Connector device, circuit board, circuit board unit, and electronic device

Abstract

To provide a connector device that can reduce unnecessary radiation noise.SOLUTION: A connector device comprises: a housing; a plurality of first connectors each having a first connection part electrically connected with a first counterpart connector included in a counterpart connector device; a plurality of second connectors each having a second connection part electrically connected with a second counterpart connector included in the counterpart connector device; and a ground member electrically connected with a counterpart ground member included in the counterpart connector device. The first connection parts of the plurality of first connectors are exposed and arranged side by side along a first surface from the housing. The second connection parts of the plurality of second connectors are exposed and arranged side by side along a second surface different from the first surface from the housing. The ground member is arranged between the plurality of first connectors and the plurality of second connectors, and is arranged along a connection direction in which the connector device and the counterpart connector device are connected to each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector device, a circuit board, a circuit board unit, and an electronic device.

Background Art

[0002] For example, an electrical connector for connecting circuit boards as described in Patent Document 1 is known.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the electrical connector as described above, when a signal such as a high-frequency signal flows from one circuit board to the other circuit board, unnecessary radiation noise (electromagnetic noise) is likely to occur, and it has been required to be able to suppress the unnecessary radiation noise. On the other hand, for example, a countermeasure for suppressing unnecessary radiation noise by providing a shield plate covering the electrical connector is known. In order to suppress unnecessary radiation noise by the shield plate, it is necessary to connect the shield plate to the ground provided on the circuit board. However, the electrical connector is in the way, and it is difficult to sufficiently secure the connection area between the shield plate and the ground, and there has been a problem that unnecessary radiation noise cannot be sufficiently suppressed even if the shield plate is provided.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] One aspect of the connector device of the present invention is a connector device that is electrically connected to a mating connector device, comprising a housing, a plurality of first connectors each held by the housing and having a first connection portion electrically connected to a first mating connector of the mating connector device, a plurality of second connectors each held by the housing and having a second connection portion electrically connected to a second mating connector of the mating connector device, and a ground member held by the housing and electrically connected to a mating ground member of the mating connector device. Each first connection portion of the plurality of first connectors is exposed and arranged side by side along a first surface from the housing, each second connection portion of the plurality of second connectors is exposed and arranged side by side along a second surface different from the first surface from the housing, the ground member is arranged between the plurality of first connectors and the plurality of second connectors and along a connection direction in which the connector device and the mating connector device are connected, a recess is formed in the housing that is recessed on the side opposite to the side where the mating connector device is located in the connection direction, a side surface of the inner surface of the recess located on one side in a crossing direction that crosses the connection direction is the first surface, a part of the ground member is embedded in a wall portion that forms the bottom of the recess in the housing, each of the first connectors has a first extension portion extending in the connection direction and a second extension portion extending in a direction crossing the connection direction from an end of the first extension portion on the side opposite to the side where the mating connector device is located in the connection direction, the first extension portion has the first connection portion and a bent portion that bends in a direction approaching the ground member from the first connection portion, the first connection portion protrudes from the wall portion toward the side where the mating connector device is located in the connection direction and contacts the first surface, and the bent portion is provided at a portion located between an end of the first extension portion connected to the second extension portion and the first connection portion and is embedded in the wall portion. One aspect of the connector device of the present invention is a connector device that is electrically connected to a mating connector device, comprising a housing, a plurality of first connectors each having a first connection portion held by the housing and electrically connected to a first mating connector of the mating connector device, a plurality of second connectors each having a second connection portion held by the housing and electrically connected to a second mating connector of the mating connector device, and a ground member held by the housing and electrically connected to a mating ground member of the mating connector device. Each first connection portion of the plurality of first connectors is exposed and arranged side by side along a first surface from the housing, each second connection portion of the plurality of second connectors is exposed and arranged side by side along a second surface different from the first surface from the housing, the ground member is arranged between the plurality of first connectors and the plurality of second connectors and along a connection direction in which the connector device and the mating connector device are connected. Each of the first connectors has a first extension portion extending in the connection direction and a second extension portion extending in a direction intersecting the connection direction from an end of the first extension portion on the side opposite to the side where the mating connector device is located among the ends of the first extension portion in the connection direction. The first extension portion has the first connection portion and a bent portion bent in a direction approaching the ground member from the first connection portion. The bent portion is provided at a portion located between an end of the first extension portion connected to the second extension portion and the first connection portion. One aspect of the connector device of the present invention is a connector device that is electrically connected to a mating connector device, comprising a housing, a plurality of first connectors each having a first connection portion held by the housing and electrically connected to a first mating connector of the mating connector device, a plurality of second connectors each having a second connection portion held by the housing and electrically connected to a second mating connector of the mating connector device, and a ground member held by the housing and electrically connected to a mating ground member of the mating connector device. Each first connection portion of the plurality of first connectors is exposed and arranged side by side along a first surface from the housing, each second connection portion of the plurality of second connectors is exposed and arranged side by side along a second surface different from the first surface from the housing, and the ground member is arranged between the plurality of first connectors and the plurality of second connectors and along a connection direction in which the connector device and the mating connector device are connected.

[0006] One aspect of the circuit board of the present invention is characterized by comprising the above connector device and a circuit board body on which the connector device is arranged.

[0007] One aspect of the circuit board unit of the present invention includes a first circuit board body having a first ground layer, a second circuit board body having a second ground layer, a connector structure connecting the first circuit board body and the second circuit board body and relaying signal transmission between the first circuit board body and the second circuit board body. The connector structure includes a connector device disposed on the first circuit board body and a mating connector device disposed on the second circuit board body and connected to the connector device. The connector device includes a housing, a plurality of first connectors held by the housing and each having a first connection portion, a plurality of second connectors held by the housing and each having a second connection portion, and a ground member held by the housing. Each first connection portion of the plurality of first connectors is exposed and arranged side by side along a first surface from the housing. Each second connection portion of the plurality of second connectors is exposed and arranged side by side along a second surface different from the first surface from the housing. The mating connector device includes a mating housing, a plurality of first mating connectors held by the mating housing and each having a first mating connection portion electrically connected to the first connection portion, a plurality of second mating connectors held by the mating housing and each having a second mating connection portion electrically connected to the second connection portion, and a mating ground member held by the mating housing and electrically connected to the ground member. Each first mating connection portion of the plurality of first mating connectors is exposed and arranged side by side along a third surface from the housing. Each second mating connection portion of the plurality of second mating connectors is exposed and arranged side by side along a fourth surface different from the third surface from the housing. The ground member is electrically connected to the first ground layer, disposed between the plurality of first connectors and the plurality of second connectors, and arranged along the connection direction in which the connector device and the mating connector device are connected. The mating ground member is electrically connected to the second ground layer, disposed between the plurality of first mating connectors and the plurality of second mating connectors, and arranged along the connection direction. A recess is formed in the housing, recessing toward the side opposite to the side where the mating connector device is located in the connection direction.Of the inner surface of the concave portion, the side surface located on one side in the intersecting direction that intersects the connection direction is the first surface. A part of the ground member is embedded in the wall portion that forms the bottom portion of the concave portion in the housing. Each of the first connectors has a first extension portion extending in the connection direction, and a second extension portion extending in a direction intersecting the connection direction from an end portion of the first extension portion in the connection direction on the side opposite to the side where the mating connector device is located. The first extension portion has the first connection portion and a bent portion that bends from the first connection portion toward the ground member. The first connection portion protrudes from the wall portion in the connection direction toward the side where the mating connector device is located and contacts the first surface. The bent portion is provided at a portion located between the end portion of the first extension portion that is connected to the second extension portion and the first connection portion, and is embedded in the wall portion. One aspect of the circuit board unit of the present invention includes a first circuit board body having a first ground layer, a second circuit board body having a second ground layer, a connector structure connecting the first circuit board body and the second circuit board body and relaying signal transmission between the first circuit board body and the second circuit board body. The connector structure has a connector device disposed on the first circuit board body and a mating connector device disposed on the second circuit board body and connected to the connector device. The connector device has a housing, a plurality of first connectors held in the housing and each having a first connection portion, a plurality of second connectors held in the housing and each having a second connection portion, and a ground member held in the housing. Each first connection portion of the plurality of first connectors is exposed and arranged side by side along a first surface from the housing. Each second connection portion of the plurality of second connectors is exposed and arranged side by side along a second surface different from the first surface from the housing. The mating connector device has a mating housing, a plurality of first mating connectors held in the mating housing and each having a first mating connection portion electrically connected to the first connection portion, a plurality of second mating connectors held in the mating housing and each having a second mating connection portion electrically connected to the second connection portion, and a mating ground member held in the mating housing and electrically connected to the ground member. Each first mating connection portion of the plurality of first mating connectors is exposed and arranged side by side along a third surface from the housing. Each second mating connection portion of the plurality of second mating connectors is exposed and arranged side by side along a fourth surface different from the third surface from the housing. The ground member is electrically connected to the first ground layer, disposed between the plurality of first connectors and the plurality of second connectors, and arranged along the connection direction in which the connector device and the mating connector device are connected. The mating ground member is electrically connected to the second ground layer, disposed between the plurality of first mating connectors and the plurality of second mating connectors, and arranged along the connection direction. Each of the first connectors has a first extension extending in the connection direction,A second extension portion extending in a direction intersecting the connection direction from an end portion of the first extension portion on the side opposite to the side where the mating connector device is located among the end portions in the connection direction, and the first extension portion has the first connection portion and a bent portion bent in a direction approaching the ground member from the first connection portion, and the bent portion is provided at a portion located between an end portion of the first extension portion connected to the second extension portion and the first connection portion. One aspect of the circuit board unit of the present invention includes a first circuit board body having a first ground layer, a second circuit board body having a second ground layer, and a connector structure connecting the first circuit board body and the second circuit board body and relaying signal transmission between the first circuit board body and the second circuit board body. The connector structure has a connector device disposed on the first circuit board body and a mating connector device disposed on the second circuit board body and connected to the connector device. The connector device includes a housing, a plurality of first connectors held by the housing and each having a first connection portion, a plurality of second connectors held by the housing and each having a second connection portion, and a ground member held by the housing. Each first connection portion of the plurality of first connectors is exposed and arranged side by side along a first surface from the housing, and each second connection portion of the plurality of second connectors is exposed and arranged side by side along a second surface different from the first surface from the housing. The mating connector device includes a mating housing, a plurality of first mating connectors held by the mating housing and each having a first mating connection portion electrically connected to the first connection portion, a plurality of second mating connectors held by the mating housing and each having a second mating connection portion electrically connected to the second connection portion, and a mating ground member held by the mating housing and electrically connected to the ground member. Each first mating connector of the plurality of first mating connectors has a first mating connection portion that is exposed and arranged side by side along a third surface from the housing. Each second mating connection portion of the plurality of second mating connectors has a second mating connection portion that is exposed and arranged side by side along a fourth surface different from the third surface from the housing. The ground member is electrically connected to the first ground layer, is disposed between the plurality of first connectors and the plurality of second connectors, and is disposed along a connection direction in which the connector device and the mating connector device are connected. The mating ground member is electrically connected to the second ground layer, is disposed between the plurality of first mating connectors and the plurality of second mating connectors, and is disposed along the connection direction.

[0008] One aspect of the electronic device of the present invention is characterized by including the above circuit board.

[0009] One aspect of the electronic device of the present invention is characterized by including the above circuit board unit.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, a projector will be described as an example of an electronic device. Note that the scope of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments, and can be arbitrarily changed within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention. Also, in the following drawings, in order to make each configuration easier to understand, the actual structure and the scale, number, etc. in each structure may be made different.

[0012] <First Embodiment> FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a projector (electronic device) 1 of the present embodiment. The projector 1 of the present embodiment is a projection type image display device that projects a color image onto a screen SCR. As shown in FIG. 1, the projector 1 includes a light source device 2, a uniform illumination optical system 40, a color separation optical system 3, a light modulation device 4R, a light modulation device 4G, a light modulation device 4B, a synthesis optical system 5, a projection optical device 6, and a control device 50. The light source device 2 emits illumination light WL toward the uniform illumination optical system 40.

[0013] The uniform illumination optical system 40 includes an integrator optical system 31, a polarization conversion element 32, and a superposition optical system 33. The integrator optical system 31 includes a first lens array 31a and a second lens array 31b. The uniform illumination optical system 40 equalizes the intensity distribution of the illumination light WL emitted from the light source device 2 in each of the light modulation devices 4R, 4G, and 4B, which are the illuminated regions. The illumination light WL emitted from the uniform illumination optical system 40 enters the color separation optical system 3.

[0014] The color separation optical system 3 separates the white illumination light WL into red light LR, green light LG, and blue light LB. The color separation optical system 3 includes a first dichroic mirror 7a, a second dichroic mirror 7b, a first reflection mirror 8a, a second reflection mirror 8b, a third reflection mirror 8c, a first relay lens 9a, and a second relay lens 9b.

[0015] The first dichroic mirror 7a separates the illumination light WL from the light source device 2 into red light LR and other light (green light LG and blue light LB). The first dichroic mirror 7a transmits the separated red light LR and reflects the other light (green light LG and blue light LB). On the other hand, the second dichroic mirror 7b separates the other light into green light LG and blue light LB. The second dichroic mirror 7b reflects the separated green light LG and transmits the blue light LB.

[0016] The first reflection mirror 8a is disposed in the optical path of the red light LR and reflects the red light LR transmitted through the first dichroic mirror 7a toward the light modulation device 4R. On the other hand, the second reflection mirror 8b and the third reflection mirror 8c are disposed in the optical path of the blue light LB and reflect the blue light LB transmitted through the second dichroic mirror 7b toward the light modulation device 4B. Also, the green light LG is reflected by the second dichroic mirror 7b toward the light modulation device 4G.

[0017] The first relay lens 9a and the second relay lens 9b are arranged on the light emission side of the second dichroic mirror 7b in the optical path of the blue light LB. The first relay lens 9a and the second relay lens 9b correct the difference in the illumination distribution of the blue light LB caused by the fact that the optical path length of the blue light LB is longer than the optical path lengths of the red light LR and the green light LG.

[0018] The light modulation device 4R modulates the red light LR according to the image information and forms image light corresponding to the red light LR. The light modulation device 4G modulates the green light LG according to the image information and forms image light corresponding to the green light LG. The light modulation device 4B modulates the blue light LB according to the image information and forms image light corresponding to the blue light LB.

[0019] For the light modulation device 4R, the light modulation device 4G, and the light modulation device 4B, for example, transmissive liquid crystal panels are used. In addition, polarizing plates (not shown) are respectively arranged on the incident side and the emission side of the liquid crystal panel, and only linearly polarized light in a specific direction is allowed to pass through.

[0020] Field lenses 10R, 10G, and 10B are respectively arranged on the incident sides of the light modulation device 4R, the light modulation device 4G, and the light modulation device 4B. The field lenses 10R, 10G, and 10B parallelize the principal rays of the red light LR, the green light LG, and the blue light LB incident on the respective light modulation devices 4R, 4G, and 4B.

[0021] The synthetic optical system 5 synthesizes the image light corresponding to the red light LR, the green light LG, and the blue light LB when the image light emitted from the light modulation device 4R, the light modulation device 4G, and the light modulation device 4B is incident, and emits the synthesized image light toward the projection optical device 6. For the synthetic optical system 5, for example, a cross dichroic prism is used.

[0022] The projection optical device 6 is composed of a plurality of projection lenses. The projection optical device 6 enlarges and projects the image light synthesized by the synthesis optical system 5 toward the screen SCR. Thereby, an image is displayed on the screen SCR.

[0023] Next, the control device 50 will be described. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the circuit board unit 60 in the control device 50. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the circuit board unit 60, and shows a state in which the connection between the first circuit board 61 and the second circuit board 62 is released. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the circuit board unit 60, and is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a part of the first circuit board 61. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a part of the second circuit board 62.

[0024] Each figure appropriately shows the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis. The direction parallel to the X-axis is called the "first horizontal direction (arrangement direction) X", the direction parallel to the Y-axis is called the "second horizontal direction Y", and the direction parallel to the Z-axis is called the "vertical direction (connection direction) Z". The first horizontal direction X, the second horizontal direction Y, and the vertical direction Z are directions orthogonal to each other. The side (+Z side) in the vertical direction Z toward which the arrow of the Z-axis points is called the "upper side", and the side opposite to the side (+Z side) in the vertical direction Z toward which the arrow of the Z-axis points (-Z side) is called the "lower side". The side (+X side) in the first horizontal direction X toward which the arrow of the X-axis points is called the "one side of the first horizontal direction", and the side opposite to the side (+X side) in the first horizontal direction X toward which the arrow of the X-axis points (-X side) is called the "other side of the first horizontal direction". The side (+Y side) in the second horizontal direction Y toward which the arrow of the Y-axis points is called the "one side of the second horizontal direction", and the side opposite to the side (+Y side) in the second horizontal direction Y toward which the arrow of the Y-axis points (-Y side) is called the "other side of the second horizontal direction".

[0025] Note that the vertical direction Z, the first horizontal direction X, and the second horizontal direction Y are names for simply explaining the relative positional relationship of each part, and the actual arrangement relationship, etc. may be different from the arrangement relationship, etc. indicated by these names.

[0026] The control device 50 is a main board that controls each part of the projector 1 including the light source device 2. As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the control device 50 has a circuit board unit 60. The circuit board unit 60 has a first circuit board (circuit board) 61 and a second circuit board (circuit board) 62. The first circuit board 61 and the second circuit board 62 are electrically connected to each other via a connector structure 90. The first circuit board 61 and the second circuit board 62 are connected in the vertical direction Z. The second circuit board 62 is located above the first circuit board 61.

[0027] The first circuit board 61 has a first circuit board body 63 and a connector device 70 disposed on the first circuit board body 63. The second circuit board 62 has a second circuit board body 64 and a mating connector device 80 disposed on the second circuit board body 64. The connector device 70 and the mating connector device 80 constitute a connector structure 90 that connects the first circuit board body 63 and the second circuit board body 64. The connector structure 90 relays signal transmission between the connector device 70 and between the first circuit board body 63 and the second circuit board body 64. The connector structure 90 has the connector device 70 and the mating connector device 80.

[0028] The connector device 70 is attached to the upper surface of the first circuit board body 63. The mating connector device 80 is attached to the lower surface of the second circuit board body 64. The connector device 70 and the mating connector device 80 are connected in the vertical direction Z. That is, in the present embodiment, the connection direction in which the connector device 70 and the mating connector device 80 are connected is the vertical direction Z.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 2, the first circuit board body 63 and the second circuit board body 64 are plate-shaped with their plate surfaces facing the vertical direction Z. In the present embodiment, the first circuit board body 63 and the second circuit board body 64 are printed circuit boards provided with wiring patterns made of copper foil. The first circuit board body 63 and the second circuit board body 64 are substrates having the same kind of structure and are arranged in an inverted manner in the vertical direction Z with respect to each other. In the following description, for the configurations similar to those of the first circuit board body 63 except for the points inverted in the vertical direction Z, the description of the second circuit board body 64 may be partially omitted.

[0030] The first circuit board body 63 includes an insulating layer 63a, a first ground layer 63b, an insulating layer 63c, a wiring layer 63d, and a resist layer 63f. The insulating layer 63a, the first ground layer 63b, the insulating layer 63c, the wiring layer 63d, and the resist layer 63f are laminated in this order from the lower side to the upper side. The lower surface of the insulating layer 63a constitutes the lower surface of the first circuit board body 63. The upper surface of the resist layer 63f constitutes the upper surface of the first circuit board body 63. The upper surface of the first circuit board body 63 is a mounting surface on which electronic elements and the like are mounted. The first ground layer 63b is a layer whose potential becomes the reference potential in the circuit board unit 60. The first ground layer 63b is constituted by, for example, a solid pattern made of copper foil. The first ground layer 63b is also called a reference plane.

[0031] The wiring layer 63d is constituted by a plurality of wiring patterns made of copper foil. The wiring layer 63d includes a ground pad portion 63e and a plurality of wiring pad portions 63g. The upper surface of the wiring layer 63d is covered with the resist layer 63f except for the ground pad portion 63e and the plurality of wiring pad portions 63g. The ground pad portion 63e and the plurality of wiring pad portions 63g are exposed on the upper side of the first circuit board body 63. In the present embodiment, the plurality of wiring pad portions 63g includes a pair of wiring pad portions 63g that sandwich the ground pad portion 63e in the second horizontal direction Y. Although not shown, a plurality of pairs of the pair of wiring pad portions 63g are provided at intervals in the first horizontal direction X.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 4, the ground pad portion 63e extends in the first horizontal direction X. The ground pad portion 63e is electrically connected to the first ground layer 63b via the through hole 63h. The through hole 63h penetrates the insulating layer 63a, the first ground layer 63b, and the insulating layer 63c in the vertical direction Z. The upper end portion of the through hole 63h is connected to the lower surface of the ground pad portion 63e. A copper foil is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the through hole 63h. The first ground layer 63b and the ground pad portion 63e are electrically connected by the copper foil provided on the inner peripheral surface of the through hole 63h. A plurality of through holes 63h are provided. The plurality of through holes 63h include a plurality of through holes 63h arranged side by side along the first horizontal direction X. Also, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the plurality of through holes 63h include a plurality of through holes 63h arranged side by side along the second horizontal direction Y.

[0033] The second circuit board body 64 has an insulating layer 64a, a second ground layer 64b, an insulating layer 64c, a wiring layer 64d, and a resist layer 64f. The insulating layer 64a, the second ground layer 64b, the insulating layer 64c, the wiring layer 64d, and the resist layer 64f are laminated in this order from the upper side to the lower side. The upper surface of the insulating layer 64a constitutes the upper surface of the second circuit board body 64. The lower surface of the resist layer 64f constitutes the lower surface of the second circuit board body 64. The lower surface of the second circuit board body 64 is a mounting surface to which electronic elements and the like are attached. The second ground layer 64b is a layer whose potential is the reference potential in the circuit board unit 60. The second ground layer 64b is constituted by, for example, a solid pattern made of copper foil. The second ground layer 64b is also called a reference plane. The wiring layer 64d has a ground pad portion 64e and a plurality of wiring pad portions 64g. The ground pad portion 64e is electrically connected to the second ground layer 64b via a plurality of through holes 64h.

[0034] In this embodiment, the connector device 70 is a male connector, and the mating connector device 80 is a female connector. The connector device 70 and the mating connector device 80 are fitted in the vertical direction Z and electrically connected to each other. That is, in this embodiment, the fitting direction between the connector device 70 and the mating connector device 80 is the vertical direction Z.

[0035] The connector device 70 includes a housing 73, a plurality of first connectors 71, a plurality of second connectors 72, and a ground member 74. The housing 73 is a resin member that holds the plurality of first connectors 71, the plurality of second connectors 72, and the ground member 74. The housing 73 is made, for example, by insert molding with the plurality of first connectors 71, the plurality of second connectors 72, and the ground member 74 as insert members. As shown in FIG. 5, the housing 73 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped box shape that opens upward. The housing 73 includes a bottom wall portion 73a that forms the lower wall portion, a peripheral wall portion 73b that projects upward from the outer peripheral edge portion of the bottom wall portion 73a, and a convex portion 73c that projects upward from the bottom wall portion 73a inside the peripheral wall portion 73b. The peripheral wall portion 73b has a rectangular frame shape that is long in the first horizontal direction X. The convex portion 73c has a rectangular parallelepiped shape that extends in the first horizontal direction X. The outer peripheral surface of the convex portion 73c is arranged apart from the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion 73b over the entire circumference. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the housing 73 is arranged above the upper surface of the first circuit board body 63 with a gap therebetween.

[0036] The plurality of first connectors 71 are held by the housing 73. A part of each first connector 71 is embedded in the housing 73. As shown in FIG. 5, the first connector 71 is a metal, elongated plate-like member. The plurality of first connectors 71 are arranged side by side at intervals along the first horizontal direction X. The first connector 71 includes a first extension portion 71a, a second extension portion 71b, a third extension portion 71c, and a pad connection portion 71d.

[0037] The first extension portion 71a extends in the vertical direction Z. The lower end portion of the first extension portion 71a is embedded in the bottom wall portion 73a. The portion of the first extension portion 71a above the lower end portion is a first connection portion 71e that is electrically connected to a first mating connection portion 81e described later. The first connection portion 71e protrudes upward from the bottom wall portion 73a and is exposed from the housing 73. The first connection portion 71e is located on one side (+Y side) in the second horizontal direction with respect to the convex portion 73c inside the peripheral wall portion 73b. The upper end portion of the first connection portion 71e is located below the upper end portion of the peripheral wall portion 73b and the upper end portion of the convex portion 73c. The first connection portion 71e is in contact with a side surface (first surface) 73d located on one side in the second horizontal direction of the side surface of the convex portion 73c. That is, each first connection portion 71e of the plurality of first connectors 71 is exposed from the housing 73 along the side surface 73d. The side surface 73d faces one side in the second horizontal direction and is a flat surface orthogonal to the second horizontal direction Y. In the present embodiment, the side surface 73d corresponds to the "first surface". Each first connection portion 71e of the plurality of first connectors 71 is arranged side by side at intervals in the first horizontal direction X along the side surface 73d.

[0038] The second extension portion 71b extends from the lower end portion of the first extension portion 71a to one side (+Y side) in the second horizontal direction. The end portion on one side in the second horizontal direction of the second extension portion 71b protrudes to one side in the second horizontal direction from the side surface of the housing 73 and is exposed from the housing 73. The portion of the second extension portion 71b excluding the end portion on one side in the second horizontal direction is embedded in the bottom wall portion 73a.

[0039] The third extension part 71c extends downward and obliquely in the one-sided direction of the second horizontal direction from the end part on the one-sided (+Y side) of the second horizontal direction of the second extension part 71b. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the lower end part of the third extension part 71c is located below the housing 73. The pad connection part 71d extends in the one-sided direction of the second horizontal direction from the lower end part of the third extension part 71c. The pad connection part 71d is electrically connected to one of the wiring pad parts 63g located on the one-sided of the second horizontal direction than the ground pad part 63e among the plurality of wiring pad parts 63g. Thereby, the first connector 71 is electrically connected to the first circuit board body 63. The pad connection part 71d is connected to the wiring pad part 63g by soldering, for example.

[0040] The plurality of second connectors 72 are held by the housing 73. A part of each second connector 72 is embedded in the housing 73. As shown in FIG. 5, the second connector 72 is a metal-made elongated plate-like member. The plurality of second connectors 72 are arranged side by side at intervals along the first horizontal direction X. Each second connector 72 is arranged at a position that sandwiches the convex part 73c in the second horizontal direction Y with each first connector 71. The second connector 72 is a member having the same shape as the first connector 71. The first connector 71 and the second connector 72 are arranged symmetrically with respect to each other in the second horizontal direction Y with the convex part 73c interposed therebetween.

[0041] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the second connector 72 has a first extension part 72a, a second extension part 72b, a third extension part 72c, and a pad connection part 72d. Each part of the second connector 72 has the same shape as each part having the same name in the first connector 71, except for the point that they are symmetric with respect to the second horizontal direction Y.

[0042] The portion of the first extension 72a above the lower end is a second connection portion 72e that is electrically connected to a second mating connection portion 82e, which will be described later. The second connection portion 72e protrudes upward from the bottom wall portion 73a and is exposed from the housing 73. The second connection portion 72e is located on the other side (-Y side) in the second horizontal direction with respect to the convex portion 73c inside the peripheral wall portion 73b. The upper end portion of the second connection portion 72e is located below the upper end portions of the peripheral wall portion 73b and the convex portion 73c. The upper end portion of the second connection portion 72e is arranged at the same position as the upper end portion of the first connection portion 71e in the vertical direction Z.

[0043] The second connection portion 72e is in contact with a side surface (second surface) 73e located on the other side (-Y side) in the second horizontal direction of the side surface of the convex portion 73c. That is, each second connection portion 72e of the plurality of second connectors 72 is exposed from the housing 73 along the side surface 73e. The side surface 73e faces the other side in the second horizontal direction and is a flat surface orthogonal to the second horizontal direction Y. In the present embodiment, the side surface 73e corresponds to a "second surface" different from the side surface 73d that is the first surface. As shown in FIG. 5, the second connection portions 72e of the plurality of second connectors 72 are arranged side by side at intervals in the first horizontal direction X along the side surface 73e. That is, in the present embodiment, the arrangement direction of the plurality of first connection portions 71e and the arrangement direction of the plurality of second connection portions 72e are the same first horizontal direction X. In the present embodiment, each second connection portion 72e is arranged at a position that sandwiches the convex portion 73c in the second horizontal direction Y between each second connection portion 72e and each first connection portion 71e.

[0044] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the pad connection portion 72d is electrically connected to one of the wiring pad portions 63g located on the other side (-Y side) in the second horizontal direction than the ground pad portion 63e among the plurality of wiring pad portions 63g. Thereby, the second connector 72 is electrically connected to the first circuit board body 63. The pad connection portion 72d is connected to the wiring pad portion 63g by soldering, for example.

[0045] The ground member 74 is held by the housing 73. In the present embodiment, the ground member 74 is held by the convex portion 73c. A part of the ground member 74 is embedded in the housing 73. The ground member 74 is made of metal. In the present embodiment, the ground member 74 is a plate-like member. The ground member 74 is disposed between the plurality of first connectors 71 and the plurality of second connectors 72 in the second horizontal direction Y, and is disposed along the connection direction of the connector device 70 and the mating connector device 80, that is, the vertical direction Z. The ground member 74 extends in the vertical direction Z. The ground member 74 extends upward from the first circuit board body 63 and protrudes above the first connector 71, the second connector 72, and the housing 73.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 4, the ground member 74 extends along the first horizontal direction X, that is, the arrangement direction of the first connection portions 71e and the second connection portions 72e. The end portion of the ground member 74 on one side (+X side) in the first horizontal direction is located on one side in the first horizontal direction with respect to the plurality of first connectors 71 and the plurality of second connectors 72. The end portion of the ground member 74 on the other side (-X side) in the first horizontal direction is located on the other side in the first horizontal direction with respect to the plurality of first connectors 71 and the plurality of second connectors 72. Thus, the ground member 74 is provided outside in the first horizontal direction X with respect to any of the first connectors 71 provided at both ends in the first horizontal direction X and the second connectors 72 provided at both ends in the first horizontal direction X. Note that the ground member 74 only needs to be provided outside in the first horizontal direction X with respect to at least one of the four connectors: the first connector 71 provided at the end portion on one side (+X side) in the first horizontal direction, the first connector 71 provided at the end portion on the other side (-X side) in the first horizontal direction, the second connector 72 provided at the end portion on one side (+X side) in the first horizontal direction, and the second connector 72 provided at the end portion on the other side (-X side) in the first horizontal direction.

[0047] The ground member 74 has a main body portion 74a and a substrate connection portion 74b connected to the main body portion 74a. The main body portion 74a is a rectangular plate shape with a plate surface facing the second horizontal direction Y and being long in the first horizontal direction X. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the main body portion 74a penetrates through the bottom wall portion 73a and the convex portion 73c in the vertical direction Z. Both end portions of the main body portion 74a in the vertical direction Z protrude from the housing 73 in the vertical direction Z. The upper end portion of the main body portion 74a is a ground connection portion 74c that is electrically connected to a mating ground member 84 to be described later. The ground connection portion 74c protrudes upward from the upper surface of the convex portion 73c and is exposed from the housing 73. The ground connection portion 74c protrudes upward from the housing 73 in the connection direction, that is, the vertical direction Z, in which the connector device 70 and the mating connector device 80 are connected.

[0048] The main body portion 74a is located between the first extension portion 71a of the first connector 71 and the first extension portion 72a of the second connector 72 in the second horizontal direction Y. In the present embodiment, the first extension portion 71a is the portion of the first connector 71 that is closest to the ground member 74. In the present embodiment, the first extension portion 72a is the portion of the second connector 72 that is closest to the ground member 74. The distance along the second horizontal direction Y between the main body portion 74a and the first extension portion 71a, and the distance along the second horizontal direction Y between the main body portion 74a and the first extension portion 72a are, for example, 300 μm or less. Between the main body portion 74a and the first extension portion 71a in the second horizontal direction Y, and between the main body portion 74a and the first extension portion 72a in the second horizontal direction Y, a resin that forms a part of the convex portion 73c is interposed.

[0049] The substrate connection portion 74b is connected to the lower end portion of the main body portion 74a. The substrate connection portion 74b protrudes below the housing 73. That is, the substrate connection portion 74b protrudes from the housing 73 in the connection direction (vertical direction Z) in which the connector device 70 and the mating connector device 80 are connected. The entire substrate connection portion 74b is located outside the housing 73.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 5, the substrate connection portion 74b extends in the first horizontal direction X. The substrate connection portion 74b has a rectangular plate shape with a plate surface facing the vertical direction Z and being long in the first horizontal direction X. The substrate connection portion 74b protrudes from the main body portion 74a in the second horizontal direction Y. In the present embodiment, the second horizontal direction Y is a direction that intersects the connection direction (vertical direction Z) in which the connector device 70 and the mating connector device 80 are connected, and is a direction different from the arrangement direction (first horizontal direction X) of the plurality of first connection portions 71e and the arrangement direction (first horizontal direction X) of the plurality of second connection portions 72e. In the present embodiment, the substrate connection portion 74b protrudes from the main body portion 74a toward both sides in the second horizontal direction Y.

[0051] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the substrate connection portion 74b is electrically connected to the ground pad portion 63e from above. Thereby, the substrate connection portion 74b is electrically connected to the first circuit board main body 63 to which the connector device 70 is attached. The substrate connection portion 74b is connected to the ground pad portion 63e by soldering, for example. The substrate connection portion 74b is electrically connected to the first ground layer 63b via the ground pad portion 63e and the through hole 63h. Thereby, the ground member 74 is electrically connected to the first ground layer 63b via the ground pad portion 63e and the through hole 63h.

[0052] The mating connector device 80 includes a mating housing 83, a plurality of first mating connectors 81, a plurality of second mating connectors 82, and a mating ground member 84. The mating housing 83 is a resin member that holds the plurality of first mating connectors 81, the plurality of second mating connectors 82, and the mating ground member 84. The mating housing 83 is made, for example, by insert molding using the plurality of first mating connectors 81, the plurality of second mating connectors 82, and the mating ground member 84 as insert members.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 6, the mating housing 83 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped box shape that opens downward. The mating housing 83 has a top wall portion 83a that forms the upper wall portion, and a peripheral wall portion 83b that projects downward from the central portion of the top wall portion 83a. The peripheral wall portion 83b has a rectangular frame shape that is long in the first horizontal direction X. The outer peripheral edge portion of the peripheral wall portion 83b is located inside and away from the outer peripheral edge portion of the top wall portion 83a. A recessed portion 83f that is recessed upward is formed by the top wall portion 83a and the peripheral wall portion 83b. The recessed portion 83f opens downward. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the mating housing 83 is disposed below the lower surface of the second circuit board body 64 with a gap therebetween.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 2, the mating housing 83 is fitted to the housing 73 in the vertical direction Z. In the present embodiment, the peripheral wall portion 83b of the mating housing 83 is fitted into the inner side of the peripheral wall portion 73b of the housing 73 from above. The lower end portion of the peripheral wall portion 83b is disposed opposite to the upper side of the bottom wall portion 73a of the housing 73 with a gap therebetween. The portion of the top wall portion 83a of the mating housing 83 that is located outside the peripheral wall portion 83b is in contact with the upper end portion of the peripheral wall portion 73b of the housing 73. A convex portion 73c is inserted inside the peripheral wall portion 83b of the mating housing 83, that is, inside the recessed portion 83f. The upper end portion of the convex portion 73c is located below and away from the bottom portion of the recessed portion 83f.

[0055] A plurality of first mating connectors 81 are held by the mating housing 83. A part of each first mating connector 81 is embedded in the mating housing 83. As shown in FIG. 6, the first mating connector 81 is a metal and elongated plate-shaped member. The plurality of first mating connectors 81 are arranged side by side at intervals along the first horizontal direction X. The first mating connector 81 is a member having substantially the same shape as the first connector 71. The first mating connector 81 is arranged in a posture that is inverted in the vertical direction Z with respect to the first connector 71. The first mating connector 81 has a first extension portion 81a, a second extension portion 81b, a third extension portion 81c, and a pad connection portion 81d.

[0056] The first extension portion 81a extends in the vertical direction Z. The upper end portion of the first extension portion 81a is embedded in the top wall portion 83a. The portion of the first extension portion 81a below the upper end portion is a first mating connection portion 81e that is electrically connected to the first connection portion 71e. The first mating connection portion 81e protrudes downward from the top wall portion 83a and is exposed from the mating housing 83. The first mating connection portion 81e is located inside the peripheral wall portion 83b, that is, inside the recess 83f. The lower end portion of the first mating connection portion 81e is located above the lower end portion of the peripheral wall portion 83b. The first mating connection portion 81e is in contact with the inner surface of the peripheral wall portion 83b, that is, the inner surface (third surface) 83d located on one side (+Y side) in the second horizontal direction of the inner surface of the recess 83f. That is, each first mating connection portion 81e of the plurality of first mating connectors 81 is exposed from the mating housing 83 along the inner surface 83d. The inner surface 83d faces the other side (-Y side) in the second horizontal direction and is a flat surface perpendicular to the second horizontal direction Y. In the present embodiment, the inner surface 83d corresponds to the "third surface".

[0057] The first mating connection portions 81e of the plurality of first mating connectors 81 are arranged side by side at intervals in the first horizontal direction X along the inner surface 83d. As shown in FIG. 2, in a state where the housing 73 and the mating housing 83 are fitted together, the lower portion of the first mating connection portion 81e is in contact with the upper portion of the first connection portion 71e in the connector device 70 from one side (+Y side) in the second horizontal direction. Thereby, the first connector 71 and the first mating connector 81 are electrically connected.

[0058] The second extension portion 81b extends from the upper end portion of the first extension portion 81a in one side (+Y side) in the second horizontal direction. The end portion on one side in the second horizontal direction of the second extension portion 81b protrudes in one side in the second horizontal direction from the side surface of the mating housing 83 and is exposed from the mating housing 83. The portion of the second extension portion 81b excluding the end portion on one side in the second horizontal direction is embedded in the top wall portion 83a.

[0059] The third extension portion 81c extends upward and obliquely toward one side in the second horizontal direction (+Y side) from the end portion on one side in the second horizontal direction of the second extension portion 81b. The upper end portion of the third extension portion 81c is located above the mating housing 83. The pad connection portion 81d extends from the upper end portion of the third extension portion 81c toward one side in the second horizontal direction. The pad connection portion 81d is electrically connected to one of the wiring pad portions 64g located on one side in the second horizontal direction of the ground pad portion 64e among the plurality of wiring pad portions 64g. Thereby, the first mating connector 81 is electrically connected to the second circuit board body 64. The pad connection portion 81d is connected to the wiring pad portion 64g by soldering, for example.

[0060] The plurality of second mating connectors 82 are held by the mating housing 83. A part of each second mating connector 82 is embedded in the mating housing 83. As shown in FIG. 6, the second mating connector 82 is a metal and elongated plate-like member. The plurality of second mating connectors 82 are arranged side by side at intervals along the first horizontal direction X. Each second mating connector 82 is arranged at a position spaced apart and opposed to each first mating connector 81 on the other side (-Y side) in the second horizontal direction. The second mating connector 82 is a member having the same shape as the first mating connector 81. The first mating connector 81 and the second mating connector 82 are arranged symmetrically with respect to each other in the second horizontal direction Y.

[0061] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the second mating connector 82 has a first extension portion 82a, a second extension portion 82b, a third extension portion 82c, and a pad connection portion 82d. Each part of the second mating connector 82 has the same shape as each part having the same name in the first mating connector 81, except for being symmetric with respect to the second horizontal direction Y.

[0062] A portion of the first extension part 82a below the upper end is a second mating connection part 82e that is electrically connected to the second connection part 72e. The second mating connection part 82e protrudes downward from the top wall part 83a and is exposed from the mating housing 83. The second mating connection part 82e is located inside the peripheral wall part 83b, that is, inside the recess 83f. The lower end of the second mating connection part 82e is located above the lower end of the peripheral wall part 83b. The lower end of the second mating connection part 82e is arranged at the same position as the lower end of the first mating connection part 81e in the vertical direction Z.

[0063] The second mating connection part 82e is in contact with the inner surface of the peripheral wall part 83b, that is, the inner surface (the fourth surface) 83e located on the other side (-Y side) in the second horizontal direction inside the recess 83f. That is, each second mating connection part 82e of the plurality of second mating connectors 82 is exposed from the mating housing 83 along the inner surface 83e. The inner surface 83e faces one side (+Y side) in the second horizontal direction and is a flat surface orthogonal to the second horizontal direction Y. In the present embodiment, the inner surface 83e corresponds to a "fourth surface" different from the inner surface 83e which is the third surface.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 6, the second mating connection parts 82e of the plurality of second mating connectors 82 are arranged side by side at intervals in the first horizontal direction X along the inner surface 83e. That is, in the present embodiment, the arrangement direction of the plurality of first mating connection parts 81e and the arrangement direction of the plurality of second mating connection parts 82e are the same first horizontal direction X. In the present embodiment, each second mating connection part 82e is arranged at a position facing each first mating connection part 81e in the second horizontal direction Y inside the peripheral wall part 83b, that is, inside the recess 83f. As shown in FIG. 2, in a state where the housing 73 and the mating housing 83 are fitted together, the lower part of the second mating connection part 82e is in contact with the upper part of the second connection part 72e in the connector device 70 from the other side (-Y side) in the second horizontal direction. Thereby, the second connector 72 and the second mating connector 82 are electrically connected.

[0065] The pad connection part 82d is electrically connected to one of the wiring pad parts 64g located on the other side (-Y side) in the second horizontal direction than the ground pad part 64e among the plurality of wiring pad parts 64g. Thereby, the second mating connector 82 is electrically connected to the second circuit board body 64. The pad connection part 82d is connected to the wiring pad part 64g by soldering, for example.

[0066] The mating ground member 84 is held by the mating housing 83. In the present embodiment, the mating ground member 84 is held by a portion of the top wall portion 83a located inside the peripheral wall portion 83b. In other words, the mating ground member 84 is held at the bottom of the recess 83f. A part of the mating ground member 84 is embedded in the mating housing 83. The mating ground member 84 is made of metal. In the present embodiment, the mating ground member 84 is a plate-like member. The mating ground member 84 is disposed between the plurality of first mating connectors 81 and the plurality of second mating connectors 82 in the second horizontal direction Y, and is disposed along the connection direction of the connector device 70 and the mating connector device 80, that is, the vertical direction Z. The mating ground member 84 extends in the vertical direction Z. The mating ground member 84 extends downward from the second circuit board body 64, penetrates the top wall portion 83a, and protrudes into the recess 83f.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 4, the counterpart ground member 84 extends along the first horizontal direction X, that is, the arrangement direction of the first counterpart connection part 81e and the second counterpart connection part 82e. The end on one side (+X side) in the first horizontal direction of the counterpart ground member 84 is located on one side in the first horizontal direction with respect to the plurality of first counterpart connectors 81 and the plurality of second counterpart connectors 82. The end on the other side (-X side) in the first horizontal direction of the counterpart ground member 84 is located on the other side in the first horizontal direction with respect to the plurality of first counterpart connectors 81 and the plurality of second counterpart connectors 82. Thus, the counterpart ground member 84 is provided outside in the first horizontal direction X with respect to any of the connectors among the first counterpart connectors 81 provided at both ends in the first horizontal direction X and the second counterpart connectors 82 provided at both ends in the first horizontal direction X. Similarly, the counterpart ground member 84 only needs to be provided outside in the first horizontal direction X with respect to at least one of the four connectors, namely, the two first connectors 71 provided at the end on one side (+X side) in the first horizontal direction and the end on the other side (-X side) in the first horizontal direction, and the two second connectors 72 provided at the end on one side (+X side) in the first horizontal direction and the end on the other side (-X side) in the first horizontal direction.

[0068] The mating ground member 84 includes a mating main body portion 84a, a mating substrate connection portion 84b connected to the mating main body portion 84a, and a mating ground connection portion 84c. The mating main body portion 84a is a rectangular plate-shaped member with a plate surface facing the second horizontal direction Y and being long in the first horizontal direction X. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the upper end portion of the mating main body portion 84a protrudes upward from the mating housing 83. The lower end portion of the mating main body portion 84a is the mating ground connection portion 84c that is electrically connected to the ground connection portion 74c of the ground member 74. The mating ground connection portion 84c protrudes downward from the top wall portion 83a and is exposed from the mating housing 83. The mating ground connection portion 84c is exposed inside the peripheral wall portion 83b, that is, inside the recess 83f. The mating ground connection portion 84c protrudes downward from the bottom of the recess 83f. That is, the mating ground connection portion 84c protrudes downward from the mating housing 83 in the connection direction in which the connector device 70 and the mating connector device 80 are connected. The mating ground connection portion 84c is located above the lower end portions of the first mating connector 81 and the second mating connector 82, that is, on the back side (+Z side) inside the recess 83f.

[0069] The lower portion of the mating main body portion 84a is located between the first extension portion 81a of the first mating connector 81 and the first extension portion 82a of the second mating connector 82 in the second horizontal direction Y. In the present embodiment, the first extension portion 81a is the portion of the first mating connector 81 that is closest to the mating ground member 84. In the present embodiment, the first extension portion 82a is the portion of the second mating connector 82 that is closest to the mating ground member 84. The distance along the second horizontal direction Y between the mating main body portion 84a and the first extension portion 81a, and the distance along the second horizontal direction Y between the mating main body portion 84a and the first extension portion 82a are, for example, 300 μm or less. Between the mating main body portion 84a and the first extension portion 81a in the second horizontal direction Y, and between the mating main body portion 84a and the first extension portion 82a in the second horizontal direction Y, there is resin or a void that constitutes a part of the top wall portion 83a intervening.

[0070] The mating-side substrate connection portion 84b is connected to the upper end portion of the mating-side main body portion 84a. The mating-side substrate connection portion 84b protrudes above the mating-side housing 83. That is, the mating-side substrate connection portion 84b protrudes from the mating-side housing 83 in the connection direction (vertical direction Z) in which the connector device 70 and the mating-side connector device 80 are connected. The entire mating-side substrate connection portion 84b is located outside the mating-side housing 83.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 6, the mating-side substrate connection portion 84b extends in the first horizontal direction X. The mating-side substrate connection portion 84b has a rectangular plate shape with a plate surface facing the vertical direction Z and being long in the first horizontal direction X. The mating-side substrate connection portion 84b protrudes from the mating-side main body portion 84a in the second horizontal direction Y. In the present embodiment, the second horizontal direction Y is a direction that intersects the connection direction (vertical direction Z) in which the connector device 70 and the mating-side connector device 80 are connected, and is a direction different from the arrangement direction (first horizontal direction X) of the plurality of first mating-side connection portions 81e and the arrangement direction (first horizontal direction X) of the plurality of second mating-side connection portions 82e. In the present embodiment, the mating-side substrate connection portion 84b protrudes from the mating-side main body portion 84a toward both sides in the second horizontal direction Y.

[0072] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the mating-side substrate connection portion 84b is electrically connected to the ground pad portion 64e from below. Thereby, the mating-side substrate connection portion 84b is electrically connected to the second circuit board main body 64 to which the mating-side connector device 80 is attached. The mating-side substrate connection portion 84b is connected to the ground pad portion 64e by soldering, for example. The mating-side substrate connection portion 84b is electrically connected to the second ground layer 64b via the ground pad portion 64e and the through hole 64h. Thereby, the mating-side ground member 84 is electrically connected to the second ground layer 64b via the ground pad portion 64e and the through hole 64h.

[0073] Next, the effects of the present embodiment will be described while comparing with Comparative Example 1 and Comparative Example 2. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the circuit board unit 560 in Comparative Example 1. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the circuit board unit 660 in Comparative Example 2. FIG. 12 is a view of a part of the circuit board unit 660 in Comparative Example 2 as seen from one side (+Y side) in the second horizontal direction. For Comparative Examples 1 and 2, for the same configurations as those of the above-described embodiment, the description may be omitted by appropriately assigning the same reference numerals and the like.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 10, the circuit board unit 560 of Comparative Example 1 includes a first circuit board 561 and a second circuit board 562. The first circuit board 561 includes a first circuit board main body 563 and a connector device 570. The second circuit board 562 includes a second circuit board main body 564 and a mating connector device 580. The first circuit board main body 563 has the same configuration as the above-described first circuit board main body 63 except that the ground pad portion 63e is not provided. The second circuit board main body 564 has the same configuration as the above-described second circuit board main body 64 except that the ground pad portion 64e is not provided. The connector device 570 has the same configuration as the above-described connector device 70 except that the ground member 74 is not provided. The mating connector device 580 has the same configuration as the above-described mating connector device 80 except that the mating ground member 84 is not provided.

[0075] In Comparative Example 1, for example, consider the case where a current such as a high-frequency signal flowing through the wiring layer 63d of the first circuit board body 563 flows to the second circuit board body 64 via the first connector 71 and the first mating connector 81. The wiring layer 63d is disposed along the first ground layer 63b on the first circuit board body 563. Therefore, when a current flows through the wiring layer 63d, the first ground layer 63b serves as a return path, and a return current (back current) flows through the first ground layer 63b in a direction opposite to the current flowing through the wiring layer 63d. As a result, the electromagnetic field generated by the current flowing through the wiring layer 63d and the electromagnetic field generated by the return current flowing through the first ground layer 63b cancel each other out, and it is possible to suppress the generation of unnecessary radiation noise N caused by the current flowing through the wiring layer 63d. In other words, the energy of the current flowing through the wiring layer 63d and the return current flowing through the first ground layer 63b is balanced, and extra energy is not easily generated. Therefore, the emission of the extra energy as unnecessary radiation noise N is suppressed.

[0076] The current flowing through the wiring layer 63d flows from the wiring pad portion 63g to the first connector 71. The current flowing to the first connector 71 flows from the pad connection portion 71d through the third extension portion 71c, the second extension portion 71b, and the first extension portion 71a in this order, and then flows to the first mating connector 81 connected to the first connector 71. The third extension portion 71c, the second extension portion 71b, and the first extension portion 71a are separated from the first circuit board body 563 upward. Therefore, the current flowing through the first connector 71 is separated from the first ground layer 63b of the first circuit board body 563. As a result, even when a current flows through the first connector 71, no return current flows through the first ground layer 63b. That is, in Comparative Example 1, no return path is provided for the current flowing from the wiring layer 63d to the first connector 71, and no return current corresponding to the current flowing through the first connector 71 flows. Therefore, the electromagnetic field generated by the current flowing through the first connector 71 is not canceled, and unnecessary radiation noise N caused by the current flowing through the first connector 71 is emitted. In other words, the current flowing through the first connector 71 becomes larger than the return current, and the energy that cannot return as the return current is emitted as unnecessary radiation noise N.

[0077] The current flowing into the first mating connector 81 flows from the first extension portion 81a, through the second extension portion 81b, the third extension portion 81c, and the pad connection portion 81d in this order, and then flows into the wiring layer 64d of the second circuit board body 564 connected to the first mating connector 81. Since the first mating connector 81 is also arranged away from the second ground layer 64b of the second circuit board body 564 in the same manner as the first connector 71, unnecessary radiation noise N caused by the current flowing through the first mating connector 81 is emitted in the same manner as described above. Regarding the unnecessary radiation noise N caused by the current flowing through the wiring layer 64d of the second circuit board body 564, it is suppressed from being emitted in the same manner as the unnecessary radiation noise N caused by the current flowing through the wiring layer 63d of the first circuit board body 563 described above.

[0078] As described above, in the circuit board unit 560 of Comparative Example 1, the ground layers constituting the return path in the connector device 570 and the mating connector device 580 are separated, and no return current flows between the circuit boards. Therefore, unnecessary radiation noise N is emitted due to the current flowing through the first connector 71 and the first mating connector 81. Also, in the same manner as the first connector 71 and the first mating connector 81, unnecessary radiation noise N caused by the current flowing through the second connector 72 and the second mating connector 82 is also emitted.

[0079] Also, if no reference plane such as the first ground layer 63b is provided for the current flowing into the first connector 71 and the first mating connector 81, the characteristic impedances of the first connector 71 and the first mating connector 81 change with respect to the characteristic impedance of the first ground layer 63b of the first circuit board body 563 and the characteristic impedance of the second ground layer 64b of the second circuit board body 564. Therefore, it becomes difficult to design the characteristic impedances of the first connector 71 and the first mating connector 81. As a result, the quality of signals such as high-frequency signals flowing through the first connector 71 and the first mating connector 81 may deteriorate. The same applies to the second connector 72 and the second mating connector 82.

[0080] For the circuit board unit 560 of Comparative Example 1 as described above, conventionally, in order to reduce unnecessary radiation noise N, a configuration such as the circuit board unit 660 of Comparative Example 2 has been attempted. As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the circuit board unit 660 of Comparative Example 2 includes a first circuit board 661 and a second circuit board 662. The first circuit board 661 includes a first circuit board body 663 and a connector device 670. The second circuit board 662 includes a second circuit board body 664 and a mating connector device 680. The first circuit board body 663 has the same configuration as the first circuit board body 563 of Comparative Example 1, except that a pad portion (not shown) to which a connection leg portion 677b described later is electrically connected is provided. The second circuit board body 664 has the same configuration as the second circuit board body 564 of Comparative Example 1, except that a pad portion (not shown) to which a mating connection leg portion 687b described later is electrically connected is provided. FIG. 12 shows a state in which the connection between the first circuit board 661 and the second circuit board 662 is released.

[0081] The connector device 670 includes a connector device body 670a and a shield member 677. The connector device body 670a has the same configuration as the connector device 570 of Comparative Example 1. The shield member 677 is a metal member that surrounds the connector device body 670a. As shown in FIG. 12, the shield member 677 includes a shield member body 677a and a plurality of connection leg portions 677b. The shield member body 677a is in a rectangular frame shape that surrounds the connector device body 670a. The shield member body 677a is disposed away from the first circuit board body 663 upward. The plurality of connection leg portions 677b extend downward from the shield member body 677a. The lower ends of the plurality of connection leg portions 677b are electrically connected to a pad portion (not shown) provided on the first circuit board body 663. The pad portion is electrically connected to the first ground layer 63b. By connecting the connection leg portion 677b to the pad portion, the shield member 677 is electrically connected to the first ground layer 63b. The number of connection leg portions 677b is less than the number of the first connectors 71 and the number of the second connectors 72.

[0082] The mating connector device 680 includes a mating connector device body 680a and a mating shield member 687. The mating connector device body 680a has the same configuration as the mating connector device 580 of Comparative Example 1. The mating shield member 687 is a metal member that surrounds the mating connector device body 680a. The mating shield member 687 includes a mating shield member body 687a and a plurality of mating connection legs 687b. The mating shield member body 687a is in the shape of a rectangular frame that surrounds the mating connector device body 680a. The mating shield member body 687a is disposed at a distance downward from the second circuit board body 664. As shown in FIG. 11, the lower end portion of the mating shield member body 687a is electrically connected to the upper end portion of the shield member body 677a. Thereby, the shield member 677 and the mating shield member 687 are electrically connected.

[0083] As shown in FIG. 12, the plurality of mating connection legs 687b extend upward from the mating shield member body 687a. The upper end portions of the plurality of mating connection legs 687b are electrically connected to pad portions (not shown) provided on the second circuit board body 664. The pad portions are electrically connected to the second ground layer 64b. By connecting the mating connection legs 687b to the pad portions, the mating shield member 687 is electrically connected to the second ground layer 64b. The number of the mating connection legs 687b is less than the number of the first mating connectors 81 and the number of the second mating connectors 82.

[0084] In Comparative Example 2, the first ground layer 63b of the first circuit board body 663 and the second ground layer 64b of the second circuit board body 664 are electrically connected via the shield member 677 and the mating shield member 687. Therefore, a path through which current can flow is formed between the first circuit board body 663 and the second circuit board body 664 by the shield member 677 and the mating shield member 687.

[0085] Here, when connecting the shield member 677 and the first circuit board body 663, it is necessary to avoid the connectors of the connector device body 670a that are connected to the first circuit board body 663 around the connector device 670. Therefore, each connector of the connector device body 670a gets in the way, and the number of connection leg portions 677b that can be arranged cannot be made sufficiently large compared to the number of each connector. Also, when connecting the mating shield member 687 and the second circuit board body 664, it is necessary to avoid the connectors of the mating connector device body 680a that are connected to the second circuit board body 664 around the mating connector device 680. Therefore, each connector of the mating connector device body 680a gets in the way, and the number of mating connection leg portions 687b that can be arranged cannot be made sufficiently large compared to the number of each connector. As a result, although a path through which current flows is formed by the shield member 677 and the mating shield member 687, just this path alone cannot secure a return path that can suitably conduct a return current corresponding to the current flowing through each connector.

[0086] Moreover, because the shield member 677 is configured to surround the connector device body 670a from the outside, the shield member 677 cannot be arranged sufficiently close to the first connector 71 and the second connector 72. Also, because the mating shield member 687 is configured to surround the mating connector device body 680a from the outside, the mating shield member 687 cannot be arranged sufficiently close to the first mating connector 81 and the second mating connector 82. As a result, it is difficult for a return current corresponding to the current flowing through each connector to flow through the shield member 677 and the mating shield member 687.

[0087] As described above, even if the shield member 677 and the mating shield member 687 are provided as in Comparative Example 2, the return current cannot be made sufficiently large with respect to currents such as high-frequency signals flowing through the first connector 71, the second connector 72, the first mating connector 81, and the second mating connector 82. Therefore, unnecessary radiation noise N caused by the current flowing through each connector cannot be sufficiently suppressed. In addition, the structures of the shield member 677 and the mating shield member 687 are likely to become complicated, and the manufacturing cost of the circuit board unit 660 is likely to increase. Also, as in Comparative Example 1, it becomes difficult to design the characteristic impedance of each connector, and the quality of the signal flowing through each connector may deteriorate.

[0088] In response to the above problems, according to the present embodiment, the connector device 70 includes a housing 73, a plurality of first connectors 71 each having a first connection portion 71e held by the housing 73 and electrically connected to the first mating connector 81 of the mating connector device 80, a plurality of second connectors 72 each having a second connection portion 72e held by the housing 73 and electrically connected to the second mating connector 82 of the mating connector device 80, and a ground member 74 held by the housing 73 and electrically connected to the mating ground member 84 of the mating connector device 80. Each first connection portion 71e of the plurality of first connectors 71 is exposed and arranged side by side along the side surface (first surface) 73d from the housing 73. Each second connection portion 72e of the plurality of second connectors 72 is exposed and arranged side by side along a side surface (second surface) 73e different from the side surface (first surface) 73d from the housing 73. The ground member 74 is arranged between the plurality of first connectors 71 and the plurality of second connectors 72, and is arranged along the connection direction (vertical direction Z) in which the connector device 70 and the mating connector device 80 are connected.

[0089] Therefore, by electrically connecting the ground member 74 and the counterpart ground member 84, a return path through which a return current flows between the first circuit board body 63 and the second circuit board body 64 can be provided by the ground member 74 and the counterpart ground member 84. Since the ground member 74 is disposed between the first connector 71 and the second connector 72, the ground member 74 can be protruded downward from the housing 73 and connected to the first circuit board body 63 as in the present embodiment. That is, it is not necessary to connect the ground member 74 to the first circuit board body 63 while avoiding the first connector 71 and the second connector 72 around the connector device 70, and the first connector 71 and the second connector 72 do not get in the way when connecting the ground member 74 to the first circuit board body 63. Thereby, the area where the ground member 74 and the first circuit board body 63 are connected can be suitably enlarged according to the number of the first connectors 71 and the number of the second connectors 72. Specifically, in the present embodiment, since through holes 63h can be sufficiently provided, the ground member 74 and the first ground layer 63b can be sufficiently electrically connected according to the number of each connector, and a return path can be sufficiently secured.

[0090] In addition, since the ground member 74 is disposed between the plurality of first connectors 71 and the plurality of second connectors 72, it is easy to reduce the distances between the ground member 74 and the first connector 71 and between the ground member 74 and the second connector 72. Thereby, it is possible to easily flow the return current corresponding to the current flowing through the first connector 71 and the current flowing through the second connector 72 through the ground member 74. For example, by setting the distances between the ground member 74 and the first connector 71 and between the ground member 74 and the second connector 72 to 300 μm or less respectively, it is preferable to easily flow the return current corresponding to the current flowing through the first connector 71 and the current flowing through the second connector 72 through the ground member 74. Therefore, a sufficient amount of return current can flow through the return path sufficiently provided by the ground member 74 and the counterparty ground member 84. Therefore, the electromagnetic field generated by the return current flowing through the ground member 74 and the counterparty ground member 84 can preferably cancel the electromagnetic field generated by the current flowing through each connector. Thereby, it is possible to preferably suppress the occurrence of unnecessary radiation noise N caused by the current flowing through each connector. In other words, since the energy of the current flowing through each connector and the return current is balanced and extra energy is not easily generated, it is possible to preferably suppress the unnecessary radiation noise N caused by the extra energy.

[0091] The above structure is a structure in which a ground layer along the signal transmission path, such as the first ground layer 63b provided on the first circuit board main body 63 and the second ground layer 64b provided on the second circuit board main body 64, can be provided for each connector by the ground member 74 and the counterparty ground member 84. The structure in which the ground layer is provided along the signal transmission path is also called a microstrip structure. That is, the structure of the present embodiment is a structure in which signal transmission between the second circuit board main body 64 and the first circuit board main body 63 can be performed while preferably maintaining the microstrip structure.

[0092] Also, a reference plane such as the first ground layer 63b and the second ground layer 64b can be provided for each connector by the ground member 74 and the counterpart ground member 84. Therefore, even if each connector is separated from each circuit board body, a reference plane can be provided for each connector separated from each circuit board body by the ground member 74 and the counterpart ground member 84. Thereby, it is possible to suppress a change in the characteristic impedance of each connector with respect to the characteristic impedance of each wiring layer provided on each circuit board. Therefore, the design of the characteristic impedance of each connector can be facilitated, and it is possible to suppress a deterioration in the quality of the signal flowing through each connector.

[0093] In addition, the structure for providing the ground member 74 and the counterpart ground member 84 is more likely to be a relatively simple structure than the structure that surrounds the connector device 70 and the counterpart connector device 80 from the outside, such as the shield member 677 and the counterpart shield member 687 of Comparative Example 2. Specifically, for example, a metal plate-like member can be disposed between the plurality of first connectors 71 and the plurality of second connectors 72, and between the plurality of first counterpart connectors 81 and the plurality of second counterpart connectors 82, thereby providing the ground member 74 and the counterpart ground member 84. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the complication of the structure of the connector device 70 and the structure of the counterpart connector device 80 as compared with the structure of Comparative Example 2. Therefore, it is possible to suppress an increase in the manufacturing cost of the circuit board unit 60.

[0094] Further, according to the present embodiment, the arrangement direction of the plurality of first connection portions 71e and the arrangement direction of the plurality of second connection portions 72e are the same direction (first horizontal direction X) as each other. The ground member 74 extends along the arrangement direction. Therefore, the ground member 74 can be suitably arranged along the plurality of first connectors 71 and the plurality of second connectors 72. Thereby, the return current corresponding to the current flowing through the plurality of first connectors 71 and the return current corresponding to the current flowing through the plurality of second connectors 72 can be suitably made to flow through the ground member 74. Therefore, unnecessary radiation noise N caused by the current flowing through each connector can be further reduced. Also, the characteristic impedance design of the plurality of first connectors 71 and the characteristic impedance design of the plurality of second connectors 72 can be made easier.

[0095] Further, according to the present embodiment, the ground member 74 is provided outside in the arrangement direction with respect to at least one of the first connectors 71 respectively provided at both ends in the arrangement direction (first horizontal direction X) of each connection portion and the second connectors 72 respectively provided at both ends in the arrangement direction (first horizontal direction X) of each connection portion. Therefore, the electromagnetic field generated outside in the arrangement direction from at least one of the connectors provided at the end in the arrangement direction can be suitably canceled by the electromagnetic field generated by the return current flowing through the ground member 74. Thereby, unnecessary radiation noise N can be further reduced. In the present embodiment, the ground member 74 protrudes outside in the arrangement direction more than any of the connectors provided at the end in the arrangement direction. Therefore, unnecessary radiation noise N can be more suitably reduced.

[0096] Further, according to the present embodiment, the ground member 74 has a ground connection portion 74c that protrudes from the housing 73 in the connection direction (vertical direction Z) in which the connector device 70 and the counterpart connector device 80 are connected and is electrically connected to the counterpart ground member 84. Therefore, it is easy to electrically connect the ground connection portion 74c to the counterpart ground member 84.

[0097] Further, according to the present embodiment, the ground member 74 has a board connection portion 74b that is electrically connected to the first circuit board main body 63 to which the connector device 70 is attached. The board connection portion 74b protrudes from the housing 73 in the connection direction (vertical direction Z) in which the connector device 70 and the mating connector device 80 are connected. Therefore, the ground member 74 can be easily connected to the first ground layer 63b of the first circuit board main body 63.

[0098] Also, according to the present embodiment, the ground member 74 has a main body portion 74a to which the board connection portion 74b is connected. The board connection portion 74b protrudes from the main body portion 74a in a direction that intersects the connection direction (vertical direction Z) in which the connector device 70 and the mating connector device 80 are connected, and that is different from the arrangement direction (first horizontal direction X) of the plurality of first connection portions 71e and the arrangement direction (first horizontal direction X) of the plurality of second connection portions 72e (second horizontal direction Y). Therefore, it is easy to preferably enlarge the board connection portion 74b, and it is easy to stably connect the board connection portion 74b to the first circuit board main body 63. Also, it is easy to enlarge the region where the board connection portion 74b and the first circuit board main body 63 are connected, and it is easy to more preferably secure a return path through which a return current flows. Specifically, in the present embodiment, it is easy to increase the number of through holes 63h that electrically connect the board connection portion 74b and the first ground layer 63b, and the number of connection locations between the board connection portion 74b and the first ground layer 63b can be increased. Thereby, a return path through which a return current flows can be more preferably secured.

[0099] Note that, also in a portion of the mating connector device 80 that has the same structure as the connector device 70, the same effects as those described for the connector device 70 can be obtained.

[0100] <Second Embodiment> FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the circuit board unit 260 of the present embodiment. In the following description, for components having the same configuration as those in the above-described embodiment, the description may be omitted by appropriately assigning the same reference numerals.

[0101] As shown in FIG. 7, in the circuit board unit 260 of the present embodiment, the ground member 274 of the connector device 270 has a ground connection portion (clamping portion) 274c. The ground connection portion 274c is a clamping portion that clamps a part of the mating ground member 284. More specifically, the ground connection portion 274c clamps the mating ground connection portion 284c in the second horizontal direction Y. In the present embodiment, the second horizontal direction Y is the clamping direction. The ground connection portion 274c has a substantially U-shaped opening upward when viewed in the first horizontal direction X. As shown in FIG. 7, in a state where the housing 73 and the mating housing 83 are fitted together, the mating ground connection portion 284c is fitted inside the ground connection portion 274c from above. The ground connection portion 274c and the mating ground connection portion 284c are in contact with each other and electrically connected. Thereby, the mating ground member 284 is electrically connected to the ground member 274.

[0102] In the first mating connector 281 of the mating connector device 280, the first extension portion 281a has a bent portion 281f that bends in a direction approaching the mating ground member 284 from the first mating connection portion 81e. In the present embodiment, the bent portion 281f extends upward and obliquely to the other side of the second horizontal direction (-Y side) from the upper end portion of the first mating connection portion 81e. A portion 281g of the first extension portion 281a located above the bent portion 281f extends linearly upward from the upper end portion of the bent portion 281f and is connected to the end portion on the other side of the second horizontal direction of the second extension portion 81b. The bent portion 281f is embedded in the top wall portion 83a. The distance along the second horizontal direction Y between the portion 281g and the mating ground member 284 is the same as the distance along the second horizontal direction Y between the first extension portion 71a and the ground member 274 in the first connector 71 of the connector device 270.

[0103] In the second mating connector 282 of the mating connector device 280, the first extension portion 282a has a bent portion 282f that bends in a direction approaching the mating ground member 284 from the second mating connection portion 82e. In the present embodiment, the bent portion 282f extends upward and obliquely to one side in the second horizontal direction (+Y side) from the upper end portion of the second mating connection portion 82e. A portion 282g of the first extension portion 282a that is located above the bent portion 282f extends linearly upward from the upper end portion of the bent portion 282f and is connected to the end portion on one side in the second horizontal direction of the second extension portion 82b. The bent portion 282f is embedded in the top wall portion 83a. The distance along the second horizontal direction Y between the portion 282g and the mating ground member 284 is the same as the distance along the second horizontal direction Y between the first extension portion 72a and the ground member 274 in the second connector 72 of the connector device 270.

[0104] Other configurations of the connector device 270 are the same as those of the connector device 70 in the first embodiment. Other configurations of the mating connector device 280 are the same as those of the mating connector device 80 in the first embodiment. Other configurations of the circuit board unit 260 are the same as those of the circuit board unit 60 in the first embodiment.

[0105] According to this embodiment, the first mating connector 281 has a bent portion 281f that bends in a direction approaching the mating ground member 284 from the first mating connection portion 81e. Therefore, even when the first mating connection portion 81e is connected to the first connection portion 71e on the side farther from the mating ground member 284 (+Y side), a part of the first mating connector 281 can be brought closer to the mating ground member 284 by the bent portion 281f. Thereby, for example, as in this embodiment, the distance between the mating ground member 284 and the portion 281g of the first mating connector 281 can be made the same as the distance between the ground member 274 and the first extension portion 71a of the first connector 71. Therefore, it is easy to make the distance between the first connector 71 and the ground member 274 and the distance between the first mating connector 281 and the mating ground member 284 the same. Therefore, it is easy to optimize the characteristic impedance of the first connector 71 and the characteristic impedance of the first mating connector 281. The same applies to the second connector 72 and the second mating connector 282.

[0106] Further, according to this embodiment, the ground member 274 has a ground connection portion 274c as a clamping portion that clamps a part of the mating ground member 284. Therefore, it is easy to stably and electrically connect the ground member 274 and the mating ground member 284.

[0107] Note that the structure having the bent portion described in this embodiment may be provided in the connector device. That is, the first connector may have a bent portion that bends in a direction approaching the ground member from the first connection portion. Also in this case, the same effect as that of the structure having the bent portion described above can be obtained.

[0108] Also, the structure of the ground member 274 and the structure of the mating ground member 284 may be opposite to each other. That is, the clamping portion may be provided in the mating ground member 284.

[0109] <Third Embodiment> FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the circuit board unit 360 of the present embodiment. In the following description, for the same configurations as those in the above-described embodiments, the description may be omitted by appropriately assigning the same reference numerals.

[0110] In the circuit board unit 360, the ground member 374 of the connector device 370 has a main body portion 374a and a ground connection portion (clamping portion) 374c. The main body portion 374a is a rectangular plate shape with its plate surface facing the second horizontal direction Y. The ground connection portion 374c is a clamping portion that clamps a part of the counterpart ground member 384. In the present embodiment, the ground connection portion 374c has a plurality of first clamping portions 374h and a plurality of second clamping portions 374i. The plurality of first clamping portions 374h and the plurality of second clamping portions 374i are connected to the upper end portion of the main body portion 374a. In the present embodiment, the plurality of first clamping portions 374h and the plurality of second clamping portions 374i are in a rectangular plate shape with their plate surfaces facing the second horizontal direction Y. The plurality of first clamping portions 374h and the plurality of second clamping portions 374i are alternately arranged along the first horizontal direction X that intersects both the connection direction (vertical direction Z) in which the connector device 370 and the counterpart connector device 380 are connected and the clamping direction (second horizontal direction Y) in which the ground connection portion 374c as a clamping portion clamps the counterpart ground member 384. That is, the plurality of first clamping portions 374h and the plurality of second clamping portions 374i are arranged along at least one of the arrangement directions of the plurality of first connection portions 71e, the plurality of second connection portions 72e, the plurality of first counterpart connection portions 81e, and the plurality of second counterpart connection portions 82e, and are arranged so as to be shifted from each other in the arrangement direction when viewed from the second horizontal direction Y. The plurality of first clamping portions 374h and the plurality of second clamping portions 374i may be configured such that a part of each other overlaps when viewed from the second horizontal direction Y, or may be configured such that a part of each other does not overlap.

[0111] The plurality of first clamping portions 374h are located on one side (+Y side) of the second horizontal direction with respect to the main body portion 374a. The plurality of second clamping portions 374i are located on the other side (-Y side) of the second horizontal direction with respect to the main body portion 374a. That is, the plurality of first clamping portions 374h and the plurality of second clamping portions 374i are arranged apart from each other in the second horizontal direction Y. Between the plurality of first clamping portions 374h and the plurality of second clamping portions 374i in the second horizontal direction Y, a mating ground connection portion 384c provided at the lower end portion of the mating main body portion 384a of the mating ground member 384 is inserted from above, whereby the ground member 374 and the mating ground member 384 are electrically connected. The distance along the second horizontal direction Y between the first clamping portion 374h and the second clamping portion 374i is designed according to the dimension along the second horizontal direction Y of the mating ground connection portion 384c.

[0112] The plurality of first clamping portions 374h and the plurality of second clamping portions 374i are made, for example, by dividing the upper end portion of the main body portion 374a in the first horizontal direction X by means of a cut or the like, and bending the divided portions alternately in the second horizontal direction Y.

[0113] Other configurations of the connector device 370 are the same as those of the other configurations of the connector device 70 of the first embodiment. Other configurations of the mating connector device 380 are the same as those of the other configurations of the mating connector device 80 of the first embodiment. Other configurations of the circuit board unit 360 are the same as those of the other configurations of the circuit board unit 60 of the first embodiment.

[0114] According to the present embodiment, the ground connection portion 374c as the clamping portion has a plurality of first clamping portions 374h and a plurality of second clamping portions 374i alternately arranged along a direction intersecting both the connection direction in which the connector device 370 and the mating connector device 380 are connected and the clamping direction in which the ground connection portion 374c as the clamping portion clamps the mating ground member 384. The plurality of first clamping portions 374h and the plurality of second clamping portions 374i are arranged apart from each other in the clamping direction (second horizontal direction Y). Therefore, the mating ground member 384 can be stably clamped by the plurality of first clamping portions 374h and the plurality of second clamping portions 374i. Also, as described above, it is possible to divide the upper end portion of the main body portion 374a to form the plurality of first clamping portions 374h and the plurality of second clamping portions 374i, and to provide the plurality of first clamping portions 374h and the plurality of second clamping portions 374i while reducing the number of parts.

[0115] Note that at least a part of the plurality of first clamping portions 374h and the plurality of second clamping portions 374i may be provided with protrusions protruding toward the mating ground member 384. In this case, the plurality of first clamping portions 374h and the plurality of second clamping portions 374i can be made to contact the mating ground member 384 more preferably. The protrusions may be provided on the mating ground member 384.

[0116] Also, the plurality of first clamping portions 374h and the plurality of second clamping portions 374i may be provided on the mating ground member 384. In this case, for example, the shape of the ground connection portion 374c can be made the same as the shape of the mating ground connection portion 384c shown in FIG. 8.

[0117] In addition, in this embodiment, the ground member 374 only needs to have at least one first clamping portion and at least one second clamping portion. For example, the ground member may have one first clamping portion and one second clamping portion. The first clamping portion extends from the end on one side (+X side) in the first horizontal direction X of the ground connection portion to an intermediate position toward the other side (-X side) in the first horizontal direction. The second clamping portion extends from the intermediate position to the end on the other side (-X side) in the first horizontal direction X of the ground connection portion in the first horizontal direction X. Further, for example, the ground member may have two first clamping portions and one second clamping portion, and the two first clamping portions and one second clamping portion may be alternately arranged along the first horizontal direction X.

[0118] <Fourth Embodiment> FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the circuit board unit 460 of this embodiment. In the following description, for the same configurations as those in the above-described embodiments, the description may be omitted by appropriately assigning the same reference numerals.

[0119] In the circuit board unit 460, the ground member 474 of the connector device 470 has a first member 475 and a second member 476 that is separate from the first member 475. The first member 475 and the second member 476 are overlapped in the second horizontal direction Y to form the ground member 474. The second member 476 is located on the other side (-Y side) in the second horizontal direction Y of the first member 475.

[0120] The first member 475 has a first member body 475a and a first clamping portion 475c. The second member 476 has a second member body 476a and a second clamping portion 476c. The first member body 475a and the second member body 476a are rectangular plates with their plate surfaces facing the second horizontal direction Y. The first member body 475a and the second member body 476a are overlapped in the second horizontal direction Y to form the main body portion 474a of the ground member 474.

[0121] The ground connection portion (clamping portion) 474c of the ground member 474 is constituted by the first clamping portion 475c and the second clamping portion 476c. The ground connection portion 474c is a clamping portion that clamps a part of the mating ground member 484. The first clamping portion 475c is provided at the upper end of the first member body 475a. The second clamping portion 476c is provided at the upper end of the second member body 476a. The first clamping portion 475c is located on one side (+Y side) in the second horizontal direction with respect to the first member body 475a. The second clamping portion 476c is located on the other side (-Y side) in the second horizontal direction with respect to the second member body 476a. The first clamping portion 475c and the second clamping portion 476c are arranged apart from each other in the clamping direction (second horizontal direction Y) in which the ground connection portion 474c as the clamping portion clamps the mating ground member 484. The first clamping portion 475c is configured, for example, by bending the upper end of the first member body 475a to one side in the second horizontal direction. The second clamping portion 476c is configured, for example, by bending the upper end of the second member body 476a to the other side in the second horizontal direction.

[0122] By inserting the mating ground connection portion 484c provided at the lower end of the mating body portion 484a of the mating ground member 484 from above between the first clamping portion 475c and the second clamping portion 476c in the second horizontal direction Y, the ground member 474 and the mating ground member 484 are electrically connected. The distance along the second horizontal direction Y between the first clamping portion 475c and the second clamping portion 476c is designed according to the dimension along the second horizontal direction Y of the mating ground connection portion 484c. In this embodiment, the shape of the mating ground member 484 is the same as the shape of the mating ground member 384 in the third embodiment.

[0123] The other configurations of the connector device 470 are the same as the other configurations of the connector device 70 in the first embodiment. The other configurations of the mating connector device 480 are the same as the other configurations of the mating connector device 80 in the first embodiment. The other configurations of the circuit board unit 460 are the same as the other configurations of the circuit board unit 60 in the first embodiment.

[0124] According to the present embodiment, the ground connection portion 474c as the clamping portion has a first clamping portion 475c and a second clamping portion 476c that are arranged apart from each other in the clamping direction (the second horizontal direction Y) in which the ground connection portion 474c as the clamping portion clamps the mating ground member 484. The ground member 474 includes a first member 475 having the first clamping portion 475c and a second member 476 that is separate from the first member 475 and has the second clamping portion 476c. In this way, by configuring the ground member 474 using two members and providing the first clamping portion 475c and the second clamping portion 476c to each member, a clamping portion that clamps the mating ground member 484 can be easily formed.

[0125] Note that at least one of the first clamping portion 475c and the second clamping portion 476c may be provided with a protrusion that protrudes toward the mating ground member 484. In this case, the first clamping portion 475c and the second clamping portion 476c can be more suitably brought into contact with the mating ground member 484. The protrusion may be provided on the mating ground member 484.

[0126] Also, the structure of the ground member 474 and the structure of the mating ground member 484 may be opposite to each other. That is, the mating ground member 484 may be composed of a first member having a first clamping portion and a second member having a second clamping portion.

[0127] The embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and the following configurations and methods can also be adopted. If the ground member is arranged between a plurality of first connectors and a plurality of second connectors, it may be arranged in any manner and may have any shape. The same applies to the mating ground member. The shape of the portion where the ground member and the mating ground member are connected may be any shape. A plurality of ground members may be provided. A plurality of mating ground members may be provided.

[0128] Also, in the connector structure 90 of the first embodiment described above, when the connector device 70 and the mating connector device 80 are fitted to each other, the upper end (+Z side) in the vertical direction of the ground connection portion 74c of the ground member 74 and the lower end (-Z side) in the vertical direction of the mating ground connection portion 84c of the mating ground member 84 are in contact with each other. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the end on one side (+Y side) in the second horizontal direction of the ground connection portion and the end on the other side (-Y side) in the second horizontal direction of the mating ground connection portion may be in contact with each other and electrically connected.

[0129] The shapes of the first connector, the second connector, the first mating connector, and the second mating connector are not particularly limited. For example, in the first embodiment described above, the first extension portions 71a of the first connector 71 and the first extension portions 72a of the second connector 72 held by the connector device 70 are configured linearly when viewed from the first horizontal direction X. However, the first extension portions of the first connector and the second connector may be bent or curved. In this case, for example, a part of each first extension portion may be disposed inside the housing, and the first connection portion and the second connection portion of each first extension portion may be exposed from the housing. Similarly, the first extension portions of the first mating connector and the second mating connector held by the mating connector device may be bent or curved.

[0130] Also, the number of the first connectors, the number of the second connectors, the number of the first mating connectors, and the number of the second mating connectors are not particularly limited. The arrangement direction in which the first connection portions of the plurality of first connectors are arranged and the arrangement direction in which the second connection portions of the plurality of second connectors are arranged may be different from each other. The arrangement direction in which the first mating connection portions of the plurality of first mating connectors are arranged and the arrangement direction in which the second mating connection portions of the plurality of second mating connectors are arranged may be different from each other.

[0131] Further, in the above-described first embodiment, the ground connection portion 74c of the ground member 74 and the mating ground connection portion 84c of the mating ground member 84 are columnar in shape when viewed from the first horizontal direction X. However, one of the ground connection portion 74c and the mating ground connection portion 84c may be the clamping portion in the second to fourth embodiments described above.

[0132] The connector device of the present invention is a connector device that is electrically connected to a mating connector device, and includes a housing, a first connector held by the housing and having a first connection portion electrically connected to a first mating connector of the mating connector device, and a ground member held by the housing and electrically connected to a mating ground member of the mating connector device. The housing has a convex portion that protrudes in the connection direction between the connector device and the mating connector device. The ground member is held by the convex portion, and the first connection portion may be arranged on one side of the convex portion in a direction intersecting the connection direction. Also in this configuration, unnecessary radiation noise can be suppressed in the same manner as in the above-described embodiments. The convex portion in this configuration is, for example, the convex portion 73c of the above-described embodiment. In the case of this configuration, the second connector may not be provided.

[0133] Further, the connector device of the present invention is a connector device that is electrically connected to a mating connector device, and includes a housing, a first connector held by the housing and having a first connection portion electrically connected to a first mating connector of the mating connector device, and a ground member held by the housing and electrically connected to a mating ground member of the mating connector device. The housing has a concave portion that is recessed in the connection direction between the connector device and the mating connector device. The ground member is held at the bottom of the concave portion, and the first connection portion may be arranged along the inner surface of the concave portion. The concave portion in this configuration is, for example, the concave portion 83f of the above-described embodiment. In the case of this configuration, the second connector may not be provided.

[0134] In the above description, the configurations described as the "connector device" can all be adopted as the configurations of the "counterpart connector device". Also, in the above description, the configurations described as the "counterpart connector device" can all be adopted as the configurations of the "connector device". Further, the connector device may be a female connector and the counterpart connector device may be a male connector.

[0135] Also, in the above first embodiment, an example of applying the present invention to a transmissive projector has been described, but the present invention can also be applied to a reflective projector. Here, "transmissive" means a type in which a liquid crystal light valve including a liquid crystal panel or the like transmits light. "Reflective" means a type in which the liquid crystal light valve reflects light. Note that the light modulation device is not limited to a liquid crystal panel or the like, and may be, for example, a light modulation device using a micromirror.

[0136] Also, in the above first embodiment, an example of the projector 1 using three light modulation devices 4R, 4G, and 4B has been given, but the present invention is also applicable to a projector using only one light modulation device and a projector using four or more light modulation devices. Also, the electronic device on which the circuit board is mounted and the electronic device on which the circuit board unit is mounted are not limited to projectors, and may be other electronic devices. Also, the respective configurations described in this specification can be appropriately combined within a range where they do not conflict with each other.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0137] 1... Projector (electronic device), 60, 260, 360, 460... Circuit board unit, 61... First circuit board (circuit board), 62... Second circuit board (circuit board), 63... First circuit board body (circuit board body), 63b... First ground layer, 64... Second circuit board body, 64b... Second ground layer, 70, 270, 370, 470... Connector device, 71... First connector, 71e... First connection part, 72... Second connector, 72e... Second connection part, 73... Housing, 73d... Side surface (first surface), 73e... Side surface (second surface), 74, 274, 374, 474... Ground member, 74a, 374a, 474a... Main body part, 74b... Board connection part, 74c, 274c, 374c, 474c... Ground connection part, 80, 280, 380, 480... Counterpart connector device, 81, 281... First counterpart connector, 81e... First counterpart connection part, 82, 282... Second counterpart connector, 82e... Second counterpart connection part, 83... Counterpart housing, 83d... Inner surface (third surface), 83e... Inner surface (fourth surface), 84, 284, 384, 484... Counterpart ground member, 90... Connector structure, 274c, 374c, 474c... Ground connection part (clamping part), 281f, 282f... Bent part, 374h, 475c... First clamping part, 374i, 476c... Second clamping part, 475... First member, 476... Second member, X... First horizontal direction (arrangement direction), Y... Second horizontal direction (clamping direction), Z... Vertical direction (connection direction)

Claims

1. A connector device electrically connected to a mating connector device, comprising: a housing; a plurality of first connectors each held by the housing and having a first connection portion electrically connected to a first mating connector of the mating connector device; a plurality of second connectors each held by the housing and having a second connection portion electrically connected to a second mating connector of the mating connector device; a ground member held by the housing and electrically connected to a mating ground member of the mating connector device; wherein: each first connection portion of the plurality of first connectors is exposed and arranged side by side along a first surface from the housing; each second connection portion of the plurality of second connectors is exposed and arranged side by side along a second surface different from the first surface from the housing; the ground member is arranged between the plurality of first connectors and the plurality of second connectors and along a connection direction in which the connector device and the mating connector device are connected; a recess is formed in the housing on a side opposite to the side where the mating connector device is located in the connection direction; one side surface of the inner surface of the recess located on one side in a crossing direction crossing the connection direction is the first surface; a part of the ground member is embedded in a wall portion forming the bottom of the recess in the housing; each of the first connectors has: a first extension portion extending in the connection direction; a second extension portion extending in a direction crossing the connection direction from an end of the first extension portion on a side opposite to the side where the mating connector device is located; wherein: the first extension portion has: the first connection portion; a bent portion bent in a direction approaching the ground member from the first connection portion; wherein: the first connection portion protrudes from the wall portion toward the side where the mating connector device is located in the connection direction and contacts the first surface; the bent portion is provided at a portion located between an end of the first extension portion connected to the second extension portion and the first connection portion and is embedded in the wall portion. A connector device characterized by the above.

2. The arrangement direction of the plurality of first connection portions and the arrangement direction of the plurality of second connection portions are the same as each other, The ground member extends along the arrangement direction. The connector device according to claim 1.

3. The ground member is provided to the outside in the arrangement direction with respect to at least one of the first connectors provided at both ends in the arrangement direction and the second connectors provided at both ends in the arrangement direction, the connector device according to claim 2.

4. The ground member has a ground connection portion that protrudes from the housing in the connection direction and is electrically connected to the mating ground member, the connector device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The ground member has a board connection portion that is electrically connected to a circuit board body to which the connector device is attached. The board connection portion protrudes from the housing in the connection direction, the connector device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The ground member has a main body portion to which the board connection portion is connected. The board connection portion protrudes from the main body portion in a direction intersecting the connection direction and different from the arrangement direction of the plurality of first connection portions and the arrangement direction of the plurality of second connection portions, the connector device according to claim 5.

7. The ground member has a clamping portion that clamps a part of the mating ground member, the connector device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The clamping portion has a first clamping portion and a second clamping portion arranged along a direction intersecting both the connection direction and the clamping direction in which the clamping portion clamps the mating ground member. The first clamping portion and the second clamping portion are arranged apart from each other in the clamping direction, the connector device according to claim 7.

9. The clamping portion has a first clamping portion and a second clamping portion arranged apart from each other in the clamping direction in which the clamping portion clamps the mating ground member. The ground member has a first member having the first clamping portion, and a second member that is separate from the first member and has the second clamping portion. The connector device according to claim 7.

10. A connector device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, and a circuit board body on which the connector device is arranged. A circuit board characterized by comprising the above.

11. A first circuit board body having a first ground layer, and a second circuit board body having a second ground layer. A connector structure that connects the first circuit board body and the second circuit board body and relays signal transmission between the first circuit board body and the second circuit board body, comprising: The connector structure includes a connector device disposed on the first circuit board body and a mating connector device disposed on the second circuit board body and connected to the connector device, The connector device includes a housing, a plurality of first connectors held by the housing and each having a first connection portion, a plurality of second connectors held by the housing and each having a second connection portion, and a ground member held by the housing, and has: Each first connection portion of the plurality of first connectors is exposed and arranged side by side along the first surface from the housing, Each second connection portion of the plurality of second connectors is exposed and arranged side by side along a second surface different from the first surface from the housing, The mating connector device includes a mating housing, a plurality of first mating connectors held by the mating housing and each having a first mating connection portion electrically connected to the first connection portion, a plurality of second mating connectors held by the mating housing and each having a second mating connection portion electrically connected to the second connection portion, and a mating ground member held by the mating housing and electrically connected to the ground member, and has: Each first mating connection portion of the plurality of first mating connectors is exposed and arranged side by side along the third surface from the housing, Each second mating connection portion of the plurality of second mating connectors is exposed and arranged side by side along a fourth surface different from the third surface from the housing, The ground member is electrically connected to the first ground layer, is disposed between the plurality of first connectors and the plurality of second connectors, and is disposed along the connection direction in which the connector device and the mating connector device are connected, The mating ground member is electrically connected to the second ground layer, is disposed between the plurality of first mating connectors and the plurality of second mating connectors, and is disposed along the connection direction, A recess is formed in the housing on the side opposite to the side where the mating connector device is located in the connection direction, One side surface of the inner surface of the recess located on one side in the intersection direction intersecting the connection direction is the first surface, A part of the ground member is embedded in a wall portion that forms the bottom of the recess in the housing. Each of the first connectors has a first extension portion extending in the connection direction, and a second extension portion extending in a direction intersecting the connection direction from an end of the first extension portion on the side opposite to the side where the mating connector device is located in the connection direction. The first extension portion has the first connection portion, and a bent portion that bends in a direction approaching the ground member from the first connection portion. The first connection portion projects from the wall portion toward the side where the mating connector device is located in the connection direction and contacts the first surface. The bent portion is provided at a portion located between an end of the first extension portion connected to the second extension portion and the first connection portion, and is embedded in the wall portion. A circuit board unit characterized by this.

12. The arrangement direction of the plurality of first connection portions and the arrangement direction of the plurality of second connection portions are the same as each other. The circuit board unit according to claim 11, wherein the ground member extends along the arrangement direction.

13. The circuit board unit according to claim 12, wherein the ground member is provided to the outside in the arrangement direction with respect to at least one of the first connectors provided at both ends in the arrangement direction and the second connectors provided at both ends in the arrangement direction.

14. The circuit board unit according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the ground member has a ground connection portion that projects from the housing in the connection direction and is electrically connected to the mating ground member.

15. The ground member has a board connection portion that is electrically connected to the first ground layer. The circuit board unit according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the board connection portion projects from the housing in the connection direction.

16. The ground member has a main body portion to which the board connection portion is connected. The circuit board unit according to claim 15, wherein the board connection portion projects from the main body portion in a direction intersecting the connection direction and different from the arrangement direction of the plurality of first connection portions and the arrangement direction of the plurality of second connection portions.

17. An electronic device comprising the circuit board according to claim 10.

18. An electronic device comprising the circuit board unit according to any one of claims 11 to 16.

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