Floating connector

Abstract

The present invention relates to a floating connector including a fixed housing, a fixed shell, a terminal, a movable housing, a movable shell, and an adjustment portion. The fixed shell is attached to the fixed housing. The fixed shell is provided with a first shell contact portion. The movable shell is attached to the movable housing. The movable shell is provided with a second shell contact portion. At least one of the first shell contact portion and the second shell contact portion has an elastic property. The first shell contact portion and the second shell contact portion are in contact with each other in an up-down direction by the elastic property of at least one of the first shell contact portion and the second shell contact portion. The adjustment portion adjusts movement of the second shell contact portion away from the first shell contact portion in the up-down direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a floating connector including a movable housing. Background Technology

[0002] Reference Figures 22 to 24 JP-A2021-93250 (Patent Document 1) discloses a floating connector 900 of this type. The floating connector 900 includes a fixed housing 910, a first protective member 920 or a fixed outer shell 920, terminals 930, a movable housing 940, and a second protective member 950 or a movable outer shell 950. The fixed outer shell 920 is attached to and partially covers the fixed housing 910. The fixed housing 920 has a fixed-side held portion 922. Each of the terminals 930 has a fixed-side held portion 931 or a first held portion 931, a movable-side held portion 932 or a second held portion 932, an intermediate elastic portion 933 or a connecting portion 933, a distal elastic portion 934 or a support portion 934, and a contact portion 935 or a contact point 935. The first held portion 931 is held by the fixed housing 910. The second held portion 932 is held by the movable housing 940. The connecting portion 933 is elastically deformable and connects the first held portion 931 and the second held portion 932 to each other. The support portion 934 extends from the second held portion 932 and supports the contact point 935. Through the elastic deformation of the connecting portion 933, the movable housing 940 is movable relative to the fixed housing 910. Each of the movable housings 950 is manufactured by stamping a blank from a sheet metal and then bending the blank. Each of the movable housings 950 is attached to and partially covers the movable housing 940. Each of the movable housings 950 has a movable-side protective portion 951, an elastic support portion 952, and a second contact portion 954. The second contact portion 954 is formed on the distal end of the elastic support portion 952. The second contact portion 954 elastically contacts the fixed-side held portion 922 from the inside of the fixed-side held portion 922 in the X direction. This electrically connects the movable housing 950 to the fixed housing 920.

[0003] In the floating connector 900 of Patent Document 1, if the movable housing 940 has a large range of motion, the elastic deformation of the elastic support portion 952 of the movable housing 950 must be increased. As described above, the movable housing 950 is manufactured by stamping a blank from a sheet metal and then bending the blank. Therefore, the movable side protection portion 951 and the elastic support portion 952 inevitably have the same thickness. The sheet metal must have a certain thickness to ensure the strength of the movable side protection portion 951. Therefore, there is an inherent limitation to reducing the thickness of the elastic support portion 952. Therefore, the elastic support portion 952 must have an increased spring length to increase the elastic deformation of the elastic support portion 952 of the movable housing 950 made of sheet metal. However, increasing the spring length of the elastic support portion 952 is undesirable because increasing the spring length of the elastic support portion 952 leads to an enlargement of the floating connector 900. In other words, the construction of the floating connector 900 of Patent Document 1 does not allow the movable housing 940 to have a large range of motion. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a floating connector having a structure that allows the movable housing to have a large range of movement.

[0005] One aspect of the present invention provides a floating connector. The floating connector is mountable on a circuit board and mates with a mating connector in a vertical direction. The floating connector includes a fixed housing, a fixed outer shell, terminals, a movable housing, a movable outer shell, and an adjustment portion. When the floating connector is mounted on the circuit board, the fixed housing is fixed to the circuit board. The fixed outer shell is connected to the fixed housing. The fixed outer shell at least partially covers the fixed housing in a horizontal plane perpendicular to the vertical direction. The fixed housing is provided with a first outer shell contact portion. The terminals have a first held portion, a second held portion, a connecting portion, a support portion, and a contact point. The first held portion is held by the fixed housing. The second held portion is held by the movable housing. The connecting portion is elastically deformable. The connecting portion connects the first held portion and the second held portion to each other. The support portion extends from the second held portion. The support portion supports the contact point. Through the elastic deformation of the connecting portion, the movable housing is movable relative to the fixed housing at least in a horizontal plane. The movable outer shell is attached to the movable housing. The movable outer shell at least partially covers the movable housing in a horizontal plane. The movable outer shell is provided with a second outer shell contact portion. At least one of the first and second housing contact portions has elastic properties. The first and second housing contact portions are in contact with each other in the vertical direction due to the elastic properties of at least one of them. The adjusting part adjusts the movement of the second housing contact portion away from the first housing contact portion in the vertical direction.

[0006] The floating connector of the present invention is constructed as follows: a fixed housing is provided with a first housing contact portion; a movable housing is provided with a second housing contact portion; at least one of the first and second housing contact portions has elastic properties; and the first and second housing contact portions contact each other in a vertical direction through the elastic properties of at least one of the first and second housing contact portions. Therefore, unlike the floating connector 900 of Patent Document 1, the floating connector of the present invention is constructed such that the range of movement of the movable housing does not depend on the contact between the fixed and movable housings. In other words, the floating connector of the present invention has a structure that allows the movable housing to have a large range of movement.

[0007] By studying the following description of preferred embodiments and referring to the accompanying drawings, one can understand the purpose of the invention and its structure more fully. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the components according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0009] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 A top view of the components.

[0010] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 1 The front view of the component.

[0011] Figure 4 This shows the section intercepted along line AA. Figure 3 Cross-sectional view of the component.

[0012] Figure 5 It is shown Figure 1 A 3D view of the floating connector included in the components.

[0013] Figure 6 It is shown Figure 5 Another perspective view of the floating connector.

[0014] Figure 7 It is shown Figure 5 A top view of the floating connector. In the figure, the first plate portion and the first housing contact portion are shown by dashed lines.

[0015] Figure 8 It is shown Figure 5 A front view of the floating connector. A portion of the floating connector is magnified and shown in the figure.

[0016] Figure 9 It is shown Figure 5 Side view of the floating connector.

[0017] Figure 10 It is shown Figure 5 A bottom view of the floating connector.

[0018] Figure 11 This shows the section cut along line BB. Figure 10 Cross-sectional view of the floating connector.

[0019] Figure 12 It is shown Figure 11 An enlarged cross-sectional view of the portion of the floating connector enclosed by the dashed line D.

[0020] Figure 13 It is shown Figure 11 An enlarged cross-sectional view of the portion of the floating connector enclosed by the dashed line E.

[0021] Figure 14 This shows the intercept along the CC line. Figure 10 Cross-sectional view of the floating connector.

[0022] Figure 15 It is shown Figure 5 An exploded perspective view of the floating connector. In the figure, the fixed housing is attached to the fixed shell, while the movable housing is not attached to the movable shell.

[0023] Figure 16 It is shown Figure 15 Another exploded perspective view of the floating connector.

[0024] Figure 17 It is shown Figure 15 A top view of the fixed housing and the fixed shell included in the floating connector.

[0025] Figure 18 It is shown Figure 17 Bottom view of the fixed outer shell and the fixed housing.

[0026] Figure 19 It is shown Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the mating connectors included in the components.

[0027] Figure 20 It is shown Figure 19 Front view of the mating connector.

[0028] Figure 21 This shows the cutoff along line FF. Figure 20 Cross-sectional view of the mating connector.

[0029] Figure 22 This is a cross-sectional view showing the floating connector of Patent Document 1.

[0030] Figure 23 It is shown Figure 22 Another cross-sectional view of the floating connector.

[0031] Figure 24 yes Figure 22 A perspective view of the second protective component included in the floating connector.

[0032] While the invention is readily subject to various modifications and substitutions, specific embodiments thereof are illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the drawings and their detailed description are not intended to limit the invention to the specific forms disclosed, but rather are intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Detailed Implementation

[0033] like Figure 1 As shown, component 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a floating connector 100 and a mating connector 700.

[0034] like Figure 4 As shown, the mating connector 700 in this embodiment can mate with the floating connector 100 in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the vertical direction is the Z-direction. Specifically, it is assumed that upward is the positive Z-direction and downward is the negative Z-direction. The mating connector 700 can be mounted on a circuit board (not shown). Figure 19 As shown, the mating connector 700 includes a mating housing 710, a plurality of mating terminals 750, and a mating enclosure 720.

[0035] Reference Figure 21 In this embodiment, the mating housing 710 is made of an insulator. The mating housing 710 has a protrusion receiving portion 712.

[0036] like Figure 21 As shown, the protrusion receiving portion 712 in this embodiment is recessed upward in the vertical direction.

[0037] Reference Figure 21 In this embodiment, each of the mating terminals 750 is made of metal. The mating terminals 750 are held by a mating housing 710. Each of the mating terminals 750 has a mating contact portion 752.

[0038] like Figure 21 As shown, in this embodiment, the mating contact portion 752 extends in the vertical direction. The mating contact portion 752 is exposed in the protrusion receiving portion 712.

[0039] Reference Figure 21 In this embodiment, the mating outer shell 720 is made of metal. The mating outer shell 720 is held by the mating housing 710. The mating outer shell 720 partially covers the mating housing 710 in a horizontal plane perpendicular to the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the horizontal plane perpendicular to the vertical direction is the XY plane.

[0040] Reference Figure 11 In this embodiment, the floating connector 100 can be mounted on a circuit board (not shown). See reference... Figure 4 The floating connector 100 can mate with the mating connector 700 in the vertical direction.

[0041] like Figure 11 and Figure 14 As shown, the floating connector 100 includes a mating connector receiving part 150, a fixed housing 200, an adjusting part 210, a movable housing 500, a terminal 400, a fixed outer shell 300, and a movable outer shell 600.

[0042] like Figure 11 As shown, the mating connector receiving portion 150 of this embodiment opens upwards in the vertical direction. For example... Figure 4 As shown, when the floating connector 100 and the mating connector 700 mate with each other, the mating connector receiving part 150 receives a portion of the mating connector 700.

[0043] Reference Figure 17 In this embodiment, the fixing housing 200 is made of an insulator. The fixing housing 200 has a receiving portion 220.

[0044] like Figure 17 As shown, the receiving portion 220 in this embodiment opens upwards in the vertical direction. (Refer to...) Figure 16 and Figure 17 The receiving portion 220 opens downwards in the vertical direction. For example... Figure 11 As shown, the receiving portion 220 at least partially accommodates either the movable housing 500 or the movable outer shell 600.

[0045] like Figure 18 As shown, the fixed housing 200 has a plurality of first retaining portions 230.

[0046] Reference Figure 11 In this embodiment, the first holding portion 230 corresponds to the terminal 400. Each of the first holding portions 230 is located near the rear end of the fixed housing 200 in the front-rear direction. In this embodiment, the front-rear direction is the X direction. Specifically, forward is the positive X direction and backward is the negative X direction.

[0047] like Figure 18 As shown, this embodiment has two adjustment units 210. However, this embodiment is not limited to this, and the number of adjustment units 210 may be one. The adjustment units 210 are located at opposite ends of the fixed housing 200 in the lateral direction. In this embodiment, the lateral direction is the Y direction. Furthermore, the lateral direction is also called the left-right direction. Specifically, it is assumed that right is the positive Y direction and left is the negative Y direction. Figure 16As shown, each of the adjustment sections 210 is a plane facing downwards in the vertical direction. Each of the adjustment sections 210 is part of the fixed housing 200.

[0048] Reference Figure 15 In this embodiment, the movable housing 500 is made of an insulator. The movable housing 500 has a base 505 and a protrusion 520.

[0049] like Figure 11 As shown, in this embodiment, the base 505 defines the lower end of the movable housing 500 in the vertical direction. As... Figure 10 As shown, the base 505 defines the outer end of the movable housing 500 in the lateral direction. (Refer to...) Figure 11 and Figure 15 The base 505 has two adjustable parts 510 and a plurality of second holding parts 5052.

[0050] like Figure 15 As shown, in this embodiment, the adjustable portions 510 are located at opposite ends of the base 505 in the lateral direction. The adjustable portions 510 are planes facing upwards in the vertical direction.

[0051] Reference Figure 11 In this embodiment, the second holding portion 5052 corresponds to the terminal 400. Each of the second holding portions 5052 is positioned around the middle position of the movable housing 500 in the front-back direction.

[0052] like Figure 11 As shown, in this embodiment, the protrusion 520 extends upward from the base 505 in the vertical direction. Figure 4 As shown, when the floating connector 100 and the mating connector 700 are mated, the protrusion 520 is accommodated in the protrusion receiving portion 712. Figure 6 As shown, the protrusion 520 has a plurality of terminal receiving portions 521.

[0053] like Figure 11 As shown, each of the terminal receiving portions 521 in this embodiment is a space extending in the vertical direction. Each terminal receiving portion 521 corresponds to a terminal 400. Each of the terminal receiving portions 521 accommodates a portion of the corresponding terminal 400.

[0054] Reference Figure 15 In this embodiment, each of the terminals 400 is made of metal. The terminals 400 have the same shape as each other. The terminals 400 are arranged in a transverse direction. In this embodiment, the terminals 400 form a single row of terminals. However, the invention is not limited thereto; the terminals 400 may be formed into two rows of terminals arranged in a front-back direction.

[0055] like Figure 11As shown, each of the terminals 400 has a fixing part 405, a first holding part 410, a second holding part 420, a connecting part 430, a supporting part 440, a contact point 450, and a guiding part 460.

[0056] Reference Figure 11 When the floating connector 100 is mounted on the circuit board, the fixing portion 405 in this embodiment is fixed to the circuit board by soldering or the like. The fixing portion 405 extends outward from the first held portion 410 in the front-rear direction. Specifically, the fixing portion 405 extends rearward from the first held portion 410 in the front-rear direction. The fixing portion 405 defines the rear end of the terminal 400 in the front-rear direction. The fixing portion 405 defines the lower end of the terminal 400 in the vertical direction. (Refer to...) Figure 11 and Figure 14 Each of the adjusting parts 210 is positioned above any one of the fixing parts 405 of the terminal 400 in the vertical direction. Each of the adjusted parts 510 is positioned above any one of the fixing parts 405 of the terminal 400 in the vertical direction.

[0057] like Figure 11 As shown, in this embodiment, the first held portion 410 extends upward from the fixing portion 405 in the vertical direction. The first held portion 410 is held by the fixing housing 200. The first held portion 410 is held by the first holding portion 230. More specifically, the first held portion 410 is pressed into the first holding portion 230.

[0058] like Figure 11 As shown, in this embodiment, the second held portion 420 extends upward from the connecting portion 430 in the vertical direction. The second held portion 420 is held by the movable housing 500. The second held portion 420 is held by the second holding portion 5052. More specifically, the second held portion 420 is pressed into the second holding portion 5052.

[0059] like Figure 11 As shown, in this embodiment, the connecting portion 430 extends forward from the first held portion 410 in the front-rear direction. The connecting portion 430 extends rearward from the second held portion 420 in the front-rear direction. The connecting portion 430 connects the first held portion 410 and the second held portion 420 to each other. The connecting portion 430 is elastically deformable. Through the elastic deformation of the connecting portion 430, the movable housing 500 is movable relative to the fixed housing 200 at least in the horizontal plane. More specifically, referring to... Figure 10 , Figure 11 and Figure 18 The movable housing 500 is movable within a movable range MA relative to the fixed housing 200 in the horizontal plane by the elastic deformation of the connecting part 430.

[0060] like Figure 11As shown, in this embodiment, the support portion 440 extends from the second held portion 420. More specifically, the support portion 440 extends upward and forward from the second held portion 420. The support portion 440 is elastically deformable. The support portion 440 is located in the receiving portion 220. The support portion 440 is located in the mating connector receiving portion 150. A portion of the support portion 440 is located in the terminal receiving portion 521. The support portion 440 is located above the base 505 in the vertical direction. The support portion 440 supports the contact point 450. Specifically, the support portion 440 elastically supports the contact point 450.

[0061] like Figure 4 As shown, when the floating connector 100 mates with the mating connector 700, the contact point 450 in this embodiment contacts the mating terminal 750. More specifically, when the floating connector 100 mates with the mating connector 700, the contact point 450 contacts the mating contact portion 752. Figure 11 As shown, contact point 450 is located in the receiving portion 220. Contact point 450 is located in the mating connector receiving portion 150. Contact point 450 is located outside the terminal receiving portion 521. More specifically, contact point 450 is located in front of the terminal receiving portion 521 in the front-rear direction. Contact point 450 is supported by support portion 440. As described above, since support portion 440 is elastically deformable, contact point 450 is movable in the front-rear direction. Contact point 450 faces forward in the front-rear direction. (Refer to...) Figure 11 and Figure 14 Each of the adjusting units 210 is located below any one of the contact points 450 of the terminal 400 in the vertical direction. Each of the adjusted units 510 is located below any one of the contact points 450 of the terminal 400 in the vertical direction.

[0062] Reference Figure 4 When the floating connector 100 mates with the mating connector 700, the guide portion 460 in this embodiment guides the mating terminal 750. For example... Figure 11 As shown, the guide portion 460 extends from the contact point 450. Specifically, the guide portion 460 extends upward and backward from the contact point 450. The guide portion 460 defines the upper end of the terminal 400 in the vertical direction. The upper end of the guide portion 460 is a free end. The upper end of the guide portion 460 is located in the terminal receiving portion 521.

[0063] Reference Figure 15 In this embodiment, the fixed housing 300 is made of metal. When the floating connector 100 is mounted on the circuit board, the fixed housing 300 is fixed to the circuit board. The fixed housing 300 is attached to the fixed housing 200. The fixed housing 300 at least partially covers the fixed housing 200 in a horizontal plane perpendicular to the vertical direction. The fixed housing 300 defines the outer end of the floating connector 100 in the front-rear direction.

[0064] like Figure 8 and Figure 15 As shown, the fixed housing 300 has a front plate portion 330, a rear plate portion 340, and a first plate portion 310.

[0065] Reference Figure 8 and Figure 9 In this embodiment, the front panel portion 330 has a flat plate shape perpendicular to the front-rear direction. The front panel portion 330 is located in front of the rear panel portion 340 in the front-rear direction. The front panel portion 330 defines the front end of the floating connector 100 in the front-rear direction. Figure 11 As shown, the front panel portion 330 is located in front of the fixed housing 200 in the front-back direction. The front panel portion 330 is located in front of the movable housing 500 in the front-back direction. The front panel portion 330 is located in front of the receiving portion 220 in the front-back direction.

[0066] like Figure 8 As shown, the front panel 330 has two front fixing parts 332.

[0067] like Figure 11 As shown, the front fixing portion 332 defines the lower end of the front panel portion 330 in the vertical direction. Each of the front fixing portions 332 defines the lower end of the fixed housing 300 in the vertical direction. Each of the front fixing portions 332 is located below the fixed housing 200 in the vertical direction. Each of the front fixing portions 332 is located below the movable housing 500 in the vertical direction. Each of the front fixing portions 332 defines the lower end of the floating connector 100 in the vertical direction. When the floating connector 100 is mounted on the circuit board, each of the front fixing portions 332 is fixed to the circuit board.

[0068] like Figure 15 As shown, the rear plate portion 340 of this embodiment has a flat plate shape perpendicular to the front-rear direction. The rear plate portion 340 defines the rear end of the floating connector 100 in the front-rear direction. The rear plate portion 340 is located behind any one of the first plate portions 310 in the front-rear direction. Figure 11 As shown, the rear plate portion 340 is located behind the front plate portion 330 in the front-rear direction. The rear plate portion 340 is located behind the fixed housing 200 in the front-rear direction. The rear plate portion 340 is located behind the movable housing 500 in the front-rear direction. The rear plate portion 340 is located behind the receiving portion 220 in the front-rear direction.

[0069] like Figure 16 As shown, the rear plate portion 340 has two rear fixing portions 342.

[0070] like Figure 11As shown, each of the rear fixing portions 342 defines the lower end of the rear plate portion 340 in the vertical direction. Each of the rear fixing portions 342 defines the lower end of the fixed housing 300 in the vertical direction. Each of the rear fixing portions 342 is located below the fixed housing 200 in the vertical direction. Each of the rear fixing portions 342 is located below the movable housing 500 in the vertical direction. Each of the rear fixing portions 342 defines the lower end of the floating connector 100 in the vertical direction. When the floating connector 100 is mounted on the circuit board, each of the rear fixing portions 342 is fixed to the circuit board.

[0071] like Figure 17 As shown, in this embodiment, there are two first plate portions 310. However, the invention is not limited to this, and the number of first plate portions 310 may be one. The first plate portions 310 are arranged in the front-to-back direction. The receiving portion 220 is located between the two first plate portions 310 in the front-to-back direction. Each of the first plate portions 310 is located outside the receiving portion 220 in a horizontal plane perpendicular to the vertical direction. Each of the first plate portions 310 is located outside the receiving portion 220 in the front-to-back direction. In the transverse direction, the position of each of the first plate portions 310 overlaps with the position of the receiving portion 220. (Refer to...) Figure 17 and Figure 18 Each of the first plate portions 310 is located between the two adjusting portions 210 in the lateral direction. For example... Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown, the first plate portions 310 are located at the same position in the vertical direction. Each of the first plate portions 310 is located above the fixed housing 200 in the vertical direction. Each of the first plate portions 310 is located above the movable housing 500 in the vertical direction. Each of the first plate portions 310 is located above any one of the terminals 400 in the vertical direction. More specifically, each of the first plate portions 310 is located above the upper end of the guide portion 460 in the vertical direction. See reference. Figure 15 Each of the first plate portion 310 is located between the two adjustable portions 510 in the lateral direction.

[0072] like Figure 17 As shown, each of the first plate portions 310 is provided with two first housing contact portions 312. In other words, the fixed housing 300 is provided with four first housing contact portions 312. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the fixed housing 300 should be provided with only one of the first housing contact portions 312. See also Figure 12 and Figure 13 Each of the first housing contact portions 312 has elastic properties. Each of the first housing contact portions 312 is elastically deformable in the vertical direction. Each of the first housing contact portions 312 protrudes upward in the vertical direction.

[0073] like Figure 17As shown, the first plate portion 310 includes a front first plate portion 3102 and a rear first plate portion 2104.

[0074] like Figure 11 As shown, in this embodiment, the front first plate portion 3102 is located at the same position as the rear first plate portion 310 in the vertical direction. The front first plate portion 3102 is located above the fixed housing 200 in the vertical direction. The front first plate portion 3102 is located above the movable housing 500 in the vertical direction. The front first plate portion 3102 is located above any one of the terminals 400 in the vertical direction. The front first plate portion 3102 is located above the upper end of the guide portion 460 in the vertical direction. The front first plate portion 3102 is located in front of the receiving portion 220 in the front-rear direction. Figure 17 As shown, in the lateral direction, the position of the front first plate portion 3102 overlaps with the position of the receiving portion 220. The front first plate portion 3102 and the rear first plate portion 310 are located at the same position as each other in the lateral direction.

[0075] like Figure 15 As shown, in this embodiment, the rear first plate portion 3104 extends forward from the rear plate portion 340 in the front-rear direction. For example... Figure 11 and Figure 13 As shown, the rear first plate portion 3104 is located above the fixed housing 200 in the vertical direction. The rear first plate portion 3104 is located above the movable housing 500 in the vertical direction. The rear first plate portion 3104 is located above any one of the terminals 400 in the vertical direction. The rear first plate portion 3104 is located above the upper end of the guide portion 460 in the vertical direction. The rear first plate portion 3104 is located behind the receiving portion 220 in the front-rear direction. Figure 17 As shown, in the lateral direction, the position of the rear first plate portion 3104 overlaps with the position of the receiving portion 220.

[0076] like Figure 17 As shown, the first housing contact portion 312 includes two front first housing contact portions 3122 and two rear first housing contact portions 3124.

[0077] like Figure 17 As shown, each of the front first housing contact portions 3122 is disposed on the front first plate portion 3102. (Refer to...) Figure 12 Each of the front first housing contact portions 3122 has elastic properties. Each of the front first housing contact portions 3122 is elastically deformable in the vertical direction. Each of the front first housing contact portions 3122 protrudes upward in the vertical direction.

[0078] like Figure 17 As shown, each of the rear first housing contact portions 3124 is disposed on the rear first plate portion 3104. (Refer to...) Figure 13Each of the rear first housing contact portions 3124 has elastic properties. Each of the rear first housing contact portions 3124 is elastically deformable in the vertical direction. Each of the rear first housing contact portions 3124 protrudes upward in the vertical direction.

[0079] like Figure 17 As shown, the fixed housing 300 further has an additional first plate portion 320.

[0080] Reference Figure 15 In this embodiment, the additional first plate portion 320 has a flat plate shape perpendicular to the vertical direction. The number of additional first plate portions 320 in this embodiment is two. However, the invention is not limited to this; the number of additional first plate portions 320 may be one. The additional first plate portions 320 are arranged in the transverse direction. The receiving portion 220 is located in the transverse direction between the two additional first plate portions 320. Figure 8 As shown, the two additional first plate portions 320 are located at the same position in the vertical direction. The first plate portion 310 and the additional first plate portions 320 are located at the same position in the vertical direction. (Refer to...) Figure 8 and Figure 14 Each of the additional first plate portions 320 is positioned above the fixed housing 200 in the vertical direction. (See reference...) Figure 11 and Figure 14 Each of the additional first plate portions 320 is positioned above the movable housing 500 in the vertical direction. Each of the additional first plate portions 320 is positioned above any one of the terminals 400 in the vertical direction. Each of the additional first plate portions 320 is positioned above the upper end of the guide portion 460 in the vertical direction. Figure 17 As shown, each of the additional first plate portions 320 is located outside the receiving portion 220 in a horizontal plane perpendicular to the vertical direction. Each of the additional first plate portions 320 is located outside the receiving portion 220 in the transverse direction. In the front-rear direction, the position of each of the additional first plate portions 320 overlaps with the position of the receiving portion 220. (Refer to...) Figure 17 and Figure 18 Each of the additional first plate portions 320 corresponds to an adjustment portion 210. Each of the additional first plate portions 320 is positioned above the corresponding adjustment portion 210 in the vertical direction. (See reference...) Figure 14 and Figure 15 Each of the additional first plate portions 320 corresponds to an adjustable portion 510. Each of the additional first plate portions 320 is located above the adjustable portion 510 corresponding to it in the vertical direction.

[0081] like Figure 17 As shown, the additional first plate portion 320 includes a right first plate portion 3202 and a left first plate portion 3204.

[0082] like Figure 8As shown, in this embodiment, the right first plate portion 3202 is located at the same position as the left first plate portion 3204 along the vertical direction. Figure 17 As shown, the right first plate portion 3202 defines the right end of the fixed housing 300 in the left-right direction. The right first plate portion 3202 is located to the right of the receiving portion 220 in the left-right direction. In the front-back direction, the position of the right first plate portion 3202 overlaps with the position of the receiving portion 220. The right first plate portion 3202 and the left first plate portion 3204 are located at the same position in the front-back direction. Figure 9 As shown, the right first plate portion 3202 connects the front plate portion 330 and the rear plate portion 340 to each other. (As...) Figure 14 As shown, the right first plate portion 3202 is positioned above the fixed housing 200 along the vertical direction. (Refer to...) Figure 11 and Figure 14 The right first plate portion 3202 is located above the movable housing 500 in the vertical direction. The right first plate portion 3202 is located above any one of the terminals 400 in the vertical direction. The right first plate portion 3202 is located above the upper end of the guide portion 460 in the vertical direction.

[0083] like Figure 17 As shown, the left first plate portion 3204 defines the left end of the fixed housing 300 in the left-right direction. The left first plate portion 3204 is located to the left of the receiving portion 220 in the left-right direction. In the front-back direction, the position of the left first plate portion 3204 overlaps with the position of the receiving portion 220. (See reference...) Figure 6 and Figure 15 The left first plate 3204 connects the front plate 330 and the rear plate 340 to each other. For example... Figure 15 As shown, the left first plate portion 3204 is positioned above the fixed housing 200 along the vertical direction. (Refer to...) Figure 11 and Figure 15 The left first plate portion 3204 is located above the movable housing 500 in the vertical direction. The left first plate portion 3204 is located above any one of the terminals 400 in the vertical direction. The left first plate portion 3204 is located above the upper end of the guide portion 460 in the vertical direction.

[0084] Reference Figure 15 In this embodiment, the movable housing 600 is made of metal. For example... Figure 11 As shown, the movable housing 600 is attached to the movable housing 500. The movable housing 600 at least partially covers the movable housing 500 in the horizontal plane. The movable housing 600 covers the protrusion 520 in the horizontal plane.

[0085] like Figure 15 As shown, the movable housing 600 has a surrounding plate portion 630, a press-fit portion 650, and a plurality of second plate portions 610.

[0086] like Figure 6As shown, the surrounding plate portion 630 is located outside the protrusion 520 in the horizontal plane. The surrounding plate portion 630 surrounds the protrusion 520 in the horizontal plane. Figure 11 As shown, the surrounding plate portion 630 is located within the receiving portion 220. The surrounding plate portion 630 defines the outer edge of the mating connector receiving portion 150 in the horizontal plane.

[0087] like Figure 7 and Figure 15 As shown, a plurality of contact portions 640 are provided around the plate portion 630. In this embodiment, the number of contact portions 640 is six. Each of the contact portions 640 has elastic properties. Each of the contact portions 640 is elastically deformable in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction. Figure 7 As shown, each of the contacts 640 protrudes into the mating connector receiving portion 150. (Refer to...) Figure 4 and Figure 11 When the floating connector 100 and the mating connector 700 mate with each other, each of the contacts 640 contacts the mating housing 720.

[0088] like Figure 15 and Figure 16 As shown, the surrounding plate portion 630 of this embodiment has a front portion 632, a rear portion 634, a right portion 636, and a left portion 638.

[0089] like Figure 11 As shown, in this embodiment, the front portion 632 extends vertically. The front portion 632 defines the front end of the surrounding plate portion 630 in the front-back direction. The front portion 632 is located in front of the protrusion 520 in the front-back direction. (Refer to...) Figures 11 to 13 The front portion 632 is located between the two first plate portions 310 in the front-rear direction. The front portion 632 is located behind the front first plate portion 3102 in the front-rear direction. The front portion 632 is located in front of the rear first plate portion 3104 in the front-rear direction. (See reference...) Figure 15 and Figure 16 The front part 632 connects the right part 636 and the left part 638 in the left-right direction.

[0090] like Figure 11 As shown, in this embodiment, the rear portion 634 extends vertically. The rear portion 634 defines the rear end of the surrounding plate portion 630 in the front-rear direction. The rear portion 634 is located behind the protrusion 520 in the front-rear direction. (Refer to...) Figures 11 to 13 The rear portion 634 is located between the two first plate portions 310 in the front-rear direction. The rear portion 634 is located behind the front first plate portion 3102 in the front-rear direction. The rear portion 634 is located in front of the rear first plate portion 3104 in the front-rear direction. The protrusion 520 is located between the front portion 632 and the rear portion 634 in the front-rear direction. (See reference) Figure 15 and Figure 16 The rear part 634 connects the right part 636 and the left part 638 in the left-right direction.

[0091] like Figure 16 As shown, in this embodiment, the right portion 636 extends vertically. The right portion 636 defines the right end of the surrounding plate portion 630 in the left-right direction. The right portion 636 connects the front portion 632 and the rear portion 634 in the front-back direction. The right portion 636 and the left portion 638 are located at the same position in the front-back direction.

[0092] like Figure 15 As shown, in this embodiment, the left portion 638 extends vertically. The left portion 638 defines the left end of the surrounding plate portion 630 in the left-right direction. The left portion 638 connects the front portion 632 and the rear portion 634 to each other in the front-back direction.

[0093] like Figure 7 As shown, the contact portion 640 includes two front contact portions 642, two rear contact portions 644, a right contact portion 646, and a left contact portion 648.

[0094] like Figure 15 As shown, each of the front contact portions 642 is disposed on the front portion 632. Each of the front contact portions 642 has elastic properties. (Refer to...) Figure 11 Each of the front contact portions 642 is elastically deformable in the front-rear direction. Each of the front contact portions 642 protrudes rearward in the front-rear direction. (See reference...) Figure 4 and Figure 11 When the floating connector 100 and the mating connector 700 mate with each other, each of the front contacts 642 contacts the mating housing 720 from its front.

[0095] Reference Figure 11 Each of the rear contact portions 644 is disposed on the rear portion 634. Each of the rear contact portions 644 has elastic properties. Each of the rear contact portions 644 is elastically deformable in the front-rear direction. Each of the rear contact portions 644 protrudes forward in the front-rear direction. (See reference...) Figure 4 and Figure 11 When the floating connector 100 and the mating connector 700 mate with each other, each of the rear contacts 644 contacts the mating housing 720 from its rear.

[0096] Reference Figure 7 and Figure 16 A right contact portion 646 is disposed on the right portion 636. The right contact portion 646 has elastic properties. The right contact portion 646 is elastically deformable in the left-right direction. The right contact portion 646 protrudes to the left in the left-right direction. (See reference...) Figure 2 , Figure 7 and Figure 19 When the floating connector 100 and the mating connector 700 are mated together, the right contact portion 646 contacts the mating housing 720 from its right side.

[0097] Reference Figure 7 and Figure 15 A left contact portion 648 is disposed on the left portion 638. The left contact portion 648 has elastic properties. The left contact portion 648 is elastically deformable in the left-right direction. The left contact portion 648 protrudes to the right in the left-right direction. (See reference...) Figure 2 , Figure 7 and Figure 19 When the floating connector 100 and the mating connector 700 are mated together, the left contact portion 648 contacts the mating housing 720 from its left side.

[0098] like Figure 15 As shown, each of the press-fit portions 650 in this embodiment protrudes downward from the lower end of the surrounding plate portion 630. Each of the press-fit portions 650 is press-fitted into the base portion 505. Therefore, the movable housing 600 is held by the movable housing 500. Note that the method of holding the movable housing 600 to the movable housing 500 is not limited to the method described above.

[0099] like Figure 7 As shown, this embodiment has three second plate portions 610. However, the invention is not limited to this, and the number of second plate portions 610 may be one. Each of the second plate portions 610 is located outside the receiving portion 220 on a horizontal plane perpendicular to the vertical direction. Each of the second plate portions 610 is located outside the receiving portion 220 in the front-back direction. In the transverse direction, the position of each of the second plate portions 610 overlaps with the position of the receiving portion 220. (Refer to...) Figure 7 and Figure 18 Each of the second plate portions 610 is located between the two adjusting portions 210 in the lateral direction. (See reference...) Figure 7 and Figure 15 Each of the second plate portions 610 is located between the two adjusted portions 510 in the lateral direction. For example... Figure 11 As shown, each of the second plate portions 610 has a flat plate shape perpendicular to the vertical direction. The three second plate portions 610 are located at the same position in the vertical direction. Each of the second plate portions 610 is located above the fixed housing 200 in the vertical direction. Each of the second plate portions 610 is located above the movable housing 500 in the vertical direction. Each of the second plate portions 610 is located above any one of the terminals 400 in the vertical direction. Each of the second plate portions 610 is located above the contact point 450 in the vertical direction. More specifically, each of the second plate portions 610 is located above the upper end of the guide portion 460 in the vertical direction. The second plate portions 610 face the first plate portion 310 in the vertical direction. Each of the second plate portions 610 is located above any one of the first plate portions 310 in the vertical direction. Each of the second plate portions 610 is located above the surrounding plate portion 630 in the vertical direction.

[0100] like Figure 11 As shown, each of the second plate portions 610 is provided with a second outer shell contact portion 612. More specifically, the movable outer shell 600 is provided with four second outer shell contact portions 612. However, the invention is not limited thereto, but the movable outer shell 600 should be provided with one of the second outer shell contact portions 612. Each of the second outer shell contact portions 612 faces downward in the vertical direction. Each of the second outer shell contact portions 612 is a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction. The second outer shell contact portion 612 is located above the first outer shell contact portion 312 in the vertical direction. More specifically, the second outer shell contact portions 612 are respectively corresponding to the first outer shell contact portions 312, and each of the second outer shell contact portions 612 is located above the corresponding first outer shell contact portion 312 in the vertical direction.

[0101] Reference Figure 10 , 11 18, the first housing contact portion 312 and the corresponding second housing contact portion 612 are always in contact with each other within the movable range MA of the movable housing 500.

[0102] As described above, the second housing contact portion 612 is disposed on the second plate portion 610 having a flat plate shape perpendicular to the vertical direction, and the second housing contact portion 612 contacts the corresponding first housing contact portion 312 in the vertical direction. Therefore, the floating connector 100 of this embodiment is configured such that the first housing contact portion 312 and the corresponding second housing contact portion 612 can contact each other, while the movable housing 500 is movable within a movable range MA in the horizontal plane.

[0103] As described above, each of the first plate portions 310 provided with the first housing contact portion 312 is located above any one of the terminals 400, and each of the second plate portions 610 provided with the second housing contact portion 612 is located above any one of the terminals 400. In other words, the floating connector 100 of this embodiment is configured such that the first housing contact portion 312 and its corresponding second housing contact portion 612 are in contact with each other in the space above any one of the terminals 400. Therefore, the floating connector 100 can have a reduced height without hindering the elastic deformation of each of the terminals 400.

[0104] Reference Figures 11 to 14Each of the adjusting portions 210 adjusts the movement of the second outer shell contact portion 612 away from its corresponding first outer shell contact portion 312 in the vertical direction. Specifically, each of the adjusting portions 210 adjusts the vertical movement of the movable housing 500, thereby adjusting the movement of the second outer shell contact portion 612. More specifically, when the movable housing 500 is about to move upward in the vertical direction, each of the adjusted portions 510 of the movable housing 500 abuts against its corresponding adjusting portion 210 from below, thereby adjusting the upward movement of the movable housing 200. As described above, the movable outer shell 600 is attached to the movable housing 500. Therefore, when the upward movement of the movable housing 500 is adjusted, the upward movement of each of the second outer shell contact portions 612 of the movable housing 600 is also adjusted. This prevents the contact between the first outer shell contact portion 312 and the second outer shell contact portion 612 from breaking due to the upward movement of the second outer shell contact portion 612 when the movable housing 500 moves within the movable range MA.

[0105] like Figure 7 As shown, the second plate portion 610 includes two front second plate portions 6102 and a rear second plate portion 6104.

[0106] like Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, each of the front second plate portions 6102 in this embodiment extends forward from the front portion 632 in the front-rear direction. Each of the front second plate portions 6102 is located above the fixed housing 200 in the vertical direction. Each of the front second plate portions 6102 is located above the movable housing 500 in the vertical direction. Each of the front second plate portions 6102 is located above any one of the terminals 400 in the vertical direction. Each of the front second plate portions 6102 is located above the upper end of the guide portion 460 in the vertical direction. Figure 12 As shown, each of the front second plate portions 6102 is positioned above the front first plate portion 3102 in the vertical direction. Each of the front second plate portions 6102 faces the front first plate portion 3102 in the vertical direction. (See reference...) Figure 5 and Figure 8 The two front second plates 6102 are located at the same position along the vertical direction. For example... Figure 7As shown, the two front second plate portions 6102 are arranged in the left-right direction with a gap between them. However, the invention is not limited to this, and the movable housing 600 can be configured such that the two front second plate portions 6102 are interconnected in the lateral direction to form a single component. The two front second plate portions 6102 are located at the same position in the front-rear direction. Each of the front second plate portions 6102 is located in front of the receiving portion 220 in the front-rear direction. Each of the front second plate portions 6102 is located in front of the mating connector receiving portion 150 in the front-rear direction. In the lateral direction, the position of each of the front second plate portions 6102 overlaps with the position of the receiving portion 220.

[0107] like Figure 11 and Figure 13 As shown, in this embodiment, the rear second plate portion 6104 extends rearward from the rear portion 634 in the front-rear direction. The rear second plate portion 6104 is located above the fixed housing 200 in the vertical direction. The rear second plate portion 6104 is located above the movable housing 500 in the vertical direction. The rear second plate portion 6104 is located above any one of the terminals 400 in the vertical direction. The rear second plate portion 6104 is located above the upper end of the guide portion 460 in the vertical direction. Figure 13 As shown, the rear second plate portion 6104 is positioned above the rear first plate portion 3104 in the vertical direction. The rear second plate portion 6104 faces the rear first plate portion 3104 in the vertical direction. Figure 7 As shown, the rear second plate portion 6104 is located behind the receiving portion 220 in the front-rear direction. The rear second plate portion 6104 is located behind the mating connector receiving portion 150 in the front-rear direction. In the lateral direction, the position of the rear second plate portion 6104 overlaps with the position of the receiving portion 220.

[0108] Reference Figure 8 and Figure 16 The second housing contact portion 612 includes two front second housing contact portions 6122 and two rear second housing contact portions 6124.

[0109] Reference Figure 8 The front second outer casing contact portion 6122 is respectively provided on the front second plate portion 6102. (Refer to...) Figure 7 and Figure 8 The second outer casing contact portion 6122 corresponds to the first outer casing contact portion 3122. (Refer to...) Figure 7 , Figure 12 and Figure 18 The first outer shell contact portion 3122 and the corresponding second outer shell contact portion 6122 are always in contact with each other within the movable range MA of the movable housing 500.

[0110] like Figure 16 As shown, each of the rear second housing contact portions 6124 is provided on the rear second plate portion 6104. (Refer to...) Figure 7 and Figure 16 The second outer casing contact portion 6124 corresponds to the first outer casing contact portion 3124. (Refer to...) Figure 7 , Figure 13 and Figure 18 The first housing contact portion 3124 and the corresponding second housing contact portion 6124 are always in contact with each other within the movable range MA of the movable housing 500.

[0111] like Figure 15 As shown, the movable housing 600 further has an additional second plate portion 620.

[0112] like Figure 15 As shown, each of the additional second plate portions 620 in this embodiment has a flat plate shape perpendicular to the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the number of additional second plate portions 620 is two. However, the invention is not limited to this, and the number of additional second plate portions 620 can be one. Figure 7 As shown, the additional second plate portions 620 are arranged in the transverse direction. Each of the additional second plate portions 620 is located outside the receiving portion 220 in a horizontal plane perpendicular to the vertical direction. Each of the additional second plate portions 620 is located outside the receiving portion 220 in the transverse direction. In the front-rear direction, the position of each of the additional second plate portions 620 overlaps with the position of the receiving portion 220. The receiving portion 220 is located between two additional second plate portions 620 in the transverse direction. Figure 8 As shown, the two additional second plate portions 620 are located at the same position in the vertical direction. The second plate portion 610 and the additional second plate portion 620 are located at the same position in the vertical direction. (Refer to...) Figure 14 Each of the additional second plates 620 is positioned above the fixed housing 200 in the vertical direction. (See reference...) Figure 11 and Figure 14 Each of the additional second plate portions 620 is positioned above the movable housing 500 in the vertical direction. Each of the additional second plate portions 620 is positioned above any one of the terminals 400 in the vertical direction. Each of the additional second plate portions 620 is positioned above any one of the upper ends of the guide portions 460 in the vertical direction. (See reference...) Figure 16 The additional second plate portion 620 corresponds to the adjustment portion 210. (See reference...) Figure 14 and Figure 16 Each of the additional second plate portions 620 is positioned above its corresponding adjustment portion 210 in the vertical direction. (See reference...) Figure 14 and Figure 15 Each of the additional second plate portions 620 corresponds to an adjustable portion 510. Each of the additional second plate portions 620 is located above the adjustable portion 510 along the vertical direction.

[0113] like Figure 14 As shown, the additional second plate portion 620 is positioned above the additional first plate portion 320 in the vertical direction. The additional second plate portion 620 faces the additional first plate portion 320 in the vertical direction. Figure 7 As shown, the additional second plate portions 620 correspond to the additional first plate portions 320 respectively. Each of the additional second plate portions 620 is located above the corresponding additional first plate portion 320 in the vertical direction. Each of the additional second plate portions 620 faces the corresponding additional first plate portion 320 in the vertical direction. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. Specifically, the floating connector 100 can be constructed as follows: the additional second plate portions 620 are provided with additional second housing contact portions; the corresponding additional first plate portions 320 are provided with additional first housing contact portions; and the additional second housing contact portions and the additional first housing contact portions are in contact with each other in the vertical direction. (Refer to...) Figure 7 and Figure 18 When the movable housing 500 moves within its movable range MA in the horizontal plane, the attached second plate portion 620 and the corresponding attached first plate portion 320 guide the movement of the movable housing 600. As described above, the movable housing 600 is attached to the movable housing 500. Therefore, when the movable housing 500 moves within its movable range MA in the horizontal plane, the attached second plate portion 620 and the corresponding attached first plate portion 320 also guide the movement of the movable housing 500 through the movable housing 600.

[0114] like Figure 7 As shown, the additional second plate portion 620 includes a right second plate portion 6202 and a left second plate portion 6204.

[0115] like Figure 7 As shown, in this embodiment, the right second plate portion 6202 defines the right end of the movable housing 600 in the left-right direction. The right second plate portion 6202 is located to the right of the receiving portion 220 in the left-right direction. The right second plate portion 6202 is located to the right of the mating connector receiving portion 150 in the left-right direction. In the front-back direction, the position of the right second plate portion 6202 overlaps with the position of the receiving portion 220. The right second plate portion 6202 and the left second plate portion 6204 are located at the same position in the front-back direction. Figure 8 As shown, the right second plate portion 6202 and the left second plate portion 6204 are located at the same position along the vertical direction. Figure 14 As shown, the second right plate portion 6202 is positioned above the fixed housing 200 in the vertical direction. The second right plate portion 6202 is positioned above the first right plate portion 3202 in the vertical direction. The second right plate portion 6202 faces the first right plate portion 3202 in the vertical direction. (Refer to...) Figure 11 and Figure 14The right second plate portion 6202 is located above the movable housing 500 in the vertical direction. The right second plate portion 6202 is located above any one of the terminals 400 in the vertical direction. The right second plate portion 6202 is located above the upper end of the guide portion 460 in the vertical direction.

[0116] like Figure 7 As shown, in this embodiment, the left second plate portion 6204 defines the left end of the movable housing 600 in the left-right direction. The left second plate portion 6204 is located to the left of the receiving portion 220 in the left-right direction. The left second plate portion 6204 is located to the left of the mating connector receiving portion 150 in the left-right direction. In the front-back direction, the position of the left second plate portion 6204 overlaps with the position of the receiving portion 220. (Refer to...) Figure 7 and Figure 11 The second plate portion 6204 on the left is positioned above the fixed housing 200 in the vertical direction. The second plate portion 6204 on the left is positioned above the movable housing 500 in the vertical direction. The second plate portion 6204 on the left is positioned above any one of the terminals 400 in the vertical direction. The second plate portion 6204 on the left is positioned above the upper end of the guide portion 460 in the vertical direction. (As shown) Figure 8 As shown, the second left plate portion 6204 is positioned above the first left plate portion 3204 in the vertical direction. The second left plate portion 6204 faces the first left plate portion 3204 in the vertical direction.

[0117] While the present invention has been specifically described above with reference to embodiments, the invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications and alternatives are permissible. Furthermore, the above embodiments and variations can be combined.

[0118] Although the floating connector 100 of the above embodiment is configured such that the second housing contact portion 612 is planar while the first housing contact portion 312 has elastic properties, the present invention is not limited thereto. Specifically, the floating connector 100 may be configured such that the first housing contact portion 312 is planar while the second housing contact portion 612 has elastic properties. In other words, at least one of the first housing contact portion 312 and the second housing contact portion 612 should have elastic properties. In this case, the first housing contact portion 312 and the second housing contact portion 612 contact each other in the vertical direction due to the elastic properties of at least one of the first housing contact portion 312 and the second housing contact portion 612.

[0119] Although the floating connector 100 of the above embodiment is configured such that the second housing contact portion 612 is positioned above the corresponding first housing contact portion 312 in the vertical direction, and the adjusting portion 210 adjusts the movable housing 500 to move upward in the vertical direction, thereby adjusting the upward movement of the second housing contact portion 612, the present invention is not limited thereto. Specifically, the floating connector 100 can be configured such that the second housing contact portion 612 is positioned below the first housing contact portion 312 in the vertical direction, and the adjusting portion 210 adjusts the movable housing 500 to move downward in the vertical direction, thereby adjusting the downward movement of the second housing contact portion 612. The floating connector 100 with this configuration can also achieve the same effect as the floating connector 200 of this embodiment.

[0120] Although the adjustment unit 210 in the above embodiment adjusts the upward movement of the second outer shell contact portion 612 of the movable outer shell 600 attached to the movable housing 500 by adjusting the upward movement of the movable housing 500, the present invention is not limited thereto. Specifically, the floating connector 100 may be configured such that the adjustment unit 210 adjusts the upward movement of the second outer shell contact portion 612 by directly adjusting the upward movement of the movable outer shell 600.

[0121] Although each of the adjustment portions 210 in this embodiment is part of the fixed housing 200, the invention is not limited thereto. Specifically, the adjustment portion 210 may be part of the fixed housing 300. In this case, the adjustment portion 210 should adjust the movement of the second housing contact portion 612 away from the first housing contact portion 312 in the vertical direction.

[0122] Although the floating connector 100 of the above embodiment is configured such that the adjusting portion 210 is located at opposite ends of the fixed housing 200 in the lateral direction, and the adjusted portion 510 is located at opposite ends of the base 505 in the lateral direction, the present invention is not limited thereto. If the upward movement of the movable housing 500 is adjusted, the adjusting portion 210 can be provided at any position of the fixed housing 200, and the adjusted portion 510 can be provided at any position of the base 505.

[0123] Although each of the second plate portions 610 in the above embodiments is located above either the contact point 450 or the surrounding plate portion 630, the present invention is not limited thereto. Specifically, if the distance between the circuit board on which the floating connector 100 is mounted and the circuit board on which the mating connector 700 is mounted needs to be increased, then each of the surrounding plate portion 630 and the contact point 450 may be arranged above the second plate portion 610.

[0124] While what is considered a preferred embodiment of the invention has been described, those skilled in the art will recognize that other modifications and further alterations may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention, and all such embodiments falling within the true scope of the invention are intended to be claimed.

Claims

1. A floating connector capable of being mounted on a circuit board and capable of mating with a mating connector in the vertical direction, wherein: The floating connector includes a fixed housing, a fixed outer shell, terminals, a movable housing, a movable outer shell, and an adjustment part; When the floating connector is mounted on the circuit board, the fixed housing is fixed to the circuit board; The fixed outer shell is attached to the fixed housing; The fixed housing at least partially covers the fixed housing in a horizontal plane perpendicular to the vertical direction; The fixed housing is provided with a first housing contact portion; The terminal has a first holding portion, a second holding portion, a connecting portion, a supporting portion, and a contact point; The first held portion is held by the fixed housing; The second held portion is held by the movable housing; The connecting part is capable of elastic deformation; The connecting part connects the first held part and the second held part to each other; The support portion extends from the second held portion; The support portion supports the contact point; Through the elastic deformation of the connecting portion, the movable housing is able to move relative to the fixed housing at least within the horizontal plane; The movable outer shell is attached to the movable housing; The movable outer shell at least partially covers the movable housing in the horizontal plane; The movable outer shell is provided with a second outer shell contact portion; At least one of the first housing contact portion and the second housing contact portion has elastic properties; The first housing contact portion and the second housing contact portion are in contact with each other along the vertical direction due to the elastic properties of at least one of the first housing contact portion and the second housing contact portion; and The adjustment unit adjusts the movement of the second outer shell contact portion away from the first outer shell contact portion along the vertical direction. in: The fixed housing has a first plate portion; The first outer casing contact portion is disposed on the first plate portion; The movable housing has a second plate portion; The second plate faces the first plate along the vertical direction; The second housing contact portion is disposed on the second plate portion; The first plate portion is located above the terminal along the vertical direction; and The second plate portion is located above the first plate portion along the vertical direction.

2. The floating connector according to claim 1, wherein, The first housing contact portion and the second housing contact portion are always in contact with each other within the movable range of the movable housing.

3. The floating connector according to claim 1, wherein, The adjustment part is part of the fixed housing.

4. The floating connector according to claim 1, wherein, The adjustment unit adjusts the movement of the movable housing along the vertical direction, thereby adjusting the movement of the second outer shell contact portion.

5. The floating connector according to claim 1, wherein: The fixed housing has a receiving portion; The receiving portion at least partially accommodates either the movable housing or the movable outer shell; The fixed housing further has an additional first plate portion; Each of the first plate portion and the additional first plate portion is located outside the receiving portion in the horizontal plane; The movable housing further has an additional second plate portion; Each of the second plate portion and the additional second plate portion is located outside the receiving portion in the horizontal plane; and In the vertical direction, the additional second plate is located above the additional first plate and faces the additional first plate.

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