Connector device

Abstract

And low height is realized. A connector device is provided with a circuit board (21) and a board connector (30) mounted on the circuit board (21), the board connector (30) having a connector part (31) disposed so as to protrude forward from a tip edge (21F) of the circuit board (21) and a board mounting part (60) mounted so as to overlap a mounting surface (22) of the circuit board (21), and the board connector (30) being mounted on the circuit board (21) in the thickness direction of the circuit board (21). The circuit board (21) and the board mounting part (60) are disposed so as to be housed within the height range of the connector part (31).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a connector arrangement. Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a structure for mounting a circuit board connector on a circuit board. The circuit board connector includes a housing and a plurality of terminals mounted on the housing. The housing is fixed to the top surface of the circuit board. The legs of the terminals extend through holes in the circuit board and are connected to the circuit board.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-039257 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0007] In the above-mentioned structure, the housing is arranged so as to overlap the upper surface of the circuit board. Therefore, the height dimension of the entire device including the circuit board and the circuit board harness is increased.

[0008] The connector device of the present disclosure has been completed based on the above-mentioned circumstances, and its purpose is to achieve a lower height.

[0009] Means for solving problems

[0010] The connector device disclosed herein comprises a circuit substrate and a substrate connector mounted on the circuit substrate, the substrate connector having a connector portion configured to protrude forward from the front end edge of the circuit substrate and a substrate mounting portion mounted to overlap with the mounting surface of the circuit substrate, and in the thickness direction of the circuit substrate, the circuit substrate and the substrate mounting portion as a whole are configured to be housed within the height range of the connector portion.

[0011] Effects of the Invention

[0012] According to the present disclosure, a lower height can be achieved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] [ Figure 1 ] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the connector device of Example 1.

[0014] [ Figure 2 ] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the exploded state of the housing and circuit board.

[0015] [ Figure 3 ] Figure 3This is a perspective view of the board connector viewed from the upper front.

[0016] [ Figure 4 ] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the board connector with the upper cover removed, as seen from obliquely above and rearward.

[0017] [ Figure 5 ] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the exploded state of the board connector.

[0018] [ Figure 6 ] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional view of the outer conductor viewed from the upper rear.

[0019] [ Figure 7 ] Figure 7 This is a perspective view showing a state where the inner conductor is attached to the dielectric body, as seen from the upper and rear oblique view.

[0020] [ Figure 8 ] Figure 8 This is a three-dimensional view of the lower shell viewed from the upper front.

[0021] [ Figure 9 ] Figure 9 This is a three-dimensional view of the lower shell viewed from the upper rear.

[0022] [ Figure 10 ] Figure 10 It is a side sectional view showing a state before the board connector is mounted on the housing.

[0023] [ Figure 11 ] Figure 11 It is a bottom cross-sectional view showing a state before the board connector is mounted on the housing.

[0024] [ Figure 12 ] Figure 12 It is a side sectional view showing a state where the board connector is mounted on the housing.

[0025] [ Figure 13 ] Figure 13 It is a bottom cross-sectional view showing a state where the board connector is mounted on the housing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] [Description of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure]

[0027] First, the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below. Arbitrary combinations of the following multiple embodiments within the scope of no contradiction are also included in the embodiments for carrying out the invention.

[0028] The connector device disclosed in the present invention includes a circuit substrate and a substrate connector mounted on the circuit substrate. The substrate connector includes: a connector portion configured to protrude forward from the front edge of the circuit substrate; and a substrate mounting portion mounted to overlap with the mounting surface of the circuit substrate. In the thickness direction of the circuit substrate, the circuit substrate and the substrate mounting portion as a whole are configured to be accommodated within the height range of the connector portion. When the substrate connector is mounted on the circuit substrate, the circuit substrate and the substrate mounting portion as a whole are accommodated within the height range of the connector portion. The connector device disclosed in the present invention can achieve a lower height compared to a connector device in which the substrate connector is mounted in a state where it is placed on the mounting surface of the circuit substrate.

[0029] (2) Preferably, the connector portion includes a terminal fitting, a terminal retaining member for retaining the terminal fitting, and a first sub-substrate mounted on the terminal fitting. Preferably, the substrate mounting portion includes a second sub-substrate arranged parallel to the mounting surface. According to this configuration, the second sub-substrate constituting the substrate mounting portion is arranged parallel to the mounting surface, thereby enabling the entire substrate mounting portion to be reliably accommodated within the height range of the connector portion.

[0030] (3) Preferably, the first sub-substrate is disposed behind the terminal holding member, and the second sub-substrate is disposed behind the first sub-substrate. Preferably, the first sub-substrate and the second sub-substrate are connected via a flexible cable. According to this structure, the first sub-substrate and the second sub-substrate are connected via a flexible cable, thereby providing a high degree of design freedom when setting the relative position of the connector portion and the substrate mounting portion in the height direction.

[0031] (4) Preferably, a housing is provided for accommodating the circuit substrate and the substrate mounting portion. Preferably, the connector portion includes: a dielectric; an inner conductor held by the dielectric; and a metal outer conductor mounted on the dielectric so as to surround the inner conductor. Preferably, an opening is formed in the front cover of the housing to expose the connector portion to the outside of the housing. Preferably, the outer conductor is fixed to the front cover by screw fastening. According to this structure, the connector portion can be stably fixed to the housing.

[0032] (5) Preferably, the connector portion includes: a dielectric; an inner conductor held by the dielectric; and an outer conductor mounted on the dielectric so as to surround the inner conductor. Preferably, the substrate mounting portion includes: a second sub-substrate arranged parallel to the mounting surface; and a flat lower housing that supports the second sub-substrate while placing the second sub-substrate thereon. Preferably, the lower housing can be assembled to the outer conductor when the substrate connector is not mounted on the circuit substrate. According to this structure, when the substrate connector is not mounted on the circuit substrate, the second sub-substrate can be maintained in a stable position relative to the connector portion.

[0033] (6) Preferably, the outer conductor and the lower shell are made of metal. According to this structure, since the outer conductor and the lower shell are made of metal, the outer conductor and the lower shell can be reliably assembled.

[0034] (7) Preferably, a metallic upper cover is provided and is assembled to the lower case so as to sandwich the second sub-board. According to this structure, a shield case surrounding the second sub-board can be formed by the outer conductor, the lower case, and the upper cover.

[0035] (8) Preferably, the outer conductor has an arm portion that extends rearwardly so as to face the lower surface of the lower housing at a distance therefrom. Preferably, the circuit board is arranged so as to be sandwiched between the lower housing and the arm portion. This configuration stabilizes the positional relationship between the circuit board and the connector portion.

[0036] (9) Preferably, the first sub-board is arranged at right angles to the mounting surface and overlaps the rear surface of the terminal holding member. According to this structure, the first sub-board is arranged so as to overlap the rear surface of the terminal holding member, thereby reducing the size of the connector portion in the front-to-back direction.

[0037] [Details of the embodiment of the present disclosure]

[0038] [Example 1]

[0039] Reference Figures 1 to 13 The connector device of Example 1 which embodies the present disclosure is described. The present invention is not limited to these examples, but is represented by the claims and includes all changes within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims. In this Example 1, regarding the front and rear directions, Figures 1 to 13 The F direction in is defined as the front. Figures 1 to 9 、 Figure 11 、 Figure 13 The R direction in is defined as the right direction. Figures 1 to 10 、 Figure 12 The H direction is defined as upward.

[0040] The connector device of Example 1 is installed in an automobile, for example, and forms an in-vehicle communication circuit for autonomous driving control based on Ethernet (registered trademark). The connector device is constructed by assembling a housing 10, a base unit 20, and a base connector 30. The base connector 30 functions as a relay connector, connecting various in-vehicle devices to the base unit 20.

[0041] <Casing 10>

[0042] like Figure 1 、 Figure 2 As shown, the housing 10 is constructed by assembling a box-shaped housing body 11 with an open front surface and a front cover 12 that closes the front opening of the housing body 11. The front cover 12 has an opening 13 formed therein for exposing the board connector 30 to the outside of the housing 10. A pair of internal threads 14 are formed on the front cover 12 at positions sandwiching the opening 13. The front cover 12 is secured to the housing body 11 in its assembled state by screws 15. The entire board unit 20 and a portion (rear end portion) of the board connector 30 are housed within the housing 10.

[0043] <Substrate Unit 20>

[0044] like Figure 2 、 Figures 10 to 13 As shown, the substrate unit 20 includes a circuit substrate 21 and a mounting connector 26. In the first embodiment, for convenience, the circuit substrate 21 is fixed in a horizontal position in the housing body 11 to explain the structure. The upper surface of the circuit substrate 21 functions as a mounting surface 22. Figure 2 As shown, a pair of main ground circuits 23 extending in the front-rear direction are formed on the mounting surface 22. The pair of main ground circuits 23 are arranged side by side with a gap therebetween in the left-right direction.

[0045] The circuit board 21 has a cutout 24 formed by cutting the front edge 21F of the circuit board 21 into a square shape. The cutout 24 extends from the front edge 21F of the circuit board 21 to an area forward of the front end of the main ground circuit 23. The left and right edges of the cutout 24 are positioned co-located with the pair of main ground circuits 23 in the left-right direction. A guide groove 25 is formed in the circuit board 21. The guide groove 25 extends linearly rearward from the left-right center of the rear edge of the cutout 24.

[0046] like Figure 2As shown, mounting connector 26 is positioned between the pair of main ground circuits 23 in the left-right direction. Mounting connector 26 is positioned further rearward than the rear end of main ground circuit 23. Mounting connector 26 includes a substrate accommodation space 27. Substrate accommodation space 27 opens in a slit-like manner elongated in the left-right direction on the front surface of mounting connector 26. Mounting connector 26 houses a plurality of connection terminals (not shown) facing into substrate accommodation space 27. Substrate unit 20 is housed within housing 10 and fixed in a predetermined position.

[0047] <Substrate Connector 30>

[0048] The substrate connector 30 is a connector with a shielding function, such as Figure 3 As shown, the system includes a connector portion 31, a substrate mounting portion 60, and a flexible cable 78. The connector portion 31 and substrate mounting portion 60 are connected via the flexible cable 78. A device-side ECU (Electronic Control Unit), such as a communication device (not shown) used for autonomous driving control, is connected to the connector portion 31 via a wiring harness (not shown). Examples of autonomous driving control devices include LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging). The substrate mounting portion 60 is attachable and detachable to the mounting connector 26.

[0049] <Connector Section 31>

[0050] like Figure 5 As shown, the connector portion 31 includes four pairs of inner conductors 32, a dielectric 33, an outer conductor 38, a fitting component 51, and a first sub-substrate 55. Each inner conductor 32 is formed of a metal member elongated in the front-to-back direction. The paired inner conductors 32 form a differential pair circuit. Figure 7 As shown, the dielectric 33 includes a wall portion 34 with its thickness oriented in the front-to-back direction, and four protruding retaining portions 35 protruding forward from the wall portion 34. A pair of through-holes 36 are formed at the left and right ends of the wall portion 34. The through-holes 36 penetrate the wall portion 34 in the front-to-back direction. Each protruding retaining portion 35 retains a pair of inner conductors 32 while penetrating the wall portion 34 in the front-to-back direction.

[0051] The outer conductor 38 is a single element made of metal material. Figure 5 、 Figure 6As shown, the outer conductor 38 includes a plate-shaped portion 39 with its thickness oriented in the front-to-back direction, and four cylindrical portions 40 protruding forward from the plate-shaped portion 39. When viewed from the front, the plate-shaped portion 39 has a rectangular or square shape. The upper end surface of the plate-shaped portion 39 is located at the uppermost end of the outer conductor 38 and is positioned at the uppermost end 31H of the connector portion 31. The lower end surface of the plate-shaped portion 39 is located at the lowermost end of the outer conductor 38 and is positioned at the lowermost end 31L of the connector portion 31.

[0052] The rear end of the cylindrical portion 40 opens onto the rear surface of the plate-shaped portion 39. Four retaining holes 41 are formed at the four corners of the plate-shaped portion 39, extending through the plate-shaped portion 39 in the front-to-back direction. A pair of bilaterally symmetrical positioning protrusions 42 are formed on the outer conductor 38. The positioning protrusions 42 extend elongated and cantilevered from the plate-shaped portion 39 toward the rear. A pair of bilaterally symmetrical plate-shaped mounting portions 43 are formed on the outer conductor 38. The plate-shaped mounting portions 43 protrude outward in the left and right directions from the left and right edges of the plate-shaped portion 39, with the plate thickness oriented in the front-to-back direction. Mounting holes 44 are formed on the plate-shaped mounting portion 43, extending through the plate-shaped mounting portion 43 in the front-to-back direction.

[0053] The outer conductor 38 is formed with a pair of bilaterally symmetrical support portions 45 and a pair of bilaterally symmetrical arm portions 50. The pair of support portions 45 extend rearward in a cantilevered manner from the left and right end portions of the plate-shaped portion 39. The support portion 45 includes a support wall portion 46 with the plate thickness oriented in the left-right direction, a front protrusion 47, and a rear protrusion 48. The front protrusion 47 is disposed at the front end of the outer surface of the support wall portion 46. The rear protrusion 48 is disposed at the rear end of the outer surface of the support wall portion 46. A guide surface 49 is formed at the rear end of the rear protrusion 48. The guide surface 49 is inclined so that the protrusion from the support wall portion 46 decreases toward the rear.

[0054] The pair of arms 50 extend rearward in a cantilevered manner from the left and right ends of the lower end of the plate-shaped portion 39. The arms 50 are positioned below the support portion 45. The lower surfaces of the arms 50 are positioned above the lower end surface of the plate-shaped portion 39. A support space of a size equal to or slightly smaller than the thickness of the circuit board 21 is secured between the upper surfaces of the arms 50 and the lower surface of the support portion 45.

[0055] The fitting part 51 is a single component made of synthetic resin. Figure 3 、 Figure 5 As shown, the fitting member 51 includes a rectangular cylindrical cover 52 and a rear wall 53 that covers the rear surface of the cover 52. Four communication holes 54 are formed in the rear wall 53. The upper surface of the fitting member 51 is positioned at the uppermost end 31H of the connector portion 31, similarly to the upper end surface of the plate-shaped portion 39 of the outer conductor 38. The lower surface of the fitting member 51 is positioned at the lowermost end 31L of the connector portion 31, similarly to the lower end surface of the plate-shaped portion 39 of the outer conductor 38.

[0056] The first sub-substrate 55 is positioned at the rear end of the connector portion 31, with its thickness oriented in the front-to-back direction. Electronic components are mounted on the rear surface of the first sub-substrate 55. A pair of positioning holes 56 are formed at the upper ends of the left and right ends of the first sub-substrate 55. The positioning holes 56 extend through the first sub-substrate 55 in the front-to-back direction.

[0057] The connector portion 31 is formed by assembling the inner conductor 32, dielectric 33, outer conductor 38, fitting component 51, and first sub-substrate 55. The fitting component 51 is located at the front end of the connector portion 31, and the first sub-substrate 55 is located at the rear end of the connector portion 31. The outer conductor 38 is assembled to the fitting component 51 from the rear. The front surface of the plate-shaped portion 39 of the outer conductor 38 overlaps the rear surface of the rear wall portion 53 of the fitting component 51 in a surface-to-surface contact state. The four cylindrical portions 40 extend through the four connecting holes 54, respectively. A pair of retaining protrusions of the fitting component 51 extend through the pair of retaining holes 41 of the outer conductor 38. The rear end of the retaining protrusion is plastically deformed to expand its diameter by heating, and then comes into close contact with the rear surface of the plate-shaped portion 39. The rear end of the retaining protrusion is locked to the edge of the retaining hole 41, thereby maintaining the outer conductor 38 and the fitting component 51 in their assembled state.

[0058] The outer conductor 38 is assembled from the rear with a dielectric 33 that holds the inner conductor 32. The front surface of the wall portion 34 of the dielectric 33 overlaps the rear surface of the plate portion 39 of the outer conductor 38 in surface contact. The four protruding retaining portions 35 are respectively engaged with the four cylindrical portions 40. The pair of positioning protrusions 42 of the outer conductor 38 respectively penetrate the pair of through-holes 36 of the dielectric 33.

[0059] The first sub-substrate 55 is assembled from the rear onto the dielectric 33. The front surface of the first sub-substrate 55 overlaps the rear surface of the wall portion 34 of the dielectric 33 in surface contact. The rear end of the inner conductor 32 is individually inserted through a through-hole in the first sub-substrate 55, electrically connecting the inner conductor 32 and the first sub-substrate 55. The rear ends of the pair of positioning protrusions 42 are press-fitted into the pair of positioning holes 56 in the first sub-substrate 55. The press-fitting of the positioning protrusions 42 into the positioning holes 56 maintains the outer conductor 38, dielectric 33, and first sub-substrate 55 in their assembled state.

[0060] The dielectric 33 is located between the plate-shaped portion 39 of the outer conductor 38 and the first sub-substrate 55. The plate-shaped portion 39 of the outer conductor 38, the wall-shaped portion 34 of the dielectric 33, and the first sub-substrate 55 are stacked in the front-to-back direction. The top ends of the dielectric 33 and the first sub-substrate 55 are positioned lower than the top end 31H of the connector portion 31.

[0061] <Substrate Mounting Portion 60>

[0062] The substrate mounting portion 60 includes a shielding shell 61 and a second sub-substrate 75. Figure 5 As shown, the shield case 61 includes a lower case 62 and an upper cover 70. A flat shield space (not shown) having a height dimension smaller than the front-back dimension and the left-right dimension is ensured inside the shield case 61.

[0063] The lower shell 62 is a single component made of the same metal material as the outer conductor 38. The lower shell 62 is a single component in the shape of a plate with its thickness oriented in the vertical direction. Figure 8 、 Figure 9 As shown, the lower housing 62 includes a main housing portion 63, which is rectangular in plan view, and a pair of bilaterally symmetrical connecting portions 67. The main housing portion 63 is in the shape of a square disk with a shallow depression on its upper surface. Positioning portions 64, which are L-shaped in plan view and protrude upward like ribs, are formed at the four corners of the main housing portion 63. An internally threaded hole 65 is formed at the rear end of the main housing portion 63. A guide rib 66 extending in the front-to-back direction is formed at the front end of the lower surface of the main housing portion 63.

[0064] A pair of connecting portions 67 protrude forward in a cantilevered manner from the left and right ends of the front edge of the housing body 63. The connecting portions 67 are plate-shaped with their thickness oriented in the left-right direction. A square connecting recess 68 is formed at the front end of the connecting portion 67, recessed from the front edge of the connecting portion 67. A square connecting hole 69 is formed at the rear end of the connecting portion 67, extending horizontally through the connecting portion 67.

[0065] The upper cover 70 is a single component made of the same metal material as the outer conductor 38 and the lower housing 62. The upper cover 70 includes a plate-like base 71 with its thickness oriented in the vertical direction, a heat sink 72 formed on the upper surface of the plate-like base 71, and positioning ribs 73 formed on the left and right edges of the plate-like base 71. An insertion hole 74 is formed at the rear end of the plate-like base 71, extending vertically through the plate-like base 71.

[0066] The second sub-board 75 is arranged in a horizontal position with its thickness oriented in the vertical direction. A card edge connection portion 76 is formed at the rear edge of the second sub-board 75 for insertion into the board receiving space 27 where the connector 26 is mounted. An insertion hole 77 is formed in the rear end region of the second sub-board 75, extending vertically through the second sub-board 75, at a position forward of the card edge connection portion 76.

[0067] The first sub-board 55 and the second sub-board 75 are connected via a flexible cable 78. Therefore, before assembling the board mounting portion 60, the lower housing 62 is first assembled to the outer conductor 38. During assembly, the lower housing 62 is positioned behind the outer conductor 38, with the connecting portion 67 of the lower housing 62 approaching the support portion 45 of the outer conductor 38 from the rear. During assembly, the connecting recess 68 slides against the guide surface 49 of the rear protrusion 48, causing the pair of connecting portions 67 to elastically expand.

[0068] When the connecting recess 68 passes through the rear protrusion 48, the pair of connecting portions 67 elastically return to their original shape, and the lower housing 62 and outer conductor 38 are properly assembled. In the properly assembled state, the connecting recess 68 engages with the front protrusion 47, and the connecting hole 69 engages with the rear protrusion 48. This engagement maintains the lower housing 62 and outer conductor 38 in the assembled state. The lower housing 62 protrudes rearward from the outer conductor 38 in a cantilevered manner.

[0069] After the lower housing 62 is assembled to the outer conductor 38, the second sub-board 75 is placed on the housing body 63 of the lower housing 62. The second sub-board 75 is positioned in the front-to-back and left-to-right directions by the positioning members 64. After the second sub-board 75 is attached to the lower housing 62, the upper cover 70 is assembled so that it covers the second sub-board 75. The positioning ribs 73 engage the left and right edges of the housing body 63, positioning the upper cover 70 relative to the lower housing 62. This temporarily assembles the lower housing 62, the second sub-board 75, and the upper cover 70 in a stacked state. The majority of the second sub-board 75 (mounted components) is housed within the shielded space.

[0070] In the provisionally assembled state, screws 16 are inserted through insertion holes 74 of the upper cover 70 and insertion holes 77 of the second sub-board 75, and then screwed into and tightened in the internal threaded holes 65 of the lower case 62. This completes the integration of the lower case 62, upper cover 70, and second sub-board 75, completing the assembly of the shield case 61, the board mounting portion 60, and the board connector 30.

[0071] The board mounting portion 60 extends horizontally rearward from the connector portion 31. The card edge connection portion 76 protrudes rearward from the rear end of the shield shell 61 (lower housing 62 and upper cover 70). In the vertical direction, the entire board mounting portion 60 is located only within the range from the lowermost end 31L to the uppermost end 31H of the connector portion 31. The uppermost end of the board mounting portion 60 (the upper surface of the upper cover 70) and the uppermost end of the flexible cable 78 are located below the uppermost end 31H of the connector portion 31. The lowermost end of the board mounting portion 60 (the lower surface of the guide rib 66 of the lower housing 62) is located above the lowermost end 31L of the connector portion 31.

[0072] <Assembly of the Board Connector 30 to the Housing 10 and the Board Unit 20>

[0073] When attaching the board connector 30 to the housing 10 and the board unit 20, the board connector 30 is inserted into the housing 10 through the opening 13 of the front cover 12. During insertion, the lower surface of the lower case 62 slides and contacts the mounting surface 22 of the circuit board 21, allowing the lower end of the dielectric 33 and the lower end of the first sub-board 55 to engage with the cutout 24 of the circuit board 21, thereby positioning the board connector 30 in the left-right direction relative to the circuit board 21. As the board connector 30 is inserted further from this position, the guide ribs 66 engage with the guide grooves 25, stabilizing the left-right orientation of the board connector 30.

[0074] Insertion of the board connector 30 is complete when the card edge connection portion 76 is inserted into the board accommodating space 27 of the mounting connector 26 and the plate-shaped portion 39 and plate-shaped mounting portion 43 of the outer conductor 38 abut against the front surface of the front cover 12. The screw 17 is then inserted into the mounting hole 44 of the outer conductor 38 and screwed into the internal thread portion 14 of the front cover 12, tightening the screw. This completes assembly of the board connector 30 with respect to the housing 10, mounting of the board connector 30 with respect to the substrate unit 20, and connection between the mounting connector 26 and the board connector 30.

[0075] When the board connector 30 is assembled to the circuit board 21, the front end of the circuit board 21 is sandwiched between the upper surface of the arm portion 50 of the outer conductor 38 and the lower surface of the lower housing 62. This stabilizes the vertical position and posture of the board connector 30 relative to the circuit board 21. In the thickness direction of the circuit board 21, or in the height direction, the top end of the board connector 30 is at the same height as the top end 31H of the connector portion 31, and the bottom end of the board connector 30 is at the same height as the bottom end 31L of the connector portion 31. In the height direction, the entire board mounting portion 60 and the entire board unit 20 are located only within the range between the top end 31H and the bottom end 31L of the connector portion 31. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the board mounting portion 60 and the board unit 20 are located below the bottom end 31L of the connector portion 31, the connector device of this first embodiment achieves a lower profile.

[0076] <Functions and Effects of Example 1>

[0077] The connector device of this first embodiment includes a circuit board 21 and a board connector 30 mounted on the circuit board 21. The board connector 30 includes a connector portion 31 and a board mounting portion 60. The connector portion 31 is configured to protrude forward from the front edge 21F of the circuit board 21. The board mounting portion 60 is mounted so as to overlap in height with the mounting surface 22 (top surface) of the circuit board 21. When the board connector 30 is mounted on the circuit board 21, the circuit board 21 and the board mounting portion 60 are arranged so as to fit within the height range of the connector portion 31 in the thickness direction of the circuit board 21. The connector device of this first embodiment can achieve a lower height compared to a connector device in which the board connector 30 is mounted with the board connector 30 placed on the mounting surface 22 of the circuit board 21.

[0078] The connector portion 31 includes an inner conductor 32 serving as a terminal fitting, a dielectric 33 serving as a terminal retaining member for retaining the inner conductor 32, and a first sub-board 55 mounted on the inner conductor 32. The board mounting portion 60 includes a second sub-board 75 disposed parallel to the mounting surface 22. Because the second sub-board 75 constituting the board mounting portion 60 is disposed parallel to the mounting surface 22, the entire board mounting portion 60 can be securely accommodated within the height range of the connector portion 31.

[0079] The first sub-board 55 is positioned behind the dielectric 33 (terminal holding member). The second sub-board 75 is positioned behind the first sub-board 55. Since the first and second sub-boards 55 and 75 are connected via a flexible cable 78, there is a high degree of design freedom in setting the relative height positions of the connector portion 31 and the board mounting portion 60.

[0080] The connector device of this first embodiment includes a housing 10 that accommodates a circuit board 21 and a board mounting portion 60. The connector portion 31 includes a metal outer conductor 38 mounted on a dielectric 33 so as to surround an inner conductor 32. The front cover 12 of the housing 10 is formed with an opening 13 that exposes the connector portion 31 to the outside of the housing 10. The outer conductor 38 is secured to the front cover 12 by screws 17 (threaded fastening). The use of screws 17 ensures that the connector portion 31 is stably secured to the housing 10.

[0081] The substrate mounting portion 60 includes a second sub-substrate 75 disposed parallel to the mounting surface 22, and a flat lower housing 62 that supports the second sub-substrate 75 while placing the second sub-substrate 75 thereon. The lower housing 62 can be assembled to the outer conductor 38 when the substrate connector 30 is not mounted on the circuit substrate 21. When the substrate connector 30 is not mounted on the circuit substrate 21, the second sub-substrate 75 can be held in a stable position relative to the connector portion 31. Because the outer conductor 38 and the lower housing 62 are made of metal, they can be reliably assembled.

[0082] The connector device includes a metallic upper cover 70 assembled to the lower case 62 so as to sandwich the second sub-board 75. The lower case 62 and the upper cover 70 constitute a shield case 61 surrounding the second sub-board 75.

[0083] The outer conductor 38 includes an arm portion 50 extending rearward so as to face the lower surface of the lower housing 62 at a distance therefrom. The circuit board 21 is arranged so as to be sandwiched between the lower housing 62 and the arm portion 50. By sandwiching the circuit board 21 between the lower housing 62 and the arm portion 50, the positional relationship between the circuit board 21 and the connector portion 31 can be stabilized.

[0084] The first sub-board 55 is arranged at right angles to the mounting surface 22 and overlaps the rear surface of the dielectric 33. According to this structure, the dimension of the connector portion 31 in the front-rear direction can be suppressed to be small.

[0085] [Other embodiments]

[0086] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and illustrated in the drawings, but is defined by the claims, which include all modifications equivalent to the claims and the following embodiments.

[0087] The second sub-board may be arranged so as to be oriented at a right angle to the mounting surface.

[0088] The first sub-substrate and the second sub-substrate may also be connected by components other than flexible cables.

[0089] The number of sub-boards provided on the board connector may be one or three or more.

[0090] The present invention is also applicable to a case where the terminal holding member does not function as a dielectric and the connector portion does not have an outer conductor.

[0091] The lower case may be made of synthetic resin.

[0092] The substrate mounting portion may be configured without an upper cover.

[0093] The circuit board does not need to be sandwiched between the lower case and the arm.

[0094] The first sub-substrate may be arranged parallel to the mounting surface.

[0095] The first sub-board may be arranged at a position separated from the terminal holding member.

[0096] Description of Reference Numerals

[0097] 10…housing

[0098] 11…Housing body

[0099] 12…Front cover

[0100] 13…Opening

[0101] 14…Internal thread

[0102] 15…screws

[0103] 16…screws

[0104] 17…screws

[0105] 20…Base unit

[0106] 21…Circuit board

[0107] 21F…front edge of the circuit board

[0108] 22…Mounting surface

[0109] 23…Main ground circuit

[0110] 24…Incision

[0111] 25…Guide slot

[0112] 26…Install the connector

[0113] 27…Substrate storage space

[0114] 30…PCB connector

[0115] 31…Connector

[0116] 31H…Top end of the connector

[0117] 31L…Bottom end of the connector

[0118] 32…Inner conductor (terminal accessories)

[0119] 33…Dielectric (terminal holding component)

[0120] 34…Wall-like portion

[0121] 35…Protrusion-shaped retaining portion

[0122] 36…Through hole

[0123] 38…Outer conductor

[0124] 39…plate-shaped part

[0125] 40...Tubular part

[0126] 41…Retaining hole

[0127] 42…Positioning protrusion

[0128] 43…Plate-shaped mounting portion

[0129] 44…Mounting holes

[0130] 45…Support

[0131] 46…Supporting wall

[0132] 47…front protrusion

[0133] 48… rear protrusion

[0134] 49…Guide surface

[0135] 50…arm

[0136] 51…Mating parts

[0137] 52…Cover

[0138] 53…posterior wall

[0139] 54…Connecting hole

[0140] 55…First sub-substrate

[0141] 56…Positioning hole

[0142] 60…Substrate mounting portion

[0143] 61…Shielding shell

[0144] 62…lower housing

[0145] 63…Case body

[0146] 64…Positioning unit

[0147] 65…Internal thread hole

[0148] 66…Guide ribs

[0149] 67…Connection

[0150] 68…Connecting recess

[0151] 69…Connecting hole

[0152] 70…Upper cover

[0153] 71…plate-like base

[0154] 72…Radiator

[0155] 73…Positioning ribs

[0156] 74…Insert hole

[0157] 75…Second sub-base

[0158] 76…Card edge connection portion

[0159] 77…Through hole

[0160] 78…Flexible cable

Claims

1. A connector device comprising: circuit boards; and A substrate connector is mounted on the circuit substrate. The substrate connector comprises: a connector portion configured to protrude forward from a front end edge of the circuit substrate; and a substrate mounting portion mounted to overlap with a mounting surface of the circuit substrate. The circuit board and the board mounting portion are arranged so as to be entirely accommodated within a height range of the connector portion in a thickness direction of the circuit board.

2. The connector device according to claim 1, wherein The connector portion comprises: a terminal fitting; a terminal holding member for holding the terminal fitting; and a first sub-substrate mounted on the terminal fitting. The substrate mounting portion includes a second sub-substrate arranged parallel to the mounting surface.

3. The connector device according to claim 2, wherein: The first sub-substrate is arranged behind the terminal holding member. The second sub-substrate is arranged behind the first sub-substrate. The first sub-substrate and the second sub-substrate are connected via a flexible cable.

4. The connector device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The connector device includes a housing for accommodating the circuit board and the board mounting portion. The connector portion includes: a dielectric; an inner conductor held in the dielectric; and a metal outer conductor mounted on the dielectric in a manner surrounding the inner conductor. An opening is formed on the front cover of the housing to expose the connector to the outside of the housing. The outer conductor is fixed to the front cover by screw fastening.

5. The connector device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The connector portion includes: a dielectric; an inner conductor held in the dielectric; and an outer conductor mounted on the dielectric in a manner surrounding the inner conductor. The substrate mounting portion includes: a second sub-substrate arranged parallel to the mounting surface; and a flat lower housing supporting the second sub-substrate in a state where the second sub-substrate is placed thereon. The lower housing can be assembled to the outer conductor in a state where the board connector is not mounted on the circuit board.

6. The connector device according to claim 5, wherein The outer conductor and the lower shell are made of metal.

7. The connector device according to claim 6, wherein: The connector device includes a metallic upper cover assembled to the lower case so as to sandwich the second sub-board.

8. The connector device according to claim 5, wherein The outer conductor has an arm portion, and the arm portion extends rearward so as to face the lower surface of the lower housing with a gap therebetween. The circuit board is arranged so as to be sandwiched between the lower case and the arm portion.

9. The connector device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein: The first sub-board is arranged at a right angle to the mounting surface and overlaps with the rear surface of the terminal holding member.

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