Floating connector and connecting structure of connector

Abstract

The invention relates to a floating connector and a connection structure of the connector. A floating connector connectable to two mating connectors is provided. The floating connector (FC) includes a first connector portion (FC1), a second connector portion (FC2), and a plurality of terminals (200). First retainable portions (220a) of the plurality of terminals (200) are held at intervals in a first body (100a) of the first connector part (FC1) in the X-X 'direction, and second retainable portions (220b) of the plurality of terminals (200) are held at intervals in a second body (100b) of the second connector part (FC2) in the X-X' direction. When the elastically deformable portions (230), each between a corresponding first retainable portion (220a) and a corresponding second retainable portion (220b), are elastically deformed in a direction including a component of at least one of the Z-Z ', X-X', or Y-Y 'directions, the first retainable portion (220a) and the second retainable portion (220b) are held by the first retainable portion (220a) and the second retainable portion (220b), and the second retainable portion (220b) are held by the second retainable portion (220b). This elastic deformation causes the second connector portion (FC2) to be displaced relative to the first connector portion (FC1) in a direction comprising at least one directional component.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to floating connectors and connector connection structures. Background Technology

[0002] JP2023-139357A describes a conventional floating connector. Floating connectors are mounted on a circuit board and can be connected to mating connectors. A floating connector includes a housing and multiple terminals.

[0003] The housing has multiple receiving spaces inside to accommodate the corresponding terminals. The upper wall of the housing has multiple upper openings that communicate with the corresponding receiving spaces.

[0004] Each terminal includes a fixed portion, a lower contact portion, an inverted Ω-shaped upper contact portion, and a generally L-shaped spring portion. The fixed portion is fixed to the lower part of the corresponding receiving space of the housing to be mounted on the lower wall of the housing. The lower contact portion extends forward from the corresponding fixed portion and bends downward such that the lower surface of the lower contact portion is at the same height as the bottom surface of the lower wall of the housing. The bottom surface of the lower wall of the housing can be mounted on a circuit board, and the lower contact portion can be connected to the circuit board. The upper contact portion includes a generally U-shaped main portion, a first end on the front side, and a second end on the rear side. The spring portion includes a first spring element and a second spring element. The first spring element (which is a plate-like portion suspended from the second end of the upper contact portion) extends in both vertical and horizontal directions. The second spring element (which is a plate-like portion suspended from the lower end of the corresponding first spring element to the corresponding fixed portion) extends in both vertical and horizontal directions.

[0005] The mating connector can be connected to the floating connector at a position offset forward from a predetermined connection position relative to the floating connector. In this case, the terminals of the mating connector are inserted from above through corresponding upper openings in the housing of the floating connector into corresponding receiving spaces within the housing, and into corresponding main portions of the upper contact portions of the floating connector terminals. At this time, the first spring elements of the plurality of terminals of the floating connector elastically deform in a forward tilting manner, and the second spring elements of the terminals elastically deform in an upward manner, causing the main portions of the upper contact portions of the terminals to shift forward following the corresponding terminals of the mating connector.

[0006] The mating connector can also be connected to the floating connector at a position offset rearward from the predetermined connection position relative to the floating connector. In this case, the terminals of the mating connector are inserted from above through the corresponding upper opening of the floating connector housing into the corresponding receiving space of the housing, and into the corresponding main portion of the upper contact portion of the floating connector terminal. At this time, the first spring elements of the plurality of terminals of the floating connector elastically deform in a rearward tilting manner, and the second spring elements of the terminals elastically deform in a downward sinking manner, so that the main portion of the upper contact portion of the terminal follows the rearward displacement of the corresponding terminal of the mating connector.

[0007] Therefore, conventional floating connectors are configured such that the elastic deformation of the spring portions of multiple terminals causes the main portion of the upper contact portion of the multiple terminals to float according to the displacement of the mating connector in the forward or backward direction. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Technical issues

[0009] As mentioned above, traditional floating connectors are simply configured so that a connector mounted on a circuit board can be connected to a single mating connector. In other words, there is no consideration for connecting a traditional floating connector to two mating connectors.

[0010] The present invention provides a floating connector that can be connected to two mating connectors, and also provides a connection structure for the connector.

[0011] Solution to the problem

[0012] According to one aspect of the invention, a floating connector includes: a first connector portion; a second connector portion arranged at a distance from the first connector portion and located on one side in a first direction relative to the first connector portion; and a plurality of relay terminals made of a conductive material.

[0013] The first connector portion includes a first body made of insulating material, first retainable portions of a plurality of relay terminals, and first contact portions of a plurality of relay terminals. The first retainable portions of the plurality of relay terminals are held at intervals in the first body in a second direction, wherein the second direction is substantially orthogonal to the first direction. The first contact portions of the plurality of relay terminals extend from the corresponding first retainable portions of the plurality of relay terminals toward a third-direction side and at least partially protrude from or are exposed from the first body, making them visible from the third-direction side, wherein the third-direction is substantially orthogonal to the first and second directions.

[0014] The second connector portion includes a second body made of insulating material, second retainable portions of a plurality of relay terminals, and second contact portions of a plurality of relay terminals. The second body is disposed spaced apart from the first body and located on one side in a first direction relative to the first body. The second retainable portions of the plurality of relay terminals are spaced apart and held in the second body in a second direction. The second contact portions of the plurality of relay terminals extend from their respective second retainable portions in a third direction and at least partially protrude from or are exposed from the second body, making them visible from the third direction.

[0015] The plurality of relay terminals also include corresponding elastically deformable portions. These elastically deformable portions are disposed between corresponding first retainable portions and corresponding second retainable portions, and are spaced apart in a second direction. The second direction is the thickness direction of each elastically deformable portion of the plurality of relay terminals.

[0016] The elastically deformable portions of the plurality of relay terminals can elastically deform in a direction including at least one of the first, second, or third directions, and the elastic deformation of the elastically deformable portions causes the second connector portion to shift relative to the first connector portion in a direction including at least one of the at least one directions.

[0017] According to one aspect of the present invention, the connector connection structure (assembly) includes: the aforementioned floating connector; a first circuit board; a second circuit board, the second circuit board being disposed in a spaced-apart relationship with the first circuit board and located on one side in a first direction relative to the first circuit board; a first mating connector, the first mating connector being mounted on the first circuit board and capable of being connected to a first connector portion of the floating connector from a third direction side; and a second mating connector, the second mating connector being mounted on the second circuit board and capable of being connected to a second connector portion of the floating connector from a third direction side.

[0018] The first mating connector includes: a first body made of an insulating material; and a plurality of first terminals made of a conductive material, each including a corresponding first retainable portion, a corresponding first contact portion, and a corresponding first pin portion. The first retainable portions of the first mating connector are held at a distance from each other in the first body of the first mating connector in a second direction. The first contact portions of the first mating connector extend toward a third direction and at least partially protrude from or are exposed from the first body of the first mating connector, making them visible from the third direction. The first pin portions of the first mating connector are disposed relative to the first body of the first mating connector on one side of the third direction, one side of the first direction, or the side opposite to the first direction, and are connected to a first circuit board.

[0019] When the first connector portion of the floating connector is connected to the first mating connector, the first contact portions of the plurality of relay terminals of the floating connector contact the corresponding first contact portions of the plurality of first terminals of the first mating connector.

[0020] The second mating connector includes: a second body made of an insulating material; and a plurality of second terminals made of a conductive material, each including a corresponding second retainable portion, a corresponding second contact portion, and a corresponding second pin portion. The second retainable portions of the second mating connector are held at a distance in the second body of the second mating connector in a second direction. The second contact portions of the second mating connector extend to a third-direction opposite side and at least partially protrude from or are exposed from the second body of the second mating connector, making them visible from the third-direction opposite side. The second pin portions of the second mating connector are disposed relative to the second body of the second mating connector on one side of the third-direction, one side of the first direction, or the opposite side of the first direction, and are connected to a second circuit board.

[0021] When the second connector portion of the floating connector is connected to the second mating connector, the second contact portions of the plurality of relay terminals of the floating connector contact the corresponding second contact portions of the plurality of second terminals of the second mating connector.

[0022] Beneficial effects of the invention

[0023] As described above, since the first connector portion can be connected to the first mating connector and the second connector portion can be connected to the second mating connector, the present invention provides a novel floating connector that can be connected to two mating connectors. Furthermore, the elastically deformable portions of the plurality of relay terminals can elastically deform in a direction including at least one of a first direction, a second direction, or a third direction, and the elastic deformation of the elastically deformable portions causes the second connector portion to shift relative to the first connector portion in a direction including at least one direction. Thus, even if the second mating connector is in a position offset from a predetermined position relative to the first mating connector in a direction including at least one direction, the second connector portion shifts relative to the first connector portion in the direction including at least one direction, thereby enabling the second connector portion to connect to the second mating connector. Since the connection structure described above includes a novel floating connector, this connection structure also provides the same technical features and effects as a floating connector. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1A This is a perspective view of the front, top, and right sides of the floating connector according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 1BThis is a perspective view of the front, bottom, and left side of the floating connector in the first embodiment.

[0026] Figure 1C This is a perspective view of the rear, top, and right sides of the floating connector of the first embodiment.

[0027] Figure 1D This is a perspective view of the rear, bottom, and left side of the floating connector of the first embodiment.

[0028] Figure 2A It is along Figure 1A The first embodiment of the floating connector is shown in a cross-sectional view taken from line 2A-2A.

[0029] Figure 2B It is along Figure 1A The first embodiment of the floating connector is shown in a cross-sectional view taken from line 2B-2B.

[0030] Figure 2C It is along Figure 1A The first embodiment of the floating connector is shown in a cross-sectional view taken from line 2C-2C.

[0031] Figure 2D It is along Figure 1A A 2D-2D cut-out of the line in the first embodiment of the floating connector is shown in the cross-sectional view.

[0032] Figure 2E It is along Figure 1A The first embodiment of the floating connector is shown in a cross-sectional view taken from line 2E-2E.

[0033] Figure 2F It is along Figure 1A The first embodiment of the floating connector is shown in a cross-sectional view taken from line 2F-2F.

[0034] Figure 2G It is along Figure 1A The first embodiment of the floating connector is shown in a cross-sectional view taken from line 2G-2G.

[0035] Figure 3A This is an exploded perspective view of the front, top, and right sides of the floating connector of the first embodiment.

[0036] Figure 3B This is an exploded perspective view of the rear, bottom, and left sides of the floating connector of the first embodiment.

[0037] Figure 4A This is an enlarged perspective view of the front, top, and right sides of one of the relay terminals of the floating connector in the first embodiment.

[0038] Figure 4BThis is an enlarged perspective view of the front, top, and left sides of one of the relay terminals of the floating connector in the first embodiment.

[0039] Figure 5A This is a rear, top, and left perspective view of the connector connection structure (assembly) according to a first embodiment of the present invention, showing a state in which the floating connector is not yet connected to the first mating connector mounted on the first circuit board and the second mating connector mounted on the second circuit board.

[0040] Figure 5B This is a perspective view of the rear, top, and left sides of the connection structure (assembly) according to a first embodiment of the present invention, showing the state in which the floating connector has been connected to a first mating connector mounted on a first circuit board and a second mating connector mounted on a second circuit board.

[0041] Figure 6A It is along Figure 5B The first embodiment of the connection structure is shown in a cross-sectional view taken by line 6A-6A.

[0042] Figure 6B It is along Figure 5B The first embodiment of the connection structure is shown in a cross-sectional view taken by line 6B-6B.

[0043] Figure 6C It is along Figure 5B The first embodiment of the connection structure is shown in a cross-sectional view taken by line 6C-6C.

[0044] Figure 6D It is along Figure 5B A cross-sectional view of the connection structure of the first embodiment, taken by line 6D-6D.

[0045] Figure 7A This is an enlarged perspective view taken from one side, showing the following state: one of the relay terminals of the floating connector is connected to one of the terminals of the first mating connector and one of the terminals of the second mating connector of the connection structure of the first embodiment.

[0046] Figure 7B This is an enlarged perspective view viewed from the opposite side, showing a state in which one of the relay terminals of the floating connector is connected to one of the terminals of the first mating connector and one of the terminals of the second mating connector of the connection structure of the first embodiment.

[0047] Figure 8A This is a perspective view of the rear, top, and left sides of the first and second mating connectors in the first embodiment.

[0048] Figure 8BThis is a perspective view of the rear, bottom, and right sides of the first and second mating connectors in the first embodiment.

[0049] Figure 8C This is a perspective view of the front, top, and left sides of the first and second mating connectors in the first embodiment.

[0050] Figure 8D This is a perspective view of the front, bottom, and right sides of the first and second mating connectors in the first embodiment.

[0051] Figure 9A It is along Figure 8A The first mating connector and the second mating connector of the first embodiment are cut by lines 9A-9A.

[0052] Figure 9B It is along Figure 8A The first mating connector and the second mating connector of the first embodiment are cut by line 9B-9B.

[0053] Figure 9C It is along Figure 8A The first mating connector and the second mating connector of the first embodiment are cut from line 9C-9C.

[0054] Figure 9D It is along Figure 8A The first mating connector and the second mating connector of the first embodiment are cut by line 9D-9D.

[0055] Figure 10A This is an exploded perspective view of the rear, top, and left sides of the first and second mating connectors in the first embodiment.

[0056] Figure 10B This is an exploded perspective view of the front, bottom, and right sides of the first and second mating connectors in the first embodiment.

[0057] Figure 11A This is an enlarged perspective view of the rear, top, and left sides of one of the terminals of the first mating connector and the second mating connector in the first embodiment.

[0058] Figure 11B This is an enlarged perspective view of the rear, top, and right sides of one of the terminals of the first mating connector and the second mating connector in the first embodiment.

[0059] List of reference numerals

[0060] FC: Floating Connector

[0061] FC1: First Connector Section

[0062] 100a: First Subject

[0063] 110a: First main body; 120a: First partition; 130a: Plate; 140a: Side wall

[0064] 210a: First contact portion; 220a: First retainable portion; 240a: First connecting portion

[0065] 300a: First outer casing

[0066] 310a: First outer shell body

[0067] FC2: Second Connector Section

[0068] 100b: Second Subject

[0069] 110b: Second main body; 120b: Second partition; 130b: Plate; 140b: Side wall

[0070] 210b: Second contact portion; 220b: Second retainable portion; 240b: Second connecting portion

[0071] 300b: Second shell

[0072] 310b: Second outer shell body

[0073] 400: Second housing

[0074] 410: Second housing body; 420: First guideable portion, second guideable portion

[0075] 200: Relay terminal

[0076] 230: Elastically deformable part

[0077] 500a: First Holder

[0078] 500b: Second Holder

[0079] 600: Rotating rod

[0080] 610: Rod body; 620: Screw or pin

[0081] 700: First casing

[0082] 710: First shell body

[0083] 711: Part One; 712: Part Two; 713: Part Three

[0084] 720: Maintain part

[0085] 730: Guide

[0086] 740: Separator

[0087] 800: First shielding component

[0088] 810: Main body of the first shielding component

[0089] 811: First shielding component; 812: Second shielding component; 813: Third shielding component

[0090] 900: Second shielding component

[0091] 910: Main body of the second shielding component

[0092] 920a: First connecting part; 920b: Second connecting part; 930: Third connecting part

[0093] MC1: First mating connector; MC2: Second mating connector

[0094] 10: First subject, second subject

[0095] 11: Base; 12: Protrusion; 13: Tubular portion; 14: Abutment portion; 15: Jointing protrusion

[0096] 20: First terminal, second terminal

[0097] 21: First contact part, second contact part

[0098] 22: First retainable part, second retainable part

[0099] 23: First pin section, second pin section

[0100] 24: First connecting part, second connecting part

[0101] 30: First outer shell, second outer shell

[0102] 31: First outer shell body, second outer shell body

[0103] 32: First cover, second cover

[0104] 33: First leg, second leg

[0105] B1: First Circuit Board

[0106] B2: Second circuit board Detailed Implementation

[0107] Several embodiments of the present invention (including a first embodiment and its variations) will now be described. It should be noted that the components of the embodiments and variations to be described can be combined in any possible manner. It should also be noted that the materials, shapes, sizes, quantities, arrangements, etc., of the components of the embodiments and variations to be described are presented by way of example only and can be modified in any way as long as the same function is achieved.

[0108] First Embodiment

[0109] Now refer to Figures 1A to 4B The floating connector FC (which may be simply referred to as "connector FC") is described according to several embodiments (including the first embodiment of the present invention and its variations). Figures 1A to 4B The connector FC of the first embodiment is shown.

[0110] Figures 1A to 2C and Figures 3A to 4B The Z-Z' direction (first direction) is shown. The Z-Z' direction includes the Z direction (one side of the first direction) and the Z' direction (the other side of the first direction). Figures 1A to 1D and Figures 2B to 4B The X-X' direction (second direction) is shown. The X-X' direction is substantially orthogonal to the Z-Z' direction and includes the X direction (one side of the second direction) and the X' direction (the other side of the second direction). Figures 1A to 2A and Figures 2D to 4B The Y-Y' direction (third direction) is shown. The Y-Y' direction is substantially orthogonal to the Z-Z' and X-X' directions and includes the Y direction (one side of the third direction) and the Y' direction (the other side of the third direction).

[0111] The connector FC includes a plurality of relay terminals 200 (which may be simply referred to as "terminals 200"). Each terminal 200 is made of conductive material. Each terminal 200 includes a first contact portion 210a, a first retainable portion 220a, a second contact portion 210b, a second retainable portion 220b, and an elastically deformable portion 230. Each terminal 200 may also include a first connecting portion 240a and a second connecting portion 240b.

[0112] The first retainable portion 220a can be made of a plate extending in the Y-Y' direction (see...). Figure 2A and Figures 3A to 4B It is composed of a rod (not shown) or a tube (not shown). The first retainable part 220a may be generally U-shaped in a cross-sectional view along the Z-Z' and X-X' directions and extend in the Y-Y' direction.

[0113] The second retainable portion 220b is disposed on the Z-direction side relative to the first retainable portion 220a. The second retainable portion 220b may be composed of a plate extending in the Y-Y' direction (see...). Figure 2A and Figures 3A to 4B It is composed of a rod (not shown) or a tube (not shown). The second retainable part 220b may be generally U-shaped in a cross-sectional view along the Z-Z' and X-X' directions and extend in the Y-Y' direction.

[0114] The first contact portion 210a only needs to extend from the first retainable portion 220a in the Y direction. For example, the first contact portion 210a may be a plate extending from the first retainable portion 220a in the Y direction (see reference). Figure 2A and Figures 3A to 4B It is composed of a rod (not shown) or a tube (not shown). The first contact portion 210a may have a forked shape extending from the first retainable portion 220a in the Y direction, and includes a first contact arm and a second contact arm (not shown).

[0115] The second contact portion 210b is disposed on the Z-direction side relative to the first contact portion 210a. The second contact portion 210b only needs to extend from the second retainable portion 220b in the Y-direction. For example, the second contact portion 210b can be a plate extending from the second retainable portion 220b in the Y-direction (see reference). Figure 2A and Figures 3A to 4B It is composed of a rod (not shown) or a tube (not shown). The second contact portion 210b may have a forked shape extending from the second retainable portion 220b in the Y direction, and includes a first contact arm and a second contact arm (not shown).

[0116] The elastically deformable portion 230 is disposed between the first retainable portion 220a and the second retainable portion 220b, and is elastically deformable in a direction including a component of at least one of the Z-Z, X-X, or Y-Y directions (this direction may be simply referred to as "the direction including a component of at least one direction"). The direction including a component of at least one direction may include a direction including components of multiple directions among the Z-Z, X-X, and Y-Y directions. For example, in a cross-sectional view along the Z-Z and Y-Y directions, the elastically deformable portion 230 may be a generally laterally oriented U-shape, a generally laterally oriented arc shape, or a generally laterally oriented V-shape, and is elastically deformable in a direction including a component of one of the Z-Z, X-X, or Y-Y directions, in a direction including two components of the Z-Z, X-X, and Y-Y directions, or in a direction including three components of the Z-Z, X-X, and Y-Y directions. The elastically deformable portion 230 includes a first end portion 231 on the Z' direction side, a second end portion 232 on the Z direction side, and a top portion 233. When the second end portion 232 shifts (moves away from) the first end portion 231 in a direction including the Z direction component, the elastically deformable portion 230 elastically deforms in that direction. When the second end portion 232 shifts (moves towards) the first end portion 231 in a direction including the Z' direction component, the elastically deformable portion 230 elastically deforms in that direction. When the second end portion 232 shifts (moves towards) the first end portion 231 in a direction including the Y direction component, the elastically deformable portion 230 elastically deforms in that direction. When the second end portion 232 shifts (moves towards) the first end portion 231 in a direction including the Y' direction component, the elastically deformable portion 230 elastically deforms in that direction. When the second end 232 is displaced from the first end 231 in a direction including the X-direction component, the elastically deformable portion 230 thereby elastically deforms in the direction including the X-direction component. When the second end 232 is displaced from the first end 231 in a direction including the X'-direction component, the elastically deformable portion 230 thereby elastically deforms in the direction including the X'-direction component.

[0117] The first connecting portion 240a connects the elastically deformable portion 230 and the first retainable portion 220a, and the second connecting portion 240b connects the elastically deformable portion 230 and the second retainable portion 220b. The first connecting portion 240a may, for example, be a plate extending from the first end 231 of the elastically deformable portion 230 to the rear end of the first retainable portion 220a in the Y' direction (see reference). Figure 2A and Figures 3A to 4BThe second connecting portion 240b may be constituted, for example, by a plate extending from the second end 232 of the elastically deformable portion 230 to the rear end of the second retainable portion 220b in the Y' direction (see Figure 240b). Figure 2A and Figures 3A to 4B It consists of a rod or a bar (not shown).

[0118] For example, each of the terminals 200 described above can be manufactured by rolling. Rolling includes repeatedly performing a rolling process to obtain a thin metal sheet by passing metal material between rolling rolls, and then stamping and cutting the metal sheet into a predetermined shape for the terminal, or includes performing similar processes. In this case, each terminal 200 also has the following configuration (1) or (2). Note that the X-X' direction is the thickness direction of the elastically deformable portion 230 of each terminal 200. In other words, the X-X' direction is the thickness direction of the metal material constituting the elastically deformable portion 230 of each terminal 200.

[0119] (1) Each terminal 200 has a first surface on the X-direction side and a second surface on the X'-direction side, wherein the first and second surfaces are generally flat and extend in the Z-Z' and X-X' directions (not shown). The first and second surfaces of each terminal 200 are rolled surfaces. Specifically, the elastically deformable portion 230, the first connecting portion 240a, the second connecting portion 240b, the first retaining portion 220a, and the second retaining portion 220b of each terminal 200 are constituted by the aforementioned plate, and each has a first surface on the X-direction side and a second surface on the X'-direction side, which are generally flat rolled surfaces. The first contact portion 210a of each terminal 200 is constituted by the aforementioned plate or a pair of contact arms, and has a first surface 211a on the X-direction side and a second surface 212a on the X'-direction side, which are generally flat rolled surfaces. The second contact portion 210b of each terminal 200 is formed by the plate or the pair of contact arms described above, and has a first surface 211b on the X-direction side and a second surface 212b on the X'-direction side, which are generally flat rolled surfaces.

[0120] (2) In the above-described structure (1), at least part (i.e., partially or entirely) of the first connecting portion 240a of each terminal 200 is bent or flexed such that the first surface 211a and the second surface 212a of the first contact portion 210a are inclined in a first tilting direction including components of the Z-Z' and X-X' directions, and / or at least part (i.e., partially or entirely) of the second connecting portion 240b is bent or flexed such that the first surface 211b and the second surface 212b of the second contact portion 210b are inclined in a second tilting direction including components of the Z-Z' and X-X' directions (see...). Figure 2A and Figures 3A to 4BThe first and second surfaces of the first retainable portion 220a are also inclined in the first inclined direction, similar to the first surfaces 211a and 212a of the first contact portion 210a. The first and second surfaces of the second retainable portion 220b are also inclined in the second inclined direction, similar to the first surfaces 211b and 212b of the second contact portion 210b. The first connecting portion 240a can be bent into a generally arcuate or generally U-shaped shape protruding in the X or X' direction, or it can be bent into a generally V-shaped shape protruding in the X or X' direction. The second connecting portion 240b can be bent into a generally arcuate or generally U-shaped shape protruding in the X or X' direction, or it can be bent into a generally V-shaped shape protruding in the X or X' direction. The first and second surfaces of the resiliently deformable portion 230 of each terminal 200 remain generally flat surfaces extending in the Z-Z' and Y-Y' directions.

[0121] The first tilting direction and the second tilting direction can be the same direction, and the first surface 211a and the second surface 212a of the first contact portion 210a can have the same tilt as the first surface 211b and the second surface 212b of the second contact portion 210b (see...). Figure 2A and Figures 3A to 4B Alternatively, the first and second tilting directions can be different, and the first surface 211a and the second surface 212a of the first contact portion 210a can have different tilt angles (not shown) than the first surface 211b and the second surface 212b of the second contact portion 210b. In the former case, each terminal 200 can, but does not necessarily, be shaped to have such double rotational symmetry (see reference). Figure 4A and Figure 4B This is such that, when viewed from the Y-direction side along the imaginary line P, the shape of each terminal 200 before rotating 180 degrees about the rotation axis overlaps with the shape of each terminal 200 after rotating 180 degrees about the rotation axis. The rotation axis is an imaginary line P extending approximately through the center of each terminal 200 in the Y-Y' direction (see [reference]). Figure 4A and Figure 4B ).

[0122] Each of the terminals 200 described above may be manufactured not by rolling but by other known methods for manufacturing terminals (e.g., photolithography or inkjet printing). In this case, each terminal 200 may have the above-described structure (1) or (2). Alternatively, the first and second surfaces of the elastically deformable portion 230 of each terminal 200 may be generally flat surfaces extending in the Z-Z' and Y-Y' directions, the first connecting portion 240a and the second connecting portion 240b of each terminal 200 may be composed of a plate or rod having a structure other than the above-described structures (1) and (2), the first retaining portion 220a and the second retaining portion 220b of each terminal 200 may be composed of a plate, rod, tube or generally U-shaped member having a structure other than the above-described structures (1) and (2), and the first contact portion 210a and the second contact portion 210b of each terminal 200 may be composed of a plate, rod, tube or a pair of contact arms having a structure other than the above-described structures (1) and (2). Alternatively, the resiliently deformable portion 230, the first connecting portion 240a, the second connecting portion 240b, the first retaining portion 220a, the second retaining portion 220b, the first contact portion 210a, and the second contact portion 210b of each terminal 200 may have any of the above-described configurations other than those described in (1) and (2).

[0123] When each terminal 200 has the above-described configuration (1) or (2), the dimension of the top 233 of the elastically deformable portion 230 of each terminal 200 in the Y-Y' direction can be smaller than the dimension of each of the first end 231 and the second end 232 of the elastically deformable portion 230 of each terminal 200 in the Z-Z' direction. In this case, the Y-direction side end and / or the Y'-direction side end of the top 233 of the elastically deformable portion 230 of each terminal 200 can be cut off (see reference). Figure 4A and Figure 4B Alternatively, the top 233 of the elastically deformable portion 230 of each terminal 200 may have a dimension in the Y-Y' direction that is substantially the same as or greater than the dimension in the Z-Z' direction of each of the first end 231 and the second end 232 of the elastically deformable portion 230 of each terminal 200.

[0124] The first connecting portion 240a and the second connecting portion 240b can be omitted. In this case, the first end 231 of the elastically deformable portion 230 can be connected to the first retainable portion 220a, and the second end 232 of the elastically deformable portion 230 can be connected to the second retainable portion 220b.

[0125] The connector FC also includes a first connector portion FC1. The first connector portion FC1 includes a first body 100a, a first retainable portion 220a of a plurality of terminals 200, and a first contact portion 210a of a plurality of terminals 200. The first connector portion FC1 may also include a first connecting portion 240a of a plurality of terminals 200 (if present).

[0126] The first body 100a only needs to be made of insulating material (e.g., insulating resin, etc.) and is configured to hold a first retainable portion 220a of a plurality of terminals 200 at intervals in the X-X' direction.

[0127] The first body 100a includes a first body main portion 110a. The first body main portion 110a holds first retainable portions 220a of a plurality of terminals 200 at intervals in the X-X' direction. First contact portions 210a of the plurality of terminals 200 protrude or are exposed at least partially from the first body main portion 110a, making them visible from the Y-direction side. The first body main portion 110a and the plurality of terminals 200 may also have one of the following configurations (3-1) to (3-4).

[0128] (3-1) The first main body 110a includes a block 110a1 and a frustum 110a2. The block 110a1 of the first main body 110a extends in the Y-Y' direction and is composed of a polygonal prism (e.g., a quadrangular prism, see reference). Figure 2A It is composed of a hexagonal prism (not shown), a cylinder (not shown), etc. The frustum 110a2 of the main body 110a (see reference) Figure 2A It extends in the Y' direction from the block 110a1 of the first main body 110a.

[0129] The block 110a1 of the first main body 110a has a plurality of retaining holes 111a, which extend through the block 110a1 in the Y-Y' direction and are spaced apart in the X-X' direction. The platform 110a2 of the first main body 110a has a plurality of retaining grooves 112a, which are spaced apart in the X-X' direction and arranged on the Y' direction side relative to the plurality of retaining holes 111a. The plurality of retaining grooves 112a are open in the Y, Y' and Z directions. The first retainable portions 220a of the plurality of terminals 200 are securely received in the plurality of retaining holes 111a and the plurality of retaining grooves 112a from the Y' direction side. Therefore, the first retainable portions 220a of the plurality of terminals 200 are spaced apart in the first body 100a in the X-X' direction. The first contact portions 210a of the plurality of terminals 200 protrude at least partially from the plurality of retaining holes 111a of the first body 100a in the Y direction. For example, the first contact portion 210a of the plurality of terminals 200 may protrude fully from the plurality of retaining holes 111a in the Y direction. Alternatively, the Y' direction side portion of the first contact portion 210a of the plurality of terminals 200 may be accommodated in the plurality of retaining holes 111a, and the Y direction side portion of the first contact portion 210a of the plurality of terminals 200 may protrude from the plurality of retaining holes 111a in the Y direction.

[0130] (3-2) The block 110a1 of the main body 110a may also have a plurality of connecting holes (not shown) on the Y-direction side relative to the plurality of retaining holes 111a. The plurality of connecting holes are arranged at the same intervals as the plurality of retaining holes 111a in the X-X' direction, extend through the plurality of retaining holes 111a, and open in the Y-direction. In this case, the first contact portions 210a of the plurality of terminals 200 are at least partially disposed in the plurality of connecting holes of the first body 100a, and are at least partially exposed or protruding from the plurality of connecting holes in the Y-direction. For example, the first contact portions 210a of the plurality of terminals 200 may be completely accommodated in the plurality of connecting holes, and the entirety or the Y'-direction side portion of the first contact portions 210a of the plurality of terminals 200 may be exposed from the plurality of connecting holes in the Y-direction. Alternatively, the Y'-direction side portion of the first contact portions 210a of the plurality of terminals 200 may be accommodated in the plurality of connecting holes, and the Y-direction side portion of the first contact portions 210a of the plurality of terminals 200 may protrude from the plurality of connecting holes in the Y-direction.

[0131] (3-3) The main body portion 110a may include a plurality of retaining holes 111a or a plurality of retaining grooves 112a (not shown). In this case, the first retainable portions 220a of the plurality of terminals 200 are securely received in the plurality of retaining holes 111a or a plurality of retaining grooves 112a from the Y' direction side. This configuration also allows the first retainable portions 220a of the plurality of terminals 200 to be held in the first body 100a at intervals in the X-X' direction. The first contact portions 210a of the plurality of terminals 200 protrude at least partially from the plurality of retaining holes 111a or a plurality of retaining grooves 112a of the first body 100a in the Y direction. For example, the first contact portions 210a of the plurality of terminals 200 may protrude completely from the plurality of retaining holes 111a or a plurality of retaining grooves 112a in the Y direction. Alternatively, the Y' direction side portion of the first contact portion 210a of the plurality of terminals 200 can be accommodated in the plurality of retaining holes 111a or the plurality of retaining grooves 112a, and the Y direction side portion of the first contact portion 210a of the plurality of terminals 200 can protrude from the plurality of retaining holes 111a or the plurality of retaining grooves 112a in the Y direction. Note that if the plurality of retaining grooves 112a are not provided, the platform body 110a2 can be omitted. If the plurality of retaining holes 111a are not provided, the block body 110a1 can be omitted.

[0132] (3-4) The main body portion 110a may include a plurality of retaining holes 111a or a plurality of retaining grooves 112a and a plurality of connecting holes (not shown). The plurality of connecting holes are disposed in the block 110a1 of the main body portion 110a, arranged at the same intervals in the X-X' direction as the plurality of retaining holes 111a or the plurality of retaining grooves 112a, communicating with the plurality of retaining holes 111a or the plurality of retaining grooves 112a, and opening in the Y direction. In this configuration, the first retainable portions 220a of the plurality of terminals 200 are securely received in the plurality of retaining holes 111a or the plurality of retaining grooves 112a from the Y' direction side. This configuration also allows the first retainable portions 220a of the plurality of terminals 200 to be held at intervals in the first body 100a in the X-X' direction. The first contact portions 210a of the plurality of terminals 200 are at least partially disposed in the plurality of connecting holes of the first body 100a, and are at least partially exposed or protruding from the plurality of connecting holes in the Y direction. For example, the first contact portions 210a of the plurality of terminals 200 can be completely accommodated in the plurality of connection holes, and the entirety or the Y-direction side portion of the first contact portions 210a of the plurality of terminals 200 can be exposed from the plurality of connection holes in the Y direction. Alternatively, the Y'-direction side portion of the first contact portions 210a of the plurality of terminals 200 can be accommodated in the plurality of connection holes, and the Y-direction side portion of the first contact portions 210a of the plurality of terminals 200 can protrude from the plurality of connection holes in the Y direction. In addition, if the plurality of retaining grooves 112a are not provided, the platform body 110a2 can be omitted. If the plurality of retaining holes 111a are not provided, the block body 110a1 can be omitted.

[0133] The first retainable portion 220a of the plurality of terminals 200 is held in the first body 100a, such that the first contact portion 210a, the second contact portion 210b, the elastically deformable portion 230, the first connecting portion 240a (if provided) and the second connecting portion 240b (if provided) of the plurality of terminals 200 are arranged correspondingly at intervals in the X-X' direction.

[0134] The first body 100a may further include a plurality of first spacers 120a. The plurality of first spacers 120a extend from the main portion 110a of the first body in the Z direction and are spaced apart in the X-X' direction. The plurality of first spacers 120a includes multiple sets of two adjacent first spacers 120a adjacent to each other in the X-X' direction. When the plurality of terminals 200 have first connecting portions 240a, each of the first connecting portions 240a of the plurality of terminals 200 is disposed and guided between two adjacent spacers 120a in each set, enabling movement in a direction including at least one directional component. When the plurality of terminals 200 do not have first connecting portions 240a, the plurality of first spacers 120a may be omitted; alternatively, each of the first ends 231 of the elastically deformable portions 230 of the plurality of terminals 200 may be disposed and guided between two adjacent spacers 120a in each set, enabling movement in a direction including at least one directional component.

[0135] The first body 100a may further include a plate 130a and / or a pair of sidewalls 140a. The plate 130a extends from the main portion 110a of the first body in the Y' direction. The pair of sidewalls 140a includes an X-direction sidewall 140a and an X'-direction sidewall 140a. The X-direction sidewall 140a is disposed on the X-direction side relative to the main portion 110a of the first body and the plate 130a. The X'-direction sidewall 140a is disposed on the X'-direction side relative to the main portion 110a of the first body and the plate 130a.

[0136] The connector FC may also include a first housing 300a that is conductive. The first housing 300a may be made of a conductive material (e.g., a metal plate, etc.), or may include an insulating material (e.g., an insulating resin, etc.) and a metal vapor-deposited on the inner or outer surface of the insulating material. The first housing 300a includes a first housing body 310a. In a cross-sectional view along the Z-Z' and X-X' directions, the first housing body 310a has a generally annular shape (polygonal annular shape, e.g., a generally quadrilateral annular shape (see...)). Figures 2A to 3BThe first housing body 310a extends in the Y-Y' direction. The first housing body 310a has an internal shape and internal dimensions in cross-sections along the Z-Z' and X-X' directions that correspond to the external shape and external dimensions of the first body 100a in cross-sections along the Z-Z' and X-X' directions. The first housing body 310a at least partially accommodates the first body 100a from the Y' direction side. Therefore, the first contact portions 210a and the first retainable portions 220a of the plurality of terminals 200 are at least partially disposed inside the first housing body 310a. The dimension of the first housing body 310a in the Y-Y' direction is larger than the dimension of the first body 100a in the Y-Y' direction. The portion of the first housing body 310a relative to the first body 100a on the Y-direction side defines a first connection space. Note that when the first contact portion 210a of the plurality of terminals 200 protrudes at least partially from the first body 100a, the first contact portion 210a is at least partially disposed in the first connection space of the first housing body 310a.

[0137] The first housing 300a may further include at least one first wall 320a. The at least one first wall 320a extends from the first housing body 310a in the Z direction. For example, the at least one first wall 320a may include a pair of first walls 320a. The pair of first walls 320a includes an X-direction side first wall 320a (one of the first walls 320a) and an X'-direction side first wall 320a (the other first wall 320a). The X-direction side first wall 320a and the X'-direction side first wall 320a may be formed by cutting out a portion of the first housing body 310a (e.g., the Z-direction side wall) and bending said portion towards the Z-direction side, or alternatively, may extend in the Z direction from the X-direction side wall and the X'-direction side wall of the first housing body 310a, respectively. The X-direction side first wall 320a is arranged in a relationship spaced apart from the first connection portions 240a of the plurality of terminals 200 and is located on the X-direction side relative to the first connection portions 240a of the plurality of terminals 200. The first wall 320a on the X' direction side is arranged in a relationship spaced apart from the first connection portions 240a of the plurality of terminals 200, and is located on the X' direction side relative to the first connection portions 240a of the plurality of terminals 200. Note that at least one first wall 320a may be a single wall and at least one first wall 320a may be omitted.

[0138] The first outer casing 300a may further include at least one first connecting portion 330a. The at least one first connecting portion 330a may be formed by cutting out a portion of the first outer casing body 310a and bending that portion outwards from the first outer casing body 310a (e.g., to the X-direction side, X'-direction side, or Z'-direction side). Alternatively, the at least one first connecting portion 330a may extend from the Y-direction side end of the first outer casing body 310a and be folded in the Y' direction. Note that... Figures 1A to 3B The at least one first connecting portion 330a shown includes an X-direction side first connecting portion 330a and an X'-direction side first connecting portion 330a. The X-direction side first connecting portion 330a extends from the Y-direction side end of the X-direction side wall of the first housing body 310a and folds towards the X-direction side and the Y'-direction side. The X'-direction side first connecting portion 330a extends from the Y-direction side end of the X'-direction side wall of the first housing body 310a and folds towards the X'-direction side and the Y'-direction side. The X-direction side first connecting portion 330a and the X'-direction side first connecting portion 330a are elastically deformable in a direction that approaches each other in the X-X' direction. Note that at least one first connecting portion 330a may be omitted.

[0139] The first outer casing 300a itself can be omitted.

[0140] The connector FC also includes a second connector portion FC2. The second connector portion FC2 is disposed spaced apart from the first connector portion FC1 and is located on the Z-direction side relative to the first connector portion FC1. When the elastically deformable portions 230 of the plurality of terminals 200 elastically deform in a direction including at least one directional component, the elastic deformation causes the second connector portion FC2 to shift relative to the first connector portion FC1 from its predetermined normal position relative to the first connector portion FC1 in a direction including at least one directional component.

[0141] The second connector section FC2 includes a second body 100b, a second retainable portion 220b of a plurality of terminals 200, and a second contact portion 210b of a plurality of terminals 200. The second connector section FC2 may also include a second connection portion 240b of a plurality of terminals 200 (if provided).

[0142] The second body 100b is made of an insulating material (e.g., insulating resin, etc.) and is disposed spaced apart from the first body 100a and located on the Z-direction side relative to the first body 100a. The second body 100b has a similar structure to the first body 100a. The second body 100b may be identical in shape to the first body 100a and may be oriented to be rotated approximately 180 degrees relative to the first body 100a (see [reference]). Figures 2A to 3BAlternatively, the second body 100b has a similar construction to the first body 100a, but may have a different shape (not shown). The second body 100b differs from the first body 100a in the following respects.

[0143] The second main body portion 110b of the second body 100b holds second retainable portions 220b of a plurality of terminals 200 at intervals in the X-X' direction. Second contact portions 210b of the plurality of terminals 200 protrude at least partially from or are exposed from the second main body portion 110b, making them visible from the Y-direction side. The second main body portion 110b and the plurality of terminals 200 may also have one of the following configurations (4-1) to (4-4).

[0144] (4-1) When the main body portion 110b includes a plurality of retaining holes 111b and a plurality of retaining grooves 112b, the second retainable portions 220b of the plurality of terminals 200 are securely received in the plurality of retaining holes 111b and the plurality of retaining grooves 112b from the Y' direction side. The second contact portions 210b of the plurality of terminals 200 protrude at least partially from the plurality of retaining holes 111b of the second body 100b in the Y direction. For example, the second contact portions 210b of the plurality of terminals 200 may protrude at least partially from the plurality of retaining holes 111b of the second body 100b in the Y direction, similar to the configuration described in (3-1). The plurality of retaining grooves 112b are open in the Y direction, the Y' direction, and the Z' direction.

[0145] (4-2) When the main body portion 110b includes a plurality of retaining holes 111b, a plurality of retaining grooves 112b, and a plurality of connecting holes, the second retainable portions 220b of the plurality of terminals 200 are securely received in the plurality of retaining holes 111b and the plurality of retaining grooves 112b from the Y' direction side. The second contact portions 210b of the plurality of terminals 200 are at least partially disposed in the plurality of connecting holes of the second body 100b, and are at least partially exposed or protruding from the plurality of connecting holes in the Y direction. For example, the second contact portions 210b of the plurality of terminals 200 may be at least partially disposed in the plurality of connecting holes of the second body 100b, and may be at least partially exposed or protruding from the plurality of connecting holes in the Y direction in a manner similar to the configuration described in (3-2) above.

[0146] (4-3) When the main body portion 110b includes a plurality of retaining holes 111b or a plurality of retaining grooves 112b, the second retainable portions 220b of the plurality of terminals 200 are securely received in the plurality of retaining holes 111b or a plurality of retaining grooves 112b from the Y' direction side. The second contact portions 210b of the plurality of terminals 200 protrude at least partially from the plurality of retaining holes 111b or a plurality of retaining grooves 112b of the second body 100b in the Y direction. For example, the second contact portions 210b of the plurality of terminals 200 may protrude at least partially from the plurality of retaining holes 111b or a plurality of retaining grooves 112b of the second body 100b in the Y direction in a manner similar to the configuration described in (3-3).

[0147] (4-4) When the main body portion 110b includes a plurality of retaining holes 111b or a plurality of retaining grooves 112b and a plurality of connecting holes, the second retainable portions 220b of the plurality of terminals 200 are securely received in the plurality of retaining holes 111b or a plurality of retaining grooves 112b from the Y' direction side. The second contact portions 210b of the plurality of terminals 200 are at least partially disposed in the plurality of connecting holes of the second body 100b, and are at least partially exposed or protruding from the plurality of connecting holes in the Y direction. For example, the second contact portions 210b of the plurality of terminals 200 may be at least partially disposed in the plurality of connecting holes of the second body 100b, and may be at least partially exposed or protruding from the plurality of connecting holes in the Y direction in a manner similar to the above-described configuration (3-4).

[0148] The second retainable portion 220b of the plurality of terminals 200 is held in the second body 100b such that the first contact portion 210a, the second contact portion 210b, the elastically deformable portion 230, the first connection portion 240a (if provided) and the second connection portion 240b (if provided) of the plurality of terminals 200 are arranged at intervals in the X-X' direction.

[0149] When the second body 100b also includes a plurality of second partitions 120b, the plurality of second partitions 120b extend from the main portion 110b of the second body in the Z' direction and are arranged at intervals in the X-X' direction. The plurality of second partitions 120b includes multiple sets of two adjacent second partitions 120b that are adjacent in the X-X' direction. When a plurality of terminals 200 are provided with second connection portions 240b, each of the second connection portions 240b of the plurality of terminals 200 is provided and guided between two adjacent partitions 120b in each set, so that it can move in a direction including at least one directional component. When the plurality of terminals 200 are not provided with second connection portions 240b, the plurality of second partitions 120b may be omitted, or alternatively, each of the second ends 232 of the elastically deformable portions 230 of the plurality of terminals 200 may be provided and guided between two adjacent partitions 120b in each set, so that it can move in a direction including at least one directional component.

[0150] The second body 100b may or may not include the plate 130b and / or a pair of sidewalls 140b.

[0151] The second connector portion FC2 may further include a conductive second housing 300b. The second housing 300b has a similar construction to the first housing 300a. The second housing 300b may be identical in shape to the first housing 300a and may be oriented to be rotated approximately 180 degrees relative to the first housing 300a (see [reference]). Figures 1A to 3B Alternatively, the second housing 300b has a similar construction to the first housing 300a, but may have a different shape (not shown). The second housing 300b differs from the first housing 300a in the following ways.

[0152] In the cross-sectional view along the Z-Z' and X-X' directions, the second housing body 310b of the second housing 300b has a generally annular shape (polygonal annular shape, for example, a generally quadrilateral annular shape (see...) Figures 2A to 3BThe second housing body 310b extends in the Y-Y' direction. The second housing body 310b has an internal shape and internal dimensions in cross-sections along the Z-Z' and X-X' directions that correspond to the external shape and external dimensions of the second body 100b in cross-sections along the Z-Z' and X-X' directions. The second housing body 310b at least partially accommodates the second body 100b from the Y' direction side. Therefore, the second contact portion 210b and the second retainable portion 220b of the plurality of terminals 200 are at least partially disposed in the second housing body 310b. The dimension of the second housing body 310b in the Y-Y' direction is larger than the dimension of the second body 100b in the Y-Y' direction. The portion of the second housing body 310b relative to the second body 100b on the Y-direction side defines a second connection space. Note that when the second contact portion 210b of the plurality of terminals 200 protrudes at least partially from the second body 100b, the second contact portion 210b is at least partially disposed in the second connection space of the second housing body 310b.

[0153] The second housing 300b may further include at least one second wall 320b. The at least one second wall 320b extends from the second housing body 310b in the Z' direction. For example, the at least one second wall 320b may include a pair of second walls 320b. The pair of second walls 320b includes an X-direction side second wall 320b (one of the second walls 320b) and an X'-direction side second wall 320b (the other second wall 320b). The X-direction side second wall 320b and the X'-direction side second wall 320b may be formed by cutting out a portion of the second housing body 310b (e.g., the Z'-direction side wall) and bending these portions toward the Z'-direction side, or alternatively, may extend in the Z' direction from the X-direction side wall and the X'-direction side wall of the second housing body 310b, respectively. The X-direction side second wall 320b is arranged in a relationship spaced apart from the second connection portions 240b of the plurality of terminals 200 and is located on the X-direction side relative to the second connection portions 240b of the plurality of terminals 200. The second wall 320b on the X' direction side is provided in a relationship spaced apart from the second connection portions 240b of the plurality of terminals 200, and is located on the X' direction side relative to the second connection portions 240b of the plurality of terminals 200. Note that at least one second wall 320b may be a single wall and at least one second wall 320b may be omitted.

[0154] The second housing 300b may further include at least one second connecting portion 330b. The at least one second connecting portion 330b may be formed by cutting out a portion of the second housing body 310b and bending that portion outwards from the second housing body 310b (e.g., to the X-direction side, X'-direction side, or Z'-direction side). Alternatively, the at least one second connecting portion 330b may extend from the Y-direction side end of the second housing body 310b and be folded in the Y' direction. Note that... Figures 1A to 3B The at least one second connecting portion 330b shown includes a second connecting portion 330b on the X-direction side and a second connecting portion 330b on the X'-direction side. The second connecting portion 330b on the X-direction side extends from the Y-direction side end of the wall on the X-direction side of the second housing body 310b and folds towards the X and Y' directions. The second connecting portion 330b on the X'-direction side extends from the Y-direction side end of the wall on the X'-direction side of the second housing body 310b and folds towards the X' and Y' directions. The second connecting portions 330b on the X-direction side and the second connecting portions 330b on the X'-direction side are elastically deformable in a direction in which they approach each other in the X-X' direction. Note that at least one second connecting portion 330b may also be omitted.

[0155] Note that the second outer casing 300b itself can be omitted.

[0156] The second connector part FC2 may also include a second housing 400. The second housing 400 is made of an insulating material (e.g., insulating resin, etc.) and holds the second outer shell 300b.

[0157] The second housing 400 includes a second housing body 410. The second housing body 410 has a generally U-shaped profile in cross-sectional views along the Z-Z' and X-X' directions (see...). Figures 1A to 3B The second housing body 410 extends in the Y-Y' direction. The second housing body 410 has an internal shape and internal dimensions in cross-sections along the Z-Z' and X-X' directions that correspond to the external shape and external dimensions of the second housing body 310b in cross-sections along the Z-Z' and X-X' directions of the second housing 300b. The second housing body 410 securely accommodates the second housing body 310b from the Y' direction side.

[0158] The second housing body 410 may include a distal portion on the Y-direction side and a rear portion on the Y'-direction side. The distal portion of the second housing body 410 includes a top plate 411 on the Z-direction side, a side wall 412 on the X-direction side, and a side wall 413 on the X'-direction side. The rear portion of the second housing body 410 includes a top plate 414 on the Z-direction side, a side wall 415 on the X-direction side, and a side wall 416 on the X'-direction side. The top plate 414 extends from the top plate 411 in the Y' direction. The side wall 415 extends from the side wall 412 in the Y' direction. The side wall 416 extends from the side wall 413 in the Y' direction. The rear portion of the second housing body 410 may or may not include the rear wall on the Y-direction side. When the second housing body 410 has a generally U-shaped cross-sectional view as described above, at least one second wall 320b of the second outer shell 300b (if provided) extends through the space between side walls 415 and 416 of the second housing body 410, positioned relative to the second housing body 410 on the Z' direction side. When the second housing body 410 has a generally annular shape as described above, the second housing body 410 includes a bottom on the Z' direction side, which is provided with at least one slot extending through the bottom in the Z-Z' direction and opening in the Y direction, and at least one second wall 320b of the second outer shell 300b (if provided) extends through said at least one slot, positioned relative to the second housing body 410 on the Z' direction side.

[0159] The rear wall of the second housing body 410 may be provided with a retaining base 417 extending from the rear wall in the Y direction. The retaining base 417 may abut against the second connection portion 240b of the plurality of terminals 200 from the Y' direction side (if provided), or it may not abut against it. The retaining base 417 faces the top plate 414 and has a first gap 418 between them (see...). Figure 2A The first gap 418 extends within the second housing body 410 in the Y-Y' direction and opens in the Y, X, and X' directions. The dimension of the first gap 418 in the Z-Z' direction is approximately the same as the sum of the dimension of the plate 130b of the second body 100b in the Z-Z' direction and the dimension of the portion of the wall on the Z-direction side of the second housing body 310b (located on the plate 130b) in the Z-direction direction. The first gap 418 suitably and securely receives the portion of the sidewall on the Z-direction side of the plate 130b and the second housing body 310b. The base 417 faces the sidewall 415 with a second gap between them, and faces the sidewall 416 with a third gap between them (see...). Figure 2GThe second gap receives the Y'-direction side portion of the X-direction sidewall 140b of the second body 100b and the Y'-direction side portion of the X-direction sidewall of the second outer shell body 310b on the second body 100b. The third gap receives the Y'-direction side portion of the X'-direction sidewall 140b of the second body 100b and the Y'-direction side portion of the X'-direction sidewall of the second outer shell body 310b on the second body 100b. Note that the retaining base 417 can be omitted.

[0160] The first locking hole 460 may be disposed in the X-direction side portion of the top plate 411 and the side wall 412, and the second locking hole 460 may be disposed in the X'-direction side portion of the top plate 411 and the side wall 413. The first locking hole 460 and the second locking hole 460 extend in the Z-Z' direction and open in the Z' direction. Note that the first locking hole 460 and the second locking hole 460 may be omitted.

[0161] Sidewalls 415 and 416 may each be provided with a first guideable portion 420 and a second guideable portion 420. The first guideable portion 420 and the second guideable portion 420 are recesses or holes respectively provided in sidewalls 415 and 416, and open in the X direction and X' direction respectively. The first guideable portion 420 and the second guideable portion 420 may also open in the Y' direction. Note that the first guideable portion 420 and the second guideable portion 420 may be omitted.

[0162] The top plate 414 may be provided with a shaft 430. The shaft 430 may be a cylinder extending from the top plate 414 in the Z direction and having a shaft hole in its central portion. Alternatively, the shaft 430 may be a shaft hole in the top plate 414. The top plate 414 has a dome-shaped X-direction side locking protrusion 450 in the portion on the X direction side relative to the shaft 430, and a dome-shaped X' direction side locking protrusion 450 in the portion on the X' direction side relative to the shaft 430.

[0163] At the boundary between top plate 411 and top plate 414, a pair of abutting portions 440 protruding in the Z direction may be provided. The pair of abutting portions 440 includes a first abutting portion 440 in the X direction and a second abutting portion 440 in the X' direction. Note that the abutting portions 440 may be omitted.

[0164] The side wall 412 on the X-direction side may be provided with a guide groove extending in the Y-Y' direction on the X-direction side, and the side wall 413 on the X' direction side may be provided with a guide groove extending in the Y-Y' direction on the X' direction side (see...). Figures 1A to 3BIn this case, the second connecting portion 330b on the X-direction side of the second housing 300b is disposed on the X-direction side relative to the sidewall 412 of the second housing body 410, and the distal portion of the second connecting portion 330b on the X-direction side can be guided to move in the Y-Y' direction within the guide groove on the X-direction side. The second connecting portion 330b on the X'-direction side of the second housing 300b is disposed on the X'-direction side relative to the sidewall 413 of the second housing body 410, and the distal portion of the second connecting portion 330b on the X'-direction side can be guided to move in the Y-Y' direction within the guide groove on the X-direction side.

[0165] The rear portion of the second housing body 410 can be integrated with the second body 100b. The second housing 400 itself can be omitted.

[0166] The second connector FC2 may also include a rotating rod 600. The rotating rod 600 has a rod body 610 and a screw or pin 620. The rod body 610 includes a disc and a handle extending from the disc. A shaft hole 611 is provided in the central portion of the disc. When the shaft 430 of the second housing 400 is constructed of the aforementioned cylinder, the shaft 430 is received in the shaft hole 611. In this case, the rod body 610 is rotatable about the shaft 430 on the rear portion of the second housing 400. The screw or pin 620 is fixedly received in the shaft hole of the shaft 430. When the shaft hole in the top plate 414 of the second housing 400 is provided instead of the shaft 430 of the second housing 400, the shaft hole of the second housing 400 communicates with the shaft hole 611 of the rod body 610, and the screw or pin 620 is fixedly received in the shaft 430 and the shaft hole of the second housing 400. In this case, the rod body 610 is rotatable about the screw or pin 620 on the rear portion of the second housing 400.

[0167] A locking groove 613 is provided on the Z' direction side surface of the disc of the rod body 610. The locking groove 613 is generally arc-shaped and surrounds the shaft hole 611. A locking recess 614 is provided on the Z' direction side surface of the distal portion of the handle of the rod body 610. When the rod body 610 is in the locked position (locked state), the locking protrusion 450 on the X direction side of the second housing 400 engages in the locking recess 614 to temporarily lock the rod body 610. When the rod body 610 is in the unlocked position (unlocked state), the locking protrusion 450 on the X' direction side of the second housing 400 engages in the locking recess 614 to temporarily lock the rod body 610. In the locked state, the first abutment portion 440 is located on the Y direction side relative to the handle of the rod body 610 and abuts against the handle from the Y direction side. In the unlocked state, the second abutment portion 440 is located on the Y direction side relative to the handle of the rod body 610 and abuts against the handle from the Y direction side. Therefore, a pair of abutment portions 440 define the rotation range of the rotating rod 600.

[0168] The rod body 610 can be composed of a disc or a handle. In the former case, the locking groove 613 and the locking recess 614 can be provided on the surface of the disc in the Z' direction. In the latter case, the locking groove 613 and the locking recess 614 can be provided on the surface of the handle in the Z' direction.

[0169] Both the second housing 400 and the rotating rod 600 can be omitted. Even when the second housing 400 is provided, the rotating rod 600 can be omitted. In this case, the shaft 430 and the locking protrusion 450 of the second housing 400 are also omitted.

[0170] The connector FC may also include a second retainer 500b. The second retainer 500b is made of insulating resin or the like. The second retainer 500b includes a retainer body 510b, a first locking member 520b, and a second locking member 520b. The retainer body 510b extends in the X-X' direction. The first locking member 520b and the second locking member 520b extend from the retainer body 510b in the Z direction and are spaced apart from each other in the X-X' direction. The first locking member 520b and the second locking member 520b are respectively received in the first locking hole 460 and the second locking hole 460 of the second housing 400 from the Z' direction side, and the distal portions of the first locking member 520b and the second locking member 520b are provided with corresponding lugs that are respectively locked in the first locking hole 460 and the second locking hole 460. In this locked state, the Y-direction side surface of the retainer body 510b abuts against the Y-direction side surface of the first locking hole 460 and the Y-direction side surface of the second housing 400, and the Y'-direction side surface of the retainer body 510b abuts against the Y-direction side surface of the portion of the second body 100b that connects the main portion 110b of the second body and the second separator 120b. Also in the locked state, the retainer body 510b abuts against the second outer shell body 310b of the second outer shell 300b housed in the second housing body 410 of the second housing 400 from the Z'-direction side, or alternatively, the retainer body 510b faces the second outer shell body 310b of the second outer shell 300b housed in the second housing body 410 of the second housing 400 from the Z'-direction side, such that the retainer body 510b is located near the second outer shell body 310b with a gap between them. Therefore, the second retainer 500b can be used to secure the second outer shell body 310b to the second housing body 410. Note that both the second retainer 500b and the second housing 400 can be omitted. Even when the second housing 400 is provided, the second retainer 500b can be omitted.

[0171] The connector FC may also include a first housing 700. The first housing 700 is made of an insulating material (e.g., insulating resin). The first housing 700 includes a first housing body 710, which has a generally U-shaped profile in a cross-sectional view along the X-X' and Y-Y' directions. The first housing body 710 may include a first portion 711, a second portion 712, and a third portion 713. The first portion 711 is a wall on the Y' direction side of the first housing body 710. The second portion 712 is a wall on the X direction side of the first housing body 710 and extends in the Y direction from the end of the first portion 711 on the X direction side. A receiving groove 712a (third receiving groove) extending in the Y-Y' direction may be provided on the side of the second portion 712 on the X direction side. The receiving groove 712a is open in both the Y and X directions. The third portion 713 is a wall on the X' direction side of the first housing body 710 that extends in the Y direction from the end of the first portion 711 on the X' direction side. The third part 713 may have a receiving groove 713a (third receiving groove) extending in the Y-Y' direction on its X' side. The receiving groove 713a is open in both the Y and X' directions. The receiving grooves 712a and 713a may be omitted.

[0172] The first housing 700 also includes a retaining portion 720. The retaining portion 720 is disposed on the Z' direction side of the first housing body 710 and retains the first connector portion FC1.

[0173] The retaining portion 720 has, for example, a generally U-shape in the cross-sectional view along the Z-Z' and X-X' directions (see...). Figures 1A to 3B The retaining portion 720 has an internal shape and internal dimensions in cross-sections along the Z-Z' and X-X' directions that correspond to the external shape and external dimensions of the first housing body 310a of the first housing 300a in cross-sections along the Z-Z' and X-X' directions. The retaining portion 720 securely accommodates the first housing body 310a at least partially from the Y-direction side. Note that if the first housing 300a is omitted, the retaining portion 720 securely accommodates the first body 100a at least partially from the Y-direction side.

[0174] The retaining portion 720 includes a bottom 721 on the Z' direction side, a sidewall 722 on the X direction side, and a sidewall 723 on the X' direction side. The retaining portion 720 includes a distal portion and a rear portion. The distal portion of the retaining portion 720 is formed by corresponding portions of the bottom 721, sidewall 722, and sidewall 723 on the Y direction side, and is located on the Y direction side relative to the first housing body 710. The rear portion of the retaining portion 720 is formed by corresponding portions of the bottom 721, sidewall 722, and sidewall 723 on the Y' direction side, and is located inside the first housing body 710. When the retaining portion 720 has a generally U-shaped cross-sectional view as described above, at least one first wall 320a (if provided) of the first housing 300a extends through the space between the sidewalls 722 and 723 of the retaining portion 720 to be located on the Z direction side relative to the retaining portion 720. In the case where the retaining portion 720 has a generally annular shape in the above cross-sectional view, the retaining portion 720 includes a top on the Z-direction side, the top being provided with at least one slit that extends through the top in the Z-Z' direction and opens in the Y direction, and at least one first wall 320a of the first housing 300a (if provided) extends through the at least one slit to be located on the Z-direction side relative to the retaining portion 720.

[0175] The retaining portion 720 may further include a retaining base 724 extending in the Y direction from the first portion 711 of the first housing 700. The retaining base 724 may abut against the first connection portion 240a of the plurality of terminals 200 from the Y' direction side (if provided), or it may not abut against it. The retaining base 724 faces the bottom 721 (see...). Figure 2A The first gap 725 extends within the retaining portion 720 in the Y-Y' direction and opens in the Y, X, and X' directions. The dimension of the first gap 725 in the Z-Z' direction is approximately the same as the sum of the Z-Z' direction dimension of the plate 130a of the first body 100a and the Z-Z' direction dimension of the portion of the wall on the Z' direction side of the first outer shell body 310a located on the plate 130a in the Y' direction direction. The first gap 725 suitably and securely receives the plate 130a and the portion of the wall on the Z' direction side of the first outer shell body 310a in the Y' direction direction. The retaining base 724 faces the sidewall 722 with a second gap between them, and faces the sidewall 723 with a third gap between them (see reference). Figure 2FThe second gap receives the Y'-direction side portion of the X-direction sidewall 140a of the first body 100a and the Y'-direction side portion of the X-direction sidewall of the first outer shell body 310a on the first body 100a. The third gap receives the Y'-direction side portion of the X'-direction sidewall 140a of the first body 100a and the Y'-direction side portion of the X'-direction sidewall of the first outer shell body 310a on the first body 100a. Note that the retaining base 724 can be omitted.

[0176] The first locking hole 726 may be disposed in the X-direction side portion of the bottom 721 and the sidewall 722, and the second locking hole 726 may be disposed in the X'-direction side portion of the bottom 721 and the sidewall 723. The first locking hole 726 and the second locking hole 726 extend in the Z-Z' direction and open in the Z direction. Note that the first locking hole 726 and the second locking hole 726 may be omitted.

[0177] The side wall 722 on the X-direction side may be provided with a guide groove extending in the Y-Y' direction on the X-direction side, and the side wall 723 on the X' direction side may be provided with a guide groove extending in the Y-Y' direction on the X' direction side (see...). Figures 1A to 3B In this case, the first connecting portion 330a on the X-direction side of the first housing 300a is disposed on the X-direction side relative to the sidewall 722 of the retaining portion 720, and the distal portion of the first connecting portion 330a on the X-direction side can be guided to move in the Y-Y' direction within the guide groove on the X-direction side. The first connecting portion 330a on the X'-direction side of the first housing 300a is disposed on the X'-direction side relative to the sidewall 723 of the retaining portion 720, and the distal portion of the first connecting portion 330a on the X'-direction side can be guided to move in the Y-Y' direction within the guide groove on the X'-direction side.

[0178] The first housing 700 may further include at least one guide 730. The at least one guide 730 movably guides the second connector portion FC2 in a direction including at least one directional component. The at least one guide 730 may include a first guide 730 on the X-direction side and a second guide 730 on the X'-direction side.

[0179] With the first guideable portion 420 and the second guideable portion 420 of the second housing 400 provided, the first guide 730 is a protrusion protruding from the second portion 712 of the first housing body 710 toward the X' direction side, and is received in the first guideable portion 420 from the X direction side so as to be movable in a direction including at least one directional component, and the second guide 730 is a protrusion protruding from the third portion 713 of the first housing body 710 toward the X direction side, and is received in the second guideable portion 420 from the X' direction side so as to be movable in a direction including at least one directional component (see...). Figure 2B and Figure 2G Therefore, the first guide 730 and the second guide 730 movably guide the second housing 400 (i.e., the second connector portion FC2) in a direction including at least one directional component. When the first guide 730 and the second guide 730 are respectively movable in the first guideable portion 420 and the second guideable portion 420 in a direction including a Z-Z' direction component, the dimension of the first guide 730 in the Z-Z' direction is smaller than the dimension of the first guideable portion 420 in the Z-Z' direction, and the dimension of the second guide 730 in the Z-Z' direction is smaller than the dimension of the second guideable portion 420 in the Z-Z' direction. The linear distance in the Z-Z' direction between the Z-direction side surface of the first guide 730 and the Z'-direction side surface of the first guideable portion 420, and the linear distance in the Z-Z' direction between the Z-direction side surface of the second guide 730 and the Z'-direction side surface of the second guideable portion 420, can each be set to a limit or can each be greater than the range of movement of the second connector portion FC2 relative to the first connector portion FC1 in a direction including the Z-direction component.

[0180] When the first guide 730 and the second guide 730 are respectively movable in the first guideable portion 420 and the second guideable portion 420 in a direction including the X-X' direction component, the dimension of the first guide 730 in the X-X' direction is smaller than the dimension of the first guideable portion 420 in the X-X' direction, and the dimension of the second guide 730 in the X-X' direction is smaller than the dimension of the second guideable portion 420 in the X-X' direction. The straight-line distance in the X-X' direction between the X' direction side surface of the first guide 730 and the X' direction side surface of the first guideable portion 420, and the straight-line distance in the X-X' direction between the X' direction side surface of the second guide 730 and the X' direction side surface of the second guideable portion 420, can each be set to be limited or can each be greater than the range of movement of the second connector portion FC2 relative to the first connector portion FC1 in a direction including the X-X' direction component.

[0181] When the first guide 730 and the second guide 730 are respectively movable in the first guideable portion 420 and the second guideable portion 420 in a direction including the Y-Y' direction component, the dimension of the first guide 730 in the Y-Y' direction is smaller than the dimension of the first guideable portion 420 in the Y-Y' direction, and the dimension of the second guide 730 in the Y-Y' direction is smaller than the dimension of the second guideable portion 420 in the Y-Y' direction. The straight-line distance in the Y-Y' direction between the Y-direction side surface of the first guide 730 and the Y'-direction side surface of the first guideable portion 420, and the straight-line distance in the Y-Y' direction between the Y-direction side surface of the second guide 730 and the Y'-direction side surface of the second guideable portion 420, can each be set to be limited or can each be greater than the range of movement of the second connector portion FC2 relative to the first connector portion FC1 in a direction including the Y-direction component.

[0182] Note that the second housing 400 may be provided with a first guide 730 and a second guide 730, and the second part 712 and the third part 713 of the first housing body 710 may be provided with a first guideable part 420 and a second guideable part 420, respectively.

[0183] When the first housing 700 is provided with a first guide 730 and a second guide 730 but neither the first guideable portion 420 nor the second guideable portion 420 is provided, the first guide 730 and the second guide 730 are guide recesses or guide holes respectively provided in the second portion 712 and the third portion 713 of the first housing body 710, and are respectively received in the sidewalls 415 and 416 of the second housing 400 in a direction that includes at least one directional component. In other words, the sidewalls 415 and 416 of the second housing 400 are respectively received in the first guide 730 and the second guide 730 in a direction that allows them to move in a direction that includes at least one directional component. When sidewalls 415 and 416 are movable in the first guide 730 and the second guide 730 in a direction including a component of the Z-Z' direction, the dimension of the first guide 730 in the Z-Z' direction is larger than the dimension of the sidewall 415 in the Z-Z' direction, and the dimension of the second guide 730 in the Z-Z' direction is larger than the dimension of the second guideable portion 420 (or sidewall 416) in the Z-Z' direction. When sidewalls 415 and 416 are movable in the first guide 730 and the second guide 730 in a direction including a component of the X-X' direction, the dimension of the first guide 730 in the X-X' direction is larger than the dimension of the sidewall 415 in the X-X' direction, and the dimension of the second guide 730 in the X-X' direction is larger than the dimension of the second guideable portion 420 (or sidewall 416) in the X-X' direction. When the sidewalls 415 and 416 are movable in the first guide 730 and the second guide 730 in a direction including a component of the Y-Y' direction, the dimension of the first guide 730 in the Y-Y' direction is larger than the dimension of the sidewall 415 in the Y-Y' direction, and the dimension of the second guide 730 in the Y-Y' direction is larger than the dimension of the second guideable portion 420 (or the sidewall 416) in the Y-Y' direction.

[0184] When the second housing 400 is omitted, the first guide 730 and the second guide 730 are guide recesses or guide holes respectively provided in the second portion 712 and the third portion 713 of the first housing body 710, and respectively accommodate the X-direction side and X'-direction side ends of the second connector portion FC2 (the X-direction side and X'-direction side ends of the second housing body 310b of the second housing 300b of the second connector portion FC2 (if the second housing 300b is provided), or alternatively, the X-direction side and X'-direction side ends of the second main body main portion 110b of the second body 100b of the second connector portion FC2) in a direction that can be moved in a direction that includes at least one directional component. In other words, the X-direction side and X'-direction side ends of the second connector portion FC2 are respectively accommodated in the first guide 730 and the second guide 730 in a direction that can be moved in a direction that includes at least one directional component. When the ends of the second connector portion FC2 on the X-direction side and X'-direction side are movable in the first guide 730 and the second guide 730 respectively in a direction including the Z-Z' direction component, the dimension of the first guide 730 in the Z-Z' direction is larger than the dimension of the end of the second connector portion FC2 on the X-direction side in the Z-Z' direction, and the dimension of the second guide 730 in the Z-Z' direction is larger than the dimension of the end of the second connector portion FC2 on the X'-direction side in the Z-Z' direction. When the ends of the second connector portion FC2 on the X-direction side and X'-direction side are movable in the first guide 730 and the second guide 730 respectively in a direction including the X-X' direction component, the dimension of the first guide 730 in the X-X' direction is larger than the dimension of the end of the second connector portion FC2 on the X-direction side in the X-X' direction, and the dimension of the second guide 730 in the X-X' direction is larger than the dimension of the end of the second connector portion FC2 on the X'-direction side in the X-X' direction. When the ends of the second connector portion FC2 on the X-direction side and the X'-direction side can move in the first guide 730 and the second guide 730 respectively in a direction including the Y-Y' direction component, the dimension of the first guide 730 in the Y-Y' direction is larger than the dimension of the end of the second connector portion FC2 on the X-direction side in the Y-Y' direction, and the dimension of the second guide 730 in the Y-Y' direction is larger than the dimension of the end of the second connector portion FC2 on the X'-direction side in the Y-Y' direction.

[0185] The first guideable portion 420 and the second guideable portion 420 may be respectively disposed in the X-direction side end and the X'-direction side end of the second housing body 310b of the second housing 300b of the second connector portion FC2 (if the second housing 300b is provided) and / or respectively disposed in the X-direction side end and the X'-direction side end of the second main body main portion 110b of the second body 100b of the second connector portion FC2.

[0186] Note that the above-mentioned at least one guide 730 can be a single guide 730. The above-mentioned at least one guide 730 can be omitted.

[0187] The first housing 700 may further include a plurality of spacers 740. The plurality of spacers 740 extend from a first portion 711 of the first housing 700 in the Y direction and are spaced apart in the X-X' direction. The plurality of spacers 740 includes multiple sets of two adjacent spacers 740 adjacent to each other in the X-X' direction. The top 233 of each elastically deformable portion 230 of the plurality of terminals 200 is disposed between two adjacent spacers 740 in each set. Each of the tops 233 of the elastically deformable portions 230 of the plurality of terminals 200 may be guided between two adjacent spacers 740 in each set so as to be movable in a direction including at least one directional component, but this is not required. The plurality of spacers 740 may be omitted.

[0188] The first housing 700 may also include a locking arm 750. The locking arm 750 is disposed in the bottom 721 of the retaining portion 720 of the first housing 700 and extends in the Y direction. The locking arm 750 may be omitted.

[0189] When the second connector portion FC2 is configured to be unable to displace in the Z-Z' direction, the first housing 700 may include a first limiting wall (not shown) that abuts against the second end 232 of the elastically deformable portion 230 of the second connector portion FC2 or the plurality of terminals 200 from the Z-direction side and the Z'-direction side to limit the displacement of the second end 232 in the Z-Z' direction. The first limiting wall may be configured not to prevent the second end 232 of the elastically deformable portion 230 of the second connector portion FC2 or the plurality of terminals 200 from displace in the X-X' and Y-Y' directions. When the second connector portion FC2 is configured to be unable to displace in the X-X' direction, the first housing 700 may include a second limiting wall (not shown) that abuts against the second end 232 of the elastically deformable portion 230 of the second connector portion FC2 or the plurality of terminals 200 from the X-direction side and the X'-direction side to limit the displacement of the second end 232 in the X-X' direction. The second limiting wall can be configured not to prevent the second end 232 of the elastically deformable portion 230 of the second connector portion FC2 or the plurality of terminals 200 from displacing in the Z-Z' and Y-Y' directions. If the second connector portion FC2 is configured not to displace in the Y-Y' direction, the first housing 700 may include a third limiting wall (not shown) that abuts against the elastically deformable portion 230 of the plurality of terminals 200 from the Y-direction side and the Y'-direction side to limit the second end 232 from displacing in the Y-Y' direction. The third limiting wall can be configured not to prevent the second end 232 of the elastically deformable portion 230 of the second connector portion FC2 or the plurality of terminals 200 from displacing in the Z-Z' and X-X' directions.

[0190] The first housing 700 itself can be omitted.

[0191] The connector FC may also include a first retainer 500a. The first retainer 500a is made of an insulating resin or the like. The first retainer 500a includes a retainer body 510a, a first locking member 520a, and a second locking member 520a. The retainer body 510a extends in the X-X' direction. The first locking member 520a and the second locking member 520a extend from the retainer body 510a in the Z' direction and are spaced apart from each other in the X-X' direction. The first locking member 520a and the second locking member 520a are respectively received from the Z-direction side in the first locking hole 726 and the second locking hole 726 of the retaining portion 720 of the first housing 700, and the distal portions of the first locking member 520a and the second locking member 520a are provided with corresponding lugs that are respectively locked in the first locking hole 726 and the second locking hole 726. In this locked state, the Y-direction side surface of the retainer body 510a abuts against the Y-direction side surface of the first locking hole 726 and the Y-direction side surface of the second locking hole 726 of the retaining portion 720, and the Y'-direction side surface of the retainer body 510a abuts against the Y'-direction side surface of the portion of the first body 100a that connects the main portion 110a of the first body and the first separator 120a. Furthermore, in the locked state, the retainer body 510a abuts against the first outer shell body 310a of the first outer shell 300a held in the retaining portion 720 from the Z-direction side, or alternatively, the retainer body 510a faces the first outer shell body 310a of the first outer shell 300a held in the retaining portion 720 from the Z-direction side, such that the retainer body 510a is located near the first outer shell body 310a with a gap between them. Therefore, the first retainer 500a can be used to secure the first outer shell body 310a to the retaining portion 720 of the first housing 700. Note that both the first retainer 500a and the first housing 700 can be omitted. Even when the first housing 700 is provided, the first retainer 500a can be omitted.

[0192] The connector FC may also include a first shielding element 800 that is conductive. The first shielding element 800 may be made of a conductive material (e.g., a metal plate, etc.), or may include an insulating material (e.g., an insulating resin, etc.) and a metal vapor-deposited on the inner or outer surface of the insulating material. The first shielding element 800 includes a first shielding element body 810, which has a generally U-shaped profile in a cross-sectional view along the X-X' and Y-Y' directions. The first shielding element body 810 may include a first shielding element portion 811, a second shielding element portion 812, and a third shielding element portion 813.

[0193] The first shielding portion 811 is a plate on the Y' direction side of the first shielding body 810. When the first housing 700 is provided, the first shielding portion 811 abuts against the first portion 711 of the first housing 700 from the Y' direction side, and covers the first portion 711, the first connector portion FC1, the second connector portion FC2, and the elastically deformable portions 230 of the plurality of terminals 200 from the Y' direction side. When the first housing 700 is not provided, the first shielding portion 811 is configured to cover the first connector portion FC1, the second connector portion FC2, and the elastically deformable portions 230 of the plurality of terminals 200 from the Y' direction side.

[0194] The second shielding portion 812 is a plate on the X-direction side of the first shielding body 810, and extends in the Y direction from the end of the first shielding portion 811 on the X-direction side. When the first housing 700 is provided, the second shielding portion 812 abuts against the second portion 712 of the first housing 700 from the X-direction side, and covers the second portion 712, the first connector portion FC1, the second connector portion FC2, and the elastically deformable portions 230 of the plurality of terminals 200 from the X-direction side. When the first housing 700 is not provided, the second shielding portion 812 is configured to cover the first connector portion FC1, the second connector portion FC2, and the elastically deformable portions 230 of the plurality of terminals 200 from the X-direction side.

[0195] The third shielding portion 813 is a plate on the X' direction side of the first shielding body 810, and extends in the Y direction from the end of the first shielding portion 811 on the X' direction side. When the first housing 700 is provided, the third shielding portion 813 abuts against the third portion 713 of the first housing 700 from the X' direction side, and covers the third portion 713, the first connector portion FC1, the second connector portion FC2, and the elastically deformable portions 230 of the plurality of terminals 200 from the X' direction side. When the first housing 700 is not provided, the third shielding portion 813 is configured to cover the first connector portion FC1, the second connector portion FC2, and the elastically deformable portions 230 of the plurality of terminals 200 from the X' direction side.

[0196] When the first housing 700 is provided, the first shield 800 may include a plurality of locking elements. The plurality of locking elements includes at least one set of locking elements selected from a plurality of first locking elements 820, a plurality of second locking elements 830, a plurality of third locking elements 840, and a plurality of fourth locking elements 850.

[0197] Each first locking member 820 is a bent member provided at the end of the first shielding body 810 on the Z' direction side, and abuts against the first housing body 710 of the first housing 700 from the Z' direction side. Figures 1A to 3BThe first locking member 820 shown is a plate-shaped member, with two plate-shaped members disposed at the Z' direction end of the second shielding portion 812 of the first shielding body 810, and the other two plate-shaped members disposed at the Z' direction end of the third shielding portion 813 of the first shielding body 810. The two first locking members 820 at the second shielding portion 812 abut against the second portion 712 of the first housing body 710 from the Z' direction side, and the two first locking members 820 at the third shielding portion 813 abut against the third portion 713 of the first housing body 710 from the Z' direction side.

[0198] Each second locking member 830 is a bent member located at the end of the first shielding body 810 on the Z-direction side, and abuts against the first housing body 710 of the first housing 700 from the Z-direction side. Figures 1A to 3B The second locking member 830 shown is a hook-shaped member, one of which is located at the Z-direction end of the second shielding portion 812 of the first shielding body 810, and the other hook-shaped member is located at the Z-direction end of the third shielding portion 813 of the first shielding body 810. The second locking member 830 at the second shielding portion 812 hooks onto the second portion 712 of the first housing body 710 from the Z-direction side, and the second locking member 830 at the third shielding portion 813 hooks onto the third portion 713 of the first housing body 710 from the Z-direction side.

[0199] Each third locking member 840 is a generally L-shaped bend provided at the end of the first shielding body 810 on the Y-direction side, and abuts against the first housing body 710 of the first housing 700 from the Y-direction side. Figures 1A to 3B The third locking member 840 shown is a hook-shaped member, one of which is located at the end of the second shielding portion 812 of the first shielding body 810 on the Y-direction side, and the other hook-shaped member is located at the end of the third shielding portion 813 of the first shielding body 810 on the Y-direction side. The third locking member 840 at the second shielding portion 812 hooks onto the second portion 712 of the first housing body 710 from the Y-direction side, and the third locking member 840 at the third shielding portion 813 hooks onto the third portion 713 of the first housing body 710 from the Y-direction side.

[0200] Each fourth locking member 850 is a bent member provided at the end of the first shielding member body 810 on the Y-direction side, and abuts against the first housing body 710 of the first housing 700 from the Y-direction side. Figures 1A to 3BThe fourth locking member 850 shown is a plate-shaped member, one of which is located at the end of the second shielding portion 812 of the first shielding body 810 on the Y-direction side, and the other plate-shaped member is located at the end of the third shielding portion 813 of the first shielding body 810 on the Y-direction side. The fourth locking member 850 at the second shielding portion 812 abuts against the second portion 712 of the first housing body 710 from the Y-direction side, and the fourth locking member 850 at the third shielding portion 813 abuts against the third portion 713 of the first housing body 710 from the Y-direction side.

[0201] Note that multiple locking components can be omitted. The first shielding component 800 itself can also be omitted.

[0202] The connector FC may also include a second shield 900. The second shield 900 may be made of a conductive material (e.g., a metal plate, etc.), or may include an insulating material (e.g., an insulating resin, etc.) and a metal vapor-deposited on the inner or outer surface of the insulating material. The second shield 900 may be electrically connected to the first shield 800 (if provided).

[0203] The second shielding member 900 includes a second shielding member body 910, which has a plate-like shape extending in the Z-Z' and X-X' directions. The second shielding member body 910 is disposed between the first connector portion FC1 and the second connector portion FC2, and covers the elastically deformable portions 230 of the plurality of terminals 200 from the Y-direction side. The second shielding member body 910 is located on the Y-direction side relative to the first shielding member portion 811 of the first shielding member body 810.

[0204] With at least one second wall 320b provided with the second housing 300b, in the state where the second connector portion FC2 is in its normal position, the second shielding body 910 can be disposed on the Y-direction side relative to at least one second wall 320b, and at a predetermined distance (a predetermined straight-line distance in the Y-Y' direction) from at least one second wall 320b. When the second connector portion FC2 shifts in the Y-direction to this predetermined distance, at least one second wall 320b thereby abuts against the second shielding body 910. Therefore, the displacement of the second connector portion FC2 in the Y-direction side is limited to this predetermined distance. Note that the second shielding body 910 can be disposed at a distance greater than the predetermined distance from at least one second wall 320b.

[0205] When the first housing 300a is provided, at least one of the first shielding member 800 or the second shielding member 900 may include at least one first connecting portion 920a. The at least one first connecting portion 920a only needs to be electrically connected to the first housing 300a.

[0206] At least one first connection portion 920a may be, for example, at least one spring extending from at least one shield to another shield, and may contact the first housing 300a.

[0207] In the case where at least one first connection portion 920a is located at the second shield 900 (see...) Figures 1A to 3B At least one first connecting portion 920a may be at least one spring member extending from the second shielding body 910 in the Y' direction and may resiliently contact at least one first wall 320a (if provided) or first housing body 310a of the first housing 300a from the X direction side or X' direction side. At least one first connecting portion 920a may be bent to have a fully or partially generally V-shape, the generally V-shape protruding toward at least one first wall 320a (if provided) or first housing body 310a of the first housing 300a. Alternatively, at least one first connecting portion 920a may be bent to have a fully or partially generally arcuate shape, the generally arcuate shape protruding toward at least one first wall 320a (if provided) or first housing body 310a of the first housing 300a.

[0208] At least one first connecting portion 920a may include a pair of first connecting portions 920a, and the pair of first connecting portions 920a may include a first connecting portion 920a on the X-direction side (main first connecting portion 920a) and a first connecting portion 920a on the X'-direction side (secondary first connecting portion 920a). In this case, the first connecting portion 920a on the X-direction side may extend from the end of the second shielding body 910 on the X-direction side in the Y' direction, and may resiliently contact the first wall 320a (if provided) or the first housing body 310a on the X-direction side from the X-direction side; and the first connecting portion 920a on the X'-direction side may extend from the end of the second shielding body 910 on the X'-direction side in the Y' direction, and may resiliently contact the first wall 320a (if provided) or the first housing body 310a on the X'-direction side from the X'-direction side.

[0209] When at least one first connecting portion 920a is provided at the first shield 800 (not shown), the at least one first connecting portion 920a may be at least one spring member extending from the first shield body 810 to the first housing 300a, and may elastically contact at least one first wall 320a (if provided) or the first housing body 310a of the first housing 300a from the X-direction side or the X'-direction side. The at least one first connecting portion 920a may extend through at least one first through-hole, at least one first recess, etc., provided in the first housing body 710 of the first housing 700 to elastically contact at least one first wall 320a (if provided) or the first housing body 310a of the first housing 300a from the X-direction side or the X'-direction side. The at least one first connecting portion 920a may be bent to have a fully or partially generally V-shape, which protrudes toward at least one first wall 320a (if provided) or the first housing body 310a of the first housing 300a. Alternatively, at least one first connecting portion 920a may be bent to have a generally arcuate shape, either fully or partially, protruding toward at least one first wall 320a (if provided) of the first housing 300a or the first housing body 310a.

[0210] In the case where at least one first connecting portion 920a includes an X-direction side first connecting portion 920a and an X'-direction side first connecting portion 920a, the X-direction side first connecting portion 920a extends from the Y-direction side end of the second shielding portion 812 of the first shielding body 810 and folds towards the X'-direction side and the Y'-direction side, and elastically contacts the X-direction side first wall 320a (if provided) or the first housing body 310a from the X-direction side; and the X'-direction side first connecting portion 920a extends from the Y-direction side end of the third shielding portion 813 of the first shielding body 810 and folds towards the X-direction side and the Y'-direction side, and elastically contacts the X'-direction side first wall 320a (if provided) or the first housing body 310a from the X'-direction side.

[0211] Regardless of whether at least one first connecting portion 920a is disposed at the first shield 800 or the second shield 900, when at least one first connecting portion 920a is in elastic contact with the first housing body 310a held by the retaining portion 720, the retaining portion 720 may be provided with at least one first receiving groove to receive at least one first connecting portion 920a. The at least one first receiving groove opens toward the first housing body 310a in the Y direction. When at least one first connecting portion 920a comprises a pair of first connecting portions 920a, an X-direction-side first receiving groove is provided on the X-direction-side sidewall of the retaining portion 720, and an X'-direction-side first receiving groove is provided on the X'-direction-side sidewall of the retaining portion 720.

[0212] When a second housing 300b is provided, at least one of the first shielding member 800 or the second shielding member 900 may include at least one second connecting portion 920b. The at least one second connecting portion 920b only needs to be electrically connected to the second housing 300b.

[0213] At least one second connection portion 920b may be, for example, at least one spring extending from at least one shield to another shield, and may contact the second housing 300b.

[0214] In the case where at least one second connection portion 920b is disposed in the second shield 900 (see...) Figures 1A to 3B At least one second connecting portion 920b may be at least one spring member extending from the second shielding body 910 in the Y' direction and may resiliently contact at least one second wall 320b (if provided) or second housing body 310b of the second housing 300b from the X direction side or X' direction side. At least one second connecting portion 920b may be bent to have a fully or partially generally V-shape, the generally V-shape protruding toward at least one second wall 320b (if provided) or second housing body 310b of the second housing 300b. Alternatively, at least one second connecting portion 920b may be bent to have a fully or partially generally arcuate shape, the generally arcuate shape protruding toward at least one second wall 320b (if provided) or second housing body 310b of the second housing 300b.

[0215] At least one second connecting portion 920b may include a pair of second connecting portions 920b, and the pair of second connecting portions 920b may include a second connecting portion 920b on the X-direction side (main second connecting portion 920b) and a second connecting portion 920b on the X'-direction side (sub-second connecting portion 920b). In this case, the second connecting portion 920b on the X-direction side may extend from the end of the second shielding body 910 on the X-direction side in the Y' direction, and may resiliently contact the second wall 320b (if provided) or the second housing body 310b on the X-direction side from the X-direction side; and the second connecting portion 920b on the X'-direction side may extend from the end of the second shielding body 910 on the X'-direction side in the Y' direction, and may resiliently contact the second wall 320b (if provided) or the second housing body 310b on the X'-direction side from the X'-direction side.

[0216] With at least one second connecting portion 920b disposed at the first shield 800 (not shown), the at least one second connecting portion 920b may be at least one spring member extending from the first shield body 810 to the second housing 300b, and may resiliently contact at least one second wall 320b (if disposed) or second housing body 310b of the second housing 300b from the X-direction side or the X'-direction side. The at least one second connecting portion 920b may be bent to have a fully or partially generally V-shape, the generally V-shape protruding toward at least one second wall 320b (if disposed) or second housing body 310b of the second housing 300b. Alternatively, the at least one second connecting portion 920b may be bent to have a fully or partially generally arcuate shape, the generally arcuate shape protruding toward at least one second wall 320b (if disposed) or second housing body 310b of the second housing 300b. At least one second connecting portion 920b may extend through at least one second through hole, at least one second recess, etc., provided in the first housing body 710 of the first housing 700 to resiliently contact at least one second wall 320b (if provided) or second housing body 310b of the second housing 300b from the X direction side or the X' direction side.

[0217] In the case where at least one second connecting portion 920b includes a second connecting portion 920b on the X-direction side and a second connecting portion 920b on the X'-direction side, the second connecting portion 920b on the X-direction side can extend from the end of the second shielding portion 812 of the first shielding body 810 on the Y-direction side, can be folded toward the X'-direction side and the Y'-direction side, and can elastically contact the second wall 320b (if provided) or the second housing body 310b on the X-direction side from the X-direction side; and the second connecting portion 920b on the X'-direction side can extend from the end of the third shielding portion 813 of the first shielding body 810 on the Y-direction side, can be folded toward the X-direction side and the Y'-direction side, and can elastically contact the second wall 320b (if provided) or the second housing body 310b on the X'-direction side from the X'-direction side.

[0218] Regardless of whether at least one second connecting portion 920b is disposed at the first shield 800 or the second shield 900, when at least one second connecting portion 920b is in elastic contact with the second outer shell body 310b that fits within the second shell body 410, the second shell body 410 may be provided with at least one second receiving groove to receive at least one second connecting portion 920b. The at least one second receiving groove opens toward the second outer shell body 310b in the Y direction. When at least one second connecting portion 920b comprises a pair of second connecting portions 920b, an X-direction-side second receiving groove is provided in the X-direction-side sidewall of the second outer shell body 310b, and an X'-direction-side second receiving groove is provided in the X'-direction-side sidewall of the second outer shell body 310b. Note that at least one second connecting portion 920b may be omitted.

[0219] When the first shield 800 and the second shield 900 are electrically connected to each other, at least one of the first shield 800 or the second shield 900 may include at least one third connection portion 930. The at least one third connection portion 930 only needs to be electrically connected to the other shield.

[0220] At least one third connection portion 930 is, for example, at least one spring member extending from at least one shield member and in contact with another shield member.

[0221] In the case where at least one third connection portion 930 is provided at the second shield 900 (see...) Figures 1A to 3BAt least one third connecting portion 930 may be at least one spring member extending from the second shielding body 910 in the Y' direction and may elastically contact the first shielding body 810 of the first shielding 800 from the X-direction side or the X'-direction side. At least one third connecting portion 930 may be bent to have a generally V-shape, either fully or partially (e.g., the distal portion on the Y'-direction side), protruding toward the first shielding body 810 of the first shielding 800, or may be bent to have a generally arcuate shape, either fully or partially (e.g., the distal portion on the Y'-direction side), protruding toward the first shielding body 810 of the first shielding 800.

[0222] At least one third connecting portion 930 may include a pair of third connecting portions 930, and the pair of third connecting portions 930 may include a third connecting portion 930 on the X-direction side (main third connecting portion 930) and a third connecting portion 930 on the X'-direction side (sub-third connecting portion 930). In this case, the third connecting portion 930 on the X-direction side may extend from the end of the second shielding body 910 on the X-direction side in the Y' direction, be received in the receiving groove 712a of the second portion 712 from the Y-direction side, and be in elastic contact with the second shielding portion 812 of the first shielding body 810 from the X'-direction side; and the third connecting portion 930 on the X'-direction side may extend from the end of the second shielding body 910 on the X'-direction side in the Y' direction, be received in the receiving groove 713a of the third portion 713 from the Y-direction side, and be in elastic contact with the third shielding portion 813 of the first shielding body 810 from the X-direction side. The third connecting portion 930 on the X-direction side may include a pair of locking protrusions protruding in the Z-direction and Z'-direction respectively, but this is not mandatory. When the third connecting portion 930 on the X-direction side is received in the receiving groove 712a, the pair of locking protrusions of the third connecting portion 930 can be locked to the walls on the Z-direction and Z'-direction sides of the receiving groove 712a respectively. The third connecting portion 930 on the X'-direction side may include a pair of locking protrusions protruding in the Z-direction and Z'-direction respectively, but this is not mandatory. When the third connecting portion 930 on the X'-direction side is received in the receiving groove 713a, the pair of locking protrusions of the third connecting portion 930 can be locked to the walls on the Z-direction and Z'-direction sides of the receiving groove 713a respectively.

[0223] The second shielding portion 812 of the first shielding body 810 may be provided with a protrusion 812a protruding in the X' direction (see...). Figure 3AThe protrusion 812a is located in the receiving groove 712a. The distal portion of the third connecting portion 930 on the X-direction side can be configured not to contact the second shielding portion 812 from the moment it is inserted into the receiving groove 712a until it is fully received in the receiving groove 712a (before reaching the protrusion 812a of the second shielding portion 812), with a gap between them, but when fully received in the receiving groove 712a (in the state of having reached the protrusion 812a of the second shielding portion 812), it can elastically contact the protrusion 812a of the second shielding portion 812 from the X' direction side. Alternatively, the distal portion of the third connecting portion 930 on the X-direction side can be configured to resiliently contact the second shielding portion 812 from the moment it begins to be inserted into the receiving groove 712a until it is fully received in the receiving groove 712a, and when fully received in the receiving groove 712a (in the state of having reached the protrusion 812a of the second shielding portion 812), it can resiliently contact the protrusion 812a of the second shielding portion 812 from the X' direction side. In either case, the third connecting portion 930 on the X-direction side provides increased contact pressure against the second shielding portion 812. In the state where the third connecting portion 930 on the X-direction side has reached the protrusion 812a of the second shielding portion 812, the third connecting portion 930 on the X-direction side can be locked in the receiving groove 712a in the manner described above. The third shielding portion 813 of the first shielding body 810 may be provided with a protrusion 813a protruding towards the X-direction side (see Figure 3AThe protrusion 813a is located in the receiving groove 713a. The distal portion of the third connecting portion 930 on the X' direction side can be configured not to contact the third shielding portion 813 of the first shielding body 810 from the moment it is inserted into the receiving groove 713a until it is fully received in the receiving groove 713a (before reaching the protrusion 813a of the third shielding portion 813), with a gap between them, but when fully received in the receiving groove 713a (in the state of having reached the protrusion 813a of the third shielding portion 813), it can elastically contact the protrusion 813a of the third shielding portion 813 from the X direction side. Alternatively, the distal portion of the third connecting portion 930 on the X' direction side can be configured to resiliently contact the third shielding portion 813 of the first shielding body 810 from the moment it begins to be inserted into the receiving groove 713a until it is fully received in the receiving groove 713a, and to resiliently contact the protrusion 813a of the third shielding portion 813 from the X direction side when fully received in the receiving groove 713a (in the state of having reached the protrusion 813a of the third shielding portion 813). In either case, the third connecting portion 930 on the X' direction side provides increased contact pressure against the third shielding portion 813. In the state where the third connecting portion 930 on the X' direction side has reached the protrusion 813a of the third shielding portion 813, the third connecting portion 930 on the X' direction side can be locked in the receiving groove 713a in the manner described above. Note that protrusions 812a and 813a can be omitted.

[0224] The third connecting portion 930 on the X-direction side includes a bent portion that bends approximately 90 degrees relative to the second shielding body 910. The bent portion may have a window 940 formed through it. The third connecting portion 930 on the X'-direction side also includes a bent portion that bends approximately 90 degrees relative to the second shielding body 910. The bent portion may have a window 940 formed through it. Each end face of the window 940 on the Y'-direction side acts as a pressing surface, so that it is pressed from the Y-direction side by a clamp when the third connecting portion 930 on the X-direction side is inserted into the receiving groove 712a and the third connecting portion 930 on the X'-direction side is inserted into the receiving groove 713a. The window 940 may be omitted.

[0225] Alternatively, the third connecting portion 930 on the X-direction side may extend from the end of the second shielding body 910 on the X-direction side in the Y' direction and elastically contact the second shielding portion 812 of the first shielding body 810 from the X' direction side, and the third connecting portion 930 on the X' direction side may extend from the end of the second shielding body 910 on the X' direction side in the Y' direction and elastically contact the third shielding portion 813 of the first shielding body 810 from the X-direction side.

[0226] When at least one third connecting portion 930 is provided at the first shield 800 (not shown), the at least one third connecting portion 930 may be at least one spring member extending from the first shield body 810 to the second shield body 910 and may elastically contact the second shield body 910. For example, at least one third connecting portion 930 may extend through at least one third through hole, at least one third recess, etc., provided in the first housing body 710 of the first housing 700 to elastically contact the second shield body 910. At least one third connecting portion 930 may extend from the end of the second shield portion 812 of the first shield body 810 on the Y-direction side, bend in the X' direction, and elastically contact the second shield body 910 from the Y-direction side. Alternatively, at least one third connecting portion 930 may extend from the end of the third shield portion 813 of the first shield body 810 on the Y-direction side, bend in the X direction, and elastically contact the second shield body 910 from the Y-direction side. At least one third connecting portion 930 may be bent into, for example, having a generally V-shape that protrudes fully or partially toward the second shield body 910, or alternatively, be bent into, for example, having a generally arc shape that protrudes fully or partially toward the second shield body 910.

[0227] Note that at least one third connection portion 930 may be omitted. In this case, the first shield 800 and the second shield 900 can be electrically connected to each other via the first housing 300a and / or the second housing 300b by being electrically connected to the first housing 300a and / or the second housing 300b in the manner described above. Alternatively, the first shield 800 and the second shield 900 can be electrically connected to each other via cables, different terminals, etc. Even more alternatively, the first shield 800 and the second shield 900 can be electrically connected to each other by bringing the first shield body 810 of the first shield 800 into contact with the second shield body 910 of the second shield 900.

[0228] The following describes a non-limiting method for manufacturing the connector FC described above. First, a first body 100a and a plurality of terminals 200 are prepared.

[0229] The first contact portions 210a of a plurality of terminals 200 are inserted from the Y' direction side into corresponding retaining holes 111a and / or corresponding retaining grooves 112a of the first body 100a, and the first retainable portions 220a of the plurality of terminals 200 are inserted into and retained by the corresponding retaining holes 111a and / or corresponding retaining grooves 112a of the first body 100a. Therefore, the first retainable portions 220a of the plurality of terminals 200 are held in the first body 100a at intervals in the X-X' direction. At this time, the first contact portions 210a of the plurality of terminals 200 protrude at least partially from the corresponding retaining holes 111a or corresponding retaining grooves 112a of the first body 100a in the Y direction, or alternatively, are disposed in the corresponding connection holes of the first body 100a (if provided) and are at least partially exposed or protruding from the corresponding connection holes in the Y direction.

[0230] When multiple terminals 200 include corresponding first connection portions 240a and the first body 100a includes multiple first separators 120a, when the first retainable portions 220a of the multiple terminals 200 are held in the first body 100a, the first connection portions 240a of the multiple terminals 200 are inserted between two corresponding pairs of the multiple first separators 120a in the first body 100a.

[0231] After assembling multiple terminals 200 to the first body 100a, the first housing 300a is prepared.

[0232] The first body 100a is inserted into and held by the first housing body 310a of the first housing 300a from the Y' direction side. Therefore, the first contact portions 210a and the first retainable portions 220a of the plurality of terminals 200 are at least partially disposed within the first housing body 310a together with the first body 100a. Simultaneously, the portion of the first housing body 310a located relative to the first body 100a on the Y direction side defines a first connection space. When the first contact portions 210a of the plurality of terminals 200 at least partially protrude from the first body 100a, the first contact portions 210a are at least partially disposed within the first connection space of the first housing body 310a.

[0233] When the first housing 300a includes a pair of first walls 320a, when the first body 100a is inserted into the first housing body 310a of the first housing 300a, the first connecting portions 240a of the plurality of terminals 200 are disposed between the pair of first walls 320a. The first body 100a can be held in the first housing body 310a of the first housing 300a before the plurality of terminals 200 are assembled to the first body 100a as described above.

[0234] Therefore, the first connector part FC1 was assembled.

[0235] Prepare a second body 100b. Second contact portions 210b of a plurality of terminals 200 are inserted from the Y' direction side into corresponding retaining holes 111b and / or corresponding retaining grooves 112b of the second body 100b, and second retainable portions 220b of the plurality of terminals 200 are inserted into and retained by the corresponding retaining holes 111b and / or corresponding retaining grooves 112b of the second body 100b. Therefore, the second retainable portions 220b of the plurality of terminals 200 are held in the second body 100b at intervals in the X-X' direction. At this time, the second contact portions 210b of the plurality of terminals 200 protrude at least partially from the corresponding retaining holes 111b and / or corresponding retaining grooves 112b of the second body 100b in the Y direction, or alternatively, are disposed in corresponding connection holes of the second body 100b (if disposed) and are at least partially exposed or protruding from the corresponding connection holes in the Y direction.

[0236] When multiple terminals 200 include a second connecting portion 240b and the second body 100b includes multiple second separators 120b, when the second retainable portion 220b of the multiple terminals 200 is held in the second body 100b, the second connecting portion 240b of the multiple terminals 200 is inserted between two corresponding pairs of the multiple second separators 120b in the second body 100b.

[0237] After assembling the multiple terminals 200 to the second body 100b as described above, the second housing 300b is prepared.

[0238] The second body 100b is inserted into and held by the second housing body 310b of the second housing 300b from the Y' direction side. Therefore, the second contact portions 210b and the second retainable portions 220b of the plurality of terminals 200 are at least partially disposed within the second housing body 310b together with the second body 100b. Simultaneously, the portion of the second housing body 310b located relative to the second body 100b on the Y direction side defines a second connection space. When the second contact portions 210b of the plurality of terminals 200 at least partially protrude from the second body 100b, the second contact portions 210b are at least partially disposed within the second connection space of the second housing body 310b.

[0239] When the second housing 300b includes a pair of second walls 320b, when the second body 100b is inserted into the second housing body 310b of the second housing 300b, the second connecting portions 240b of the plurality of terminals 200 are disposed between the pair of second walls 320b. Note that the second body 100b may remain in the second housing body 310b of the second housing 300b before the plurality of terminals 200 are assembled to the second body 100b as described above.

[0240] After the second body 100b is held in the second housing body 310b of the second housing 300b, the second housing 400 is prepared. The second housing body 310b of the second housing 300b is inserted into the second housing body 410 of the second housing 400 from the Y direction side and is held by the second housing body 410.

[0241] When the second housing body 410 is provided with a retaining base 417, when the second housing body 310b of the second housing 300b is inserted into the second housing body 410 of the second housing 400, the retaining base 417 abuts against the second connection portion 240b of the plurality of terminals 200 (if provided) from the Y' direction side, or is provided in a spaced-apart relationship with the second connection portion 240b of the plurality of terminals 200 (if provided). The plate 130b of the second body 100b and the Y' direction side portion of the wall on the Z direction side of the second housing body 310b are fitted into the top plate 414 of the second housing body 410 and the retaining base 417. In the first gap 418, a portion of the Y' direction side of the X-direction sidewall 140b of the second body 100b and a portion of the Y' direction side of the X-direction sidewall of the second outer shell body 310b on the second body 100b are inserted into the second gap between the sidewall 415 of the second shell body 410 and the retaining base 417, and a portion of the Y' direction side of the X' direction sidewall 140b of the second body 100b and a portion of the Y' direction side of the X' direction sidewall of the second outer shell body 310b on the second body 100b are inserted into the third gap between the sidewall 416 of the second shell body 410 and the retaining base 417.

[0242] When at least one second wall 320b of the second outer shell 300b is provided, when the second outer shell body 310b of the second outer shell 300b is inserted into the second shell body 410 of the second shell 400, at least one second wall 320b of the second outer shell 300b passes through the space between side walls 412 and 413 and between side walls 415 and 416 of the generally U-shaped second shell body 410 and is positioned on the Z' direction side relative to the second shell body 410, or passes through at least one slit at the bottom of the generally annular second shell body 410 and is positioned on the Z' direction side relative to the second shell body 410. If at least one second wall 320b is not provided, the above steps are omitted.

[0243] With the second retainer 500b provided, the second retainer 500b is prepared. The first locking member 520b and the second locking member 520b of the second retainer 500b are respectively inserted into the first locking hole 460 and the second locking hole 460 of the second housing 400 from the Z' direction side, and the lugs at the distal portions of the first locking member 520b and the second locking member 520b are respectively locked into the first locking hole 460 and the second locking hole 460. At this time, the second retainer 500b fixes the second housing body 310b of the second housing 300b to the second housing body 410 of the second housing 400.

[0244] Therefore, the second connector part FC2 is assembled. If the second housing 400 is omitted, the steps related to the second housing 400 are omitted from the steps for assembling the second connector part FC2. Similarly, if the second retainer 500b is omitted, the steps related to the second retainer 500b are omitted from the steps for assembling the second connector part FC2.

[0245] With the rotating rod 600 provided, the shaft 430 of the second housing 400 is inserted into the shaft hole 611 of the rod body 610 of the rotating rod 600. Subsequently, a screw or pin 620 of the rotating rod 600 is inserted and secured into the shaft hole of the shaft 430. Alternatively, the shaft hole 611 of the rod body 610 of the rotating rod 600 is configured to communicate with the shaft hole of the second housing 400. Subsequently, a screw or pin 620 of the rotating rod 600 is inserted and secured into the shaft hole of the shaft 430 and the shaft hole of the second housing 400. Therefore, the rotating rod 600 is rotatably attached to the second housing 400.

[0246] When a first housing 700 is provided, the first housing 700 is prepared. When a first shielding member 800 is provided, the first shielding member 800 is prepared. When the first shielding member 800 is provided with a plurality of first locking members 820, the plurality of first locking members 820 extend in the Z' direction. The first housing body 710 of the first housing 700 is inserted into the first shielding member body 810 of the first shielding member 800 from the Z' direction side. Therefore, the first shielding member portion 811 of the first shielding member body 810 of the first shielding member 800 abuts against the first portion 711 of the first housing 700, the second shielding member portion 812 of the first shielding member body 810 of the first shielding member 800 abuts against the second portion 712 of the first housing 700, and the third shielding member portion 813 of the first shielding member body 810 of the first shielding member 800 abuts against the third portion 713 of the first housing 700. When the first shielding member 800 is provided with a plurality of second locking members 830 and / or a plurality of third locking members 840, when the first housing body 710 of the first housing 700 is inserted into the first shielding member body 810 of the first shielding member 800, the second portion 712 and the third portion 713 of the first housing body 710 are inserted into the plurality of second locking members 830 and / or the plurality of third locking members 840 from the Z' direction side. When the first shielding member 800 is provided with a plurality of fourth locking members 850, when the first housing body 710 of the first housing 700 is inserted into the first shielding member body 810 of the first shielding member 800, the second portion 712 and the third portion 713 of the first housing body 710 abut against the plurality of fourth locking members 850 from the Y' direction side. After the first housing body 710 of the first housing 700 is inserted into the first shielding member body 810 of the first shielding member 800, the plurality of first locking members 820 are bent to abut against the second portion 712 and the third portion 713 of the first housing body 710. Therefore, the first shield 800 is attached to the first housing 700.

[0247] After the first body 100a is held in the first outer shell body 310a of the first outer shell 300a, the second body 100b is held in the second outer shell body 310b of the second outer shell 300b, and the second outer shell body 310b of the second outer shell 300b is held in the second outer shell body 410 of the second shell 400, the first outer shell body 310a of the first outer shell 300a is inserted into the holding portion 720 of the first shell 700 from the Y direction side and is held by the holding portion 720.

[0248] When the retaining portion 720 is provided with a retaining base 724, when the first housing body 310a of the first housing 300a is inserted into the retaining portion 720 of the first housing 700, the retaining base 724 abuts against the first connecting portion 240a of the plurality of terminals 200 (if provided) from the Y' direction side or is spaced apart from the first connecting portion 240a of the plurality of terminals 200 (if provided). The plate 130a of the first body 100a and the Y' direction side portion of the wall on the Z' direction side of the first housing body 310a are fitted between the bottom 721 of the retaining portion 720 and the retaining base 724. In the first gap 725, a portion of the Y' direction side of the X-direction sidewall 140a of the first body 100a and a portion of the Y' direction side of the X-direction sidewall of the first outer shell body 310a on the first body 100a are inserted into the second gap between the sidewall 722 of the retaining portion 720 and the retaining base 724. Furthermore, a portion of the Y' direction side of the X' direction sidewall 140a of the first body 100a and a portion of the Y' direction side of the X' direction sidewall of the first outer shell body 310a on the first body 100a are inserted into the third gap between the sidewall 723 of the retaining portion 720 and the retaining base 724. Note that if the retaining base 724 is omitted, the steps related to the retaining base 724 are omitted.

[0249] When at least one first wall 320a is provided with a first outer casing 300a, when the first outer casing body 310a of the first outer casing 300a is inserted into the retaining portion 720 of the first casing 700, at least one first wall 320a passes between the side walls 722 and 723 of the generally U-shaped retaining portion 720 to be located on the Z-direction side relative to the retaining portion 720, or alternatively, passes through at least one slot in the top plate of the generally annular retaining portion 720 to be located on the Z-direction side relative to the retaining portion 720. This step is omitted when at least one first wall 320a is not provided.

[0250] When the first housing 700 is provided with at least one guide 730, when the first housing body 310a of the first housing 300a is inserted into the retaining portion 720 of the first housing 700, the second connector portion FC2 is inserted into the first housing body 710a of the first housing 700 from the Y-direction side, and the second connector portion FC2 is guided by at least one guide 730 of the first housing 700 in the manner described above. If at least one guide 730 is omitted, the steps related to at least one guide 730 are omitted.

[0251] When the first housing 700 is provided with multiple partitions 740, when the first housing body 310a of the first housing 300a is inserted into the retaining portion 720 of the first housing 700, the elastically deformable portions 230 of the multiple terminals 200 are respectively inserted from the Y-direction side between the multiple partitions 740 of the first housing 700. If the multiple partitions 740 are omitted, the steps related to the multiple partitions 740 are omitted.

[0252] With the first housing body 310a of the first housing 300a inserted into the retaining portion 720 of the first housing 700, the first shielding portion 811 of the first shielding member 800 covers the first connector portion FC1, the second connector portion FC2 and the elastically deformable portion 230 of the plurality of terminals 200 from the Y' direction side, the second shielding portion 812 of the first shielding member 800 covers the first connector portion FC1, the second connector portion FC2 and the elastically deformable portion 230 of the plurality of terminals 200 from the X direction side, and the third shielding portion 813 of the first shielding member 800 covers the first connector portion FC1, the second connector portion FC2 and the elastically deformable portion 230 of the plurality of terminals 200 from the X' direction side.

[0253] The first shielding member 800 may be attached to the first housing 700 after the first housing body 310a or the first body 100a of the first housing 300a is held in the holding portion 720 of the first housing 700. If the first housing 700 is omitted, the steps related to the first housing 700 are omitted.

[0254] When a first retainer 500a is provided, the first retainer 500a is prepared. The first locking member 520a and the second locking member 520a of the first retainer 500a are respectively inserted from the Z-direction side into the first locking hole 726 and the second locking hole 726 of the retaining portion 720 of the first housing 700, and the lugs at the distal ends of the first locking member 520a and the second locking member 520a are respectively locked into the first locking hole 726 and the second locking hole 726. At this time, the first retainer 500a fixes the first housing body 310a of the first housing 300a to the retaining portion 720. If the first retainer 500a is omitted, the steps related to the first retainer 500a are omitted.

[0255] When a second shield 900 is provided, the second shield 900 is prepared. In the Y-Y' direction, the second shield 900 is relatively close to the first housing 700. The second shield body 910 of the second shield 900 is disposed between the first connector portion FC1 and the second connector portion FC2, and covers the elastically deformable portion 230 of the plurality of terminals 200 from the Y direction side.

[0256] When the second shield 900 is provided with a pair of first connecting portions 920a, when the second shield 900 is moved relatively closer to the first housing 700 in the Y-Y' direction, the first connecting portion 920a on the X-direction side makes elastic contact with the first wall 320a (if provided) on the X-direction side of the first housing 300a from the X-direction side, or alternatively, is accommodated in the first receiving groove on the X-direction side of the retaining portion 720 to make elastic contact with the first housing body 310a of the first housing 300a from the X-direction side; and the first connecting portion 920a on the X'-direction side makes elastic contact with the first wall 320a (if provided) on the X'-direction side of the first housing 300a from the X'-direction side, or alternatively, is accommodated in the first receiving groove on the X'-direction side of the retaining portion 720 to make elastic contact with the first housing body 310a of the first housing 300a from the X'-direction side. Therefore, the second shield 900 and the first housing 300a are electrically connected to each other. When a pair of first connecting portions 920a is a single first connecting portion 920a, the above steps for either of the pair of first connecting portions 920a shall apply to the single first connecting portion 920a. If the first connecting portion 920a is omitted, the steps related to the first connecting portion 920a shall be omitted.

[0257] When the second shield 900 is provided with a pair of second connecting portions 920b, when the second shield 900 is moved relatively closer to the first housing 700 in the Y-Y' direction, the second connecting portion 920b on the X-direction side makes elastic contact with the second wall 320b on the X-direction side of the second housing 300b (if provided), or alternatively, is accommodated in the second receiving groove on the X-direction side of the second housing body 310b to make elastic contact with the second housing body 310b of the second housing 300b from the X-direction side; and the second connecting portion 920b on the X'-direction side makes elastic contact with the second wall 320b on the X'-direction side of the second housing 300b (if provided), or alternatively, is accommodated in the second receiving groove on the X'-direction side of the second housing body 310b to make elastic contact with the second housing body 310b of the second housing 300b from the X'-direction side. Therefore, the second shield 900 and the second housing 300b are electrically connected to each other. When a pair of second connecting portions 920b is a single second connecting portion 920b, the above steps for either of the pair of second connecting portions 920b shall apply to the single second connecting portion 920b. If the second connecting portion 920b is omitted, the steps related to the second connecting portion 920b are omitted.

[0258] When the second shield 900 is provided with a pair of third connecting portions 930, when the second shield 900 is made relatively closer to the first housing 700 in the Y-Y' direction, the third connecting portion 930 on the X-direction side is received from the Y-direction side in the receiving groove 712a of the second portion 712 of the first housing 700 to elastically contact the second shield portion 812 of the first shield 800 from the X' direction side, and the third connecting portion 930 on the X' direction side is received from the Y-direction side in the receiving groove 713a of the third portion 713 of the first housing 700 to elastically contact the third shield portion 813 of the first shield 800 from the X-direction side. The third connecting portion 930 on the X-direction side can be locked in the receiving groove 712a when received (when fully received). The third connecting portion 930 on the X' direction side can be locked in the receiving groove 713a when received (when fully received).

[0259] When the second shielding portion 812 of the first shielding body 810 is provided with a protrusion 812a and the third shielding portion 813 of the first shielding body 810 is provided with a protrusion 813a, the distal portion of the third connecting portion 930 on the X-direction side is inserted into the receiving groove 712a until the third connecting portion 930 on the X-direction side is fully received in the receiving groove 712a. During this process, the distal portion of the third connecting portion 930 on the X-direction side moves in the Y' direction without contacting the second shielding portion 812 of the first shielding body 810, or slides on the second shielding portion 812 in the Y' direction. When the third connecting portion 930 on the X-direction side is fully received in the receiving groove 712a, the distal portion of the third connecting portion 930 on the X-direction side can elastically contact the protrusion 812a of the second shielding portion 812 from the X' direction side and can be locked in the receiving groove 712a. Starting from the third connecting portion 930 on the X' direction side, the distal portion of the third connecting portion 930 on the X' direction side is inserted into the receiving groove 713a until it is fully received in the receiving groove 713a. During this process, the distal portion of the third connecting portion 930 on the X' direction side moves in the Y' direction without contacting the third shielding portion 813 of the first shielding body 810, or slides on the third shielding portion 813 in the Y' direction. When the third connecting portion 930 on the X' direction side is fully received in the receiving groove 713a, the distal portion of the third connecting portion 930 on the X' direction side can elastically contact the protrusion 813a of the third shielding portion 813 from the X direction side and can be locked in the receiving groove 713a.

[0260] Therefore, the second shield 900 is electrically connected to the first shield 800 in the manner described above. Note that when a window 940 is provided on the bent portion of the third connecting portion 930 on the X-direction side and a window 940 is provided on the bent portion of the third connecting portion 930 on the X'-direction side, the end face of the window 940 on the Y'-direction side can be pressed from the Y-direction side by a clamp, and thereby the third connecting portion 930 on the X-direction side can be inserted from the Y-direction side into the receiving groove 712a, and the third connecting portion 930 on the X'-direction side can be inserted from the Y-direction side into the receiving groove 713a.

[0261] Note that when a pair of third connecting portions 930 is a single third connecting portion 930, the above steps for either of the pair of third connecting portions 930 should apply to the single third connecting portion 930. If the third connecting portion 930 is omitted, the steps related to the third connecting portion 930 are omitted.

[0262] If the second shielding element 900 is omitted, the steps related to the second shielding element 900 are omitted.

[0263] The non-limiting connector FC is manufactured as described above.

[0264] The above-mentioned floating connector FC provides the following technical features and effects (1) to (8).

[0265] Technical features and effects (1): The above-mentioned novel connector FC is obtained. Since the connector FC includes a first connector part FC1 and a second connector part FC2, each connector part can be connected to a mating connector. In other words, the connector FC can be connected to two mating connectors.

[0266] Technical features and effects (2): When the elastically deformable portions 230 of the plurality of terminals 200 of the connector FC elastically deform in a direction including at least one directional component, the elastic deformation of the elastically deformable portions 230 causes the second connector portion FC2 to shift relative to the first connector portion FC1 in a direction including at least one directional component. Thus, even if the second mating connector to be connected to the second connector portion FC2 is in a position offset from a predetermined position relative to the first mating connector to be connected to the first connector portion FC1 in a direction including at least one directional component, the second connector portion also shifts relative to the first connector portion in a direction including at least one directional component, thereby allowing the second connector portion FC2 to connect to the second mating connector.

[0267] Technical features and effects (3): When each terminal 200 has the above-described structure (1) or (2), since the first and second surfaces of each terminal are rolled surfaces, each terminal 200 has a relatively small size (thickness dimension) in the X-X' direction. This results in a reduction in the spacing between the multiple terminals 20 in the X-X' direction, causing the connector FC to have a reduced size in the X-X' direction.

[0268] Furthermore, connector FC is suitable for high-speed differential connectors with multiple channels. Typically, in a high-speed differential connector, each channel includes four terminals arranged in the order GSSG (where terminal G is the ground terminal and terminal S is the signal terminal forming a differential pair). As the number of channels increases, even though each pair of adjacent channels in multiple channels shares terminal G, each additional channel means an increase of three terminals. However, since connector FC includes multiple terminals 200 with a relatively small spacing in the X-X' direction, connector FC can be used as a high-speed differential connector with multiple channels and a reduced size in the X-X' direction. On the other hand, if multiple high-speed differential connectors, each with one channel, are arranged side-by-side along the X-X' direction, the multiple connectors occupy a large space in the X-X' direction. In particular, when multiple high-speed differential connectors are configured to float in a direction including the X-X' component, each pair of adjacent connectors in the connector requires space between them to allow these two connectors to float, resulting in a further increase in the space occupied by the multiple high-speed differential connectors in the X-X' direction. In contrast, the connector FC can be configured such that a plurality of terminals 200 are arranged at intervals in the X-X' direction to correspond to the same number of channels as the total number of channels of the plurality of high-speed differential connectors, so that the space occupied by the connector FC in the X-X' direction (the size of the connector FC in the X-X' direction) is smaller than the space occupied by the plurality of high-speed differential connectors in the X-X' direction.

[0269] Technical features and effects (4): When the elastically deformable portion 230 of the plurality of terminals 200 is approximately U-shaped, approximately arc-shaped, or approximately V-shaped with a lateral orientation as described above, the elastically deformable portion 230 can be easily elastically deformed in a direction including the components of the above three directions. Furthermore, when the elastically deformable portion 230 of the plurality of terminals 200 is elastically deformed in a direction including the components of the above three directions, by adjusting the dimensions of the elastically deformable portion 230 of the plurality of terminals 200 in the Z-Z' direction and / or the Y-Y' direction, the amount of elastic deformation (limit value of displacement) of the elastically deformable portion 230 of the plurality of terminals 200 in a direction including the components of the above three directions can be easily set.

[0270] Technical Features and Effects (5): When the top 233 of the elastically deformable portion 230 of each terminal 200 has a smaller dimension in the Y-Y' direction than the dimension in the Z-Z' direction of each of the first end 231 and the second end 232 of the elastically deformable portion 230 of each terminal 200, the top 233 of the elastically deformable portion 230 is more likely to deform in the Z-Z' direction. In some cases, the impedance of the top 233 of the elastically deformable portion 230 is greater than the impedance of each of the first end 231 and the second end 232 of the elastically deformable portion 230 in each terminal 200. However, when a plurality of separators 740 of the first housing 700 are provided, the plurality of separators 740 are made of insulating resin or the like with a dielectric constant higher than that of air, and the top 233 of the elastically deformable portion 230 of each terminal 200 is disposed between two adjacent separators 740 of each set of separators 740. Therefore, by adjusting the distance in the X-X' direction from the top 233 of the elastically deformable portion 230 of each terminal 200 to each of the two adjacent separators 740 of the corresponding group, the impedance of the top 233 of the elastically deformable portion 230 of each terminal 200 can be reduced to the impedance of each of the first end 231 and the second end 232 of the elastically deformable portion 230 of each terminal 200.

[0271] Technical features and effects (6): In the case of multiple partitions 740 provided with the first housing 700, the top 233 of the elastically deformable portion 230 of each terminal 200 is disposed between two adjacent partitions 740 of each group of partitions 740. This arrangement prevents contact between the elastically deformable portions 230 when the elastically deformable portion 230 elastically deforms in a direction including the components of the three directions mentioned above.

[0272] Technical features and effects (7): When the first housing 700 is provided, the retaining portion 720 of the first housing 700 holds the first connector portion FC1, and at least one guide 730 of the first housing 700 displaceably guides the second connector portion FC2 in a direction including at least one directional component. This configuration stabilizes the displacement (floating) of the second connector portion FC2.

[0273] Technical Features and Effects (8): When the first body 100a and the second body 100b have the same shape, they can be manufactured in a common mold. On the other hand, when the shapes of the first body 100a and the second body 100b are different and / or the shapes of the first retainable portion 220a of the multiple terminals 200 are different from the shapes of the second retainable portion 220b of the multiple terminals 200, there is a risk of incorrectly assembling the first retainable portion 220a of the multiple terminals 200 into the second body 100b and incorrectly assembling the second retainable portion 220b of the multiple terminals 200 into the first body 100a. However, when the shapes of the first body 100a and the second body 100b are the same, this risk of incorrect assembly is avoided. This is because the body manufactured in a common mold can be used either as the first body 100a or as the second body 100b. Furthermore, the common steps of using a common jig or other tools can be regarded as the steps of assembling the first retainable portion 220a of the plurality of terminals 200 into the first body 100a and the steps of assembling the second retainable portion 220b of the plurality of terminals 200 into the second body 100b.

[0274] Furthermore, when the first shell 300a and the second shell 300b have the same shape, they can be manufactured in a common mold. On the other hand, when the shapes of the first body 100a and the second body 100b are different and / or the shapes of the first shell 300a and the second shell 300b are different, there is a risk of incorrectly assembling the second body 100b into the first shell body 310a of the first shell 300a and incorrectly assembling the first body 100a into the second shell body 310b of the second shell 300b. However, when the shapes of the first body 100a and the second body 100b are the same and the shapes of the first shell 300a and the second shell 300b are the same, this risk of incorrect assembly is avoided. This is because a body manufactured in a common mold can be used as either the first body 100a or the second body 100b, and a shell manufactured in a common mold can be used as either the first shell 300a or the second shell 300b. Furthermore, the common steps of using a common jig or other tools can be regarded as the steps of assembling the first body 100a into the first housing body 310a of the first housing 300a and assembling the second body 100b into the second housing body 310b of the second housing.

[0275] Now refer to Figures 1A to 11B The connection structure (combination) of the connector is described according to several embodiments (including the first embodiment of the present invention and its variations). Figures 5A to 7B The connection structure of the connector according to the first embodiment is shown.

[0276] The connection structure includes the aforementioned connector FC, the first circuit board B1, the second circuit board B2, the first mating connector MC1, and the second mating connector MC2. Figures 5A to 11B The first mating connector MC1 and the second mating connector MC2 of the connection structure of the first embodiment are shown. Figures 5A to 6D The first circuit board B1 and the second circuit board B2 of the connection structure of the first embodiment are shown.

[0277] Figures 5A to 6B , Figures 7A to 9A and Figures 9D to 11B The Z-Z' direction is shown. Figures 5A to 5B , Figures 6B to 6D , Figures 7A to 8D and Figures 9B to 11B The X-X' direction is shown. Figures 5A to 6A , Figure 6C , Figure 6D , Figures 7A to 8D , Figures 9A to 9C and Figures 10A to 11B The Y-Y' direction is shown.

[0278] The first circuit board B1 includes a plurality of first electrodes 1. The plurality of first electrodes 1 are surface electrodes spaced apart in the X-X' direction on the surface of the first circuit board B1 on the Z-direction side, or alternatively, through-hole electrodes spaced apart in the X-X' direction within the first circuit board B1. The first circuit board B1 may also include a plurality of first ground electrodes 2 and / or a plurality of first bonding holes 3. The plurality of first ground electrodes 2 are surface electrodes disposed on the surface of the first circuit board B1 on the Z-direction side and connectable to ground, or alternatively, through-hole electrodes disposed in the first circuit board B1 and connectable to ground. The plurality of first bonding holes 3 extend through the first circuit board B1 in the Z-Z' direction. The plurality of first ground electrodes 2 and / or the plurality of first bonding holes 3 may be omitted.

[0279] The first mating connector MC1 is mounted on the first circuit board B1 from the Z-direction side and can be connected to the first connector portion FC1 of the floating connector FC from the Y-direction side. When used herein, the term "first connection state" refers to the state in which the first mating connector MC1 is connected to the first connector portion FC1 of the aforementioned connector FC in the Y-Y' direction.

[0280] The first mating connector MC1 includes a first body 10. The first body 10 is made of an insulating material (e.g., insulating resin, etc.). The first body 10 only needs to have a shape that allows it to be connected to the first connector portion FC1 of the aforementioned connector FC in the Y-Y' direction.

[0281] The first body 10 may include a base 11 and a protrusion 12. For example, the base 11 is typically a wall extending in the Z-Z' and X-X' directions. In the wall surface on the Y-direction side of the base 11, a plurality of retaining grooves 11a are provided at intervals in the X-X' direction. In addition, locking grooves 11b may be provided at the ends on the X-direction side and the X'-direction side of the base 11, respectively.

[0282] Protrusion 12 is made of a polygonal prism (e.g., a tetrahedral prism (see also...) Figures 9A to 9D It is constructed of a hexagonal prism (not shown), a cylinder (not shown), etc. The protrusion 12 extends from the center portion of the base 11 in the Y' direction. In the first connected state, the protrusion 12 engages in the first connection space of the first housing body 310a of the first connector portion FC1 of the connector FC, and abuts against the first main body portion 110a of the first body 100a of the first connector portion FC1. The protrusion 12 has an external shape and external dimensions in cross-sections along the Z-Z' and X-X' directions that correspond to the internal shape and internal dimensions of the first housing body 310a in cross-sections along the Z-Z' and X-X' directions.

[0283] The protrusion 12 is provided with a plurality of retaining holes 12a and a plurality of connecting holes 12b. The plurality of retaining holes 12a are arranged at the same intervals as the plurality of retaining slots 11a in the X-X' direction. The plurality of retaining holes 12a are open in the Y direction. The plurality of connecting holes 12b are arranged at the same intervals as the plurality of retaining holes 12a in the X-X' direction, and are located on the Y' direction side relative to the plurality of retaining holes 12a and communicate with the plurality of retaining holes 12a. The plurality of connecting holes 12b are open in the Y' direction.

[0284] Multiple connecting holes 12b can be omitted. In this case, multiple retaining holes 12a extend through the protrusion 12 in the Y-Y' direction and are open not only in the Y direction but also in the Y' direction.

[0285] The first body 10 may also have a tubular portion 13. The tubular portion 13 has a generally annular shape (e.g., a polygonal annular shape, such as a generally quadrilateral annular shape) in a cross-sectional view along the Z-Z' and X-X' directions (see...). Figures 8A to 10B The tubular portion 13 extends from the base 11 in the Y direction and surrounds the protrusion 12. The tubular portion 13 and the protrusion 12 define a generally annular shape (e.g., a polygonal annular shape, such as a generally quadrilateral annular shape (see [reference]). Figures 8A to 10BThe connector FC has a first insertion space, which is either a first housing 700 or a generally circular annular shape (not shown). When the connector FC is provided with a first housing 700, in the first connected state, the distal portion of the retaining portion 720 of the first housing 700 of the connector FC engages in the first insertion space in the Y-Y' direction. When the connector FC is not provided with a first housing 700, in the first connected state, the distal portion of the first housing body 310a of the first housing 300a of the connector FC engages in the first insertion space in the Y-Y' direction. The tubular portion 13 includes a first sidewall on the X-direction side, a second sidewall on the X'-direction side, a top plate on the Z-direction side, and a bottom plate on the Z'-direction side.

[0286] The first and second sidewalls of the tubular portion 13 may be provided with a first slit 13a and a second slit 13a, respectively.

[0287] The first slit 13a extends through the first sidewall of the tubular portion 13 in the X-X' direction and extends in the Y-Y' direction.

[0288] The second slit 13a extends through the second sidewall of the tubular portion 13 in the X-X' direction and extends in the Y-Y' direction. In the first connected state, the first connecting portion 330a on the X-direction side and the first connecting portion 330a on the X'-direction side of the first housing 300a of the first connector portion FC1 of the connector FC are respectively accommodated in the first slit 13a and the second slit 13a. Note that if the first connecting portion 330a on the X-direction side and the first connecting portion 330a on the X'-direction side are omitted, the first slit 13a and the second slit 13a may also be omitted.

[0289] The top plate of the tubular portion 13 may be provided with an abutment portion 14 protruding in the Z direction. The abutment portion 14 may be omitted.

[0290] The base plate of the tubular portion 13 may be provided with a plurality of engaging protrusions 15 protruding in the Z' direction. The plurality of engaging protrusions 15 engage in corresponding first engaging holes 3 of the first circuit board B1. The base plate of the tubular portion 13 may also be provided with a locking recess 13b. In the first connected state, the locking arm 750 of the first housing 700 is locked in the locking recess 13b. The engaging protrusions 15 and / or the locking recess 13b may be omitted.

[0291] The first mating connector MC1 also includes a plurality of first terminals 20. For example, each first terminal 20 can be manufactured by the rolling method described above. In this case, the first surface on the X-direction side and the second surface on the X'-direction side of each terminal 200 are flat rolled surfaces. Each terminal 200 can also be manufactured by other known methods for manufacturing terminals (e.g., photolithography or inkjet printing) instead of by rolling.

[0292] The plurality of first terminals 20 include a corresponding first contact portion 21, a corresponding first retainable portion 22, and a corresponding first pin portion 23. The plurality of first terminals 20 may also include a corresponding first connection portion 24.

[0293] The first retainable portions 22 of the plurality of first terminals 20 are generally L-shaped plates and are securely received from the Y-direction side in the corresponding retaining grooves 11a of the base 11 of the first body 10 and the corresponding retaining holes 12a of the protrusions 12. Therefore, the first retainable portions 22 of the plurality of first terminals 20 are held in the first body 10 at intervals in the X-X' direction.

[0294] The first contact portions 21 of the plurality of first terminals 20 may extend from the corresponding first connection portions 24 in the Y' direction. Each first contact portion 21 may be composed of a plate (not shown), a rod (not shown), or a tube (not shown), and may have a forked shape including a first contact arm 21a and a second contact arm 21a (see reference). Figure 6A and Figure 6B , Figure 7A and Figure 7B as well as Figures 9A to 11B The first contact portions 21 of the plurality of first terminals 20 protrude or are exposed at least partially from the first body 10, making them visible from the Y' direction side.

[0295] When the first body 10 includes a plurality of connection holes 12b, the first contact portions 21 of the plurality of first terminals 20 are disposed in the respective connection holes 12b from the Y direction side, and are at least partially exposed from the respective connection holes 12b in the Y' direction. In the first connection state, the first contact portions 210a of the plurality of terminals 200 of the first connector portion FC1 of the connector FC, which at least partially protrude from the first body 100a, are received from the Y' direction side in the respective connection holes 12b of the first body 10, and contact the respective first contact portions 21 of the plurality of first terminals 20.

[0296] When the first body 10 does not include the plurality of connection holes 12b, the first contact portions 21 of the plurality of first terminals 20 protrude at least partially from the corresponding retaining holes 12a in the Y' direction. In the first connected state, the first contact portions 210a of the plurality of terminals 200 of the first connector portion FC1 of the connector FC, which at least partially protrude from the first body 100a, contact the corresponding first contact portions 21 of the plurality of first terminals 20. Alternatively, in the first connected state, the first contact portions 21 of the plurality of first terminals 20 are received in the corresponding connection holes of the second body 100b of the first connector portion FC1 of the connector FC, and contact the corresponding first contact portions 210a of the plurality of terminals 200 of the first connector portion FC1.

[0297] The first connection portion 24 of the plurality of first terminals 20 only needs to connect the first retainable portion 22 and the first contact portion 21.

[0298] In the case where the first contact portion 210a of each terminal 200 of the first connector section FC1 of the connector FC is composed of a plate or rod inclined in a first inclined direction (see...), Figure 7A , Figure 7B , Figure 11A and Figure 11B Each first terminal 20's first connecting portion 24 can be bent or flexed such that the first contact arm 21a and the second contact arm 21a of each first terminal 20's first contact portion 21 can respectively elastically contact the first surface 211a and the second surface 212a of the corresponding first contact portion 210a from one side and the other side of a third inclined direction (forming substantially right angles to the first surface 211a and the second surface 212a respectively), wherein the third inclined direction is substantially orthogonal to the first inclined direction. Alternatively, each first terminal 20's first connecting portion 24 can be bent or flexed such that each first terminal 20's plate-like or rod-like first contact portion 21 can contact the first surface 211a or the second surface 212a of the corresponding first contact portion 210a from one side or the other side of the third inclined direction.

[0299] In the case that each terminal 200 of the first connector portion FC1 of the connector FC includes a first contact arm and a second contact arm (not shown) that are inclined in a first inclined direction, the first connecting portion 24 of each first terminal 20 can be bent or flexed such that the first surface and the second surface of the first contact portion 21 of each first terminal 20 are inclined in a third inclined direction, and the first contact arm and the second contact arm of the corresponding first contact portion 210a can respectively elastically contact the first surface and the second surface of the first contact portion 21 from one side and the other side of the first inclined direction (forming substantially right angles to the first surface and the second surface of the first contact portion 21 respectively).

[0300] The first connection portion 24 of the plurality of first terminals 20 may not be bent or folded, but may extend straight from the corresponding first retainable portion 22 to the corresponding first contact portion 21 (not shown).

[0301] The first connection portion 24 of the plurality of first terminals 20 may be omitted. In this case, the first contact portion 21 of the plurality of first terminals 20 may extend from the corresponding first retainable portion 22 in the Y' direction.

[0302] The first pin portions 23 of the plurality of first terminals 20 may extend in the Y direction from the corresponding first retainable portions 22, be disposed on the Y direction side relative to the first body 10, and be connected to the corresponding first electrode 1 of the first circuit board B1, wherein the first electrode 1 is a surface electrode. Alternatively, the first pin portions 23 of the plurality of first terminals 20 may extend in the Z' direction from the corresponding first retainable portions 22, be disposed on the Z direction side relative to the first body 10, and be connected to the corresponding first electrode 1 of the first circuit board B1, wherein the first electrode 1 is a through-hole electrode.

[0303] The first mating connector MC1 may further include a first housing 30 that is conductive. The first housing 30 may be made of a conductive material (e.g., a metal plate, etc.), or may include an insulating material (e.g., an insulating resin, etc.) and metal vapor-deposited on the inner or outer surface of the insulating material. The first housing 30 includes a first housing body 31. In a cross-sectional view along the Z-Z' and X-X' directions, the first housing body 31 has a generally U-shaped shape (not shown) or a generally annular shape (polygonal annular shape, such as a generally quadrilateral annular shape, or a generally circular annular shape (not shown)). The first housing body 31 extends in the Y-Y' direction. The first housing body 31 has an internal shape and internal dimensions in cross-sections along the Z-Z' and X-X' directions that correspond to the external shape and external dimensions of the first body 10 in cross-sections along the Z-Z' and X-X' directions. The first body 10 is at least partially housed in the first housing body 31 from the Y-direction side. The first housing body 31 includes a top plate on the Z-direction side, a first side plate on the X-direction side, and a second side plate on the X'-direction side.

[0304] When the tubular portion 13 is provided with a first slit 13a and a second slit 13a, the first side plate and the second side plate of the first housing body 31 are exposed to the interior of the first housing body 31 from the first slit 13a and the second slit 13a, respectively. In the first connected state, the first connecting portion 330a on the X-direction side and the first connecting portion 330a on the X'-direction side of the first housing 300a of the first connector portion FC1 of the connector FC are received in the first slit 13a and the second slit 13a, respectively, and are in elastic contact with the first side plate and the second side plate of the first housing body 31, respectively. Therefore, the first housing 30 is electrically connected to the first housing 300a of the first connector portion FC1 of the connector FC in the first connected state. When the tubular portion 13 is omitted, in the first connected state, the distal portion of the first housing body 310a of the first housing 300a of the connector FC engages in the first insertion space and contacts the first housing body 31. In the same way, the first housing 30 is electrically connected to the first housing 300a of the first connector portion FC1 of the connector FC in the first connected state.

[0305] When the first body 10 is provided with the abutting part 14, the top plate of the first outer shell body 31 is provided with a cutout 31a or opening for exposing the abutting part 14 to the Z-direction side.

[0306] The first outer casing 30 may further include a first cover 32. The first cover 32 is a plate continuous with the end of the top plate of the first outer casing body 31 on the Y-direction side, and covers the first body 10 from the Y-direction side. The first cover 32 may be omitted.

[0307] The first housing 30 may further include a plurality of first legs 33 on the X-direction side and a plurality of second legs 33 on the X'-direction side. Each first leg 33 extends in the Z'-direction from the Z'-direction end of the first side plate of the first housing body 31 and connects to a corresponding first ground electrode in the first ground electrode 2 (a through-hole electrode) of the first circuit board B1, or alternatively, extends in the X-direction from the Z'-direction end of the first side plate of the first housing body 31 and connects to a corresponding first ground electrode in the first ground electrode 2 (a surface electrode) of the first circuit board B1. Each second leg 33 extends in the Z'-direction from the Z'-direction end of the second side plate of the first housing body 31 and connects to a corresponding first ground electrode in the first ground electrode 2 (a through-hole electrode) of the first circuit board B1, or alternatively, extends in the X'-direction from the Z'-direction end of the second side plate of the first housing body 31 and connects to a corresponding first ground electrode in the first ground electrode 2 (a surface electrode) of the first circuit board B1. Note that the plurality of first legs 33 and the plurality of second legs 33 may be omitted.

[0308] The first housing 30 may further include a plurality of locking elements. The plurality of locking elements are a plurality of first locking elements 34, a plurality of second locking elements 35, and / or a plurality of third locking elements 36. Each first locking element 34 is a bent member disposed at the Z'-direction end of the first side plate or the Z'-direction end of the second side plate of the first housing body 31, and abuts against the first body 10 from the Z'-direction side. Each second locking element 35 is a bent member disposed at the Z'-direction end of the first cover 32, and abuts against the first body 10 from the Z'-direction side. Each third locking element 36 is a generally L-shaped bent member at the X-direction end or the X'-direction end of the first cover 32, and is received from the Z'-direction side in a corresponding locking groove in the locking groove 11b of the first body 10.

[0309] Multiple locking elements of the first outer casing 30 can be omitted. If multiple third locking elements 36 are omitted, the locking groove 11b of the first body 10 is also omitted.

[0310] The second circuit board B2 is disposed at a distance from the first circuit board B1 and is positioned on the Z-direction side relative to the first circuit board B1. The second circuit board B2 has a similar structure to the first circuit board B1. A plurality of first electrodes 1 of the second circuit board B2 are surface electrodes spaced apart in the X-X' direction on the surface of the second circuit board B2 on the Z-direction side, or alternatively, through-hole electrodes spaced apart in the X-X' direction within the second circuit board B2. A plurality of second ground electrodes 2 of the second circuit board B2 are surface electrodes disposed on the surface of the second circuit board B2 on the Z-direction side and connectable to ground, or alternatively, through-hole electrodes disposed in the second circuit board B2 and connectable to ground. A plurality of second bonding holes 3 of the second circuit board B2 extend through the second circuit board B2 in the Z-Z' direction. The plurality of second ground electrodes 2 and / or the plurality of second bonding holes 3 may be omitted.

[0311] The second mating connector MC2 may have a similar construction to the first mating connector MC1, but it may differ in that the second mating connector MC2 is mounted on the second circuit board B2 from the Z-direction side and can be connected to the second connector portion FC2 of the floating connector FC from the Y-direction side. When used herein, the term "second connection state" refers to the state in which the second mating connector MC2 is connected to the second connector portion FC2 of the aforementioned connector FC in the Y-Y' direction. The second mating connector MC2 differs from the first mating connector MC1 in the following aspects.

[0312] The second body 10 of the second mating connector MC2 may be identical in shape to the first body 10 of the first mating connector MC1 (see [link]). Figures 5A to 6D and Figures 8A to 10B Alternatively, the second body 10 of the second mating connector MC2 may be constructed similarly to the first body 10 (not shown) of the first mating connector MC1 described above, but differ in shape. Therefore, the same reference numerals as those used for the first body 10 and its sub-elements will be used to denote the second body 10 and its sub-elements.

[0313] For example, the second body 10 may include the base 11 and the protrusion 12 described above. As described above, the base 11 is provided with a plurality of retaining grooves 11a. The protrusion 12 may be provided with a plurality of retaining holes 12a and a plurality of connecting holes 12b as described above, or alternatively, it may be provided with a plurality of retaining holes 12a but not with a plurality of connecting holes 12b. In the second connection state, the protrusion 12 of the second body 10 engages in the second connection space of the second housing body 310b of the second connector portion FC2 of the connector FC, and abuts against the second main body portion 110b of the second body 100b of the second connector portion FC2.

[0314] The second body 10 may also include the aforementioned tubular portion 13. The tubular portion 13 and the protrusion 12 define a generally annular shape (e.g., a polygonal annular shape, such as a generally quadrilateral annular shape (see [link]). Figures 8A to 10B A second insertion space, or a generally circular annular shape (not shown). When the second connector portion FC2 is provided with a second housing 400, in the second connected state, the distal portion of the second housing body 410 of the second housing 400 of the second connector portion FC2 engages in the second insertion space in the Y-Y' direction. When the second connector portion FC2 is not provided with a second housing 400, in the second connected state, the distal portion of the second housing body 310b of the second outer shell 300b of the second connector portion FC2 engages in the second insertion space in the Y-Y' direction.

[0315] The top plate of the tubular portion 13 may be provided with an abutment portion 14 protruding in the Z direction. The abutment portion 14 may be omitted.

[0316] The base plate of the tubular portion 13 may be provided with a plurality of engaging protrusions 15 protruding in the Z' direction. The plurality of engaging protrusions 15 engage in corresponding second engaging holes 3 of the second circuit board B2. The base plate of the tubular portion 13 may also be provided with locking recesses 13b. The engaging protrusions 15 and / or locking recesses 13b may be omitted.

[0317] Each of the plurality of second terminals 20 of the second mating connector MC2 may be identical in shape to each of the first terminals 20 of the first mating connector MC1 (see [link]). Figure 7A , Figure 7B , Figure 11A and Figure 11B Alternatively, each of the plurality of second terminals 20 may be constructed similarly to each of the first terminals 20 described above in the first mating connector MC1, but different in shape (not shown). Therefore, the same reference numerals as those used for the first terminals 20 and their sub-elements will be used to denote the second terminals 20 and their sub-elements.

[0318] The second retainable portions 22 of the plurality of second terminals 20 are generally L-shaped plates and are securely received from the Y-direction side in the corresponding retaining grooves 11a of the base 11 of the second body 10 and the corresponding retaining holes 12a of the protrusions 12. Therefore, the second retainable portions 22 of the plurality of second terminals 20 are held in the second body 10 at intervals in the X-X' direction.

[0319] The second contact portions 21 of the plurality of second terminals 20 may extend from the corresponding second connection portions 24 in the Y' direction. The second contact portions 21 of the plurality of second terminals 20 may each be composed of a plate (not shown), a rod (not shown), or a tube (not shown), and may have a forked shape including a first contact arm 21a and a second contact arm 21a (see reference). Figure 6A , Figure 6B , Figure 7A , Figure 7B as well as Figures 9A to 11B The second contact portions 21 of the plurality of second terminals 20 protrude or are exposed at least partially from the second body 10, making them visible from the Y' direction side.

[0320] When the second body 10 includes a plurality of connection holes 12b, the second contact portions 21 of the plurality of second terminals 20 are disposed in the respective connection holes 12b from the Y direction side, and are at least partially exposed from the respective connection holes 12b in the Y' direction. In the second connection state, the second contact portions 210b of the plurality of terminals 200 of the second connector portion FC2 of the connector FC, which at least partially protrude from the second body 100b, are received from the Y' direction side in the respective connection holes 12b of the second body 10, and contact the respective second contact portions 21 of the plurality of second terminals 20.

[0321] When the second body 10 does not include the plurality of connection holes 12b, the second contact portions 21 of the plurality of second terminals 20 protrude at least partially from the corresponding retaining holes 12a in the Y' direction. In the second connected state, the second contact portions 210b of the plurality of terminals 200 of the second connector portion FC2 of the connector FC, which at least partially protrude from the second body 100b, contact the corresponding second contact portions 21 of the plurality of second terminals 20. Alternatively, in the second connected state, the second contact portions 21 of the plurality of second terminals 20 are received in the corresponding connection holes of the second body 100b of the second connector portion FC2 of the connector FC, and contact the corresponding second contact portions 210b of the plurality of terminals 200 of the second connector portion FC2.

[0322] In the case where the second contact portion 210b of each terminal 200 of the second connector section FC2 of the connector FC is composed of a plate or rod inclined in the second inclined direction (see...), Figure 7A , Figure 7B , Figure 11A and Figure 11BEach second terminal 20's second connecting portion 24 can be bent or flexed such that the first contact arm 21a and the second contact arm 21a of each second terminal 20 can elastically contact the first surface 211b and the second surface 212b of the corresponding second contact portion 210b from one side and the other side of the fourth inclined direction (substantially perpendicular to the first surface 211b and the second surface 212b, respectively), wherein the fourth inclined direction is substantially orthogonal to the second inclined direction. Alternatively, each second terminal 20's second connecting portion 24 can be bent or flexed such that the plate-like or rod-like second contact portion 21 of each second terminal 20 can contact the first surface 211b or the second surface 212b of the corresponding second contact portion 210b from one side or the other side of the fourth inclined direction.

[0323] In the case that each terminal 200 of the second connector portion FC2 of the connector FC includes a second contact arm and a second contact arm (not shown) that are inclined in a second inclined direction, the second connecting portion 24 of each second terminal 20 can be bent or flexed such that the first and second surfaces of the second contact portion 21 of each second terminal 20 are inclined in a fourth inclined direction, and the first and second contact arms of the second contact portion 210b can respectively elastically contact the first and second surfaces of the corresponding second contact portion 21 from one side and the other side of the second inclined direction (forming substantially right angles to the first and second surfaces of the second contact portion 21 respectively).

[0324] The second connection portions 24 of the plurality of second terminals 20 may not be bent or folded, but extend straight from the corresponding second retainable portions 22 to the corresponding second contact portions 21 (not shown).

[0325] The second connection portion 24 of the plurality of second terminals 20 may be omitted. In this case, the second contact portion 21 of the plurality of second terminals 20 may extend from the corresponding second retainable portion 22 in the Y' direction.

[0326] The second pin portions 23 of the plurality of second terminals 20 may extend in the Y direction from the corresponding second retainable portions 22, be disposed on the Y direction side relative to the second body 10, and be connected to the corresponding second electrode 1 of the second circuit board B2, wherein the second electrode 1 is a surface electrode. Alternatively, the second pin portions 23 of the plurality of second terminals 20 may extend in the Z' direction from the corresponding second retainable portions 22, be disposed on the Z' direction side relative to the second body 10, and be connected to the corresponding second electrode 1 of the second circuit board B2, wherein the second electrode 1 is a through-hole electrode.

[0327] The second housing 30 of the second mating connector MC2 may be identical in shape to the first housing 30 of the first mating connector MC1 (see [link]). Figures 5A to 6D and Figures 8A to 10B Alternatively, the second housing 30 of the second mating connector MC2 may be constructed similarly to the second housing 300b of the first mating connector MC1 described above, but differ in shape (not shown). Therefore, the same reference numerals as those used for the first housing 30 and its sub-elements will be used to denote the second housing 30 and its sub-elements.

[0328] In a cross-sectional view along the Z-Z' and X-X' directions, the second housing body 31 of the second housing 30 has a generally U-shaped shape (not shown) or a generally annular shape (polygonal annular shape, such as a generally quadrilateral annular shape, or a generally circular annular shape (not shown)). The second housing body 31 of the second housing 30 extends in the Y-Y' direction. The second housing body 31 has an internal shape and internal dimensions in cross-sections along the Z-Z' and X-X' directions that correspond to the external shape and external dimensions of the second body 10 in cross-sections along the Z-Z' and X-X' directions. The second body 10 is at least partially housed in the second housing body 31 from the Y-direction side. The second housing body 31 includes a top plate on the Z-direction side, a first side plate on the X-direction side, and a second side plate on the X'-direction side.

[0329] When the tubular portion 13 of the second body 10 is provided with a first slit 13a and a second slit 13a, the first side plate and the second side plate of the second housing body 31 are exposed to the interior of the second housing body 31 from the first slit 13a and the second slit 13a, respectively. In the second connected state, the second connecting portion 330b on the X-direction side and the second connecting portion 330b on the X'-direction side of the second housing 300b of the second connector portion FC2 of the connector FC are received in the first slit 13a and the second slit 13a, respectively, and are in elastic contact with the first side plate and the second side plate of the second housing body 31, respectively. Therefore, the second housing 30 is electrically connected to the second housing 300b of the second connector portion FC2 of the connector FC in the second connected state. When the tubular portion 13 of the second body 10 is omitted, in the second connected state, the distal portion of the second housing body 310b of the second housing 300b of the connector FC engages in the second insertion space and contacts the second housing body 31. In the same way, the second housing 30 is electrically connected to the second housing 300b of the second connector portion FC2 of the connector FC in the second connected state.

[0330] When the second body 10 is provided with the abutment portion 14, the top plate of the second outer shell body 31 is provided with a cutout 31a or opening for exposing the abutment portion 14 to the Z-direction side.

[0331] The second cover 32 of the second outer casing 30 is a plate continuous with the end of the top plate of the second outer casing body 31 on the Y-direction side, and covers the second body 10 from the Y-direction side. The second cover 32 may be omitted.

[0332] The second housing 30 may further include a plurality of first legs 33 on the X-direction side and a plurality of second legs 33 on the X'-direction side. Each first leg 33 extends in the Z'-direction from the Z'-direction end of the first side plate of the second housing body 31 and connects to a corresponding second ground electrode in the second ground electrode 2 (a through-hole electrode) of the second circuit board B2, or alternatively, extends in the X-direction from the Z'-direction end of the first side plate of the second housing body 31 and connects to a corresponding second ground electrode in the second ground electrode 2 (a surface electrode) of the second circuit board B2. Each second leg 33 extends in the Z'-direction from the Z'-direction end of the second side plate of the second housing body 31 and connects to a corresponding second ground electrode in the second ground electrode 2 (a through-hole electrode) of the second circuit board B2, or alternatively, extends in the X'-direction from the Z'-direction end of the second side plate of the second housing body 31 and connects to a corresponding second ground electrode in the second ground electrode 2 (a surface electrode) of the second circuit board B2. Note that the plurality of first legs 33 and the plurality of second legs 33 may be omitted.

[0333] The second housing 30 may further include a plurality of locking elements. The plurality of locking elements are a plurality of first locking elements 34, a plurality of second locking elements 35, and / or a plurality of third locking elements 36. Each first locking element 34 is a bent member disposed at the Z'-direction end of the first side plate or the Z'-direction end of the second side plate of the second housing body 31, and abuts against the second body 10 from the Z'-direction side. Each second locking element 35 is a bent member disposed at the Z'-direction end of the first cover 32, and abuts against the second body 10 from the Z'-direction side. Each third locking element 36 is a generally L-shaped bent member at the X-direction end or the X'-direction end of the first cover 32, and is received from the Z'-direction side in a corresponding locking groove 11b of the second body 10.

[0334] Multiple locking elements of the second outer casing 30 can be omitted. If multiple third locking elements 36 are omitted, the locking groove 11b of the second body 10 is also omitted.

[0335] The following describes a non-limiting method for connecting the first mating connector MC1 to the first connector portion FC1 of the floating connector FC.

[0336] The first mating connector MC1 is connected to the first connector portion FC1 from the Y direction side. When the first mating connector MC1 is connected to the first connector portion FC1, the distal portion of the retaining portion 720 of the first housing 700 (if provided) of the first connector portion FC1 or the distal portion of the first housing body 310a of the first housing 300a (if the first housing 700 is not provided) engages from the Y' direction side into the first insertion space defined by the tubular portion 13 and the protrusion 12 of the first body 10 of the first mating connector MC1, and the protrusion 12 of the first mating connector MC1 engages in the first connection space of the first housing body 310a of the first connector portion FC1 and abuts against the first main body portion 110a of the first body 100a of the first connector portion FC1.

[0337] When the first body 10 of the first mating connector MC1 includes a plurality of connection holes 12b, when the first mating connector MC1 is connected to the first connector portion FC1, the first contact portions 210a of the plurality of terminals 200 of the first connector portion FC1, which at least partially protrude from the first body 100a, are inserted from the Y' direction side into the corresponding connection holes 12b of the first body 10 of the first mating connector MC1 and contact the corresponding first contact portions 21 of the plurality of first terminals 20 of the first mating connector MC1.

[0338] When the first body 10 does not include the plurality of connection holes 12b, when the first mating connector MC1 is connected to the first connector portion FC1, the first contact portions 210a of the plurality of terminals 200 of the first connector portion FC1, which at least partially protrude from the first body 100a, contact the corresponding first contact portions 21 of the plurality of first terminals 20 of the first mating connector MC1, which at least partially protrude from the first body 10. Alternatively, the first contact portions 21 of the plurality of first terminals 20, which at least partially protrude from the first body 10, are inserted into the corresponding connection holes of the second body 100b of the first connector portion FC1 and contact the corresponding first contact portions 210a of the plurality of terminals 200 of the first connector portion FC1.

[0339] In the case where the first contact portion 210a of each terminal 200 of the first connector section FC1 is composed of a plate or rod inclined in the first tilting direction (see 7A), Figure 7B , Figure 11A and Figure 11B The first contact arm 21a and the second contact arm 21a of the first contact portion 21 of each first terminal 20 of the first mating connector MC1 are in elastic contact with the first surface 211a and the second surface 212a of the first contact portion 210a of each terminal 200 of the first connector portion FC1, respectively, which are substantially at right angles.

[0340] When the tubular portion 13 of the first mating connector MC1 is provided with a first slot 13a and a second slot 13a, when the first mating connector MC1 is connected to the first connector portion FC1, the first connecting portion 330a on the X-direction side and the first connecting portion 330a on the X'-direction side of the first housing 300a of the first connector portion FC1 are respectively inserted into the first slot 13a and the second slot 13a of the first mating connector MC1, and respectively elastically contact the first side plate and the second side plate of the first housing body 31 of the first housing 30 of the first mating connector MC1. Therefore, the first housing 30 of the first mating connector MC1 is electrically connected to the first housing 300a of the first connector portion FC1.

[0341] When the locking arm 750 of the first housing 700 with connector FC is provided and the tubular portion 13 of the first mating connector MC1 is provided with a locking recess 13b, the locking arm 750 is locked into the locking recess 13b when the first mating connector MC1 is connected to the first connector portion FC1.

[0342] The following describes a non-limiting method for connecting the second mating connector MC2 to the second connector portion FC2 of the floating connector FC.

[0343] The second mating connector MC2 is connected to the second connector portion FC2 from the Y-direction side. When the second mating connector MC2 is connected to the second connector portion FC2, the distal portion of the second housing body 410 of the second housing 400 of the second connector portion FC2 (if provided) or the distal portion of the second housing body 310b of the second outer shell 300b of the second connector portion FC2 (if the second housing 400 is not provided) engages from the Y'-direction side into the second insertion space defined by the tubular portion 13 and the protrusion 12 of the second body 10 of the second mating connector MC2, and the protrusion 12 of the second mating connector MC2 engages in the second connection space of the second outer shell body 310b of the second connector portion FC2 and abuts against the second main body portion 110b of the second body 100b of the second connector portion FC2.

[0344] When the second body 10 of the second mating connector MC2 includes a plurality of connection holes 12b, when the second mating connector MC2 is connected to the second connector portion FC2, the second contact portions 210b of the plurality of terminals 200 of the second connector portion FC2, which at least partially protrude from the second body 100b, are inserted from the Y' direction side into the corresponding connection holes 12b of the second body 10 of the second mating connector MC2 and contact the corresponding second contact portions 21 of the plurality of second terminals 20 of the second mating connector MC2.

[0345] When the second body 10 does not include the plurality of connection holes 12b, when the second mating connector MC2 is connected to the second connector portion FC2, the second contact portions 210b of the plurality of terminals 200 of the second connector portion FC2, which at least partially protrude from the second body 100b, contact the corresponding second contact portions 21 of the plurality of second terminals 20 of the second mating connector MC2, which at least partially protrude from the second body 10. Alternatively, the second contact portions 21 of the plurality of second terminals 20, which at least partially protrude from the second body 10, are inserted into the corresponding connection holes of the second body 100b of the second connector portion FC2 and contact the corresponding second contact portions 210b of the plurality of terminals 200 of the second connector portion FC2.

[0346] In the case where the second contact portion 210b of each of the plurality of terminals 200 in the second connector section FC2 is composed of a plate or rod inclined in a third inclined direction (see 7A), Figure 7B , Figure 11A and Figure 11B The first contact arm 21a and the second contact arm 21a of the second contact portion 21 of each second terminal 20 of the second mating connector MC2 are in resilient contact with the first surface 211a and the second surface 212a of the second contact portion 210b of each of the plurality of terminals 200 of the second connector portion FC2, respectively, which are substantially at right angles.

[0347] When the tubular portion 13 of the second mating connector MC2 is provided with a first slot 13a and a second slot 13a, when the second mating connector MC2 is connected to the second connector portion FC2, the second connecting portion 330b on the X-direction side and the second connecting portion 330b on the X'-direction side of the second housing 300b of the second connector portion FC2 are respectively inserted into the first slot 13a and the second slot 13a of the second mating connector MC2, and respectively elastically contact the first side plate and the second side plate of the second housing body 31 of the second housing 30 of the second mating connector MC2. Therefore, the second housing 30 of the second mating connector MC2 is electrically connected to the second housing 300b of the second connector portion FC2.

[0348] Even when the first circuit board B1 and the second circuit board B2 are fixed in an electronic device (not shown) to mount the first circuit board B1 and the second circuit board B2, and the second mating connector MC2 is in a position offset from its normal position relative to the first mating connector MC1 in a direction including at least one directional component, when the second mating connector MC2 is connected to the second connector portion FC2, the elastically deformable portions 230 of the plurality of terminals 200 elastically deform in a direction including at least one directional component, causing the second connector portion FC2 to shift in the same direction. In other words, when the second mating connector MC2 is connected to the second connector portion FC2, depending on the offset position of the second mating connector MC2, the second connector portion FC2 shifts in a direction including one directional component, in a direction including two components, or in a direction including all three components. This allows the second mating connector MC2 to be easily connected to the second connector portion FC2.

[0349] With the connector FC equipped with a rotating rod 600 and the second mating connector MC2 equipped with an abutment portion 14, the rotating rod 600, in the unlocked state, rotates approximately 180 degrees. This causes the locking protrusion 450 on the X' direction side of the second housing 400 to disengage from the locking recess 614 of the rotating rod 600. When the rotating rod 600 has rotated approximately 180 degrees, the locking protrusion 450 on the X direction side of the second housing 400 engages with the locking recess 614, and the rotating rod 600 enters the locked state. During the rotation of the rotating rod 600, the abutment portion 14 inserts into and subsequently locks into the locking groove 613 of the rotating rod 600. When the rotating rod 600 rotates approximately 180 degrees in the opposite direction, the rotating rod 600 enters the unlocked state.

[0350] The connection structure including the aforementioned connector FC provides technical features and effects similar to those of the aforementioned connector FC.

[0351] This connection structure also provides the following technical features and effects.

[0352] Technical features and effects (1): Even if the second mating connector MC2 is in a position offset from the predetermined position of the first mating connector MC1 in a direction including at least one direction, by shifting the second mating connector MC2 in a direction including at least one direction according to the offset position of the second mating connector MC2, the first mating connector MC1 can also be connected to the first connector part FC1 of the connector FC, and the second mating connector MC2 can also be connected to the second connector part FC2 of the connector FC.

[0353] Therefore, the first mating connector MC1 and the second mating connector MC2 can be used as external interfaces for electronic devices.

[0354] Technical features and effects (2): When the plurality of first terminals 20 of the first mating connector MC1 are manufactured by rolling, and the first surface on the X-direction side and the second surface on the X'-direction side of the plurality of first terminals 20 are flat rolled surfaces, the spacing distance between the plurality of first terminals 20 in the X-X' direction can be reduced, and the size of the first mating connector MC1 in the X-X' direction can be reduced. When the plurality of second terminals 20 of the second mating connector MC2 are manufactured by rolling, and the first surface on the X-direction side and the second surface on the X'-direction side of the plurality of second terminals 20 are flat rolled surfaces, the spacing distance between the plurality of second terminals 20 in the X-X' direction can be reduced, and the size of the second mating connector MC2 in the X-X' direction can be reduced.

[0355] Technical features and effects (3): When the first body 10, first terminal 20 and first housing 30 (if provided) of the first mating connector MC1 are the same in shape as the second body 10, second terminal 20 and second housing 30 (if provided) of the second mating connector MC2, the connectors achieve universality for the first mating connector MC1 and the second mating connector MC2.

[0356] Technical features and effects (4): When only the first mating connector MC1 mounted on the first circuit board P1 is provided between the first circuit board B1 and the second circuit board B2, the straight distance between the first circuit board B1 and the second circuit board B2 in the Z-Z' direction can be shortened.

[0357] Note that the connector FC, the first mating connector MC1, the second mating connector MC2, and the connection structure (combination) described above are not limited to the above embodiments, but can be modified in any way within the scope of the claims. Some examples of modifications will now be described.

[0358] The first retainable portions 220a of the plurality of terminals 200 only need to be held in the first body 100a at intervals in the X-X' direction. For example, the first retainable portions 220a of the plurality of terminals 200 can be inserted into and molded in the first body 100a and held by the first body 100a. The first retainable portions 222 of the plurality of first terminals 20 of the first mating connector MC1 also only need to be held in the first body 10 at intervals in the X-X' direction, and can be inserted into and molded in the first body 10 and held by the first body 10.

[0359] The second retainable portions 220b of the aforementioned plurality of terminals 200 only need to be held at intervals in the second body 100b in the X-X' direction. For example, the second retainable portions 220b of the plurality of terminals 200 can be inserted into and molded into the second body 100b and held by the second body 100b. The second retainable portions 22 of the plurality of second terminals 20 of the second mating connector MC2 also only need to be held at intervals in the second body 10 in the X-X' direction, and can be inserted into and molded into the second body 10 and held by the second body 10.

[0360] The first contact portions 210a of the plurality of terminals 200 can be accommodated in corresponding first receiving grooves (not shown) of the first body 100a, and can be exposed or protruded from the corresponding first receiving grooves in the Z' direction, making them visible from the Y direction side. The plurality of first receiving grooves are provided in the first body 100a and open in the Z' direction. The first contact portions 21 of the plurality of first terminals 20 of the first mating connector MC1 can be accommodated in corresponding first receiving grooves (not shown) of the first body 10, and can be exposed or protruded from the corresponding first receiving grooves in the Z direction, making them visible from the Y' direction side. The plurality of first receiving grooves are provided in the first body 10 and open in the Z direction.

[0361] The second contact portions 210b of the plurality of terminals 200 can be accommodated in corresponding second receiving grooves (not shown) of the second body 100b, and can be exposed or protruded from the corresponding second receiving grooves in the Z' direction, making them visible from the Y direction side. The plurality of second receiving grooves are provided in the second body 100b and open in the Z' direction. The second contact portions 21 of the plurality of second terminals 20 of the second mating connector MC2 can be accommodated in corresponding second receiving grooves (not shown) of the second body 10, and can be exposed or protruded from the corresponding second receiving grooves in the Z direction, making them visible from the Y' direction side. The plurality of second receiving grooves are provided in the second body 10 and open in the Z direction.

[0362] The first mating connector MC1 can be mounted on the first circuit board B1 from the Z' direction side. In this case, the first mating connector MC1 is oriented to rotate approximately 180 degrees in the Z-Z' direction. In this orientation, the first pin portions 23 of the plurality of first terminals 20 of the first mating connector MC1 can extend in the Y direction from the corresponding first retainable portion 22, positioned relative to the first body 10 on the Y direction side, and connected to the corresponding first electrode 1 of the first circuit board B1, the first electrode 1 being a surface electrode; or alternatively, in this orientation, the first pin portions 23 of the plurality of first terminals 20 of the first mating connector MC1 can extend in the Z direction from the corresponding first retainable portion 22, positioned relative to the first body 10 on the Z direction side, and connected to the corresponding first electrode 1 of the first circuit board B1, the first electrode 1 being a through-hole electrode. The first mating connector MC1 can be connected to connectors other than the first connector portion FC1 of the connector FC.

[0363] The second mating connector MC2 can be mounted on the second circuit board B2 from the Z' direction side. In this case, the second mating connector MC2 is oriented to rotate approximately 180 degrees in the Z-Z' direction. The second pin portions 23 of the plurality of second terminals 20 of the second mating connector MC2 in this orientation can extend in the Y direction from the corresponding second retainable portion 22, positioned relative to the second body 10 on the Y direction side, and connected to the corresponding second electrode 1 of the second circuit board B2, the second electrode 1 being a surface electrode; or alternatively, the second pin portions 23 of the plurality of second terminals 20 of the second mating connector MC2 in this orientation can extend in the Z direction from the corresponding second retainable portion 22, positioned relative to the first body 10 on the Z direction side, and connected to the corresponding second electrode 1 of the second circuit board B2, the second electrode 1 being a through-hole electrode. The first mating connector MC1 can be connected to a connector other than the second connector portion FC2 of the connector FC.

[0364] The number of multiple first terminals 20 of the first mating connector MC1 and / or the number of multiple second terminals 20 of the second mating connector MC2 may differ from the number of multiple terminals 200 of the connector FC.

[0365] The plurality of relay terminals 200 of the connector FC described above can be omitted. In this case, the connector FC may include a plurality of modified relay terminals (not shown) in place of the plurality of relay terminals 200, and the first connector portion FC1 and the second connector portion FC2 may have the following configuration.

[0366] The first connector portion FC1 is mounted on the first circuit board. The first connector portion FC1 also includes at least one first terminal (not shown) made of conductive material. The at least one first terminal includes a first retainable portion, a first contact portion, and a first pin portion. The first retainable portion of the at least one first terminal is held within the first body 100a of the first connector portion FC1. The first contact portion of the at least one first terminal extends from the first retainable portion of the at least one first terminal in the Y direction and protrudes or is exposed from the first body 100a. The first pin portion is connected to the first circuit board.

[0367] The second connector portion FC2 is mounted on the second circuit board. The second connector portion FC2 also includes at least one second terminal (not shown) made of conductive material. The at least one second terminal includes a second retainable portion, a second contact portion, and a second pin portion. The second retainable portion of the at least one second terminal is held within the second body 100b of the second connector portion FC2. The second contact portion of the at least one second terminal extends from the second retainable portion of the at least one second terminal in the Y direction and protrudes or is exposed from the second body 100b. The second pin portion is connected to the second circuit board.

[0368] Multiple variant relay terminals are located between a first circuit board on which a first connector portion FC1 is mounted and a second circuit board on which a second connector portion FC2 is mounted. The variant relay terminals are manufactured using the rolling method described above or other known methods for manufacturing terminals. Each variant relay terminal includes a first connecting portion, a second connecting portion, and an elastically deformable portion 230. The first connecting portion extends in the Z direction from a first end 231 of the elastically deformable portion 230 and is received in and connected to a through-hole electrode of the first circuit board. The second connecting portion extends in the Z' direction from a second end 232 of the elastically deformable portion 230 and is received in and connected to a through-hole electrode of the second circuit board. The elastically deformable portion 230 is elastically deformable in a direction including at least one directional component, and the elastic deformation of the elastically deformable portion causes the second connector portion FC2 to shift relative to the first connector portion FC1 from its predetermined normal position relative to the first connector portion FC1 in a direction including at least one directional component.

Claims

1. A floating connector, the floating connector comprising: First connector section; The second connector portion is provided in a relationship spaced apart from the first connector portion and is located on one side in a first direction relative to the first connector portion; as well as Multiple relay terminals, wherein the multiple relay terminals are made of conductive material, wherein, The first connector portion includes: The first body is made of insulating material; The first retainable portion of the plurality of relay terminals, the first retainable portion being held at a distance in the first body in a second direction, the second direction being orthogonal to the first direction; and The first contact portion of the plurality of relay terminals extends from a corresponding first retainable portion of the plurality of relay terminals toward a third-direction side and at least partially protrudes or is exposed from the first body such that it is visible from the third-direction side, which is orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction. The second connector portion includes: The second body is made of insulating material and is disposed at a distance from the first body and is located on the side of the first direction relative to the first body; The second retainable portion of the plurality of relay terminals, the second retainable portion being held at intervals in the second body in the second direction; and The second contact portion of the plurality of relay terminals extends from the corresponding second retainable portion of the plurality of relay terminals toward the third-party side, and at least partially protrudes or is exposed from the second body such that it is visible from the third-party side. The plurality of relay terminals also include corresponding elastically deformable portions, which are disposed between corresponding first retainable portions and corresponding second retainable portions, and are arranged at intervals in a second direction, wherein the second direction is the thickness direction of each elastically deformable portion of the plurality of relay terminals. The elastically deformable portion of the plurality of relay terminals can elastically deform in a direction including at least one of the first direction, the second direction, or the third direction, and the elastic deformation of the elastically deformable portion causes the second connector portion to shift relative to the first connector portion in the direction including the at least one direction.

2. The floating connector according to claim 1, wherein, In a cross-sectional view along the first direction and the third direction, the elastically deformable portion is a transversely oriented U-shape, a transversely oriented arc shape, or a transversely oriented V-shape.

3. The floating connector according to claim 2, wherein, Each of the elastically deformable portions includes: At the first end of one side in the first direction; At the second end on the other side of the first direction; and The top, in the third direction, is smaller than the size of the first end in the first direction and smaller than the size of the second end in the first direction.

4. The floating connector according to claim 3, further comprising a first housing made of insulating material, wherein, The first housing includes a plurality of partitions arranged at intervals in the second direction, and includes multiple sets of two adjacent partitions adjacent to each other in the second direction. The top of each of the elastically deformable portions of the plurality of relay terminals is disposed between the two adjacent separators in each group.

5. The floating connector according to claim 2, wherein, The first connector portion further includes a first connection portion of the plurality of relay terminals. The second connector portion further includes a second connection portion of the plurality of relay terminals. Each of the first connecting portions connects each of the first retainable portions and each of the elastically deformable portions, and Each of the second connecting portions connects each of the second retainable portions and each of the elastically deformable portions.

6. The floating connector according to claim 5, wherein, Each of the first contact portions includes a first surface on one side of the second direction and a second surface on the other side of the second direction. Each of the first connecting portions is at least partially bent or flexed such that the first and second surfaces of the corresponding first contact portions are inclined in a first inclined direction, the first inclined direction including components of the first direction and the second direction. Each of the second contact portions includes a first surface on one side of the second direction and a second surface on the other side of the second direction, and Each of the second connecting portions is at least partially bent or flexed such that the first and second surfaces of the corresponding second contact portions are inclined in a second tilting direction, the second tilting direction including components of the first and second directions.

7. The floating connector according to claim 5, wherein, The first body includes a plurality of first partitions, which are arranged at intervals in the second direction and include multiple sets of two adjacent first partitions that are adjacent in the second direction. Each of the first connection portions of the plurality of relay terminals is disposed between two adjacent first separators in each group. The second body includes a plurality of second partitions, which are spaced apart in the second direction and include multiple sets of two adjacent second partitions adjacent in the second direction. Each of the second connection portions of the plurality of relay terminals is disposed between the two adjacent second separators in each group.

8. The floating connector according to claim 1, further comprising a first housing made of insulating material. in, The first housing includes: A retaining portion, the retaining portion being used to retain the first connector portion; and At least one guide member, the at least one guide member being configured to movably guide the second connector portion in the direction including a component of the at least one direction.

9. The floating connector according to claim 8, wherein, The first connector portion also includes a first housing that is conductive. The first housing includes a first housing body, which is annular or U-shaped in cross-sectional view along the first and second directions. The first housing body extends upward from the third direction and at least partially accommodates the first body on the other side from the third direction. The second connector section also includes: A second housing, the second housing being conductive and comprising a second housing body, the second housing body being generally annular or U-shaped in a cross-sectional view along the first and second directions, the second housing body extending upward from the third party and at least partially accommodating the second body on the other side from the third party; and The second housing, which is made of insulating material and holds the second outer shell, and The at least one guide of the first housing is configured to movably guide the second housing in the direction including the at least one direction component.

10. The floating connector according to claim 9, wherein, The first and second main bodies are identical in shape. The second body is oriented to be rotated 180 degrees relative to the first body in the first direction. The first and second shells are identical in shape, and The second housing is oriented to be rotated 180 degrees relative to the first housing in the first direction.

11. The floating connector according to claim 1, wherein, The direction that includes the component of at least one direction includes: a direction that includes components of a plurality of directions among the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction. The elastically deformable portion of the plurality of relay terminals is capable of elastically deforming in a direction including the plurality of directions, and the elastic deformation of the elastically deformable portion causes the second connector portion to shift relative to the first connector portion in a direction including the plurality of directions.

12. A connector connection structure, the connection structure comprising: The floating connector according to any one of claims 1 to 11; First circuit board; The second circuit board is disposed at a distance from the first circuit board and is located on the side of the first direction relative to the first circuit board; A first mating connector is mounted on the first circuit board and is connectable from the third-party side to the first connector portion of the floating connector; as well as A second mating connector, mounted on the second circuit board, is connectable from the third-party side to the second connector portion of the floating connector, wherein... The first mating connector includes: The first body of the first mating connector is made of insulating material; and A plurality of first terminals, the plurality of first terminals being made of conductive material, and including a corresponding first retainable portion, a corresponding first contact portion, and a corresponding first pin portion. The first retainable portion of the first mating connector is held at a distance in the first body of the first mating connector in the second direction. The first contact portion of the first mating connector extends toward the other side in the third direction and at least partially protrudes or is exposed from the first body of the first mating connector, making it visible from the other side in the third direction. The first pin portion of the first mating connector is disposed on one side of the third direction, one side of the first direction, or the other side of the first direction relative to the first body of the first mating connector, and is connected to the first circuit board. When the first connector portion of the floating connector is connected to the first mating connector, the first contact portions of the plurality of relay terminals of the floating connector contact the corresponding first contact portions of the plurality of first terminals of the first mating connector. The second mating connector includes: The second body, the second body of the second mating connector, is made of insulating material; and A plurality of second terminals, each made of a conductive material, and each including a corresponding second retainable portion, a corresponding second contact portion, and a corresponding second pin portion. The second retainable portion of the second mating connector is held at a distance in the second body of the second mating connector in the second direction. The second contact portion of the second mating connector extends toward the other side in the third direction and at least partially protrudes or is exposed from the second body of the second mating connector, making it visible from the other side in the third direction. The second pin portion of the second mating connector is disposed relative to the second body of the second mating connector on the side of the third direction, the side of the first direction, or the other side of the first direction, and is connected to the second circuit board. When the second connector portion of the floating connector is connected to the second mating connector, the second contact portion of the plurality of relay terminals of the floating connector contacts the corresponding second contact portion of the plurality of second terminals of the second mating connector.

13. The connection structure according to claim 12, wherein, One of the first contact portions of the plurality of relay terminals of the floating connector and the first contact portions of the plurality of first terminals of the first mating connector is a main first contact portion, and the other is a secondary first contact portion. The primary first contact portion includes a corresponding first surface on one side of the second direction and a corresponding second surface on the other side of the second direction. The first and second surfaces of the primary first contact portion are inclined in a first inclined direction that includes components of the first and second directions. The secondary first contact portion includes a corresponding first contact arm and a corresponding second contact arm. The first contact arm of the secondary first contact portion is capable of elastic contact with the corresponding first surface of the primary first contact portion from a direction substantially orthogonal to the first surface of the primary first contact portion. The second contact arm of the secondary first contact portion is capable of elastic contact with the corresponding second surface of the primary first contact portion from a direction orthogonal to the second surface of the primary first contact portion. One of the second contact portions of the plurality of relay terminals of the floating connector and the second contact portions of the plurality of second terminals of the second mating connector is a main second contact portion, and the other is a secondary second contact portion. The main second contact portion includes a corresponding first surface on one side of the second direction and a corresponding second surface on the other side of the second direction. The first and second surfaces of the main second contact portion are inclined in a second inclined direction that includes components of the first and second directions. The secondary second contact portion includes a corresponding first contact arm and a corresponding second contact arm. The first contact arm of the secondary second contact portion can elastically contact the corresponding first surface of the main second contact portion from a direction orthogonal to the corresponding first surface of the main second contact portion. The second contact arm of the secondary second contact portion can elastically contact the corresponding second surface of the main second contact portion from a direction substantially orthogonal to the corresponding second surface of the main second contact portion.

Images