  12 . The second connector body  17  has the geometry of an elongated rectangular solid, and has a fitting recess  30  which is open upward. In the fitting recess  30 , the terminal support section  19  of the first connector body  16  is removably fit. As a result of this fitting, the first connector body  16  and the second connector body  17  are integrally joined together.  
         [0049]     The fitting recess  30  has a pair of side walls  31   a  and  31   b  serving as terminal support sections. The side walls  31   a  and  31   b  face each other, and extend in the longitudinal direction of the second connector body  17 . The side walls  31   a  and  31   b  respectively support a plurality of second lead terminals  32 . The second lead terminals  32  are formed from a metal material, for instance, a metal material predominantly composed of copper. The surface of the second lead terminals  32  are covered with gold plating layers.  
         [0050]     The second lead terminal  32  has first sections  33  and second sections  34 . The first sections  33  have the geometry of a pin of a size conforming to pads  35  disposed on the upper face  12   a  of the second printed wiring board  12 . The first sections  33  are arranged so as to extend from opposite side sections of the second connector body  17  along the upper face  12   a  of the second printed wiring board  12 . The second sections  34  have the geometry of a pin extending in the direction perpendicular to the first sections  33 . The second sections  34  are aligned in a row along inner faces of the side walls  31   a  and  31   b  of the fitting recess  30 . Accordingly, the second sections  34  of the second lead terminals  32  are exposed to the fitting recess  30 .  
         [0051]     As shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the second sections  33  of the second lead terminal  32  are soldered onto the pads  35  on the upper face  12   a  of the second printed wiring board  12 , whereby fillets  36  are formed between the pads  35  and the first section  33 , By means of soldering, the pads  35  and the second lead terminal  32  are electrically connected together, and the second connector body  17  is mechanically retained on the second printed wiring board  12 .  
         [0052]     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the second connector body  17  has a pair of screw-receiving sections  38   a  and  38   b . The screw-receiving sections  38   a  and  38   b  are located at opposite longitudinal ends of the second connector body  17  and are spaced from each other with the fitting recess  30  therebetween. The screw-receiving section  38   a  and  38   b  respectively overlap the upper face  12   a  of the second printed wiring board  12 , and have through holes  39  at the center thereof. Each of the through holes  39  is continuous with an insertion hole  40  formed in the second printed wiring board  12 .  
         [0053]     When the terminal support section  19  of the first connector body  16  is fitted in the fitting recess  30  of the second connector body  17 , the second sections  22  of the first lead terminals  20  and the second sections  34  of the second lead terminals  32  are brought into contact with each other. In particular, since the second sections  22  of the first lead terminals  20  have elasticity, contact pressure between the first lead terminals  20  and the second lead terminals  32  can be ensured. Accordingly, as a result of occurrence of a contact between the first and second lead terminals  20  and  32 , the first printed wiring board  11  and the second printed wiring board  12  are electrically connected.  
         [0054]     Furthermore, as shown in  FIG. 3 , in a state in which the terminal support section  19  is fitted in the fitting recess  30 , a tip of the terminal support section  19  impinges on the bottom of the fitting recess  30 . As a result, a gap G between the first printed wiring board  11  and the second printed wiring board  12  is set to a predetermined value.  
         [0055]     Accordingly, the screw-receiving sections  26   a ,  26   b  of the first connector body  16 , and the screw-receiving sections  38   a ,  38   b  of the second connector body  17  face each other with a fit portion between the terminal support section  19  and the fitting recess  30  therebetween. As a result, as shown in  FIG. 5 , the insertion hole  28  in the first printed wiring board  11 , the through hole  27  in the first connector body  16 , the through hole  39  in the second connector body  17 , and the insertion hole  40  in the second printed wiring board  12  are coaxially aligned in a row.  
         [0056]     In a state where the first connector body  16  and the second connector body  17  are fitted together, the stacking connector  15  configured as above is coupled to the first and second printed wiring boards  11  and  12  by way of a pair of fixing screws  42  and  43  serving as screw members, and a nut plate  44  serving as a fastening member.  
         [0057]     As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 5 , the fixing screw  42  and  43  are respectively inserted through the insertion holes  28  from above the first printed wiring board  11 . The fixing screws  42  and  43  are arranged so as to continually pass through the through holes  27  in the screw-receiving section  26   a ,  26   b ; the through holes  39  in the screw-receiving section  38   a ,  38   b ; and the insertion holes  40  in the second printed wiring board  12 .  
         [0058]     The nut plate  44  has the geometry of a strip extending in the longitudinal direction of the second connector body  17 . The nut plate  44  has a pair of screw holes  45 , and overlaps a lower face  12   b  of the second printed wiring board  12 . The screw holes  45  are spaced from each other in the longitudinal direction of the nut plate  44  so as to conform to the insertion holes  40  in the second printed wiring board  12 .  
         [0059]     In addition, the nut plate  44  has a pair of anchor sections  46   a  and  45   b . The anchor sections  46   a  and  46   b  are located at opposite ends spaced in the longitudinal direction of the nut plate  44 . The anchor section  46   a  and  46   b  are temporarily fixed to the lower face  12   b  of the second printed wiring board  12  by means of, for instance, soldering. As a result of the temporal fixation, the screw holes  45  are brought into communication with the insertion holes  40  in the second printed wiring board  12 .  
         [0060]     The fixing screws  42  and  43  are caused to pass through the first and second printed wiring boards  11  and  12 , and the first and second connector bodies  16  and  17 ; and thereafter screwed into the screw holes  45  in the nut plate  44 . As a result of this screwing-in, the first and second printed wiring boards  11  and  12 , and the first and second connector bodies  16  and  17  are integrally pinched between heads  42   a ,  43   a  of the fixing crews  42 ,  43 , and the nut plate  44 . Put another way, when the fixing screws  42  and  43  are screwed in, the first printed wiring board  11 , the second printed wiring board  12 , the first connector body  16 , and the second connector body  17  receive a load for restraining relative movement therebetween.  
         [0061]     Next, processes for electrically connecting the first printed wiring board  11  to the second printed wiring board  12  with use of the stacking connector  15  will be described.  
         [0062]     First, the first lead terminals  20  of the first connector body  16  are soldered onto the pads  23  on the first printed wiring board  11 , thereby mounting the first connector body  16  on the lower face  11   a  of the first printed wiring board  11 . Similarly, the second lead terminals  32  of the second connector body  17  are soldered onto the pads  35  on the second printed wiring board  12 , thereby mounting the second connector body  17  on the upper face  12   a  of the second printed wiring board  12 .  
         [0063]     Next, the terminal support section  19  of the first connector body  16  is fitted in the fitting recess  30  of the second connector body  17 . Hence, a gap G between the first printed wiring board  11  and the second printed wiring board  12  is set. Accordingly, the second sections  22  of the first lead terminals  20  and the second sections  34  of the second lead terminals  32  are brought into contact with each other, thereby electrically connecting the first printed wiring board  11  to the second printed wiring board  12  by way of the first and second lead terminals  20  and  32 .  
         [0064]     Next, the fixing screws  42  and  43  are inserted through the insertion holes  28  in the first printed wiring board  11  from above. Subsequently, the fixing screws  42  and  43  are caused to continually pass through the through holes  27  in the first connector body  16 , the through holes  39  in the second connector body  17 , and the insertion holes  40  in the second printed wiring board  12 .  
         [0065]     Finally, penetrating edges of the fixing screws  42  and  43  are screwed into the screw holes  45  in the nut plate  44 . As a result of this screwing-in, the first printed wiring board  11  and the second printed wiring board  2 , and the first connector body  16  and the second connector body  17  are integrally fastened together. Consequently, a load for restraining relative movement between the first printed wiring board  11 , the second printed wiring board  12 , and the stacking connector  15  is applied, whereby the operation for electrically connecting the first printed wiring board  11  to the second printed wiring board  12  is completed.  
         [0066]     According to the first embodiment of the invention, the first printed wiring board  11 , the second printed wiring board  12 , the first connector body  16 , and the second connector body  17  can be restrained firmly so as to prevent occurrence of relative movements therebetween.  
         [0067]     Therefore, when, for instance, a strong impact, or stress resulting from a difference in thermal expansion is exerted on the fit portion between the first connector body  16  and the second connector body  17 , the fixing screws  42  and  43  can receive much of this impact and stress. Accordingly, stress applied an the soldered portions between the first and second lead terminals  20 ,  32  and the pads  23 ,  35 ; and that applied on the contact portions between the first lead terminals  20  and the second lead terminals  32  can be reduced.  
         [0068]     Accordingly, damage which may otherwise be inflicted on the soldered portions of the first and second lead terminals  20  and  32  can be prevented; and a favorable contact between the first and second lead terminals  20  and  32  can be maintained. Hence, reliability of electric connection of the stacking connector  15  is enhanced.  
         [0069]     In addition, according to the first embodiment, the nut plate  44  is temporarily fixed to the lower face  12   b  of the second printed wiring board  12  prior to screwing-in of the fixing screws  42  and  43 . Therefore, a necessity for holding the nut plate  44  by hand at the time of fastening the fixing screws  42  and  43  is negated, thereby facilitating fastening work of the fixing screws  42  and  43 .  
         [0070]     Meanwhile, in the first embodiment, the fixing screws are inserted from the first printed wiring board toward the second printed wiring board; however, the invention is not limited thereto. For instance, the fixing screws may be inserted from the second printed wiring board toward the first printed wiring board. In this case, the nut plate is temporarily fixed to the first printed wiring board.  
         [0071]      FIGS. 6 and 7  show a second embodiment of the invention.  
         [0072]     In the second embodiment, a nut  51  is employed as a fastening member. However, in other respects, the stacking connector  15  is identical in configuration with that of the first embodiment. Hence, elements identical with those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions are omitted.  
         [0073]      FIG. 6  shows a coupling portion between the screw-receiving section  26   a  of the first connector body  16  and the screw-receiving section  38   a  of the second connector body  17 . The nut  51  has a cylinder section  52  to be fitted in the insertion hole  40  in the second printed wiring board  12 . A female thread  53  is formed in an inner face of the cylinder section  52 .  
         [0074]     The cylinder section  52  has a flange  54 . The flange  54  projects radially outward from one end of the cylinder section  52 , and overlaps the lower face  12   h  of the second printed wiring board  12 . A periphery of the flange  54  is fixedly mounted directly on the lower face  12   b  of the second printed wiring board  12  by means of soldering, or the like.  
         [0075]     The fixing screw  42 , which continually passes through the first and second printed wiring boards  11  and  12 , and the first and second connector bodies  16  and  17 , is screwed into the female thread  53  in the nut  51 . As a result of this screwing action, a load for restraining relative movement between the first printed wiring board  11 , the second printed wiring board  12 , the first connector body  16 , and the second connector body  17  can be applied, thereby yielding the same effect as that yielded in the first embodiment.  
         [0076]      FIGS. 8 and 9  show a third embodiment of the invention.  
         [0077]     The third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in configuration of restraint for preventing relative movement between the first printed wiring board  11 , the second printed wiring board  12 , and the stacking connector  15 . In other respects, the stacking connector  15  is identical in basic configuration with that of the first embodiment.  
         [0078]      FIG. 8  shows the screw-receiving sections  26   a  and  38   a  of the first and second connector bodies  16  and  17 . The screw-receiving section  38   a  of the second connector body  17  has a first section  61   a  and a second section  61   b . The first and second sections  61   a  and  61   b  are aligned in a direction crossing the longitudinal direction of the second connector body  17 .  
         [0079]     A first screw hole  62  is formed in the first section  61   a  of the screw-receiving section  38   a . The first screw hole  62  is continuous with the insertion hole  28  in the first printed wiring board  11 . A second screw hole  63  is formed in the second section  61   b  of the screw-receiving section  38   a . The second screw hole  63  is continuous with the insertion hole  40  in the second printed wiring board  12 . Therefore, in the present embodiment, the insertion hole  28  in the first printed wiring board  11  and the insertion hole  40  in the second printed wiring board  12  are offset in the direction crossing the longitudinal direction of the first and second connector body  16 ,  17 .  
         [0080]     The screw-receiving section  26   a  of the first connector body  16  is interposed between the first section  61   a  of the screw-receiving section  38   a  and the lower face  11   a  of the first printed wiring board  11 . The screw-receiving section  26   a  has a through hole  64 . The through hole  64  in the screw-receiving section  26   a , the insertion hole  28  in the first printed wiring board  11 , and the first screw hole  62  in the first screw-receiving section  61   a  are coaxially aligned in a row.  
         [0081]     The first printed wiring board  11 , the first connector body  16 , and the second connector body  17  are fastened together by way of the first fixing screw  65  serving as a first fastening member. The first fixing screw  65  is inserted through the insertion hole  28  and in the through hole  64  from above the first printed wiring board  11 ; and a penetrating end of the first fixing screw  65  is screwed into the first screw hole  62 .  
         [0082]     The second printed wiring board  12  and the second connector body  17  are fastened together by way of the second fixing screw  66  serving as a second fastening member. The second fixing screw  66  is inserted through the insertion hole  40  from below the second printed wiring board  12 ; and a penetrating end of the second fixing screw  66  is screwed into the second screw hole  63 .  
         [0083]     The process for electrically connecting the first and second printed wiring boards  11  and  12  to each other with use of the stacking connector  15  having the above-described configuration will be described.  
         [0084]     The process from a step of soldering the first and second connector bodies  16  and  17  onto the first and second printed wiring boards  11  and  12 , to a step of fitting the first and second connector bodies  16  and  17  each other is analogous to that of the first embodiment.  
         [0085]     After completion of fitting of the first and second connector bodies  16  and  17 , the first fixing screw  65  is inserted through the insertion hole  28  in the first printed wiring board  11  from above; and is screwed into the first screw hole  62  in the second connector body  17 . In conjunction therewith, the second fixing screw  66  is inserted through the insertion hole  40  in the second printed wiring board  12  from below; and is screwed into the second screw hole  63  in the second connector body  17 .  
         [0086]     As a result of this screwing-in, the first connector body  16  is coupled to the first printed wiring board  11 , and the second connector body  17  is coupled to the second printed wiring board  12 ; and the first and second connector bodies  16  and  17  are integrally fastened together between the first and second printed wiring boards  11  and  12 .  
         [0087]     Consequently, a load for restraining relative movement between the first printed wiring board  11 , the second printed wiring board  12 , and the stacking connector  15  is applied, whereby the operation for electrically connecting the first printed wiring board  11  to the second printed wiring board  12  is completed.  
         [0088]      FIGS. 10 and 11  show a fourth embodiment of the invention.  
         [0089]     The fourth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in configuration of restraint for preventing relative movement between the first printed wiring board  11 , the second printed wiring board  12 , and the stacking connector  15 . In other respects, the stacking connector  15  is identical in basic configuration with that of the first embodiment.  
         [0090]     As shown in  FIG. 11 , the first connector body  16  has a pair of spacer sections  71   a  and  71   b . The spacer sections  71   a  and  71   b  are located at opposite longitudinal ends of the terminal support section  19 , and are spaced from each other with the terminal support section  19  therebetween. The spacer sections  71   a  and  71   b  are interposed between the lower face  11   a  of the first printed wiring board  11  and the upper face  12   a  of the second printed wiring board  12 , thereby defining the gap G between the first printed wiring board  11  and the second printed wiring board  12 .  
         [0091]     The spacer sections  71   a  and  71   b  respectively have through holes  72  at the center thereof. Each of the through hole  72  is formed coaxially with the insertion hole  28  in the first printed wiring board  11  and the insertion hole  40  in the second printed wiring board  12 .  
         [0092]     The second connector body  17  has a pair of end faces  73  (only one end face  73  is shown in the drawing). The end faces  73  are located at opposite longitudinal ends of the second connector body  17 ; and stand upright from the upper face  12   a  of the second printed wiring board  12 .  
         [0093]     In a state where the first connector body  16  and the second connector body  17  are fitted together, the end faces  73  of the second connector body  17  are brought into contact with the spacer sections  71   a  and  71   b  of the first connector body  16 . Therefore, the second connector body  17  is interposed between the spacer sections  71   a  and  71   b  of the first connector body  16 , thereby being pinched by the spacer sections  71   a  and  71   b.    
         [0094]     The first printed wiring board  11 , the second printed wiring board  12 , and the first connector body  16  are integrally fastened together by way of the fixing screws  42  and  43 , and a nut  74  serving as a fastening member. The fixing screw  42  and  43  are respectively inserted through the insertion holes  23  from above the first printed wiring board  11 . The fixing screws  42 ,  43  are arranged so as to continually pass through the through holes  72  in the spacer sections  71   a ,  71   b , and the insertion holes  40  in the second printed wiring board  12 .  
         [0095]     The nut  74  has a cylinder section  75  to be fitted in the insertion hole  40  in the second printed wiring board  12 . A female thread  76  is formed in an inner face of the cylinder section  75 . In addition, the cylinder section  75  has a flange  77 . The flange  77  projects radially outward from an end of the cylinder section  75 , and overlaps the lower face  12   b  of the second printed wiring board  12 . A periphery of the flange  77  is fixedly mounted directly on the lower face  12   b  of the second printed wiring board  12  by means of soldering, or the like.  
         [0096]     The fixing screws  42 ,  43 , which continually pass through the first and second printed wiring boards  11  and  12 , and the spacer sections  71   a ,  71   b , are screwed into the female threads  76  in the nuts  74 . As a result of this screwing-in, the first and the second connector bodies  16  and  17  are integrally fastened between the first printed wiring board  11  and the second printed wiring board  12 .  
         [0097]     The process for electrically connecting the first and second printed wiring boards  11  and  12  to each other with use of the stacking connector  15  configured as above will be described.  
         [0098]     The process from a step of soldering the first and second connector bodies  16  and  17  onto the first and second printed wiring boards  11  and  12 , to a step of fitting together the first and second connector bodies  16  and  17 - s  analogous to that of the first embodiment.  
         [0099]     When the first connector body  16  and the second connector body  17  are fitted together, the second connector body  17  is pinched between the spacer sections  71   a  and  71   b  of the first connector body  16 . This pinching maintains a firm fitted state between the first connector body  16  and the second connector body  17 .  
         [0100]     In conjunction therewith, the spacer sections  71   a  and  71   b  are interposed between the lower face  11   a  of the first printed wiring board  11  and the upper face  12   a  of the second printed wiring board  12 , thereby setting the gap G between the first printed wiring board  11  and the second printed wiring board  12 .  
         [0101]     Next, the fixing screws  42 ,  43  are inserted through the insertion holes  28  in the first printed wiring board  11  from above. The fixing screws  42 ,  43  pass through the through holes  72  in the spacer sections  71   a ,  71   b ; and are screwed into the female threads  76  in the nuts  74 . By means of this screwing action, the first and the second connector bodies  16  and  17 , which are fitted together between the first printed wiring board  11  and the second printed wiring board  12 , are integrally fastened together.  
         [0102]     Consequently, a load for restraining relative motion between the first printed wiring board  11 , the second printed wiring board  12 , and the stacking connector  15  is applied, whereby the operation for electrically connecting the first printed wiring board  11  and the second printed wiring board  12  to each other is completed.  
         [0103]     Meanwhile, in the fourth embodiment, the spacer sections are disposed on the first connector body. However, the invention is not limited thereto. For instance, the spacer sections may be disposed on the second connector body; and the nut may be fixedly mounted directly on the first printed wiring board.  
         [0104]      FIGS. 12 and 13  show a fifth embodiment of the invention.  
         [0105]     The fifth embodiment is a development of the second embodiment. Hence, elements identical with those of the second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions are omitted.  
         [0106]      FIGS. 12 and 13  disclose a coupling portion between the screw-receiving section  26   a  of the first connector body  16  and the screw-receiving section  38   a  of the second connector body  17 . A guide pipe  81  is fixed in the through hole  27  in the screw-receiving section  26   a  by means of, for instance, press-fit. The guide pipe  81  projects from the screw-receiving section  26   a  of the first connector body  16  toward the screw-receiving section  38   a  of the second connector body  17 .  
         [0107]     When the first connector body  16  and the second connector body  17  are fitted together, the guide pipe  81  passes through the through hole  39  in the screw-receiving section  38   a ; and a penetrating end of the guide pipe  81  is inserted into the insertion hole in the second printed wiring board  12 .  
         [0108]     The fixing screw  42  passes through the through hole  28  in the first printed wiring board  11  and the guide pipe  81 , and is screwed into the female thread  53  in the nut  51 . As a result of this screwing-in, the first printed wiring board  11 , the second printed wiring board  12 , the first connector body  16 , and the second connector body  17  are firmly restrained so as to prevent relative movement therebetween.  
         [0109]      FIGS. 14 and 15  show a sixth embodiment of the invention.  
         [0110]     The sixth embodiment differs from the second embodiment in configuration of the nut  51 . In other respects, the stacking connector  15  is identical in basic configuration with that of the second embodiment.  
         [0111]      FIGS. 14 and 15  show a coupling portion between the screw-receiving section  26   a  of the first connector body  16  and the screw-receiving section  38   a  of the second connector body  17 . The cylinder section  52  of the nut  51  has a pipe-shaped guide section  91 . The guide section  91  is integrated with the cylinder section  52 ; and projects toward the screw-receiving section  26   a  of the second connector body  17  while passing through the through hole  39  in the screw-receiving section  38   a . When the first connector body  16  and the second connector body are fit together, the guide section  91  is fit in the through hole  27  in the screw-receiving section  26   a.    
         [0112]     The fixing screw  42  passes through the through hole  28  in the first printed wiring board  11  and the guide section  81 , and is screwed into the female thread  53  in the nut  51 . As a result of this screwing-in, the first printed wiring board  11 , the second printed wiring board  12 , the first connector body  16 , and the second connector body  17  are firmly restrained so as to prevent relative movement therebetween.  
         [0113]     Meanwhile, in the sixth embodiment, the fixing screw may be inserted from the second printed wiring board toward the first printed wiring board; and the nut may be fixedly mounted directly on the first printed wiring board. In this case, the guide section of the nut passes through the screw-receiving section of the first connector body.  
         [0114]      FIG. 16  shows a seventh embodiment of the invention.  
         [0115]     The seventh embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the fixing screw  42  is screwed into the bottom wall  4   a  of the enclosure  4 ; and in other respects, the seventh embodiment is identical in configuration with the first embodiment.  
         [0116]      FIG. 16  shows a coupling portion between the screw-receiving section  26   a  of the first connector body  16  and the screw-receiving section  38   a  of the second connector body  17 . As shown in  FIG. 16 , the bottom wall  4   a  of the enclosure  4  has a boss  100  projecting toward the second printed wiring board  12 . A flat support face  101  for supporting the second printed wiring board  12  is formed on the top end of the boss  100 . The support face  101  is located immediately below the screw-receiving section  38   a  of the second connector body  17 .  
         [0117]     Furthermore, the boss  100  has a screw hole  102  open into the support face  101 . The screw hole  102  opposes the insertion hole  40  in the second printed wiring board  12 .  
         [0118]     The fixing screw  42  continually passes through the insertion hole  28  in the first printed wiring board  11 , the through hole  27  in the screw-receiving section  26   a , the through hole  39  in the screw-receiving section  38   a , and the insertion hole  40  in the second printed wiring board  12 ; and is screwed into the screw hole  102  in the boss  100 . As a result of this screwing-in, the first and second printed wiring boards  11  and  12 , and the first and second connector bodies  16  and  17  are pinched between the head  42   a  of the fixing screw  42  and the support face  101  of the boss  100 . Accordingly, the boss  100  also functions as a fastening member.  
         [0119]     Therefore, the present embodiment is also configured such that, when the fixing screw  42  is screwed in, such a load as to restrain relative movement is applied on the first and second printed wiring boards  11  and  12 , and the first and second connector bodies  16  and  17 .  
         [0120]     Meanwhile, an electronic apparatus according to the invention is not limited to a portable computer. For instance, the invention can also be embodied as another electronic apparatus, such as a cellular phone or a FDA (personal digital assistant), in a similar manner.